The New York Herald Newspaper, August 3, 1870, Page 8

8 . OLD MAN BLAIR, | Interview with the Sage of Silver Springs. Ris Views on Home and Foreign Affairs. THE BUROPKAN WAR RATHER BEWILBERING Possibilities of a New Coalition Agaiust Napoleon. Shances for the Democratic Party at Home. He Thinks Chief Justice Chase an Available Presidential Cuadidate. BRE CHINESE FUZZLE. Wasiuneron, July 30, 1870, You often sce in tie newspapers mention ef “old man Blair,” the sage of Silver Springs, whose homestead is situate only six or seven miles from the national capital. But how few people really know the venerable gentleman— how few cay even distinguish him by sight from the thonsands who daily ride ana drive on the Beventh or Fourteenth street roads, or who pro- menade our stately Pennsylvania avenue! Old Blair, who bas filled such a vast space in the unwritten history of the repoblic; who has been the power behind the throne during many ad- ministrations, commencing with that of Old Hickory and ending (shall fsay it?) with that of the lamented “Old Abe; he whose voice and pen have been so potent in shaping the policy of convent and congres he who was the trusted fr of the indomitable Jackson, and whose counsel was cagerly sought by Lincoln in his most difligult straiis—this veneral states- man and journalist is little known personally to the latest generation of politicians, Jittle seen by the modera habilants of Washington aud little bothered by the correspondents or interviewers of the present day Which latter reflection came to me yesterday and Buggosted the i that it was strauge indeed that the “old man” had not been victimized before by the modern interviewer. “H is an old states- man” thought I,-‘within seven miles of the Henanp Burean whose views on public tepics have not been ventilated for many years. An old states- man, too, whose life has been full of interest—one who, though ripe in years, still retains complete possession of all his faculties—whoso intellect is ax vigorous ex ever, and whose memory may sup- ply many little historical facts that may prove of rare interest to the reader. Why uot interview | him then?” And clearly there was no good rea- non why he should not be interviewed, and there- fore it was that I resolved to harness up my horse and pay the @ father of them ali,” and the soblest Roman of them all, an early morning visit. Accordingly, at eleven o'clock this forenoon L atarted on my interviewing n, driving out the Fourteenth street road past Piney Branch Race Course and through Brightwood into Mont- gomery county, Maryland. A short distance beyond Brightwood~-probably a mile—the estate of Mr. Blair is sitnated, a preity large estate too, but showing no very great attempt at arti- ficial adornment. The entrance is barred by « large, old fashioned country gate, fastened in » quaint style, aud requiring some considerable study on the part of a verdant traveller to undo. | Hucceeding, after some dozen or more efforts, in making the gate xwing open, ! gently led my horse and buggy inside, fastened the gate once more, and then leisurely drove along a very ner- row road in the direction of what aeemed to he the Blair mansion. There was an air of nature about the narrow little road, shaded, as it was, by overhanging that made it preferable to the most elaborately arranged drive contrived by the hand and taste of man. The grounds to the right and left displayed the same absence of artistic horticulture, apparently reflecting the habits and tastes of the simple, plain, unostentatious old gentleman to whom they belonged. And yet there was a substantial look about every thing, an abundance in nature, that also fitly represented the solid old proprietor, of Silver Springs, I boldly commenced operations, tolling the old gentleman the object of my visit—- that Chad comnte get his Meenas the interestin | nee? topics of the day, or, in other words, that red to interview Sim for the readers of the Youn Henanp. The old gentleman, who had resumed his re- eining: position after the salutations, now sat otra: up, and, looking at me with his calm bine perce fore pee or #0, a8 if doub' my ex a ct, commenced to laugh tly, while he remarked :— “Well, sir) 1 don’t know of what coneequel my views on public subjects can be now. Tne mix in public affairs, and I am so old now that wy views, like smyself, may be said to have be- come obsolete. tthe views of a veteran ob- We assured bien the, server like himself, who had enjoyed such facti- ties for studying the inner workings of administra tions and political parties, must always carry with them weight ‘at interest. He answered that he had no objection to giving his views to anybody. He never conceaiid thent and did not wish todo so. KEMINISCUNCKS OF TRE NEW YORK HERALD. Then he glided from the subject to a reference to his early acquaintance with the editor of the HERALD. “I knew Mr. Bennett daring the administration of Jackson, while 1 was editing the G@iove. Mr. Bennett bad a desire to join his fortanes with mine in the Globe enterprise; but I told him two such great men as be and J would be too great a weight for sach a small vexsel as the Globe, and that we might swamp it. T advised him to go to Philadelphia, which he would find to be a Baotia, There he would find # splendid field for his talents and genius. He went there and established a paper, but at one time the weight of Jackson’s administration was, thrown se it and it was crushed. A few years ago when I visited Mr. Bennett, he reminded me of this circumstance and I said to him :—‘li is the best thing that ever ha ed you, you ought to thank General Jackson and me for it; for -was it mot the cause of driving you to New York, where you started the HeraLp and have built up the greatest newspaper enterprise? Now, sir, yea are higher than the highest Senator on earth.’ have followed Mr. Bennett’s course with & great deal of interest, and we have always been good friends, though sometimes he gives me a rap in his aper.”” Running along in this style for a little longer, he askod me on what particular topic I desired his views. J avswered that in the first place I wonid like to know his opinion of TH PRESENT POLITICAL SITUATION. He thought that though it looked somewhat ‘loomy, still there was no reason why the he party at presentin tictako should not be driven out if wisdom prompted the action of the oppo- sition. ‘I have no doubt,” said he, ‘that the Re- party design to Derpataase their power military ig ol mm over the South. oy know that y no other means they their onli y retain bbe It is and they will attempt it unless some dl- ars which will render such @ course un- necessary.” Coxresronvent ~-What diversion could ocenr, Mr. Blair, to cliange what you consider their pre- sent programme? | Mn. Buare—Well, sir, there might be a war. Our government might be drawn into the present Buropean war by complications involving Cuba or San Domingo. Hf papclecn succeeds, it is evi- dent to my mind that old Spain will become a mere appanage of France. And then Napoloon | would feel bound to protect Cuba for Spain. Our | policy is to obtain Cuba in some way, either by pre hase, conquest or naturally by force of events. f Napoleon attempts to exercise sovereignty over the islend it will be # cause of war with our gov- ernment, aud in that way we might become en- gaged in a struggle with France. ‘There are other waysin which we might be drawn into a foreiga war also. Corresponpent—Do you think it would be worth our while to go to war about Cuba? Mr. Buam—Certainly, sir, Cuba and San Dowingo naturally belong to us. They are essen- tial to us in many respects. ButI would not go to war until ever: er method would prove use- less. I would exhaust the arts of negotiation and diplomacy first. We could offer to purchase Cuba from France, and perhaps France would find her- self in a position to sell the island, just as she soid Lothians. to us formerly. France might find it more profitable and agreeable to adopt that mode of settling the question rather than draw upon her the hostility of the United States. THR ISSUES OF THE WAR IN EUROPE. Cornresronpent—Why do you think that Spain will become a mere appendage of France? Mr. Buain——Well, it seems to me that must be the result. If the struggle is contined to France and Prussia, I think France most win, and in that event you see how strong Napoleon will be. He will have udded to his present dominion vastly, and, having crippled Prussia, will not only have prostrated his great rival, but wil) also be in a position to settle the Spanish throne question himself. He will be able to dictate to ‘the Spaniards whom they shall choose as their future ruler. He may do this in such & way as not to wound the pride of the Spaniards, but he will manage it so as to give him a controlling influence in ‘he government, If necessary he would even make # republic of Spain and place somebody in power under the name of President. The manner of doing would matter little so long as he accomplished his object. Connesroxpent—Do you think the war in Eu- rope will pe confined to France and Prussia? ‘ir. Buark—That would depend, I suppose, on circumstances. If Rossia and England saw Napoleon dismembering Prussia im such a way as to endanger the balance of power in’ Europe, 1 suppose they would have to intervene in their own behalf. They could not permit France to become too powerful, and thus allow:themselves to be endan- Say Louis Napoleon, it seems to me, is now io the position of his uncle. He is in danger of «all- ing into existence another coalition—the same as that which occurred to oppose the ainbitious de- signs of hisuncle. The struggle may become one whore mind bad always been a storehouse’ of use- fui facts, light fancy intellectual rubbish finding very scant room iu his capacious brain. A few minutes’ slow driving brought me to the end of the winding road, which terminated ino pretty lawn in front of the Blair mansion, a plain looking, snug, old-fashioned edifice, which bore the same characteristic as everything else I had yet scen—thnt is to say, utility and comfort, rather than showiness. In reply to the question, “Is Mr. Blair, Sr., at home?’ I was told “No; the old gentleman had just gone out for a waik with his son After seven miles’ drive in a hoi snn, for the special purpose of having a talk with the old gentleman, this reply was remarkably cheering, and J was debating mentally whether to await the retarn of the destined victim or to go back to town and make a venture some other day by special appointment, when a lady appeared and politely remarked that Mr. Blair had only gone between Prussia, Russia, and Evgland on the one side and France, Austria, Spain and Italy on the other. The aim of the First Napoleon was to es- tablish the ascendancy of the Latin race in Europe. Louis Napoleon had the same end and declared it in his Mexican expedition. His object was to get a foothold here so as to establish Latin ascendancy on this Continent. His object now, no doubt, is the same with regard to Enrope. He hopes to rajly the South of Europe against the North by religion and race, and thus make his- self the preponderant Power in Europe. The withdrawal of the French troops from Rome is a temptation to Italy to join her forces with those of France. Corxesvonvent—In your opinion, Mr. Blsir,what would be the result of such a struggle + Mr. Bi arr—It is impossible to give an opinion on such a subjeot. The stroggle would be gigan- tic; but the.reault would depend upon too many chances and circumstances to enable any one to foresee it. Connesvonpenr—Do you think England could afford to go to war with the Alabama claims un- settled ? Mr, Buam—She would be obliged to take part in the war. She would keep out of it of course ay long a8 possible through commercial considera- over to his son's residence, a short distance off, where I could find him. The lady volunteered further to act as guide part of the way, and led the way along a shady walk to the celebrated silver spring, after which the Blairs’ place of residence is named. The spring is perhaps the finest for miles around, aud is allowed to be used freely by the people in the vicinity. Its waters are cool, refreshing and healthful, as I found by quaffing two or three cup» briunming ful}. MONTGOMERY BLAIB’S @ESIDENCR and estate lie close by these of his venerable father, Crossing a pretty restic bridge, I was goon within the limits of Judge Biair’s desmesne, and a fw minutes’ walk brought me face to face ‘with the new residence. I say new, because ‘du- sing the rybellion, when Early madeihis raid into Maryland, Wontgomery Blair's old residence was ‘burnt to theground in retaliation for the destrne+ tion of Letcher’s house in Virginia. Mintgomery Blair was they a member of Lincoln’a Cabinet The rebels also visited ‘old n Blair's’ house, but were prevented from injuring it by the,timely arrival of Breckenridge. The Jatter bad\epent gome of his imppiest hours in the old homestead, and would not saffer any of the men to cut so much ae a splimer from