Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 March 1880 — GRANT. [ARTICLE]

GRANT.

His Vulnerable Itecord—“ X Perfect Aline ot Electioneering Uinniuniiion.” [From tlie St. Louis Republican.] When more that two years ago the Republican pointed out the first beginning of the third-term movement and suggested the probability of Grant’s nomination in 1880, no Democratic journal and very few Republican organs were willing to admit that there was even a chance of such an occurrence. Tlis dullest eye has no difficulty in discerning the signs of the times now, and the last lingering doubt is removed from the minds of intelligent and impartial observers by (lie result cf the Utica Convention, hotly contested as it was by the friends of Mr. Blaine. True, that re suit has been foreshadowed for tome weeks past and belongs to the class of events usimliy called “ cut and dried,” but this does not lessen either its significance or its influence. When delegations from the two foremost States of the Union unite upon the same candidate,his success is well-nigh assured; and when it is known that Illinois will f allow the example ot Pennsylvania aud New York that success becomes practically a certainty. The engineers of tlie third-term movement have displayed a strategical skill never surpassed in American politic*, and deserve the triumph awaiting them at Chicago. Everybody knows, of course, that there is powerful opposition to Grant, in his own party. It made itscil conspicuously felt at yesterday’s convention. It, is known to possess great strength iu Pennsylvania, and, if concentrated and properly directed, would easily secure his defeat. Bnt the third-term movement it’what is know in politics as “a machine.” The opposition is not. That explains the whole matter. Pennsylvania and New York having spoken, and there being no doubt that Illinois will speak the same way and with equal emphasis, most of the other States are likely to fali into line without much kicking. Ohio wili probably stand by Sherman. Maine is sure for Blaine, and these two gentlemen will get strong support elsewhere, but support within the range of present possibilities is not sufficient to make either of them a dangerous competitor. The Sherman-Blaine strength is hopelessly divided, while that of Grant is thoroughly united, and is marching forward with that calm confidence which is the best guaranty of victory, and nothing short of a special Providence can jireventthe victory. Democrats have every reason to congratulate themselves upon the prospect. If they could have the naming of the Republic in candidate he would be Grant. If they could not beat him they can beat nobody. No other prominent Republican has such a vulnerable record, such a quantity and quality of administrative scandal attaching to him, such associations of fraud, corruption, and general ro tenness. He ia a perfect mine of electioneering ammunition, and dig where you will, from 1869 to 1877, the “ richness is sure to appear.” The history of his two terms, even as written by Republican pens, is au unanswerable argument against a third term if there was no established precedent in the way. With such a nominee as the Democrats are likely to select, they can make the campaign an offensive one from beginning to end, and that they will be assisted by a large number of Republicans, rank and file, who do. not want, and will not have, any more Grautism, at any price, there is every reason to believe.