Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-10-30
VIZ, FREE PRESS FRIDAY. OCTOBER

ship General Grant accepted the views of
| the most eminent Republicans Stanton
Chase, SUMNER Thad. Stevens, Fessen,
den, sherman, Garfield, CUnk ling. Eyarts.
ana all the great leaders.
In the readjustment of the political re
latlons of the south he was wise, generous.
and magnanmOus in his career. Not II
line IN letter, speech or message can be
found that would wound the self-resnect
of Southern citizens.
When the dangerous heresv of a Green
back currency had gained political power,
and Congress was disposed to open the
ilood-gates of rotten Gu rency, his veto,
. an act OF courage, Turned back the DEUCE
and saved the land from whole genera
ton of mischief Had he done but this
one thing, he would have deserved well of
History
The respects in which he fell below the
line Of sound statesmanship--and these
are not Il leW-are to be attributed to the
influence OF advisers whom he had taken
INTO his confidence. Such was his LOYALTY
to friendship that it must he set down as
Il fault-a fault rarely found among public
men.
Many springs of mischief were opened
which still flow. When it was PROPOSED
to nominate Grant for It third term the
real objections to the movement among
wise ana dlspa9slOnate men was not 50
much against Grant as against the staff
On the whole, if one considers the in
trlnsic difficulty OF the question belonging
to his administration, the stormy DAYS of
politics and parties during his eight years
1t must be admitted that the country owes
to his unSellish disposition, to his general
wisdom, to his unsullied integrity, if not
the need of Wisest yet the reputation of
one who, pre-eminent in war, was emin-
ent in administration, more perhaps by
the wisdom of Il noble matt re than by that
int al bi,,I, -
ence. lmperous counselors and corrupt
parasites dimmeu the light of his political
administration.
We turn from Grants public life to his
unrestful private life. After ii return
from Il tour of the world, during which he
met on all hands distinguished reception
he Nentured upon the dangerous road of
speculation. The desire of large wealth
was deep-seated in Grants soul. His ear
~ experience of poverty had probably tax
en- away from 1t all romance. Had wealth
been sought by a legitimate production of
real property, he would have added one
more laurel to mis- career. But with
chlldlike simplicity of ignorance he com
united all he had TO the wild chances of
leGallzetl gambling. But few DAYS be-
lore the Illuminating crash came, he be-
nevcd himself to be worth three millions
OF dollars What service had been rem
dered for it ? What equivalent of indust-
ry, skill, produciiveness, distribution OF
convenience? None. Did ne never think
that his golden robe with which he de-
signed to clOthe his declining years, was
woven OF air was in its nature unSubStan-
tal, and not reputable? His success was
gorgeous bubble, rejecting on its bril-
llant surface al! the hues OF heaven, but
which grew thinner as it swelled larger
a touch dispeiled the illusion, and left him
poor.
1t is significant proof of the essential
honesty OF his mind, and of the simplicity
OF his ignorance of practical business. that
the whole nation condOned his folly, and
believed i'll his intentional honesty But
the IRON had entered his soul. That which
all the hardships of war, and the wearing
anNieties Of public administration coul1
not do, the shame and bitterness of this
great bankruptcy achieved.
The resisting forces of his body gave
way. ~ disease in ambush sprang forth
and carried him captive Patiently he
sat IN the region and shadow of death. \
mild heroism of gentlhness and patience
lowered about him. The iron will that
had upheld him in all the vicissitudes of
war, still in IL gracious guise sustained his
lingering hours.
His household love, never furnished.
never abated, now reused him to one last
heroic aclIevement-to provide for the
future of his family. No longer were
there golden hopes for himself The Wis
ion of wealth mad vanished But love
took its place, and under weakness, pain
and anguish, he wrought out a history of
his remarkable career. \ kindly hand
administered the trust. 1t has amply Sc
cured his loved household from want.
When the last lines We're written, he
laid back upon his couch aud breaIhrd
back his great soul to God, whom he had
worshiped unostentatously after the
manner of his fathers
\ man he was without vices, with an
absolute hatred Of lies, and an ineradica.
Die love of truth, of Il perfect loyalty to
friendship. neither enViOuS of others nor
selfish for himself With Il zeal for the
public good unfeigned, he has left to
memory only such weaknesses as connect
nun with humanity, and such virtues rs
VIII rank him among heroes
The tidiugs of his death, long expected,
gave shock to the whole world. Govern
ments, rulers, eminent statesmen and
scholars from all civilized nations gave
sincere tokens Of sympathy. For the
hour, sympathy rolled is wave over all
our own land. 1t closed the last furroW
, OF war it cXungulshed the ast prejudice,
ii elfaced the last VeStigate of hatred and
cursed he the hand that shall bring them
back
Johnston and Buckner ON one side.
sherman and Sheridan upon the other OF
his bier, he has come to his tomb a silent
symbol that liberty had conquered SIav-
cry patriotism rebellion, and peace war
lie rests in peace. No drum or cannon
shall disturb his rest.
: Sleep, hero, until another trumpet shall
shake the heavens and the earth. Then
come forth to glory in immortality.
The American Song" written by Rev
NJ. j. Savage and set to music by Siguor
Vincent. Cizllo was the final number on
the programme and the benediction closed
the exercises.