General Grant in California.
By Editor
GEN. GRANT landed in San Francisco, late in the day, Sept. 20. Great preparations had been made for his reception. We think it is no exaggeration to say that if all the preparations made for every fourth of July that Americans have celebrated on this coast, had been concentrated into one, it would scarcely have exceeded that of the present occasion. Some little effort had been made, especially by the would-be leader of the Workingmen, to force a political issue in the reception, but it utterly failed. With wonderful unanimity all classes united in giving honor to the hero who gave success to every army which he commanded. Ex-Confederate officers and soldiers vied with those of the Union army to give him the most hearty greeting. There is something remarkable in the man and in his history. Coming into the service when the cause of the nation looked gloomy, he at once gave to affairs a different aspect. Of undisputed patriotism in the midst of almost universal distrust, by his wonderful self-possession and unparalleled perseverance, he soon rose to the first rank in the army, and in the confidence of the people. He seemed never to misjudge his opportunities, and never failed to win. In civil service he was untried, and it seemed a great risk to place him, at the first step, into the Presidency. But the people were confident of his ability, as they were of his honesty of purpose, and it needs but the passing of a few more years to accord to him a great measure of success in his administration. Not the least wonderful part of his history is that of his travels round the world. Conquerors have often had grand celebrations of their victories in their own capitals, or in a few cities; but no man ever received so much honor as has Gen. Grant. The nations of the whole earth have apparently been striving to see which should do him the greatest honor. After such a continuous ovation in foreign lands, it is no wonder that his first welcome to his own country should be one of unbounded enthusiasm. It is not our province to describe his reception. We will only refer to one incident which, it is said, gave him the greatest pleasure of anything that had transpired. It was his reception by the school children of Oakland. The city of Oakland has been called the city of schools, and also the city of flowers. The school children were arranged in ranks on each side of 14th street, from Broadway to Clay. On reaching this point Gen. Grant left the carriage and walked, first on one side, and back on the other, of the street, so as to pass near to the children. As he passed they showered him with bouquets, till the street was covered with them. Probably never before did any person walk so far on so rich a carpet of flowers. It was a touching and pleasing scene. With his constitution, Gen. Grant may be said to be in the prime of life. As we are very near to "perilous times," we shall not be surprised if he shall be further connected with the history of our nation and government. Many prayers will be offered that the Lord will direct him in such an event. Wickedness abounds, but we are sure the Lord has "a remnant" to serve him, and some of them, we hope, may be found among the prominent men of our own land. But he who searches the heart only knows who they are. God does not see as man sees. In the great day many of the most acceptable decisions of this world will be reversed. We wait, and trust.