war. At all times a man of destiny, none other, let him be what he might, could have held in such firm subjection the disturbing forces of the times, worked into such consummate order the mixed views and practices of the hour, created a larger degree of confidence in the government, realized so much out of the sacrifices of war. Our public debt steadily decreased during his eight years of service. Engagements with the public creditors at home and abroad were solemnly kept. The public burdens were lessened in every department. Economy became a rule and extravagance an exception. Not since the beginning had the national credit been so high.

Should the question be put to the American people to-day, what one of their number had been most instrumental in upholding the supremacy of the flag on which Emancipation was written, and which was more than ever the symbol of freedom, or who in the calm of peace had done most to write on that flag the word Honor after Liberty and Loyalty, the unanimous answer would be that the great dignity belonged to Grant.

32

CHAPTER XXIV.

FROM

TOUR AROUND THE WORLD.

ROM April, 1861, to March 4th, 1877, General Grant had been at the disposal of his country. Four of these years had been spent in active war, eight in the service of the State. He now needed rest, but to retire was not rest. He would seek rest in recreation, turn cosmopolitan, go to the ends of the earth. Fame was his sesame to the nations, his badge of favor in countries, courts and cities.

No living person could feel a keener pleasure in travel, few could observe so fully and accurately. He would not make a holiday run across the waters, but a world's journey, taking in principalities and powers under all suns, among all peoples. He went without thought of ovation or triumph, yet with the consciousness that a distinguished American citizen would be well received. He would type home character and institutions, and be a part of what they were. He would not represent his country officially, but show in the flesh what manner of man it had chosen to honor.

Grant had often longed to go abroad to see, to hear, to learn, to judge. He was the greatest student of men, manners and institutions. This was his opportunity. He could gratify his tastes to the full. Never man traveled under such favorable auspices.

He sailed, with his wife and son Jesse, from Philadelphia, on the steamship Indiana, of the American line, from the port of Philadelphia, on May 17th, 1877. That he carried the best wishes of the American people with him was clear from the

character of the parting demonstrations. They were frequent, long and hearty. Those on the part of Philadelphians were particularly flattering. Five hundred persons on a special steamer saw him to the ocean vessel. A smaller steamer carried his wife and her special escort to the same destination. While sailing down the bay, as far as New Castle, the Grant guests partook of lunch. They embraced the most distinguished citizens, representatives of the army, navy, national, state, and municipal administration, the industries, sciences and professions.

The toast, "The honored guest of the day," was proposed by the Mayor of Philadelphia, and Grant was called on to respond. He said: "I had not expected to make a speech today, and therefore can do nothing more than thank you, as I have had occasion to do so often within the past week. I have been only eight days in Philadelphia, and have been received with such unexpected kindness that it finds me with no words to thank you. What with driving in the park, and dinners afterward, and keeping it up until after midnight, and now to find myself still receiving your kind hospitality, I am afraid you have not left me stomach enough to cross the Atlantic."

Among those who responded to toasts and contributed to the eclat of the occasion were General Sherman, Hamilton Fish, Zach. Chandler, Geo. M. Robeson, Simon Cameron, General Bailey, Governor Hartranft, the Mayor of Philadelphia, etc.

When the ex-President's steamer approached New Castle, the point where the Indiana was waiting to take the ocean voyagers aboard, General Grant was called upon for a parting sentiment. He spoke solemnly, and as if much moved by the homage he had received: "My dear friends, I was not aware that we would have so much speech-making here, or that it would be necessary for me to say anything more to you; but I feel that the compliments you have showered on me were not

altogether deserved. They should not be paid to me, either as a soldier or civil officer. As a general, your praises do not all belong to me; as the executive of the nation, they are not due to me. There is no man who can fill both or either of these places without the help of good men. I selected my lieutenants when in both of these positions, and they were men who I believe could have filled my place often better than I did. I never flattered myself that I was entitled to the places you gave me. My lieutenants could have acted perhaps better than I, had the opportunity presented itself. Sherman could have taken my place as a soldier, or in civil office; and so could Sheridan and others that I could name. I am sure that if the country ever comes to this need again, there will be men for the work; there will be men born for every emergency. Again I thank you, and again I bid you good-bye; and once again I say that if I had fallen, Sherman and Sheridan, or some of my other lieutenants, would have succeeded."

This speech is noteworthy as a key to the inner heart of Grant. He seldom chose his lieutenants wrongly, he never deserted them after choice. He was not greater in his own estimation than any subordinate. All might have been his equal or superior had fortune favored. There was no jealousy, no acrimony, in his army or civic associations. He was plain, ingenuous and true. He did not assume honors, but divided them with all beneath him. Burdens he frequently assumed which he might often in justice to himself have similarly divided.

It is the key furthermore to all the sentiments he expressed abroad amid dignitaries, in courts, before crowned heads and purpled shoulders. If he was honored, it was not he, but his country. If called a hero, it was not he, but his lieutenants, his men. If favored, however much or often, it was not he, but the institutions he saved from wreck. He ever lost sight of Grant amid fete and honor and homage.

He ever made his

country the subject of honor and mention. Privilege was not his but his nation's. There was no ego, no narrowness, no selfishness in word or act while he circled the globe and saw the splendors and powers of organized humanity.

In the midst of these hearty congratulations, and with the best wishes of a peaceful, united and happy people, he embarked on his ocean vessel and sailed for foreign lands. The incidents of the voyage were those of an ordinary passenger who has dared the deep for the first time. A little more respect, a fuller mention of habit and conversation, a deference due to greatness, these mark the trip of ten days as ocean voyager.

When Queenstown was reached a storm was raging. This did not prevent a deputation sailing out to meet him whose cheers and words of welcome were heard above the roar of billows. The General expressed regrets at his inability to land and receive the hospitalities of the city which were tendered him with true Irish heartiness, but promised to return. to the green isle in a short time.

The vessel ran on to Liverpool, and on May 28th the General was received by the entire people with cheers and every demonstration of delight. The authorities of the city, augmented by deputations of officials from London and other interior places, received him in a tug and escorted him to the landing. The farewell cheers from the passengers on the Indiana were mingled with those on shore, and altogether the scene, under an unusually bright sunlight, and on waters that seemed calm for the purpose, was one calculated to inspire every participant.

The Mayor of Liverpool received him in stately style and with a formal address. The hospitalities of the city were extended in honor to a great statesman and soldier. Grant's reply was characteristic. It was not he that was receiving honor, but the warm expression of feeling attested England's