The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-09-17

his business, or explained why he
could not see him, the estrangenlent
might have been prevented. But
Grants great virtue was fidelity to
the public good. AS the personal
conflict grew in intensity, some one
remarked to Grant that Sumner did
not believe in the New Testament. and
the latter replied: "He would be-
lieve it ii he had written it."
During the heat of the controversy
met Sumner in street car. His
habit was to talk loud. He said to
ne: "You, as pastor, are in q
position to do great good in these
times. That man in the White House
reminds me OF Dionysius, of Syracuse,
who had big iron ear placed on the
wall OF his palace to catch all the
ISLANDERS uttered against him." My
reply was: Grant is soldier, and
when assaulted fights back"
Yet admired Sumner. He was ex-
ceedingly kind to me when Twas Chap
lain Of the Senate, and frequently re-
ceived me at his home, where he enter
tanned me by the wealth OF his splendid
intellect and learning.
So, the breech between Grant and
Greeley had an insignificant beginning,
for which both were more or less re-
sponsible. A little compliance on the
part of Grant and little patience
in Greeley would have prevent
ed the severance OF their friendship.
When Colfax was Vice President
Greeley was his guest when in Wash
ington. Colfa1 was member of my
congregation, and personal friend
whom | esteemed very highly. drop
ped into his house one night when he
lived on Lafayette Square; and in a
large arm chair sat Greeley, his full
moon face bland and child-like in ex.
preston. Around him sat Colfax
and several other gentlemen on
lower chairs, in fact sitting at
the feet OF the great philoso-
pher OF the tripod. The conversation
was general, but thescene was interest
ing to me as observed with what def
erence the gentlemen present listened
with breathless attention to every
sentence that fell from Greeley's lips.
1t was picture worthy of an artist.
Subsequently to that evening Colfax
related to me the following incident:
During his visit Greeley said: "Colfax,
l would like to take a cup Of tea at
the White House with Grant.
"Well," said Colfax, "Ihave no doubt
you will be welcome" The Vice
President called upon Gen. Grant and
said, "Greeley is at my house, and has
expressed wish to take cup of tea
with you" The President replied: "I
will invite him to dine vito me to-mor-
row." Colfax told me that when he
/ onrvn1,oI ha 70 %s@,, -
trious journalist Greeley was exceed.
ingly pleased and accepted without
delay.
The other part OF the story was
told by Grant. He said that at the
close of the Office hours on that day
he remarked to himself, "Greeley Is
to dine with me this afternoon. With
what conversation shall l entertain
hims He is here to talk politics, espe-
cially about the New York appoint
ments. do not wish to consult him
on these matters just now, yet must
entertain him by some profitable con-
versation. / recalled the fact that
he had written book called, What
/ Know About Farming and as I
had been farmer in Missouri, and
supposing that agriculture would be
a subject OF great interest to my guest,
l resolved to talk to him on what /
knew about farming" Greely came
in evening dress and never seemed
happier, or looked grander in his life.
He escorted Mrs. Grant to the table.
The dinner was served in elegant style.
When the time for conversation
came the President said, "Mr. Greeley,
l believe you have written a book
called What know about Farm
ing.''' Horace replied in his blandest
manner. Grant then talked about
stock, horses, cattle, sheep. Greeley's
replies were mere terse and tart. He
had come for a nobler purpose, to
discuss politics and the fate Of the re-
| public, as he supposed. But Grant
was determined, and suggested the
| relative value OF farming in different
parts OF the country. Greeley's tenn
per was up. He had come to gain con-
| troll of the administration, OF the ap-
pointments in New York City, but he
was doomed to disappointment. Sever
al times, and with apparent inlpatience,
he drew out his immense silver watch
to sugsest not only that time was pass
ing, but that other themes of CONVEX
sation should be introduced. He was
too much of n gentleman to suggest
what was uppernlost in his mind, but
not enough OF a gentleman to disguise
his ill-temper and disappointment.
He abruptly said, II must co." and,
in the most gracious manner, Presi-
dent and Mrs. Grant bade him good
night.
Such was the triaing beginning ofthe
estrangement between those two emf
nent men. 1t was only the occasion;
the cause was deeper and broader.
Greeley was jealous of Conklng's in
| fluence over Grant and felt that
he should be consulted i'll the policy OF
the administration, and in his vanity
| supposed that upon his Judgment de-
| pended the continued triumph OF the
Republican party in the State Of New
| York. Within few days thereafter
Greeley fired his first gun. 1t was an
| editorial III the New York Tribune, and
from thence the war was to the death.
have always thought that peace
should have reigned where war prevail
ed. Grant might have indulged Greeley
in free and frank conversation on
political matters, and Greeley should
have conceded to Grant the right to
choose his own counsel.
Dissecting An Englis h man.
Fro m Henry Watterson's Letter.
am afraid hat some of my read
ers will have got all impression from
the persual OF these letters that am
prejudiced against the English. Such
is not the case. simply do not like
them as nationality or as race of
men. In both characters they are an
epitome of all that is powerful and
offensive.
| They are hospitable to the last de-
| gree but their hnsnitality is much in