it. The present house is a solid brick struc ture, very capacious, and surrounded’ by beautiful erounde. THe INTERVIEW. Ringing the bell and presenting my card tothe , Wrvant who answered, J was the next momens 2 Whered into the presence of the venerable Blair. vy, ¥e old gentleman was reclining on # lounge, but ro; W to receive mo, and welcomed me with the old Bou Whern cordiality Si i eae A, “er the asual observations abont the weather, tions. But she would have to interfere finally to prevent e repetition of Napoleonic ascendancy in Purope. You can see how insignificant England wonld become if Napoleon were to succeed in his ambitious schemes. The defeat of Prassia would, I think, be the signa) for England’s intervention and another Koropean coalition against Franee. These are my views oo the subject, though I have not given very great attention to it. ‘ive these views as they come in the current of thoughte, suggested by your questions, sir, and without hav- ing prepared myself at all. to England, { think, as ! said before, that her iutervention wonld be a necessity, and she would be forced to go in with or without the load of Alabama claime on her back. THE ALABAMA CLAIMS. Corresronpan What is your opinion as to the policy of our govetpment iu regard to the Ala- amna claims ? Mr. Buark—-Well, I suppose we are keeping the Alabama claima in reserve. We are holding them back until the time when England gets into trouble. Conresronpent—Do you approve of that plan, sir? tk, By.atn—No, sir; Ido not. I thivk we ought rge the settlement of those claims at once. It would be more dignified and worthy of the nation. We ought to insist upon the justice of the claims, but consent to submit to arbitration the question of damages. We might rately pi the erbitration of some friendly Power. J would negotiate to that extent, and, that failing, adopt the ultima ratio regum—war. ConnesronpEnt--Retornin, French intervention in the affairs of Cuba, let me ask you, sir, if youthink it likely that Praace would again meddle fo American sffaira after her experience in Nexico? itr, Buam—Yes, sir; 0 think it likely. If the resnit of her muggle with Prussia «hovld strengthen her in\such ® way as to give her savendancy over Goxiouany, Aialy and Spain, ahe might think herself powel enou oO forget Mexico. But it does net follow that she would meddle in such a way as to war with the UI to the subject of tad NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST States or Spain, and by her influence rooure the sale of the iskand to our government, hut if war should follow it would create a diver- sion in our political affairs at home which would render Pr enasaspend the plan of the bi, ogy arty rpetuate its ar military in- Tuence in the Southern Sistem, ¥ « irene the conversation back to the ques- joo DomRaric FOLITIOS, and I endeavored to get the old gentleman to talk ‘more folly on the sul of the next Presidential election. He spoke uy on the subject, and short sketch of his views will be interesting. Coxresronpent—Did I understand you to that you bgt a the democratic or opposition could in the next Presidential cempaign discreet action, in aoe of the. to em- ploy military intimidation over a portion of the country ? 3 Mr. Buarm-—Yea, sir; Tsaid so. T believe that, notwithstanding the vast power in the hande of the republican party, the opposition. if given the a direction and guided by wise counsels, can win, Cornksronpent-—In what way ? What platform would you suggest? Whom would you select tor their candidat Mr. Buarr—I would select a good Union man, one whose record was loyal do the war, and who believed in the old constitution under which our eonntry attained all its prosperity. The old fossil party leaders’ 1 would discard. ‘The condi- date of the opposition ought to be some man like Chase, for instance, who would be acceptable to the true Union men, North and South. But [don’t name auy particular man as the best. It is im- Fina 4 to do so now. The fitners of a candidate jepends — @ great many circumstances, which can only weighed when the time comes for making @ nomination. Aman who might seem most fit and available to-day as a candidate might not suit at all two years hence. As toa platform, Ethink the constitution as it was would be the best that could be adopted. I mean the old con- stitution with slavery extinct. That is the platform which I would advise. Qnr fathers made it, our country flourished and IRE. prosperous under its rovisions, aud it is still ample, in my judgment, for our government and people. There is no doubt that when our fathers framed the old con- stitution their wish was to prevent @ centraliza- tion of power. The republican perty has disre- arded that evident design. They have violated he old constitution. Many of their laws are in conflict with it, like ‘those assuming to regulate the . right of snffrage, taking the subject away from the States entirely, The Fight of suffrage is a matter which clearly be- longs to the States. Each State is entitled to decide for itself who shall vote within its own limits for President of the United Staves, There never was a question on that point. Old Thad Stevens, the leader of the radical party, admitted it himself, and acknowledged they had to go ont- side the constitution, It was never intended that Congress should take that power out of the hands of the States. It was never intended that the power should be usurped by Congress. There can be no substitute for the constitation; we can have no succedaneum for it. The democratic or opposition party onghtto go for the restoration of the old constitution, with some one as a leader who has a constitutional record as @ Union man. In that way they could win against Grant aud all the military influence. 