St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-04-05
VIEWS OF GRANTS CHARACTER.
What Gen. Sheridan Saws.

PHILADELPHIA, April 4.-The Ledger this
morning prints by permission the substance
of some remarks during conversation by
Gen. Sheridan at dinner party in Wash
ington recently. The article quotes Gen.
Sheridan as saying: ''It is sad to
think of Gen. Grant lying under
such physical torture as is inflicted by
this terrible disease and under such
mental anguish as l know lie endures in
consequence of the unfortunate business
failure that overwhelmed him and his
family. could never comprehend why the
old man (all soldiers call Ger Grant the
old man) went into business and particu-
larry why he set himself up in Wall street.
From the time he imbibed this business
notion l have always thought that Gen.
Grant was off his base and that he had lost
that.
ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION
that has always characterized all his move
ments. have listened to him talk about
making money in perfect amazement He
imagined he had a talent for making money,
and that his sons all possessed this talent to
a remarkable degree. He seemed never to
tire of talking about this when we were so
situated rs to be free from Interruption, and
when we could talk with freedom of bvgone
DAYS. Now / know that Gen. Grant
did not possess the talent or
genius for making money. His
nature is too generous and confding for
that His talent in connection with money
was in an opposite direction and caused him
to get rid of money in 4 very short time.
He could never keep morey before he set up
in Wall street and you al know he is a very
bright fellow who can keep money after
he gets there. What most surprised
me, however, was that he should
TALK so MUCH
about this newly discovered talent. He
talked persistently, and he could talk well
When he talked of accumulsing money. As
noticed his earnestness of manner, some
times thought that understood him in this
particular still / could not entirely diyest
myself of the apprehension l felt on his ac-
count and his very persistency and earnest
ness added to my fears. Why, never knew
Grant to talk about the geat abilities
which he did possess and which. the world
recognized. No one ever heard him talk
about his great military talents or boast
about his splendid achievements in the
field, and yet Grant knew thai he had eI-
traordinary abilities in this direction because
his movements were brilliant and the sue
cess that attended them showed him this.
Indeed Gen. Grant had greater talent for
commanding campaigns and fighting armies
than he was
REALLY AWARE OF.
Nobody, however, ever heard hin talk about
what he possessed in this direction and the
simple fact that he deseanted 50 freely to me
on his money-m aking talents started sus-
picion in my mind that bis previously strong
mental forces were breaking up aud that be
was rapidly moving away from his previous
weIl-established lines Of prudence and safety.
Later in the evening returning to Gen.
Grant be spoke Of the reluctance with which
GEN. GRANT LEFT TIE ARNT
TO become president. ''You have seen state
ments to the effect that the ''old man" laid
plans to secure the nomin alton for the presi-
dency iu i6s. There is 10 foundation for
such statements, aud I know whereof
speak know what his feelings and desires
were 4. that time touching his future. He
wanted above all things to remain with the
army he loved, aud whose idol he Is still,
and had no ambition 10 be president. He
doubted his ability TO discharge the duties Of
president, but above all he had no taste or in
eiinstion for civil Office