The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-07-03
The Popular Verdict.

"Mr. Clevelands high reputation, says
one Of his critics, is founded less upon
what he has actually accomplished than
mon the spirit for which he stands.
S There is an old saying that actions
sneak louder than words, yet 1t VIII not
always do to Judge a man by some M
&dividual act either for good or for bad.
sCenerally speaking, mans conduct is
4Ithe expression Of his character, but 1t
will not always do to draw n general
conclusion from one or more OF his acts.
JOKE sometimes mods and the best man
sometimes falls from grace and does that
which IS afterwards lnortifying to him
self and utterly Inconsistent with his
Nclaracter Sometimes wo do not Under
stand a mans act; We do not understands
his SURROUNDINGS; we do not understand
his motives and we are sure TO lnisjudge
.lim ana to form false estimate of him
If We judge his character BY the act
as we interpret 1t. On the other hand,
we know that ypocrite's acts are bet
ter than he is at heart. But in time the
truth VIII come out: III time the world
will Judge a man by his principles; for
sooner or later the ruling principles Of
4, man will manifest themselves. This
is especially true OF the distinguished
man who is in the public eye, the say
ing goes. If a public man is good or
bad at heart. sooner or later the public
will find ii out.
Mr. Cleveland has been before the
American people for many years, and
his conduct has been closely scrutinized
generation has been more relentlessly
and more savagely attacked. All man
ner OF charges have been from time to
time brought against his personal char
acter and his official integrity. He has
been denounced rs a brutal husband. as
Il corrupt politician and as a civic trail
Tor II has hcen charged against him
that he traded government bonds to the
tinanciers OF Wall Street and thereby
lined his pocket with filthy money. i,
has been charged that he betrayed his
"a party and his country for n mess oi
pnttage. II ali that was said against
Mr.. Cleveland was true. Benedict Arnolt
would he q saint In comparison
Mr.. Cleveland was four years President
Of the United States and then nominated
for a second term, lie was defeated ant
went back into private life for four year,
more. In 1852 ne was again nominated
by the Democrats in spite OF the pow
erful opposition OF the politicians, anc
triumphantly elected over the Republi
can President who had previously defeat
ed him. For four years more he wa
President Of the United States and tn
most thoroughly discussed man In tn
nation. His every public expression, hi
every public act, and his every nrivat
act, so far as 1t could be ascertainec
was criticised by men who had formerl
been associated IN politics with him. bu
who had learned To hate him with
Ok holy hatred. His enemies were eve
eloquent in the bitterness of their dc
nunciation
Al the expiration of his term Mr.. Clev,
land again vent into retirement M
even taking the trouble 10 defend hin
self against the various charges tn;
We're preferred, and not until recent
did he explain fully the bond issue an
the part which he played in suppresslr
the Chicago riots. air, Cleveland ST
has his enemies, but with The people
large no man stands higher than h
With the great majority Mr., cleyelal
IS the living embodiment OF couragoo
4 patriotism, IL Is needless 70 Say III
H this could not possibly be If he We
the corrupt man his enemies have rep
scented him 70 be. 1t is simply impos
bic that any man who as President
tho United States betrayed his trust
money. that amy President OF the q
# led states who Was clYic traitor COZ
B to-day be even remotely consdered
nominee OF the Democratic party
the pres!dsnsy. The American PEG