St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-01-19
THE SIMPLICITY or GREATNEss.


THE SIMPLICITY or GREdTNESS
True greatness is always modest and IN
assuming. 1t is not inflated by success, it
is not pulled up by distinction. 1t is above
the littleness of demanding obeisance or
crlng adulation. Its innate sense of
strength and power causes it to ig-
more the apparent sights and lack of atten-
ton which distress the weak, the superficial
and vainly assumptions. Real greatness is
dignified without being arrogant, conde-
scending without coarse familiarity, cheerful
without frivolty, respectful without
demanding homage, manly in the
personal courtesies it bestows and expects,
inviting only of others the manly civilty it
awards to all.
Thomas jefferson, one Of the most distin-
guished men of the Republic, illustrated
those characteristics of greatness in an emf
uent degree in all his personal and official
bearing. He summed, rather than courted
pomps and displays, and with genial sim
picity of character discouraged sycophantic
adulation.
Grover Cleveland is developing the same
planness. He is comparatively new man.
Some half-dozen years ago, pursuing
uuostentatiousy his professional work, he
was scarcely known beyond the limits of Erie
county. But there were those around him
who had the sagacity to discern his sterling
qualities, his strength Of character, and his,
as yet, but partially developed intellectual
4
mis- rare capability he was called to the
Mayoralty of Buffalo in trying emergency,
and TO the Governorship of the Empire state,
and last to the great Executive office of
the government of the United States
In this rapid elevation the modest
simplicity OF his personal habits
have remained unchanged. He was a
Mayor, and a working Governor, giving per-
sonal attention 10 the details Of official duties
When nominated for the presidency, the
distinction Of his position made no change
in his habits Of laborious industry. in the ex-
ecutivc chamber, and no change in hisscour-
teous greeting of his frllow-citizens whom he
met. During the campaign when made the
target las Jefferson and jackson were) Of the
most exaggerated and venemous calumnies,
he met all with uuresponsive, calm serenity,
thus showing his force and strength of
character, conscious that frcnzied meudacity
would ultimately work its own cure. He was
not hurried away By nervous, I'm beetle excite
ment to the commencement OF fantastic libel
suits, to "defcnd his honor with his life,"
and then after the campaign pusilauimously
IL.
inability to sustain them. His true
nobility OF character was thus exhibite
In his uncomplaining endurance of the vilest
scandals ever hurled at Presidential candi-
date since the days OF Jefferson and Jackson
The unrutlled serenity with which he
endured vicious and malicious parti-
san attacks arose not from
insensibility. but from innate strength, and
the consciousness that ultimate vindication
would come, to neutralize colossal abuse, in
the generous judgment OF just people. He
Is already reaping the rewards of this en-
lightened consciousness.
Recently when he visited his old home in
Buffalo, he walked the familiar streets OF the
city, as OF old time, meeting and greeting bis
old friends with cordially, without any appear
ance Of felt superiority or any air Of patron
ling coudescenslon, or any apparent thought
that he was the chosen incumbent Of the
most distinguished Official position in the
world, or, that he was any other
than the plain Grover Cleveland that he wss
in the days Of his professional life in the city.
He met ali mis- fellow citizens who fell in his
way, without osteutatiou or stately Formally,
but on the common level Of equality as
friends and towusmen, and received their
congratulations with pleased but almost
shrinking modesty. The editor Of the Buff
alo Courier, one of his most intimate friends,
and one who most thoroughly knows his rare
personal characteristics and peculiarities,
gave In his paper the following interesting
account Of Mr.. Cleyeland's recent appear
ancc at bis old home;
For the first time since his election 70 the Office
OF president Of the Quilted states. Grover C,eve.
land i brief visit 70 his home IL this eitv
ilis coming and his course since his arrival. are
In Keeping With the character OF the ma. There
vas no pomp aud display duriug his trip through
the STATE, nor any attempt 40 a grand pageant
upon his Srrivsl. II there Is anything distasieful
% Mr.. Cleveland q J. these attempts 70 a-rrsn
NMa
applause be does not seeS or desire. except such
a. j. inspired by public dgty faithfully performed
The preSdcntelcct comes 20 Buffalo for :
dou1le purpose-to meet friends and acauaint.
auccs and % promote The success Of The charifv
bali given last evening He l. seen on the streets.
or the hotels, 10 pp1c cices and ~ private resi-
Gences,ic the sane unpretentious manner taat he
mingled wiih his fellow citizens before attaining
his present proud Distinction There Is no evil
dcccc iu bis appearance or conduct n indicate
iaat he Is inflated by the honors he has received.
In this Mr.. Cevciaat illustrates tae true charar-
ter % ,ie man. Vanity Is no part Of tie make
aq Of the ncxt president.
NJ Cleveland mast be crasiscd with the cor.
dial greeting ard warm reception Ne has received
turing his present visit 70 Buffalo. Without
party Distinction bis fellow citizens mite 10 coz
SrasGla,i0ns and wishing hin success IN the re-
spons iblc positson he i called soon 9, I'll Ruf.
falo : honored 70 his promotion and it, citizens
vii watch vita unta-EIgc interest NJ Clevs-
lands coarse 81 the national capital They have
tried hin A. mayor % ths city they have proved
hin a. governor % the state and they are Wiliia-
90 irast uil ~ chief magistrate % the 1aticr.
President Cleveland. The people OF Rrfzio-
TIC horsc o. yOlr manhood cGrees-hau and wcl-
cone yoz-
Such man Is destined to Sror in popular
esteem. ss he develops his unusual caarac-
teristies Ok unsel6sh devotion. ss-acity .nd
wisdom. snd Sustained aad patriotic, aud
fearless iuGepeudsuce Ia TIE discharge o.
tie responsible executive duties q bis great