4 don’t think there is weight of character enough in Grant or any other man to resist the mighty popular avalanche which woulil sweep over the country should the opposl- tion party manage their campaign in the manner Lexplain. I told them truth long ago, and Wapied to get Grant to be their candidate. He wae # democrat. I kovw from his record that his feelings were on that side until Congress passed the military bill which made him military dictator over the South and placed in his hands the power to make himself President. Then he went over to the rad- icals. The democrais made the same mistake in the last campaign by nominating a man whose Union record was in doubt. They put the cart before the Horse in making their nominations. saw it immediately and wanted them to let Frank withdraw. They seut him an invitation to make speeches, and I went on to New York and saw ilden. J told him it was no use asking Frank to speak, for Frank would be sure to make speeches in harmony with the letter he had written and the resolutions heeled by the Convention. The re- sult would be that Seymour would make one kind of speech and Blair the opreete, I told Tilden that would not have a beneficial effect, and asked them to allow me to withdraw him from the field, But Tilden and the rest would not consent and Frank remained in the field. Coxresronpent-—Do you think tf Chase or some other good Union man had been nominated in plese of Seymour that the democratic party would ave won the last Presidential contest? Mr. Bram—! think it very probable. chances were favorable. THE CHINESE QUESTION. Cornesronpent—Do you think this Chinese question will enter into the next campaign ? Mr. Buair—No, sir; I think not. trot this Chinese puzzle (smiling) as settled. ‘The republi- can party in settling it have given up their cardi- nal principle—the natural equality of man. Even Sumner, the great doctrinaire, has abandoned his great doctrine. The Chinaman is sacrificed to the negro. ‘The Chinaman bas been denied equal political rights. Therefore I take it the Chinese question will not enter into the canvass. Corxesronpent--What is your opinion of the introduction of the Chinese element into the country? Mr. Buain-—Well, sir, 1 think our race—that is, the Caucasian—is the superior, and that it will alwayshave power to assert its superiority over the inferior. I don’t think that we have mach to fear from them. But at the same time I regard these commnixtares of races as demoralizing. In @ pecuniary aspect the Chinese may be au advan- tage, but in a social aspect the question is of vast import to the country. If the Chinese come here in such numbers and intermix with our own race, the tendency might be to undermine the ver foundation of our sovial structure. Butl thin that tendency would be overcome by the natural course of events. Our race is the only one that has ever shown itself able to sustain a free gov- ernment, The Asiatics and Africans never have. Our superiority is so great that in the course of ime these inferior people would melt away and disappear like snow before the solar rays. It isa natural process and inevitable. The Caucasian is the only one fit to rule and able to support institutions. HISTORICAL INCIDENT OF THY KEBELLION, Having thus drawn out Mr. Blair on most of the subjects of public interest, and fearing to tire the old gentleman py an over-long interview, I ap- proached another subject and the last one upon h Lintended to ask his view in 1864 or T forget which—Mr. Blair was invited by President Lincoln to proceed to Richmond and ‘have an interview with Jeff Davis and the other leading men of the Confederacy. The object was to propose terms for the settlement of the contest without the cxpenditure of further blood and treasure. Mr. Blair drew up a long paper, which was shown to President Lincoln and also to Jeff Davis. The contents of that paps made known. Lasked Mr. if he would allow mo to see that paper, or give some account of its contents. Mr. Blair said he would gladly. give. it out, and knew of no objection to its publication per se. But the paper wasa contidential dovu- ment, and he did not feel that he would be doing right in‘ either suppiying a copy of i or divulging its contents. He stated that Alexander H. Stephens had also applied to him for the paper, but that he had been obliged to refuse him also. Satisfied that the old gentleman’s resolution could not be shaken on the subject, I thanked him for his kindness and indulgeuce, and rose tu take my departure. rved at the same time that J thought J had obtained his views on many impor- tant subjects. He said langhingly that he thought Thad, and that he feared I had obtained too much of his views, He was afraid, he said, that he had pot himself in the position of the Kentacky justice of the peace. And thereupon Mr. Blair proceeded to tell an anecdote about Lem Young, a verdant fellow, who was appointed nstice of sthe peace in some part of Kentucky. m was hig with the importance of his office, and when he came to swear the first witness thought it necessary to wake an addition to the customary oath. therefore, said to the wit- ness, looking at sulemnly, ‘You solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give in this case shall be the truth, the whole truth and more than the truth, so heip you God!” Mr. Blair followed np the anecdote by observ- ing that perhaps he had said wore than he ought to have said in giving his views. RURAL FELIITY. Shortly after I elated leave, and on the way back, I met the same lady again whe bad pointed out the road to Jndge Blair’s bonse. Mme. Blair, the mother of them all, a stately old ef of seventy summers, was in company with our lady conductor, and greeted me pleasantly. I learned many interesting facts aboot old Mr. and Mrs. Blair. Every morning before breakfast the old gentleman —now in his eightieth year- rides ten miles. After breakfast he takes 4 long walk with some member of his family, and in the evening, about five o’clock, he and Mrs. Blair take ® ride together on horseback. A happier old couple perhaps was never sean. Theirs was a Jove match, which has endured unto the winter of life, As wae remarked to me before I made this Mes) the happy union of Ar. and Mra. Blair ip a good argument iv favor of love matches aad dngtrimony. The have never been 1870.