The New York Herald Newspaper, August 23, 1873, Page 3

» Om the body politic of our country. PRINCIPIIS OBSTA. Mature Thoughts on Ambition and Centralization. Casarism from a Retrospective Point of Fourscore Years of Political Faith. + FRANCIS P. BLAIR, SR. An Aristocracy of Bankers and Corporation Nobles. ~ etree acer recent Aspirations of the Martyr President. “BY THAT SIN FELL THE ANGELS,” 4) Thoughts of Franeis P. Blair, Sr. WASHINGTON, August 21, 1873, An hour’s riae over @ dirt road brought me to the suburbs of the district, Just beyond is the estate of the venerable Francis P. Blair, with the musical name of Silver Springs to make the locality more attractive. The driver of the venicle said he had been driving to this place for twenty years, and knew every nook and corner of this part of old Maryland, Passing leisurely up the circuitous road teading to the mansion, the prominent part the Blair family had played on the political Stage in Washington was the subject ef reflection, The elder Blair is now EIGHTY-PIVE YEARS OF AGE, and in many respects one of the most remarkable men of the time. A politician, who dates his career as far back as 1812, knows something of the institu- tions of his country, particularly as in the case of the elder Blair, the father of Montgomery and Frank, whose main strength was in his control of the leading organ of the democracy here for many years. I know of but one man living whose memory reaches over so active a career as that of Mr. Blair, and that is old Duif Green. Blair was Jackson’s confidential adviser and held the estecm of the President, continuing to enjoy friendly relations with successive administrations until Polk came tm, when Mr, Blair retired to his pleasant farm, constantly visited by his old democratic allies, Even during Lincoln’s and Johnson’s terms the Blair family were in the ascendency, but WITH THE ELECTION OF GRANT AND COLFAX came the«defeat of General Frank Blair, and there & period marks the full stop of the family so far as intimacy and influence with the reigning adminis- tration are concerned. ‘The carriage halted in front of an ancient brick structure, with broad flagways and a granite porch of no mean proportions. The colored servant received my card and a moment after I was seated in front of the Sage of Silver Springs, who put aside his book, removed his spectacles and ex- tended his long, bony hand, shriveliead with age and almost lifeless, The reception room bore traces of the old days of democracy, Old Hickory’s portrait dividing honor with his democratic peer, Thomas Jefferson; but, somehow, I failed to discover the face of An@y Johnson. The eye of Mr. Blair still holds its lustre, while his gaunt figure and furrowed features perpetu- ally remind you of his old age. His hearing, too, 18 somewhat bad, and it was with no little effort that I discovered the right pitch of voice to tarry on’a conversation. His answers seemed more like whisperings from the tomb of the past than the audible sounds of a living man whose memory is still as vigorous as it was thirty years ago. Having explained the purpose of my visit, I led off as foilows:— CORRESPONDENT—I have called, Mr. Blair, at the request of Mr. Bennett, to talk over the political situation, and to learn (rom you what your yiews gre on THE TENDENCIES OF THE TIME. Mr. BLAIR—You are welcome. If you will be patient with me, as Iam very old and cannot talk as fast as you stenographers write, I willbe glad to converse on the subject. My mind acts slowly. CORRRSPONDENT—Do you get the HERALD, and what do you think of its articles on Cesarism? Mr. BLaIR—I cannot read much, but 1 see the HERALD occasionally, and have noticed the warm agitation that is going on about a third term fer General Grant. It struck me at first the agitation or discussion of the subject was .unneccssary, but 1 don’t know it will do any harm, What brought it about? CORRESPONDENT—Mr. Bennett, who is an acute thinker and always on the alert for a topic of na- tional interest, first developed the subject several weeks ago, and that he has not mistaken the sen- timent of the people of the country the notce taken of the subject and the commendations from all but the administration journals show that he Was right, At least that approbation ts given to the HERALD’s course, Mr. BLaik—I do not quite understand you. You the HERALD is commended for its sagacity in js respect. CORRESPONDENT—If you should read the editorial comments of the old democratic papers through- out the country you would come to the same con- clusion, 1 tnink. Mr. BLain—What do the republican papers say about it? CORRESPONDENT—They ridicule the idea of any- thing like Cxsarism ever entering into our gov- ernment, but are divided abuut the third term question, ‘ u Mr. BLarr—Now I get the idea, The republicans @re afraid of theiridol, Well they may be, orl mistake in my judgment the character of the American ople. J have no doubt Grant would like to be President all hislife. He has nothing else todo. But things have come to a pretty pass if aman isto be perpetuated in office merely to give him employment. I suppose, too, his party would be glad to Keep him in the White House. By and by I will teil jou why I think this term will end Reneral Grant’s career as a President. I read the other day the platform adopted at the Columbus Convention, Ohio, on the nomination of the State ticket. 