The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-06-04
VETERANS RIGHTS.

dent is really disposed to maintain the letter
and spirit of the Veterans Rights law. He
says so unequivocally, and he is man of his
word. Whatever may have been said of
Grover Cleveland, no one has ever accused
him of lying. He has not the reputation OF
making promises and then evading or break
ing them. lie has rather thus far the Grant
like reputation of doing what he says he will,
though the heavens fall. Independent OF
these promises, we believe that he is warmly
disposed toward ex-soldiers. His is the kind
of nature to appreciate such men and their
services, and as Governor of New York he
testified this friendship in many ways that
indicated il to be a genuine warm feeling,
and not merely the policy of the politician.
The general esteem in which he lis held by
the comrades in New York is the basis Of our
confidence in him.
Still farther, we believe that his controlling
motive is the laudable ambition of giving
the country an Administration that will be
generally praised. He wants TO do what
shall seem proper and right in the eyes OF
the great majority of people. Now, the
great majority of people do not care iig for
the Democratic politicians and place-hunteTs
who are clamoring for Office. They are, in
fact. pretty tired Of politicians of all kinds.
Last Fall they expressed desire to see Re-
publican politicians turned out, but they
also manifested quite q reluctance to have
Democratic politicians put in their places.
On the other hand, the soldiers have, and al
ways will have, warm place in the hearts
of the people at large, and this feeling be-
comes warmer and stronger as those who
tonight through the war wane into the de-
cline of life, when places under the Govern
meni become necessary for the comfortable
support of themselves and families.
Nothing Will rebound more to the credit
of Mr.. Cleveland in the eyes Of the whole
people than the retention in their places of
old soldiers mo have discharged their duties
satisfactorily, and the appointment to such
vacancies as may occur of capable men of
good war records 1t is this class alone that
the people as whole can be said to have
any interest in. At most, only set OF clique
is gratified by the appointment Of mere
politician, no matter how popular he may
be, while everybody is pleased when sol
dicT of good record-one who pcrchance has
lost a limb or been otherwise disabled-is
appointed.
Opposed 10 these are the working, "prac-
teal politicians, high and low-the spoils-
hunters, who feel that they should come
into their inheritance, as a result of last
Falls elections, and are impatient at any
delay III handing over to them all the places
of profit and honor. They, care nothing for
what any man has done during the war;
their only idea of basis for claiming Office
is work done in the primaries and conven-
tions and at the polls They fight each
either sayagely for advantages in the diyis-
ion of spells, and, of course, resent fercely
any disposition to give portion of these to
those who they think have not earned"
them by campaign services. The credit of
the Administration with the country is Of
slight Importance to them, compared with
the qualification of their own intense selfish
ness.
The struggle of these men with the Presi-
deaf has been going on since long before his
inauguration, and it has grown in sharpness
daily. We believe that the President has
firmness Of character enough to continue to
hold them at bay TO certain extent, but
the vital question is as to the measure of
that extent.