Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 August 1869 — The President’s Recreations. [ARTICLE]

The President’s Recreations.

The asinine press seem endeavoring in a spiteful, feeble way to criticise President Grant for availing himself of the summer vacation to indulge in off-hand social intercourse with the people at the wateringplaces and elsewhere. It is not questioned that the President seeks this recreation in an appropriate manner, but it seems to be assumed that he ought to swelter at the White House, or, if that unhealthy location prove too bilious, snatch a hurried rest at night at the Soldiers’ Home, haunting Washington by day. The only President who lived without recreation (other than an occasional.attendance at a Washington theatre) was Mr. Lincoln. The Copperheads not only did not thank him for his unremitting Herculean toil, but availed themselves of the solitary occasions on which he sought to unbend from the labors of the government to waylay and murder him—an achievement in which they at last succeeded. With the exception of Mr. Lincoln, every President has made tours of recreation through the country. Andrew Johnson amused himself in the only way he was able, by swinging around the circle on a drinking tour, making stupid and very maudlin speeches. Mr. Buchanan resorted every year to Bedford as his favorite place. President Pierce visited the Crystal Palace at, New York, and went into summer quarters at Cape Island. President Van Buren was fond, even to flunkeyism, of aristocratic people. President Jackson spent many weeks of his vacation at the Ripraps, Fortress Monroe. The President most ostentatiously addicted to displaying himself on public tours, with a pomp and hauteur that at the present day would be oppressive and offensive, was Washington himself. He esteemed it part of his official duty to make formal imperial progresses around the country, and part of the official duty of everybody who came in his way to receive him with punctilious deference and parade. President Grant’s military achievements throw those of the First Presidents far into the background. Ilis civil career has been marked by ’less pretension but not less ability, judgment or prudence t tlian that of Washington. It cannot be deemed improper that he should mingle with the people in a manner neither mean nor • ostentatious, neither Intrusive nor vulgar, but with the natural and unaffected pleasure of a well-poised gentlemen among his social equals. He- observes the characters and studies the . opinions of all, but reservesjudiciously tlie expression of his own. This certainly is a char actcristic of the most successful statesmen and executive rulers of all ages. At the White House be could meet only politicians. At Long Branch, New York, Boston, Newport, Saratoga, he m ets the men of business of all classes at the East. With those of the West and South he is more familiar than any President who ever preceded him. Who can doubt that he information he is thus accumulating its of infinite value to him? Fortunate would it have been if his predecessor had spent his time thus, instead of organizing policies at Washington in ignorance of popular opinion. Moreover, what public need is being neglected? Were our finances, foreign relations, Indian affairs, reconstruction, bureau or revenue management ever advancing more satisfactorily, or being reformed more rapidly ? Was there ever more vigor or less waste; more fidelity or less corruption In our administration ? When Grant’s presence was needed during the eight long years of the war, and of the perils of reconstruction, -was he ever absent from his post ? Did lie ever seek the capital for promotion, or come to it at all from the time lie entered the army as Regimental Staff Suartcrmaster until be was called there as eneral-in-Chief of all our armies? Did his stars or staff then figure at the water ing-places ? Never. The elements of his success were then military. He moved freely among all his officers and men from Sherman, McPherson and Sheridan down to Surgeons, Quartermasters and privates. He studied the problem in all its parts i n 1 made no mistakes. Ilis problem now is a financial, industrial and political one. lie is moving among men or business, of industry, and who, through these resources, have earned their summer months for leisure. He sees a very great number of them. And if he learns nothing else he at least learns them. He does well and wisely. Before w-e find fault with it, let us see what evil comes from it. —Chicago Tribune, August 13