Evening journal., 1919-05-10
rnE ENpEnIENcE or lsca..71


tn his current "reminiscences. Henry watiorson refer
to President Grant as political non-descript'
This we are constrained 10 believe was not Intended q
be term Of dsrespect 1 was intended. infer, e
convey thc idea which fact that Grant had Iakel
so little Interest IN public affairs that scarcely anyone
knew to what party ne belonged what Views he enter
ialnod upon important problems confronting the naor
during the reconstruction period following te Civil War
Grant nominated by the Republicans and elected
by the people because Oh the enthusiasm resulting from
his success a military leader.
The facts regarding Grant were fairly and sympa-
ihocally stated by Andrew c. Mclaughlin
the University OF Chicago IN his History OF the American
/ Nation wherein nc said
General Grant was at this time almost entirely with
out political experience and without training IN civil
duties lIo graduate Of West Point and had served
with distinction in the Mexican War. AT the outbreak
OF the Rebellion ne occupied a humble position a
private citizen. His success a general gave him a
worldwide reputation. and he hailed by the enlhus
astc North the savior Of his country. lie man
Of strict unsweryng honesty and pure motives. .
It may be doubted whether his talents that well nted
him for conducting aggressive equally
well adapted TO the less dncu tasks Of peace Down
right and upright himself he always successful
In winning and holding The best men Of his party by Civ
ing them frank conndence did he have great insight
into the weaknesses OF about him. These charac-
ierstcs account in part for OF the difficulties OF
his administration"
Giving an account OF affairs near the erh or Grants
FIRST term Mclaughlin says that some Republicans felt
that he had shown ncapacily for civil duties and
that he was surrounded by who greedy If not
corrupt
This did not reflect in The least upon The honesty OF
Grant When subjected The test Of practical service he
had been found wanting. However the Liberty Republi
nominated Horace Greeley who endorsed by the
Democrats and the country confronted. in 1872 by
two candidates neither Of whom had been prepared by
previous experience and training for successful admins
tration Of the high office Of President. As Mclaughlin
puts 10
There a strong feeling that Greeley unit for
The presidency. hig-minded honest man, with strong
purposes and noble aims, he Impractical and vision
AIRY. lie had almost no experience in public office
The country chose TO continue It's hero presi-
dent Notwithstanding dissatisfaction with his admins
traton.
The unfortunate scandals OF the remaining years Of his
service incidents that historians pass briefly
as possible
An admIrng and grateful nation thinks OF Grant not
President but soldier who proposed TO fight il
out on this line IL 10 takes an summer and who de-
manded unconditional surrender thus expressing, in la
comic terms The spirit Of Americansm.
As Watterson truly says, Grant political non
descript" but that was nothing to his discredlt
The country made the mistake Of trying to put round
peg in a square hole and It did not nt.
The country has made the mistake other
sons and has always paid the penalty
Let us hope that we have pronled by experience