The Saint Paul globe., 1897-03-04
GROVER CLEVELAND.

GROVER CLEVELAND.
One Of the really great men whom
this nation has produced goes today
from the white house to the enjoyment
of private life, followed by the graft
tude, the respect, the admiration and
the love Of those of his fellow citizens
who place country above party. It is
useless now for malice to palter with
the truth. Justice will not be denied.
Already the stern genius Of history be-
gins to make UP her tablets, and there
on will be written the name of Grover
Cleveland as one Of those in whom this
new land of ours may feel an undying
pride; because in him America bore
a son great enough tc pursue, with in
flexible purpose, with indomitable
courage with an unconquerabIe soul,
the path that right and duty pointed
out to him. Envy sinks away before
the feet of this man whom she may
harry no more now that he has laid
down the burden il2 carried so long
with stout arm and sturdy heart. The
vindictiveness Of personal malice, Of
evil ambition disappointed, Of corrupt
desire held in check, no more can aim
their poisoned arrows at the figure
which has passed from action to re
pose. For eight years has this man
stood Cor party and against party, but
oil /, ,,;14;
love- Earnestly supported, fiercely at
tackled, loved and hated as none are
but those to whom belongs greatness
of SOUL he lays down public life for
ever and waits the judgment Of his
countrymen and of posterity.
1t is not the voice of adulation which
ranks Grover Cleveland with the first
Of great Americans. His are no more
the honors of office or the favors that
men love. Neither praise nor censure
can touch him. save as they penetrate
the Joints in the armOr of us ALL But
he has been the foremost actor in a
critical time in the life of this republic,
and he shall have his due. Not yet.
however, can it be rendered to him.
One generation makes history, but an
other must write it. We are too close
to the commanding figure that today
passes up the capitol steps for the last
time as the nations ruler to weigh
and estimate all his qualities accurate
ly. Yet is the rough cast taken for the
statue that will some day stand in the
nations Pantheon for the world
to honor. Mistakes he has made.
beyond a doubt; the mistakes
inevitable to man of infex-
lble purpose, of too little finesse,
and of too great impatience with hu-
man weaknesses and littlenesses to en-
dure the small concessions which thew
demand. The hand of iron was too
much in evidence; the glove of rasp-
ing rawhide rather than Of velvet. Too
little of diplomacy there was; too small
allowance for the passions that SWAY
men and the mixed motives that sway
the destinies Of states. But when this
is said, the worst is said. And for
these very faults the men who believe
in Grover Cleveland hold up to him
applauding hands, and lift their hats to
the man who could defy an enemy. but
knew not how to adjust either compro-
mise or surrender.
Two attributes have shown them
selves daily and unvaryingly in the
strange career of this, our soon t., be
eX-president; two without which man
has nothing admirable in him: with
which he may be anything he wills.
And these are courage and honesty.
Grover Cleveland is a brave man
Given duty and his consciousness. of
1t, and any other course than to follow
1t unfalteringly to whatever crisis if
might lead has been unknown to him.
He has ever been an honest man. 'eTeu
the truth" ne said long ago, in that
first shameful campaign, when a small
sr man would have shrunk from the
helrs glare Of the batteries of infamy
that were opened on him. Act the
truth, do the right, has been the KEY
note Of his two administrations. To be
candid with himself and with his fell
lows was a part of his high creed. And
those who have differed from him in
some part Of his policies, as nearly all
OF us have from time to time, could
well afford to have our opinions beat
en- down and discounted, If need be,