—TRIPLE SHEET, OUR RIVER FRONTS. Inspection by the Department of Public Docks. Generat. McClellan. in His Element. werner What the Public Officials Think of the Rall, Feness and Rotten Logs Along the ‘East River—-A View of Hell Gate and. Its Obstructions. The Commissioners of the Departinent of Pubho. Docks chartered the steamer William Fletcher yes- terday for a tour of mapection, aud that feet vessel steamed away from pier 28 Hast river on @ trip to- ward the northern part of the isiand, having General George B. McClellan on board. ‘The importance of ‘this tour can hardly be over estimated, and is one of & series which the Commissioners have been making in order © thoroughly understand the water front accommodations of the city. It is now years since the rickety and dilapidated condition of the WHARVES AND PIERS bas been before the community, and it 18 only now that there are any evidences that the isi and will be rendered sightly along the bulknead Ine, and ‘worthy of @ magnificent harbor in marine-accom- modatious and ali the appliances that must necensa- rily attend ocean commerce. With # wise and libe- ral spirit consonant with the spirit of the act by which tae Gepartuneat has life aud function the Commissioners baye determivea upon a thorougn reformavon, upyp plags which shal! be inioilgent, comprebensive apd substantial, and avon OUTLAYS OF MONRY which, while showmg @ discreet expenditure, will not symbolize a mean economy, In previous sar- veys of the kind made yesterday they saw and lamented the decayed, rotten avd disgraceful snags and ends, presenting soch hideous eyesores to those even who cross on board the ferryboais; and to bring the measures that may be taken to a prace tical and fapullar acquaintance to each com missioner {s the object of the frequent trips. ‘The Importance of the occasion yesterday was, of course, the presence of Generai McClellan, who, with & vast experience drawn from extended travel and accu- rate observation in Europe, brings to his high office & knowledge that amounts lo somethiug more than a mere compendium from books. GBNEKAL MCLELLAN, be it known, graduated at West Point, among the “stars” of his class, achieving high distinction as an engincer, to wiich as been adding through- out his subsequent care Abroad his studies were of such @ character that they made him familiar with the leading works of cngincering in Burope, and, with a mind adapted vw his investigations, he came home laden with golden fruit, which will re- dound to the development and Wealth of the city. It Was then looked upon as siguificant that General McClellan stiould accompany the Commissioners yesterday, though in fact it was a business trip, Inerely to'make 4 cursory examination on the Eust river shore, PRECISELY AT TWO O'CLOCK P.M. the Fletcher steamed out from pier 28, with the fol- lowing gentlemen on board:—Mr. Joun'T. Agnew, Mr. Wuson G. Bunt, Mr. Hugh Smith, Mr, William Wood, Mr. Richard M. Henry, General rye B. McClellan, chief engineer, General James Mechai, apsistani eer. General Mechan was a member of General MecClel- lan’s staf during the war, and later, was on the United States Coast Survey and was associated with General Newton in surveys of Sandy Hook and in many different official enterprises, having for their object the preservation aud enlargement of New York Harbor. For ‘his reason he bas been chosen to assist his distinguisned chief. The Fletcher, Captain Lumons, proceeded up the river, and as the rotten and ugly remains, miscalled piers, came under observation and discussion, Gen- eral McClellan smiled and thought he was in the Far West indian country, fighting among raii fences and wormeaten 1¢ The Commissioners referred to the disgraceful spectacie in the true spirit, ana Bot @ few jokes were passed upon the dock conveniences along one shore of, 12 many respects, THE FINES! SHELTERED RIVER IN THE WORLD. 1t was, mdecd, someting to deplore. for niles nothing but the same scene, one continuous mass of wooden débria, with here and there a little sys- but only enougn to insure safety to man and beast. In one piace you could perceive the ravages of a derce storm; in another the ac- commodatng spirit of offal dumpers and manure depositors. There was an elevation of filth, then a depression of tasty, ° stagnant stagnant, fonl and stinking with animal and vege. table corruption. Heaps of sand, dirt, alluvial de- posits, soil of every description, masses of roagh, unhewn rock and agglomerations of almost posiuve impossipilties greeted the eyes of the calm commis- sioners. Il was in Viewing Such a scene of she ¢1 y's nomenpers apd negiect tat the Board looked to work on A CAPITAL OF $3,000,000, set apart by the Legislature for improvements of the docks, with anticipations of delight. And it may be @ comfort for the community to know that improve- ments are to proceed forthwith. No fear need be en- tertained of venality. Froin the President down the members of toe Board are reputable, worthy and of high standing, Naving but one care, ithe rescue of commerce, the unprovement of the barbor aud the timely preservation of many natural advan Passing the yacit Cambria on the dock, having her bottom eecreped, the steamer sped on to Thirty- fourth street, by the dirt and manure mountains, past the blufly shores about Eighty-sixth street aud toward Hariem. Hell Gate was made at three O'clock. Here could be xee0 Mill Kock, with the 5t. Onarles Hotel; Lrttie Mili Kock, with its powder magazine, and Fld Rock. In the distance, be- tween the two latter, was the dangerous Mill Keef, au ugiy and treacherous accumulwtion of granite gneiss, entirely submerged at flood tide, yet showihg # Succession OF EDDIES, WHIRLPOOLS AND DANCING RIPPLES above iis sharp, projeciiug and numerous suinmits, ‘'Yhis obstruction is one of the foulcst in the river. Situated at 4 point where there might be a fine, decp channel, itnow fornis a reguiar Impunsable blockade, forbitding navigation to any kind of craft. 'To remove and destroy it will be one of the most important oMces of General Newton and bis force. Mull Kock comes next, then Little Mil. These two upheavals are barriers that demand ganpowder and glycerine without benefit of clergy; and they wiilhave both, Passing on the sceamer leit Little Heli Gate, Ra dall’s and Ward’s Islands tn the rear, at ihe same Lime passing tie mouth of the Kills. Tne landscape along the route was a scene of LIVING BBAUTY, soft, balmy ond deep green, and the day was noth- ing less than super). At Harlem orders were given to turn the Fletcher down the stream, and she now steers for Hallett’s Point. Arriving at the pier the commissioners and engiweert discmbarked and re- lived fo view Like mamiaoth excavating operations going on about Havers Pout, by which Genera! Newton aud dis force are engaged in destroying one of the worst ftmpediments to commerce near the Atlantic sezboard, under an appropriation by Congress of $250,000. ‘The work 1s far advaty A deep pit or shaft, us it ts called, seventy-five feet long, sixty Wide and thirty deep, has oeen e: vated through Nard and fiaty stratiicauons of ob- stipate granite, ane im Unis pit the men are engaged in drilling and blasting. The pit 18 on a point of land pusling to westward into tbe channel.” It pro- pols OUL Into the stream like AN INCOMPLETED DAM, and here 18 aswift current, running ten miles an hour at food tide. The object ts to destroy the rapid flow, to get rid or the rocks out im the channel, known as Frying Pan, Hog’s Back and Way's