1 have not seen this many a year go much to gratify me as the tenor of the resolu- tions adopted on that occasion, They brought back pleasant recollections, and I said to myself, if these principles are adopted by the democracy all Over the country three years hence will flad the democratic party perfectly restored and able to give battle to the ruling army of republican polt- -ticians, The good old days of Jetferson’s admints- tration were revived in my memory, and it seemed to me the NER, LONG HID) imbedded in his time were sprouting forth. And ‘that leads me to another matter. ‘The republican party, now twelve years in power, has become arrogant, Its basis 1s not principle. Wealth, cor- ee monopolies, banking institutions—yes, he national banking system, speculation and greed for money as well as office are all that are left of that party. It has grown up like a hothouse piant, Flenly manured, but possessing no inherent vitality. It A SORT OF FUNGI Yeu know ‘what the fate of such a growth as this must be. CoRRESPONDENT—And that is where the HERALD has taken hold of the subject. Do these monop- Olists, these ctors of our banking system, our stock brokers and heavy bn gary Want fo e their business LU in turmeil by political changes, legislation affecting their interests and a thousand Sse srgaeT hight Suse as cies asi change in the nis: tration of affairs ? ig Mr. BLAIR—I see you mean that money can still Keep this party in power and retain Grant at ite head. Well, now let us talk about Grant and the third term. It will fit here. 1 never underesti- mated the man. He has a great deai more talent than he gets credit for. He is eudowed with THAT UNKNOWN QUANTITY CALLED COMMON SENSE. | bankers, h Hie is very quick in hts perceptions, a goou judge of men, as well as horses, looks at circumstances, weighs everything carefully, and when his mind is once confirmed in his deductions he acts as dect- sively and successfully a8 any man I ever knew in ali my ‘ong experience among publicmen. He is superior to his party—much better than his party in every respect. Now I do not rémember of ever having heard in my journalistic days of @ third term movement; but [ know that MR, LINCOLN WANTED 4 THIRD TERM, Shortly after his re-election the subject was quietly talked over among his most intimate friends. Mrs. Lancoia relished the idea, spoke of it frequently to those she thought she could confide in, and Mr. Lincoln himself was pleased at the sug- tion, Perhaps it had @ reasonable basis in his case; but we will see. The first term of office had been the most trying a President ever endured. Mis second term, to which he was as- sioned ip the November election of 1864, promised NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 1873—TRIPLE SHEET. tittle rest. ‘The war was nearly over, and the diso: seceded States had to be fitted again into the confederation—I mean the federal Union. The suggestion oar em came happily to Mr, Lincoln, who ho} enjoy the last iour years, with the peaceful honors 01 bis Pietecessara vo crown his reurement to private iife. There was something more, MR. LINCOLN’S AMBITION was, to see if he could not execute the duties of his office without the aid of Mr. Seward or Mr. Stan- ton, They et 4 all the authority, dictated what should done (though Mr. Lincoln only regarded their views as far as he thought proper), and, in fact, constituted them#elves the executors of the government, If became a serious question, ~~ mnst know, with Mr. Lin- coin, whether the stability’ of tae American government acti depended upon these two men, and he wanted totest that point. He thought @ nation that could stand the vigorous onslaught of halt her people, survive the blow, and resume her wonted tranquillity, was not Wholly dependent on the heads of the State and the War Department, and it was Mr. Lincoln’s purpose to eliminate them and call about him advisers, and not dictators. CORRESPONDENT—Let me interrupt you a moment, Mr. Blair, Senator Cameron alluded to this fact’ in @recent interview with a HERALD correspondent at Bedford Springs, Mr. BLaik—I have told you what Iknow. That was Mr. Lincoln’s situation. Grant’s ix just the opposite, and there, perhaps, is the danger your Péchle in New Xork have appreyenged. J declare subject is more important wan i at first au, pout. erhaps there is danger in the ambition Of mai Who thinks be has become a necesai ity, and that is what I begin to understand is ‘the object of the discussion. itt So leng as the people are immersed in business and are content with the course ef things they will get used to most any encreachment on our civil rights. It is go long since the democracy had a Voice in the administration of affaira that 1 do not wonder its enenfies sometimes say it is dead. What is there to give life toa party if it depends upon money and oftice-holders, or greed for gain and power? It takes expectation to make excitemen to arofise the masses to united effort. As | tol you in -the frst part of our conversation, I have great confidence in the restoration of the old dem- ocratic principles. I think I see evidences of dis, satisfaction cropping out in the republican party that is fatal to a third