New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-25
THE GRANT TON.

In addition TO the multitude Of spectators
which New-York invariably supplies on public
occasions of striking interest. 1t is now evident
that an immense number of visitors will gather
here this week from all parts Of the country to
witness the dedication of the Grant monument
and the attendant pageants. The event pos
sesses great powers of attraction. commemorate
ing and paying a long-deayed tribute Of formal
and stately character TO a man whose high priv
ilege and unfading distinction 1t was to be an
instrument for the beStOwal Of inestimable bene-
fits not only upon his own land but upon the
whole human race. Ere now, no doubt that
service would have been estimated at something
like its true value had General Grant lived lon
ger 10 enjoy his fame or died under circum-
stances less painful and appealing. But his
death was destined to magnify the example Of
his life to the popular mag nation, and, more
than that, TO crown a career of strenuous action
with an irresistible appeal TO the nobest feel
ngs When in his last days of anguish he ex-
pressed the hope that from the universal sym
| pathy of which he was the object closer union
of his countrymen might spring, that lofty and
pathetic aspiration accomplished its purpose in
| the very moment Of its utterance and the men,
| DRY Of his ustrious achievements was thence
| illusrtous character
| 1t is the misfortune rather than the fault Of
| New-York that 1t is not popular city. For rea-
sons which relate in part to its metropolitan quail
| ity, its vast wealth and its commercial suprem-
acy 1t is the object of jealousy and ill-will
arising from an undeserved imputation of pride
and selfishness. 1t is supposed always to want
the best of everything and it has been fire.
quent diversion of other parts OF the country
through their representatives, in Congress and
in various ways, to Illustrate that desire There
was even a strong and persistent effort to pre-
vent the realization Of General Grants wish to
be buried here. where his last home had been
But happily whatever dissatisfaction The settle.
ment Of that controversy may have produced has
ceased. the noble monument to which the city's
good faith was pledged has been completed and
the honors which will be paid on Tuesday TO the
memory of the illustrious dead will not be
marred by any inappropriate sentiment The
whole country untes with sober exultatlon in
cOmmemoratng the splendid achievements and
the heroic virtues Of the commander and the
patriot
New-YOrk has redeemed It's promise to build
a stately tomb for General Grant, but its obl-
CATION TO the country will not be fully discharged
owes a hearty welcome and abundant courtesy
not alone to its special guests who take an Off
cial part In the exercises but to all who con-
tribute only their presence and their enthusiasm
They are coming primarily, perhaps to witness
great pageant but with the motive Of curiosity
and pleasure is mingled a deep sentiment Of
loyalty and reverence. The source Of this pro-
found and universal interest is likewise the
source Of ardent and steadfast devotion TO the
country and the flag. The fitting recognition OF
Indispensable services is commendable merely
as the payment OF debt. But 1t is much more
than that IT performs. indeed, an office of the
highest utility, for thereby the people are both
inspired and pledged to maintain. each within
his own sphere and capacity, the fruits Of that
valor and sacrifice which they commemorate.
There is reason TO rejoice In every celebration
which. appealing to all ages and conditions,