The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-06-17
The President and the People.

The President and the People.
respondent writes an interesting letter about
the new presidents since the days of Pierce
and Buchanan: Persons who have had
more or less to do with administrations for
more than generation discuss the differ
ence between the present one and any they
have ever known. They say that Mr.. Cleve-
land has undertaken to do great many
things that no other president ever did, and
seems not to desire the judgment of others,
which, as rule, has been sought for as a
great help. This administration, said one,
has cut itself off from outside connections.
Many who desire its success, and would
contribute toward it, don't feel at liberty to
make the offer, though feeling confident
that they could do so by supplying what it
is obvious the administration stands in need
of, knowledge of presidents and the re-
suits of experience Mr.. Lincoln said
another, was all the while seeking the
views of others. He priced the ideas of
"plain people, and did not discard those of
politicians and leaders. Instead of creating
he was trying to avoid antagonisms. He
wanted everybody's help, and largely got
it, Nothing was more common than for
Mr.. Lincoln to send for the right man for
advice, and to see another who was in the
fault-fnding mood Go and see him.
Boutwell, he once said, and find out what
the matter is perhaps the wrong thing has
been done and he has a right to complain.
See about it, Not nfrequently Mr.. Lincoln
would go himself and do the work of mol
lifying senator or member. Visits to Mr..
Sumner are related, where Mr.. Lincoln's
marvellous power to understand and man.
age men shown. Mr.. Lincoln was a
great reformer, but he took a comprehensive
view of possibilities. He felt that although
he was president, he was only one of num-
Der, and that it was only by working
together that success could be gained.
When contemplating a new step, he sought
others approval, because without their CO.
operation the attempt would fail. With
the highest intentions, it is to be presumed,
Mr.. Cleveland has in great degree reversed
this. 1t is obvious to on-lookers that there
exists general Discrimination to offer sug-
gestions, because the president has seemed
to say that he doesn't desire them. Visits
to Mr. Lincoln were constantly made by
Wade, Fessenden, Wilson, Howard, Howe
Winter, Davis, Chandler and others to con-
suit, sometimes to protest or eXpostulate
but always with a wish to find the right.
They were always welcome, and their views
were desired. If they did not prevail, the
presidents own course was made clearer.
Honest John Covode's sturdy good sense
was frequently instructive and was always
priced. Mr.. Lincoln felt that he could not
get along without the support of the people,
and his own experience had taught him
that the political leaders and the politicians,
as a rule, fairly reflect their wishes. He
looked upon the successful politician as
the man who generally keeps himself near
est to the masses. When they said to Mr.
Lincoln, Our people do not approve of this
or that and it will disappoint them, he
knew that he had better listen. Judge
Davis, who knew great deal of Mr.. Lincoln
and his ways, has said that herein was the
secret of his power. He was party man.
said Judge Davis, when it was most diff
| ticult to be one. While having the support
| OF men of all parties, he took care not to
! Spnarata bimSalf from those W hO made him
| Grant undertook to run his administration
| by new methods, but soon left that track.
After hard experience he came to know
| that, strong as he was with the people, his
| course, if persisted in, would land him in
failure. The frghtful example of Hayes is
! too recent to refer TO it, Nothing secured
| for General Arthur an exceptional success
under unexampled difficulties but holding
| close to the wishes of his own party, regard
| less of factions. He took counsel of others.
! though he was not wanting in Sef-reliance.
! He was open to suggestions. His party
| friends We're free to advise and eXpostulate
! with him, and he was not so self-willed as
| to turn deaf ear to them. Mr.. Buchanan
said democrat, was aware of the impor-
! lance of studying the sentiment of his party
| and taking care not to offend it. He was
| patient listener, and felt that when men
came from a distance to see him about
matters relating to their region they could
! teach him something. He gave up many a
notion and formed new ones from taking
counsel with the leaders of his party coming
! to say what those wanted to whom the adj
ministration had to look for support. He
was always approachable. Like Mr.. Lincoln,
he was one OF a number, inside and outside,
carrying on the government. lie dlu not
| think he had all the light there was, nor
that his party was so bad that he could not
serve il faithfully as president. III Mr..
! Cleveland would conform his course TO this
! idea concluded the democrat, he would
] 1fan Il 1nnl hot al Df