term for Grant, if his party 18 Tash enough to.put him again in nomination. There ave thousands golte a8 anxious to hold office as those now provided for, and that is an element of weakness in any party Jong in power. There will certainly be antagonism, SELVISHNESS 18 SUPERIOR TO PATRIOTISM, and, though tae Greeley mevement aid n uc ceed,. within the next three years there wili be such @ falling of from the republican ranks a8 to make the deteat of that party certain. Grant will have no inducements to hold out for his re-election. ‘vhose in office wil! expect to be retained, and if there is not enough vitality in the fortunate officials to exact that promise, then, indeed, may it be said, our country is governed by one mau. But J have. Sontidends, in the people more than in the politi- cians, . CORRESPONDENT—Why did they begin to talk about a third term for Lincoln so soon? Mr. bLaik—Plainly enouga, Under the example of Washington and the custom of years past, when @ President was re-elected, aspirants for the office began their right of securing the next nomination, so certain was it that with the second term the incumbent would go out of office. And I suppose that is what has started the cry of third term tor Grant. Do you know whether this is the tactics of the republicans, or has the HERALD only warned the country of what might happen? CoRRESPONDENT—That would be diMcult for me to answer, Yet old Brownlow and other Southern politicians who believe in Grant pronounced fora third term immediately after the election last Fall. What the Northern wen will do 1 cannot say, but it appears as though there was > A SILENT ACQUIESCENCE IN FAVOR OF GRANT. bert rehude of Cesar must necessarily be subser- vient. Mr. BLAIR—Well, these are queer times. But you do not seem to: take any notice of the farmers’ movement. What do you call their order? Granges? Why there is.an element of weakness that will disrupt the republican party, if it holds together three years. The farmers are getting their a open, and away goes fealty to party. No, sir. The party that nas organized Crédit Mobiliers to rob wwe people, granted away our public do- main, given exclusive privileges to moneyed corporations, built up an aristocracy of that legislates for eapital exclusively, will yet hear the voice of these accusers West and South. Have not these gigantic corporations orn up under the fostering aid of a répubiicai Jongress? No @oubt aboutit, Ahd are not these the object of the agriculturalists’ condemnation? That ts the way I read the newspapers. Tne labor- ing classes must see the oppression brought upon CLASS. LEGISLATION, for that is jast what it is, and I think I hear the Knell of the republican party in: tueir organiza- tion. If democsacy does not, as a party, beat your Cesarism and third term movement, the tillers of the soil, the tollers of the country, will do jt. You will have to excuse me from any further effort this evening. I will always be giad to see you and may be able a little while hence to suggest something of interest to the HERALD, Ibade the venerable journalist good evening, thanking him heartily for the reception extended your correspondent. { them by Various Views, Anonymous and Other- . wise. Returning to Washington, just as I alighted trom the carriage I met a gentieman whose head is silvery with age, who at one time occupied a high ofice under the government, and whose acquaint- ance with the public men and secret workings of many administrations entitles him to speak with candor, The first question I asked him was what he thought of the HERaLp’s cause in regard to Cesarism and the third term movement. But be- fore getting an answer I further asked ifhe had seen the HERALD containing the interview with Senator Cameron and what he thought of the state- ment regarding Mr. Lincoin’s ambition for a third term. He replied he had not seen it, but he could tell me what he knew about it, qn condition that his name should not be used. With that under- standing he said:—“Shortly after the war be- gan, and the government was somewhat em- barrassed to get supplies, Secretaries Seward and Chase called on Mr. Lincoln one day and told him the Secretary of War was an obstacle to the support of the government, so notorious had the charges become that Mr. Cameron was allowing his friends to run his Department in their special interest, Mr. Chase especially complained and gave the President such evidence of the fact as to make it impossible for Lincoin to doubt the charge. Mr. Cameron received the suggestion to withdraw in the same spirit it was given and mentioned Stanton as the man the Presideht probably needed in the emergency. Cameron was provided with the mission St. Petersburg, but did not relish Seward’s intefference, because he thought it weakened his hold on Lincoln. Returning to the United States, he determined to regain his prestige at the White House, anu for the last turee months of Mr. Lincoln's life HE (CAMERON) SHREWDLY INTRODUCED THE THIRD TERM QUESTION, Mrs. Lincoln, who did not particularly like Cameron, was delighted with the idea. She com- plained that life in the Executive Mansion was anything but agreeable, while Mr. Lincoln’s time was wholly engaged im the affairs of State, and the people of the Cnited States, she was r+ suaded, owed this flattering recognition for the services he had rendered and would render durin; the second term. Through Mrs. Liacoln the Presi- dent was reached, and when Cameron talked the subject over with Lincoln ne said he was ‘tickled to death at the idea.’ There can be no mistake about it, and I should not be surprised if the Senate is not PRACTISING THE SAME TACTICS ON MRS, GRANT. You see Borie, McMichael, Drexel and half a uozen wealthy Philadelphians compose the President's select circle in Pennsylvania; and no one is more jealous than Simon Cameron of the friendship rant bestows on the peopie of his State. I mere! tell you this, knowing what @ sagacious, wily poll. ticlan Cameron is, and that you may form your own conchusions, Cameron first and Pennsylvania afterward is his motto.”” Without mentioning the result of my interview with Mr. Blair 1 asked my informant to look over the, HERALD’s interview at Bedford § 8. “Well, sir,’ he said, after carefully reading it, “Cameron is the power behind another third term movement? His expressions about Blaine, if re- orted correctly, are precisely what I would expect if he is carrying out the plan I think he is; and an acquaintance with Simon Cameron for twenty years enables me to judge him very closely." “Did you hear o1 his suggestion to Lincoln as Political gossip?”” “That ig @ lea@ing question, but I will answer you frankly. I never heard ofit untii Cameron told me himself. You can judge how queerly that in- terview at Bediord eh Rc reads to me with the information I have. 1 donot know whether he has ever broached the subject to Grant or hts wife, yet I fancy the sly fellow has more than once fla tered the ears of Mrs. Grant and the Dents with a dissertation on the beauties of a vhird term.” “Do you think Grant would accept a renomina- tol “I do not believe he would—that is, Judging from the present order of things, What may be the jasues three years hence no one can tell.” The next person of prominence interviewed was GOVERNOR HENRY D. COOKE, with whom the President is on the most friendly te "Governor, do you think Grant would consent to serve a third Lil knowing as you do his social as ‘well a8 hig political tastes * “That is hard for me to say; but if he finds the cares of office during bis second term as onerous as I have found mine during the first term I should say he would not consent to serve under Say circumstances.” diplomatic an answer cut off all further ap- Proach to the Governor, and his company was ex- changed for that of Acting Secreta fi ‘ne Inveriof of the . he What do you think of the third term agitation,’ Mr. A et gl , “‘Lhave read the Mmnauy’s edjtorials carefully, and have no hesitation in that if the press < the country the President ERALD’S discussion has awakened people in Ohio, It is as- aaleaing, ‘The sentiment expressed by them! have never txchanged a word with, or heard the subject talked of among, officials in Washington, so I cannot say what the views of these gentlemen are. But look-at it for a moment. Do the people of the country want to be accused of having conlerred their choice for President upon & man _ destitute of republican principles? Is not that what might be inferred rom the agitation of the subject of Cesarism? I do not think Grant has the remotest idea of a third term; but if he is to be vilified and his admin- istration abused for the sake of abuse the peonle. Will insist on his accepting a thigd term. r my part | am not im favor of it now, nor would 1 be three yeara henogif it were merely a question of choice. The only danger appears tO me to be that which the press will make itself. Leave it alone and the ambition of a hundred aspirants in the re- publican party will make it unnecessary to discuss It pending the meeting of the next Nationa) Re- publican Convention.” oe a A Shaksperean on Modern Cocsarism. [From the Newport (R, I.) Dally News, August 13.) ‘1 charge thee, fing away ambition. By that sin fell the angel. —Shakspeare. “Cmaarism in America!” is the note which that among the Miraculous organ, the NEw YORE HERALD, is now } tator; but his caree! sounding, and its reverberations are heard throughout the country and from across the Atlantic, As one who has carefully read numer- ous articles from the presa at large, reproduced in the HERALD, fam forced to the conclusion that a widespread opinion prevails that there is mean- ing to the Naming words which open this article, but as an individual I prefer not’ to attribute the motive of Cxzarism to Grant. If, however, only the slight shadow of suspicion exists that Grant is working for a third term the HERALD is doing an incalculable good 1m the prompt, able and active course it is pursuing. if Grant really entertains the idea of extending his power, with the hope of becoming dictatortal, there is that peculiar combination of elements in ‘vhis vast country which may give him temporary success; but there are also those hot-headed lovers of the American Repubite who, forgetting the law, will think it no sin to become .