New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-02
THE BEST SINCE LINCOLN.


Mr. Lowell forgets the delicacy of his literary
art when he eulogizes a Democratic President.
When it is his turn TO praise. if VIC may be
allowed the expression, he puts it on with
brush. In presiding over tho frcc-trade meet
ing in Boston he remarked: Personally, L
confess that feel myself strongly attached to
Mr. Cleveland as the best representative OF
the highest type of Amcricansm that we have
seen since Lincoln was snatchcd from u.s."
The best representative Of Americanism since
Lincoln This panegyric so far transcends the
fusOmc flattery of partisans and tlme-servcrs
as 10 startle Mr.. Lowclrs most appreclatlve
admirers. Something of the same sort was
eaid when President Garfield died, and again
when General Grants ashes were cold, but IL
has not been customary. even in the widest
orgies of Presidential canvass. for public men
to refer to living President or Presidential
candidate as the best type Of Amcricanism since
Lincoln Mr.. Lowell. conscientious artist as he
is, has been careful to define the best type of
Americanism as it comes under his eye and to
specify certain traits in President Cleveland
which, in his judgment, cnttle him to this
proud distinction. Even with these limitations
and explanations, the tribute seems so cxtfava-
CANT as to be grotcsquc. Mr. Lowell is little
less than a spendthrift in his praise when Free
Traders unite in thanksgiving for the message.
Opposite the names of Washington and Lin
coin he writes "Grover Cleveland"
What arc the traits of character which have
earned this extraordinary panegyric2 MIR.
Lowell tells us briefly that these traits arc
"manly SIMPLICITY" ian honest endeavor to do
all that he could of duty, where all that he
would was made impossible by difficulties" and
courage in plain speaking and telling the truth
about tho surplus. These are the qualities
which have made Mr.. Cleveland "the best
representative of the highest type Of American
ism that we have seen since Lincoln was
snatchcd from u.s." We have no desire to dis
parage the President, but cheerfully give him
credit for all these traits. But surely he is not
the only President since Lincoln who has
possessed them. Garfield and Grant had manly
simplicity they cndeavorcd honestly to do all
they could Of duty and were not overcome by
difficulties as Mr.. Cleveland has been and GER
.ainly they were men OF courage and invariably
told the truth about public affairs. Why then,
is Mr.. Cleveland preferred in honor above
them and exalted to the high position OF being
the best American since LincOlnP Perhaps
Mr.. Lowell will tell us, if the Boston revenue
reformers give him another chance for
rhetorically painting the town red. )
Bnt what docs the Presidents culogist mean
by the highest type of Amcricanism This is
an interesting question. because Mr.. Lowell
in the Hosea Bglow days used himself to pass
tor radical type of Americanism. lie tells
us: "By Americanism / mean that which VIC
cannot help, not that which we naunt-that
way of looking at things and OF treating men
which we derive from the soil that holds our
fathers and waits for u.s. For a great master
of prose this is vague to the point of mistiness;
but if We follow him Alright, Americanism Is
something Indigenous way of looking at
things and of treating men that smacks of the
native soil. j
Well, Judged by this standard is Mr. Cleye-
land the best type Of Americanism since Lin
coin? Has there been anything smacking OF
the soil in his administration Of foreign or
domestic affairs2 He has been conspicuous
since his Inauguration for his championship of
foreign interests in diplomacy; he has
neglected to vindicatc the rights of American
fishermen, he has placed foreign railway
corporation on paying financial basis; he has
kept abrosatcd treaties in force ut the sugges-
ton of the British Minister in defiance Of Con-
gress; no has taken up the cause Of English
manufacturers and European cheap labor
against American Industries and Amer
lean workingmen. Are these ways of
"looking at things" which no has "de-
rived from the soil? ?" Then. again, he has
ceased to be on speaking terms with the Union
soldiers who saved the Nation, and honors old
time rebels with his confidence and respect.
Is this "a way of dealing with men" derived
from the soiI"? What is there that can be
properly called indigenous in MIR. Cleveland's
career as Presidentp We do not know. This
is question which ought to be answered be-
fore Mr.. Lowell naunts his fulsome adulation
Of Democratic President before another free
trade audience.