The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-17

THE most contemplate objection made to
all proposed benefits to General Grant is that
his sons will possibly profit by his enrichment.
This argument has been advanced by certain
newspapers, is said to have been urged by q
few congressman of small caliber, and is occa-
sionaly heard in private circles. FROM some
ill-defned cause, feeling seems to exist that
the ''Grant boys need rebuke and discipline,
and that the public has right to administer
it. 1t has been openly intinated that the
financial future of the General would be
assured by wealthy friends, as well as the
government, if way could be found
by which he might be restrained from
allowing mis- sons to benefit by his income.
Nothing could be more disgraceful or indecent
than this suggestion, which, of course, could
never be anything further than suggestion.
General Grant it may be supposed, has nat
ural love for his children, and, like any other
father sought to make them prosperous. 1t
was for them that he went into bust
ness after he retired from the presi-
dency. He risked his property in so doing,
but he had the right to take the risk, being
under obligations to no man. That he came
to grief through the venture was his misfor
tune not his fault, and the same may be said
of his sons. They were victims of a rascal
who oil po~ cd
in business than themselves They showed
no marked ability in the particular enterprise
in which they were engaged, but men who
have been familiar with business affairs all
their days not uncommonly fail also the
sons of other distinguished men frequently
miss success in life and yet suffer no reproach
Just why this opposition and feeling of petty
spite toward the young Grants should exist
and find expression is not clear. They made
mistakes which may have been stupid, but
were, at least, honests Since the failure, as
we'll as before, they have shown themselves
to. be manly enough and possessed of dis
position to work for themselves. No inclina-
ton to complain Or to depend upon
their father has been apparent. 1t may be re-
membered in this connection that the illustri-
Gus General did not himself display any evil
dences of greatness, or of more than ordinary
ability until he was past forty years of age.
Why the sons should be expected to develop
into prodigies is what no man can find out.
But this after all, is not to the point.
bic and worthy citizens, or are disreputable
spendthrifts, is no affair of the public when
considering it's obligations to the father.
What is given to him by private individual,
or the government, is not a charity, but de-
served tribute in one case, right in the
other What is given must be his own to dis
pose of as he sees fit, without dictation from
outsiders, or the bestowal will be an insult.
Fortunately, there is no possibility that the
benefits to be derived from the retirement can
be hampered by restrictions, but the hint that
a string be tied to any gift bestowed upon him
is shame and disgrace to the ones who make
it, particular as in the most positive and
honorable manner the General has emphatic
ally declined to be beholden to any man, pre-
ferring to lose all he has, even his personal
effects, rather than appear to be accepting
charity. What the government owes him is
decent recognition; he is not debtor to his
country. On the other hand, the debt is i'm
measurable and past discharge.