“hongrable mur- derers” and meet him, as Cisar was met in the Roman Senate—in other words, Grant in all proba- bility weuld be agsassinated as @ result of his wild ambition. On the other hand, if he makes the attempt and faile, he wili step down tn disgrace from his high office to mourn for the remainder .of his days over tne ruins wrought by nis felly. Grant is not the man I take him for if he is willing to s#hdawich himself in this way. The danger is that am- bitien may permit him to be led into the situation through the efforts of politicians, who know well his power and influence over the peopie. Whatever the result may be, if the movement be made the country will pe severely shook—but not, like Rome, to its foundation, for it 18 sei/-producing in an ointment which heals its own wounds, and soon it would lapse into its former condition and prosperity. Cesurism can never thrive in tye United States, and he who attempts it will die,an enemy to the fairest government the world possesses, and by means of the daggers of that class of its ardent lovers who, by nature, are reckless characters— not like the lamented Lincoln, who died its iriend through the violence of its traducers. “Is Grant anything like Julius Cesar?’ was asked on a@ street corner the other day, by one odd- looking bystauder of another; and, strange as it may seem, the question is now being repedted every day, A review of the life of Cwsar, then, at this timé, it has been suggested, would prove of interest, ‘The Roman Catus Julius Cresar was a statesman and a man of letters, as well as a valiant warvior. Possessing this rare trio of qualities, he became renowned as a dictator and perished at the hands of assassins as a result of his boundiess ambition. He was born on the 12th of July, B.C. 100, Cuxsar was one of the ablest generals of the world, His genius for war was first prominently displayed in obtaining the province of Further Spain. Indeed, it was at an early age that he distinguished himself, not only in the field but in the forum; and, as a consequence, the highest magisterial and imulitary nonors, consistent with the ireedom ol # repubiic, were conlerred upon him. But it he did not “ming away ambition” tor-seizing the means of civil war, or more particularly its issues, he succeeded in gaining dictatorial power, which resulted in nls Own anmutulation and the fall of Rome. His words, ‘1 would rather be the first man in a viliage than the second in Rome,” and “there 18 nothing done while there is anythug leit to be done,” illustrate the Gangerous determination and pluck of the man. . Before. his successes le was inoved to tears while reading the lite of Alexander, His friends desired to know the reason, and he said, “Do you think Ihave not suficient cause for concern, When Alexander, at my age, reigned over 80 Many conquered countties, and i have not one glorious acuievement to boast From this mo- Inent the whirlwinds of his life commenced their work; arrived in Spain he proceeded against the Caliecians and Lusitunians, and sweeping all betore him marched onward to the ocean, placing the Roman yoke on the necks of nations reduced in his pathway. The course he pursued in peace immediately restored harmony among the cities and he left éhe province respected, but with his coffers overflowing: aud his soldiers rich with plunder. Upon his return to Rome he craved more power. Pompey and Cassius were two powerlul men in Rome, but noc friends, It was important that he shouid secure the aid of both in carrying out his plans; by means oi reconciling them alter per- sonal efforts, he gained his point and through their friendship Cwsar was declared Consul. it was this move that eventuaved in his becoming dictator aud caused the rum of the Roman Ke- public, Tn his nine year’s war with Gaul he took ‘600 cities by assault, conquered 300 nations, and iought pitched battles at different times with 4,000,000 of nen, 1,000,000 of which he cut in pieces, and made another million prisoners.” Cwsar was princely in rewarding and honoring his soldiers. Plutarch observes that his whole conduct showed that he did not accumulate riches in the course of his wars to minister to luxury; | but that he laid them ap in a common bank as prizes to be obtained by distinguished vaior. He hever sought to aveid the danger or fatigue of his campaigns or battles, and it is said of him that he would sieep on & lutter during @ march to prevent any drawback to buginess. It was these measures that commanded love of his svidiers and made them fight like hungry tigers for Cwsar’s glory. Seek- ing shelter one night from a raging storm in a poor man’s hovel, where there was but sufictent room for a single man to rest, he gave up the quar- ters to one woo was infirm, with the remark “Honors for the great and necessaries tor the in- firm,” and slept himself by the door, And so his heart could ache for ap unfortunate, but he could slash at the lives of millions without the quiver of a nerve; but he semetimes bewailed the loss of lite, for as he entered camp after his victory over Pom- and saw such large numbers of the enemy dead Before him, he said with a sigh, ‘To this cruel ne- cessity they reduced me. For had Crsar dismissed his troops after so Many great and successful wars he would have been condemned as a criminal.” He was but three wonths in Making himsei; mas- ter over all Italy. His Kgyptian war, it is asserted, was undertaken without necessity; his passion jor Cieupatra, we May believe, was the motive power, for if gave him the privilege of making her Queen