Reef, and thus to give a viear gateway to commerce. These objects are being rapidiy attained Tunnels are being pushed out into the river like radii, and two feet below the river's bed, thus pre- venting leakage or osher dupgerous or aunoying iin- pedunents. ‘These tunnels are to be connected jaterally by galleries in civeular form, three In num- ber, and thirty feet between the arcs, This tbe sub- iwarine Sold Will be broken Lito # honeycomb, to be thoroughly mined with inflammable and powerful agents witch will at ONE GRAND GENERAL EXPLOSION depress the entire obstructions into the cavity pre- viously excavated below, leaving an open and broad channel. other Words, when a farmer has a pn, boulder on his farm and he wishes to barrow it, he simply digs a cave below It, springs @ trap, and lets the monsier fali. This ts all there ts to General Newton’s operations, as any sluapleton can see. Already 7,000 cubic yards of rock have been taken oui of the pit, aud the men are working Uke Leavers, night and day. A cupoia stam scow is on band, consisting of a frame, with A LARGY JHON CHAMBER im the centre, which latier is submerged, pumped out and the men can work inside and attack the rock {rom the surface, {tis sort of coffer diam, and looks queer. Steam engtues are used ior progress under ground and everything is going on well. Two handred and fifty thousand dollars are appropriated. General McClellan examined the plans and was pleased. He will co-operate with General Newton. ‘The only interest that the Department of Docks has in these operations is in the manner seee affect, the flow of water. If they opeu the chaunel water will pass freely to Sandy Hook, and the continual deposits of sand on the bar will lessen, and the harbor will suffer ao serious encroachments. Jt is here the main polnt lies. The opinion was that the removal of the rocks would establish such 4 liquid equilibrium as would secure the object desired. BALADS, ICES AND BALMON, A nngad ine daticacian were on ihe post when ee she moored at Hallett’s Point, but before she returned fsuenotea in several stomachs, ‘to the city they were ge" ‘The Fletober came down af five P. M., after a fruit- ful and pleasant trip. POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE. Irish Repablican Third Assombly District. A special meeting of the Irish Republican As- sociation of the Third Assembly district was held Jast evening at the headquarters, No. 375 Broome street, for the parpose of reorganizing. Proceed- ings were commenced by the election of the fol- lowing officers :—-President, Captain Robert Laf- fon; Secretary, Thomas F. Geary, and ‘Treasurer, James, Dennin. Three delegates were then elected to the Central Committee, which meets at Maxonic Hall, Thireenth street, next Thursday evening. The gentlemen to serve in this capacity are i. A. Willoughby, Robert McManus and Dennis Burns. ‘The association numbers between fifty and sixty members, and is ‘wo! assiduously in the Third Assembly dis- trict to sustain the regular republican organiza- tion, of which Ji Haggerty is Presi- dent. The offic of the club profess to have no affinity with either the radical or conser- vative faction, and are using their best endeavors to establish in this city an amalgamated organiza- tion of republicans similar to Tammany Hall, with the Union ue Club ag the mainspring of the movemen' ¢ fall campaign is to be vigorously prosecuted, and more co-operation between the Tival brancbes will mark the elections. A New Political Orgavization. A new political organization bas been effected in the Twenty-first ward under the title of the Richard Croker Association, At a meeting held last evening in their new club house, Thirty-first street, near Fourth avenue, the fhilowing gen- tlemen were elected officers:—Dr. 0,5. Paine, President; George Mulligan, Vice President; Alex- ander Moran, Secretary; William Saur, Treasurer, and Samuel Warren, Corresponding Secretary. The Croker Associntion. {From the Evening Telegram, August 2.) It is only within the past ten years that our up town residents have had a voice in the manage- ment of municipal affairs. Prior to that time the down town wards not only fixed up all political affairs pertaining to the city, but likewise ruled the entire county. Since then, however, things political have undergone a great change in the metropolis—the tables are turned and the up town wards have now the controlling voice in all matters relating to the government both of the city and county. This transition of political power is attributable, in no small measure, to the influence in certain localities of political coterles and social organizations, such as the Tweed Asso- ciation, the Connolly Association, the Shandiey Association, and a host of others of a like ilk. The latest but by no means the least powerful of these politico-social organizations is the Croker Association, of the Twenty-first ward. This club is named after ex-Alderman Kichard Croker, who, on two separate occasions was elected by the citizens of the Twenty-first ward to represent them in the Board Aldermen, and, although but just organized, the club already counts among its members some of the most respected and influential citizens of that section of-the city. We may here be permit- ted to remark that Alderman Croker is one of “ the rank and file,” a workingman in the strictest sense of the word, and that he is one of the most popular men iu his ward. The now club has established Its headquarters at 103 East Thirty- firat street, where it occupies one of the neatest little club houses that can be found on the islaud. The house is handsomely furnished throughout, and possesses an air of comfort and elegance, yo smacking either of gaudiness or ostenta- ion. Ata meeting of the club, held on Monday even- ing, the following officers were elected for the en- suing year:—Dr. 0.8. Paine, President; George Mulligan, Vice President; Wm. Sauer, Teasurer; Alexander Moran, Recording Secretary, and ffamuel Warren, Corresponding Secretary. A committee, consisting of 8. Warren, G. Mulligan and P. McDavitt, were appointed to draft a con- stitution and bylaws for the government of the association. Mr. Wm. O’Rourke and Mr. Michael Deviney were appointed a committee to report on the standing of candidates for membership. The club at present is ina very Seas, condition and bids fair to become at no distant day a power in ‘the old Twenty-first.” * The Capital Removing Convention in Cinciue mati. [From the Cincinnati Chronicle, July 30.) It is already well known