Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 March 1892 — CLEVELAND’S INTELLECT. [ARTICLE]

CLEVELAND’S INTELLECT.

He is One of the Ablest in the Discussion of Principles of Government. [Boston Herald (Ind.)j It has been difficult for many men who are opposed to Grover Cleveland in politics to accept the fact that he is a man of very high distinction in intellectual qualities. Mr. Cleveland came so unexpectedly into public life of the first prominence, and there was so little claim made for him at first as possessed of extraordinary menal endowments, that there was a reluctance to look upon him as more than an accident in the presidency. His letter accepting the nomination originally to that office was in some respects a disappointment, probably because Mr. Cleveland did not fully trust himself to write it. But since Grover Cleveland entered the presidency he has taken rank as one of the ablest men in the discussion of the principles of government, and the measures by which they are put into practical operation, of his day. He never speakß without having something to say worth hearing, and he is much above the average of men who had reputations before the country had heard of him in his treatment of important topics. We say this as a criticism of thought, method of reasoning and felicity of style solely, and aside from sympathy with his political prepossessions As a specimen of dignity of thought and manner', this paragraph from his 22d of February oration at Ann Arbor, in which he treats of sentiment among the people, is worth nothing: “I speak to-day in advocacy of this sentiment. If it is not found in extreme and exclusive mental culture, neither is it found in the busy marts of trade, nor in the confusion of bargaining, nor in the mad rush after wealth. Its home is in the soul and the memory of m n. It has to do with the l moral sense. It reverences traditions, loves ideas. It cherishes the names and the deeds of heroes, and it worships, at the shrine of patriotism. I plead forjit because there is a sentiment which in some features is distinctively American'that we should never allow to languish.” The Republican yesterday contained a bid from W. W. Gilman for the congressional nomination. Mr G. believes more in much speaking than he does in the truthfulness ofihis statements. He seems to think that extravagant declarations are neeeanary to establish his orthodoxy, and will oover op his total lack of qua’lifications ter imposition.