of Egypt. His operations in Asia Minor, where he ruined a whole army, are best summed up in his owa words :—"‘L came, 1 saw, I conquered.” He voasted of his wars in Arica and told the people of Rome that he had “subdued a country so extensive that it would bring yearly into the public stores 200,000 attic measures of wheat dnd 3,000,000 pounds of oil.” ‘The last of Ciesar’s battles was fought in Spain when he marched against the Sons of Pompey, an by one persoual effort of dashing daring gained a remarkable viciory where a crushing defeat seemed imminent. It is told that seeing his men a pressed and making but feeble resistance he ran through the ranks, amidst swords and spears cry- ing, “Are you not ashamed todeliver your general into the hands of boys?” The effect was electrily- i ‘The tide turned—the enemy lost thirty thou- sud and Cesar but one thousand men. lmmedi- ately preceeding this action he was elected Consul in Rome for the fourth time, and immediately after, the peo le “bowing tohis power and sub- mitting to the bridie,”’ created him perpetual dic- such Was short, for it was +4 re fog fell bend victim of assassins, and am- itien’s debt was paid. It ts sstontening” that, in the midst of this life of horror, grandeur upd glory, Cesar possessed suf- ficient calmness of spirit to retire to soft obscurities and become the author of many books, seven of which, escaping the “ravages of time,” are handed down to the present day. Cwesar was a man of eloquence, Bis address en- gaging and his convers: ns Winning. As @ young man he was recklessly extravagant. We are told that those who envied him tmagined that his resources would soon fall, and at first made light of the pularity he had won through the ireedom of nis tapie and the magnificence of his expense. “But they found out,” says Plutarcn, “when it was too late that no beginnings of things to be neglected, because continuance makes them great; and the contempt they are held in gives fhem opportunity to gain that strength which cannot resisted.” He is gaid to have Peed in debt a a pe aan talents efore getting any pul loyment. Cicero was ne iret to suspect his designs, the respect and | foxjne | remarked, “1 perceive an inclination for Szeuny in ait his ts; but on the otner hand, when see him adjusting his hair with so much exactness and scratching his head with one finger, I can hardly think that éuch a man can conveive 80 Vast and fatal a d ‘as the destruction of the Roman Commonwealth.” Cwsar was of “slender make, tairand of delicate constitution,” and not the giant which his Herculean deeds would inter. It is a “bloody piece of vusiness” to describe the manner of his taking off. It was one of ‘deep damnation,” for he should have been brought to a square trial for usurpation,; but assassination under such circumstances can no more be pre- vented than thunder in the heavens. Caesar aa entered the Senate Chamber, Senators had risen to do him honor, anda while sitting in the fatal chair whicn he nad gained through the influence of the “pomp and circumstance of war,” he received a slight stab from the sword of Casca. Numerous conspirators now surrounded him with drawn weRpORS, and “which ever way he turned he saw nothing but steel gleaming in hjs face and met uothing but wounds.” With the valor of his warlike nature he opposed them all until his eyes pee be when We aa as one who was seeking his Ns s oe AD yleldéa to his aie! He Hehe XGA dassiand twemtyethree wounds, Shakspeare has clothed this wagedy in inimitaole and melting language; and weil he pipe for bis words, more than those of any other, have made the world realize the feartul results of “vaulting ambition.” Cwsar died at the age of fifty-six, Since he was not @ great politician, his life illustrates what I conceive to be a fact, that politics become subser- wient to great generalship; and the fact was never more clearly iliustrated than in Ihe career of Grant (though the tlustration may partake of a different snade). In the political arena Grant has stood as it were silent. But clothed in the power of his re- noWN as a general has triumphed, with sweeping success, Over powerful political combinations, He is not a politician, and yet he wields more political Inflenoe vhan any politician this country has pro- juced. President Grant is one of the greatest and most respected of men, but unless he “flings away am- bition” there is danger of his being drawn into 9 fate like Caesar's, JOSEPH WATSON, Newport, R, 1., August 12, 1873, oe LONG BRANCH RACES. The Extra Meeting at Monmouth Park— The Events and the Entries—Pool- Selling Last Evening. To-day 1s the first of the extra meeting, post- poned from Wednesday, at Long Branch, and now that Jair weather is upon us this racing reunion bids fair to be unusually pleasant and exciting. The first event on the card is a hurdle race for a Purse of $600, of which $100 goes to the second horse. The contest will be very novel, as it is mile heats, and likely to produce much speoulation, Entered for this are Blind Tom, 142 lbs.; Reveuge (late Sorrel Dan), 139 Ibs.; Village Blacksmith, 142 ed Impecunious, 139 ibs., and Harry Booth, 142 8. ‘rhe second race is the Long Branch Handicap of $50 euch, half forfeit, and only $10 if deciarea on date appointed, with g50 added; the second horse