to our citizens that the advocates of @ removal of the nationai capital, through the Executive Committee appointed by the St. Louis Convention last October, have called aconvention to meet in this city on the 26th ot October next. The convention is to be composed of three delegates from each Congressional district that chooses to be represented, six at large from each State, and three from the District of Columbia, to be ap- pointed by the State and Territorial Executives or by conventions in case of their failure to act. Mr. L. U. Reavis, who has this matter especially in charge, visited our city to-day in order to make arrangements for the convention, and rented Pike’s Music Hall for the occasion. Wow far he has succeeded in kindling the zeal of our citizens in the cause he has 50 much at heart we will not undertake to say. Itis certain that he fonnd no large amount of enthusiasm on the subject to be- gin with. It has received comparatively little at- tention among our people, who will, nevertheless, give the convention a hospitable welcome, an ossibly be roused by it to a more serious interest in the movement. Political Notes and Commeutn. Ex-Postmaster General Randall, whose resi- dence is in Elmira, this State, is spoken of as the democratic candidate for Congress from that dis- trict. Tho district is largely republican, but the present incumbent, Hamilton Ward, has inade himself very unpopular; and, if renominatea, his re-election is considered doubtful. The Atlanta Georgian saye:—There is a colored member of the Legislature who openly declares that if a colored man were to go into his county and advocate conservative doctrines he would never get out of that county alive-—the negroes would kill bis.” The Charleston ews says, the renomination of Governor Scott for Governor of South Carolina by the radicals “solidifies the ranks of reform while fannting the banners of trickery and vice in the face of an indignant people.’ ‘‘Solidified re- form” is a good idea. The conservatives had bet- tor “freeze to ii.” W. C. Whitthorne, of Maury, is announced, “by authority,” as a candidate for Congress from the Tennessee Sixth district. ‘Thomas M. Jones withdrawe from a canvass for Chancellor in Giles, Tenn., hecause a bill in Con- gress to remove his disabilities failed. The renomination of Dennis Macarthy as tie republican candidate for Congress from the New York Twenty-third district is strongly opposed by the Syracuse Journal, republican organ. The following is a copy of letter from H. H. Helper, announcing bis withdrawal as a candidate for Congress from the North Carolina Sixth dis- trict:—The pigheaded radicals of Salisbury hay- ing nomiuated one of their number for Congress, insures my defeat as an independent candidate beyond peradventure, and at the same time jeo- pardizes the success of Intelligence as against ignorance and stupidity. In this emergency it be- comes my duty as a patriotic citizen to withdraw from any farther pasticipstion in the canvass on my own behalf. The Opelika (Ga.) Recorder says, at a recent radical meeting, ‘it is reported that Colonel Pennington startled some of the darkies by a speeob, in which he told them that he wanted to “swap some of them off for some of the whites.’”” The darkies didn’t like the trade. ‘The Sixth Congressional district of Ohio, which the republicans carried two years ago by 343 ma- Jority, is likely to be lost through division in the republican ranks. Hon. John.A. Smith, of Hills- boro, has been nominated for re-election; but an Active minority has bolted in foxor of Dewitt 0. London, of Gaoraetown. of *| THE MERRICK ENCAMPMENT, Large Gathering of Methodists at Merrick Yess terday—Description of the Grounds ~ Good Prospect of an Orderly and Beneficial Session. Probably in no section of thls State can mere B@ found a more siinplé, honest and deserving people than on Long Island. With them everything that Savors of Christianity is laudable and mn nO matter what may be the hiaden motives’ oF atrase ideas. To cheat, im the common acceptation of the Word, 1s to be cast out of the pure fold forever, while when cheated they are all forgiveness and mercy. They are certainly deserving ‘bf every en- comium that can be appropriately attrinu ime dustrious people und ¢o-laborers. in one eommor feld—tnat of disseminating Ohristian trutha. Td say that they do not inherit the trae spirit of Onris! tianity would be utiering @ deliberate falsehood, pros vided their demeanor yesterday. be taken ag gemeray evidence. ‘ Karly iu the moraing those of the Wesleyan pér- suasion residiug im the vicinity began to assemble on the grounds, and as the time drew nigh for arrival of the morning walns from New, 1 og hal ‘Was bustie and confusion, as there were sent old frieuds and. new faces, prominent divines, and characteristic oid preactiers, The ride from this city to Merrick consumed about two hours, and when the peop:e alighted at the station carriage@ Were in readiness to recelve'and convey thém to the grounds, about one mule distant, exacting for theif ‘Bervices only the stall sum of fifteen cents, THE CAMPING GROUND. ‘The grounds lie to the northeast of the railroad, comprising sixty-five acres of level woodland, the out so as to afford beautiful ys of the sun yet at the mane tig adarding ample scope sor carriage riding, Within mile and a haif of the grove is the Great South Bay, where can be found exeelient bathing, buattag and fishing, a feature which will attract many 101 jous people to this spot during the session. "I'he as was stated in yesverday’s HERALD, is i a shape and the vents and summer houses ate in peng giao g ie @ distance: far yond the vision of the eye. Congregations ‘the principal churches m Brooklyn and witness burg have reserved plots, on which 18 erected fro! ten to twenty '¢ jor family use and a lal ten! for prayer meetings. ‘The congregations of all Methodist churches on ihe east end of the have also a number of tents reserved which they will ogcupy before the close of the session, THE PREACHERS’ STAND qn 18a model one, it is situated nearly tn the” eentra of the land, surrounded by the tents, {thas @ fancy roof, with a bell tower, It 1s well lighted with hanging ianterns, painted bine, and when illu. minated casts @ delicate purple hue over Lhe assem- blage as they recline gently in the tmmediate vicinity, There is a neat itue pulpit, which sul ports a Bible of nearly naif its size, and from @ word of God, through bis sanctlied, mission- aries, flows 11 FLUENT AND PERSUASIVE TONES. ‘The attendance