National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-06-05
GEN. GRANT.
A Warm Tribute From Persona
Friend OF the Old Hero.


The following article from the pen of
Gen. B. f. Beale is copied from the Ide-
pendent:
It is not as the great general or wise
statesman, though believe he was OF the
greatest, like to recall Gen. Grant, but as
the good man. II he had not been great
his life would still have been beautiful.
| Love Of country made him great, but ma
ture had made him one of the loveliest
characters to contemplate of all the men l
have ever known.
lie was SO truthful, so serene, so frank,
and Of such simplicity that 1t was impossi-
BILE to know and not to love him. l feel
that the world is better that he has lived.
Many one, thinking of his patience, will
| suffer with more fortitude misfortunes, and
knowing how beautiful virtue made his
life, endeayor to initiate 1t. History will
tell how he won great battles, and how the
most occult problems of statecratt were
dealt with In his mastery way; but IL
would be better II the world knew more Of
the sweetness and purity OF his private life.
| had the high honor of his friendship, and
saw him In his familiar hour when the
| mask which all public men must wear in
| public was laid aside with the reserve
which accompaniment. Twas his companion
In his walks and rides, aud saw and heard
him talk in his quiet, reposeful manner on
|
| woods and note the different trees, and he
knew them all, and could speak OF their
| growth and habits. lie loved the growth
| of grain, and the means and processes of
| quickening. 1t. lie loved horses and farm
animals, and quiet, contemplative life
mixed with the activity of outdoor work.
He was no sportsman. | think he dis
liked the cruelty of what is called sport;
| for he was the most tender hearted of men,
and especially kind and thoughtful Of
children. lie was great walker, as well
as rider, and had pleasant sort Of wit
and very humorous sense, which made
him quick and ready to reply to any Jest;
but he was never sharp, and would rather
any time let good thing 90 unsaid than
hart another's feelings.
He liked good story, and was good
| listener to one; but 1t must have no
faint or immodesty in 1t. He would not
tolerate story or expression which bore
double meaning or concealed an impure
thought. i have known him rebuke with
silence moro eloquent than words the least
attempt at ,,or approach to, Illicit anecdote.
OF scandal he was intolerant. lie neither
listened to 1t, nor permitted it in his pres
ence.
In HIS own speech he was absolutely
clean-tongued. / do not believe the man
lived who ever heard him use an eXpletiye.
This, so remarkable in one brought up, as
he had been, In camps, was not the result
of any curb he put upon himself, but OF
natural modesty. In his personal inter
course with men, he was the most modest
man ever knew In habit and expression.
In debate he was calm and grave, recelv-
Ing the most active opposition without re-
sentiment.
He was of medium stature, with full
and noble head; his complexion clear, his
hair brown, and his eyes dark gray.
| The anipt DIGNITY and kindlinnsS Of hta
manner made his presence reassuring and
comforting to those who sought him on
business or to solicit fayors.
He was of such evenness throughout that
he never seemed to emphasize his language,
but impressed the hearer in amanner which
rendered emphasis unnecessary.
l. lie seemed to grow upon and influence
all who came near him by sort of mex
pressible moral force. What others have
done by the pomp and circumstance OF
state, he accomplished through composure
and serenity Of manner. He was as accessi-
BILE when President as any private citizen,
and yet there was that dignity OF self-re-
spect about him which repealed impertinent
| intrusion.
He was a very moderate man in his appe-
tites-the smallest eater-and never in all
my acquaintance have / seen him touch
anything stronger than wine.
Necessarily at my age, and living where
do, | have known many great men, but
they were all like some fine fruit specked
with imperfectlon. He only was without
blemish. They were great men, great sol
diers, great judges, great statesmen, but
when you looked them all over they were
not like the kind friend | have lost and who
is buried to-day. They were simply great
men. He alone was both great and good.
Mrs. LASGTRY's first appearance In public
was as q reader; she read earring Cold" by
Mark Twain In recent interview she said
that she does not approve of his way, but fol
herself uses Dr. Bulls Cough Syrup,G sure cure