to receive $100 out of the stakes, and the third to gave bis entran one mile and a quarter, For this there will come to the pos? the Minstrel, 3 | years old, 80 lbs. ; Coffee's gray colt, 3 years old, 83 Tbs.; Mary Constant, 3 years old, 50 Ibs.; and Business, 4 years old, 104 1s, Next ahd urd on the list is a purse of $500, for two-year-olds (Winners excluded), three-quarters ota mile, Those beaten once are allowed 6 Ibs; twice, 7 lbs.; three times, i0 lbs.; $400 to the iret and $100 to the second horse, The youngsters that will contend for this are Nettie Norton, 92 }bs., and | Visigoth, 90 Ibs, ‘The sport will conclude with a purse of $600, for all ages, to carry 100 Ibs.; mares and geldings are atlowed three Ibs.; dash of one mile and a hall; $500 to the first and $100 to the second horse. ‘This contest will bring to the post Arizona, Shylock, Wheatley and Gerald, Pools were sold on three of these events last evening at Jolinson’s rooms, Iwenty-elghth street ae Broadway, with the following average re- sult:— HurpLE Rac&.—Blind Tom, $40; Revenge, $24; Village Blacksmith, $20; field, $16, LONG BRANCH NDICAP.— Mary Constant, $60; Business, $42; The Minstrel, $35: Coffee's colt, $33, ONE AND A HALF MILES, Arizona. Wheath Shylock Gerald. ‘The b North River, foot of Murray street, during the meeting, at 9:40 and. 11:50 A. M. o'clock, #ud from ce the cars will connect for the track without elay. KINGSTON PARK RAGES. Kingston, N. Y , August 22, 1873, Owing to the rain and the heavy condition of the track no regular races came off on Kingston Driving Park yesterday or to-day. A race for $100 and the gate money was made up to-day and was won by bah re Gallagher's roan spangie, who made the second, third and fourta heats in 2:65%, 2:02 and 2:523,. faces will be held to-morrow. WASHINGTON. The Ten Million Gold Deficit in the Treasury. Interviews with Secretary Richardson and Treasurer Spinner. THE SYNDICATE AND THE TREASURY. The Story of the Deficit Circulated for Stock Jobbing Purposes. The Charges of Irregularity “So Much D—d Nonsense.” WASHINGTON, August 22, 1873. Secretary Richardson’s Denial of the Story of a Deficit of $10,000,000 Gold. Having heard as well as read about a deficit of ten millions in the gold account of the Treasury Department, which noboay believes in Washington, your correspondent called on Secretary Richardson this morning to ascertain upon what foundation such reports were based, To my inquiry “What can you tell me about the deficit, Mr. Secretary, in the gola account of the ‘Ireasury Department 1”? Secretary Richardson said:—‘'There is not the shadow of foundation for that statement or any other affecting the integrity of the accounts of the Treasury Department, and 1 not only authorize you to say, but would be pleased to have the | HERALD publish, the fact that I DENY ABSOLUTELY AND ENTIRELY that any errors exist in the accounts of this De- partment, or that there is a dollar of gold missing | or unaccounted for, If the public knew the admt- rable system of checks in use in the Treasury De- partment in the transaction of business between the different offices, invented by my distinguished predecessors, it would plainly appear that auy dis- | crepancy. could not exis’ without immediate detec- tion, Do you suppose that I could cheertully sit | here day after day with such a story going the | rounds of the newspapers if there were tle scin- | tilla of truth in it? Itis ridiculously absurd and | emphatically an utter impossibility for such a thing ) tooccur. It is true the idea may exist that there | 1s @ deficit, but only in the imagination of parties | who write sensational articles on delective ac- counts and imperiéct figures.” CORRESPONDENT—But upon what do the authors of these articles base their statements ? Mr. Richakpson—You go to General Spinner, and iet him explain. He is the custodian of the | coin and will give you his views, | CORRESPONDENT—You know it has been charged | that the Syndicate had the coin, and are using it | in their business transactions, Mr. RictARDsoN--Well, sir, THE SYNDICATE NEVER HAD A SINGLE DOLLAR belonging to the Treasury and never will have so long a3 Iam at the head of this Department. The transactions of the Syndicate have been con- ducted on strict business principles, aud the entire $50,000,000 under the first cull has been paid for and the account closed long ago. The | second cail for $20,000,000 was made by the ‘Treasury Department eutirely independent of the Syndicate, and with which they have nothing todo, | ‘The last call issued on Saturday for fifteen millions | was inade by the Syndicate, and the transaction | will not be closed until the middle of November, CORRESPONDENT—What do you think will be the | future course of gold? Mr. RicHaRDsON—I know no more about that | subject than anybody else. I have nothing to do with the goid market, so that any opinion ex- The regular HAMPDEN PARK RACES, SPRINGFIELD, Mass., August 22, 1873, Yesterday's rains left une track of tue Hampden Park Association in such a condition that it was decided this morning to again postpone the | races announced tor to-day, except the | conclusion of the 2:31 race, which it | wag decided to finish, For the benefit of the crowd assembled unother race for an extra purse | of $500 was started, with