yesterday was much jarger than the managers expevied, and all day long about one hundred men were busy erecting tenteJor use of those who caine thus early. Presiding Elder win was early ob (he ground imparting umtormation tu a small array of interested inquirers. | It 18 his in- tention that everything shall conducted with strict propriety. Ab six i the mornmg meet ing will be heid in the various tents, at eight a gen- eral assemblage jor prayer and ut Ball-past eget ing and preaching. There will be no andy iD. No carriage» wil! be allowed on the ground, but foot ngers Will be admitted, proaing, ine’, conduct PNeutsetves properly. The Sanitary Police of Brook- lyn are in charge of the grounds, Mr, Merwin tection iroi te r it would be indiscreet to have a Sunday train, fo the reason that It, would interfere with: tions in the cities aud would bring numbers of row- dies to the place. li is not so nine to make moncy as to ao that this manner of meeting was established, ant there can be no doubt that this annual communi of strange peopc frou all parts of the isiand wi fully satisfy THR IDEAL NOTIONS OF THE ORGANIZERS. Even yesterday, though many were strangers, seemed to be acquainted, and for once the rule etiquette was laid aside. ‘rhus it continved during the day, and had the couple of thousand who were resent hoen neighbors for ra they could not have M more friendly or soctable, Last evening services were held, and N RLOQUENT SERMON preached by Dr. Adams, of the Centra! Methodist Williamsburg. ‘The Episcopal church , an- nouncement «during the morning that thia learned divine would inaugurate the exer. cises induced many w remain for the uight, nearly every seat was occupied, while here’ there through the grove, within hearing dist were groups of imen, who now and then looked at each Giher significantly and then at the pi admiringly. Ali sermon the benediction bee | prononnced, and, contented and happy. all to their tents, it 18 to be regrettea that some impostors have found their way (vu this place, and yesterday: un- posed on the boarding master, Mr. Titus, by re- senting themselves as members of the pres. Bnd of theia refused to pay for his dinner, saying Be. 16 was all right, as he was @ representative of the ludes cottages are to bé Associated Press, When the meeting con erected on the grounds, which will be rentedgor' subject to the ground lease. It 1s intended to mak@ ita place of summer resort for retigious famihes, and the matertai for a horse railroad to the ‘beach has been purchased. ‘The scene yesterday was very, imposing, and will be even more so, as in a di: ik two everything will be satisfactorily ‘arranged ki 3 the people settied. BURGLABS AND ROBBERS IN TRINTON, The City atthe Mercy of a Gang of Thiever= Desperate ounter With a Burglar—The Slungshot iv Use. About three o'clock yesterday morning Mra. Hill, the wife of Mr, Wailace Hill, of Trenton, N. J., Was awakened by a nolse of footsteps. The lady immedi. ately aroused ber husband, who, on entering the hall Way, saw that the gas was Ughting the floor below him. Ondescending the stairway the light was sud- denly extinguished and he immediateiy suspected that there were burglars im the house. He ha struck a match and iit tie gas, and then commen a thorough searcn of the premises, Opening the door of the bathroom, he was grappled by # strange man, and a desperate scuifle ensued. Mr. Hill sno- ceeded in Knocking the fellow down, whcréapon the scoundrel drew u revolver and snapped it three times in his face, nut fortunately without any eflect. The rascal t.en struck Mr. Hill with a sl ot, © Which £0 disabled the Jatter that he loosened hi hold, when the desperado sprang fo his feet and made his exit, ‘The villain 1s still at large. About dusk on Monday evening, a3 a man from Bucks county named Wi Ells, yas pass- ing along sta! , Trenton, N, J., on his way to Une depot, he wis jomed by @ stranger, who, On pro- eding @ short distance beyond the bridge, drew a siungsnot and knocked Mr. Klis senseless on the sldewaik. He then rifled lis pocket of a gold watch anda small suin of woney and made his escape. Yesterday inornmy Mr. iis appeared bvetore the Mayor, with his Ice and head shockingly disfigured. ‘There 1s hardly « week passes that a robbery or a burglary ts not co;mmitied at Trenton, and mn’ every instance the villains Manage to effect their . It is supposed that a gang of burglars reside in the city, but tins far the police have heen unable to ob- tain any cine that would lead to the detection of the scoundrels, On Monday lust tie late members of Walching En- gine Company, of Orange, N, J., started.on thelr an- nual picnic to Harmson’s Wood, a delightful, spot Just beyond the town limits, at the base of the Orange Mountain, but, instead of conducting themselves like gentiemen, acted, as alleged, like # parcel of rowdies, and indulged in excessive drink- ing, fighting, squabbiing and jolous = de. monstrations throughout the day, and In the cone after returning to oe continued brawis. At the picnic grounds, desperate rencontre, a young man named Thomas Casey Was beaten In a manner said to be inhuman, He was struck repeatedly with a eepirte trumpet m the hands, as alleged, of Pat- ick Malagar, late jorcman of the company. No ar- rests were mude. fact, the police were left out im the cold on this ovcasion, contrary to usage. In this connection it may be stated that the trouble between the firemen and the town Council is en- tirely ended. ‘A piace for a jail and police court haa been selected elsewhere than over the enine house, and the {niliatory steps have been taken looking to the organization of a new department, INCENDIARY FIRE AT BLOOMFIELD, KJ. ‘The handsome and extensive barn of Dr. A. W. McDowell, at Bloomfield, was destroyed by fre on Monday, it 14 believed, by the malicious action of some young blackguards who had become jealous of the prosperity of an ex-comrade, who had been snatched like a brand irom the burning by the doo- tor’s wife some time ago, The detectives are on their track. The tose will not exceed $1,600—partly insured, There was vut little stock in the barn FIRE W THE WOODS. Yesterday afternoon an extensive fire broke out in the woods near Eastport, L. I. The fire originated through the carelessness of some farmors who were burning over some newly cleared land. As the fire isin the extensive pineries of the island, aux the wind was favorable lor an extensive conflagration, it is feared that (he loss may be hoavy. At they latent sceoupts tbe Mre was mall Dorninw.