jour entrics. ‘The first half of both races was trotted in a hard shower, | but both races “were closely contested and ex: | citing. About three thousand peopie attended, | The 2:31 race Was finally won, aiter trotung ten heats, by Winthrop Morrili, Jr., Barney Kelly tak- ing second money, Ohio Boy third and Commodore | Time, 23 2330—2 :33— (dead | r 2336 3g—2:37 M4. ‘The extra purse was won by Belle Brandon, Lucinda H, getiing the second money and Mag- | nolia third, Chestnut Billy being distanced in the first heat, 11 the weather permits the and 2:31 races will be trotted to-morrow. Th ni-to-all purse, | the 2:20 purse and the purse for green horses will | be trotted for on Monday, weather permitting. Gil- | more’s celebrated band will remain over and give | a sacred concert om Sunday evening. | LEE PARK RAGES | WILKESBARRE, Pa., August 22, 1873, To-day was the third and last day of the Lee Park | porter or correspondent, and is always willing to pressed by me would be merely an opinion of no | importance to ahybody. Interview with Treasurer Spinner. If any one should be interested in the story cir- | culated of a deficit in the gold account of the | Treasury Department that man is General Spinner, the United States Treasurer, He is a bonded officer, giving heavy security for the sale custody of every dollar belonging to the United States, He is known as the watch dog of the Treasury, sleeps in the room adjoining his office, | makesthe grand rounds before he retires, | of every room in his bureau, tries the | doors of all the safes and vaults and, goes to rest without a trouble weighing upon his mind, The Generalis a man of positive convic- tions and decidedly emphatic assertions. He is calm in repose and seldom gets indignant ata re- tell what he knows abowt finance. Ifound the United States Treasurer inscribing his name on sundry checks and certificates. Tuere | Was not a wrinkle on his forehead or a despondent | look in his tace, such as might be supposed would | appear ' IF TEN MILLIONS OF GOLD HAD BEEN SUDDENLY | SPIRITED out ofhis custody. I asked him if he had seen the statement to the effect that the goid account was ten millions short. | | races. The sun shone brightly, and the track was in good condition, ‘The first purse was one of | $200, for horses that had never trotted better than | tree minutes—$100 to the first, $50 to the | second, $30 to the third and $20 to the | | fourth. There were ten entries, and eight horses started. The first two heats were won by Lena 3% and 2:44; the third by Lady Dexter, in | e tear fifth wud sixth by Dick, im 2:42, | ve was for a purse of $500—$250 to the 0 Lo the second, $75 to the tuird and $50 to | ‘here were eleven entries, out only eight horses started, Mollie Clark sold as first | choice in the poois, and won in three straight | | first, $ the fourth. heats. Time, 2:37 3¢—2:35—2:34. Five entries were | mude forthe third and last race, and jour horses , trotted, The purse was Jor §800—$400 to the first horse, $200 to the second, $120 to the third and $50 | | to the fourth, Tom Keeler, owned by John J. | Baker, of Seneca Falis, won in three straight heats. Time, a—2:30—2:29, Spotted Colt took second } prize and William H. Allen third, | THROWING VITRIOL, * Dastardly Attack Upon a Gentleman in Harlem by an Unknown Person—Acid in His Face and Eyes. At half-past ‘seven o’clock last evening a second | attempt to take the life of Mr. Walter Gibson, the | proprietor of @ local Hariem sheet, was made by some inbuuan scoundrel, At the time named, Mr, Gibson was returning to the office and had got { about 100 feet from the avenue down 125th stregt, aman stepped forward, and, uttering the words “Mr, Gibson,” threw the contents of a small tin cup which he held in hand full into his face and eyes, and then jumped into a buggy standing close by and drove off rapidly before he could be stopped. | ‘The contents of the tin cup were vitriol of the strongest Kind, and the agony of the “unfortunate victim was excruciating, His call of murder at- tracted immediate attention, and he was taken over to Dr. Marsh's store, on the corner, and such remedies applied as were fit for the case, Dr. Patch, who was sent for, FavGes the injuries as very serious, the loss Of one eye ca nearly certain, while the other is much injured, is neck and face | are also fearfully burned, but there is no reason to uppreliend that his injuries are mortal, | A Mr. E. F. Cheshire noticed a buggy standing at the corner of the street near his office, and saw two men in it, one of Whom got out and paced the pavement un}il Mr, Gibson's appearance. When next Mr. Cfeshire’s attention was attracted he heard Mr. Gibson’s cry of murder and" noticed the fellow make a motion as if throwing something and then jump into the buggy, which was driven rapidly away, turning down 12ith stre into Second avenue. as the night wa: dark Mr. Cheshire took no particular notice of the men and would be unable to identify them. He noticed that the, horse was a fine animal and the buggy was an open one. A boy by the name of Gage was also a witness of tne occurrence. He describes the man as a red whiskers, and being of broad and stout build, He would be able to recognize him again. These were apparently the only witnesses, Mr. Gibson himself describes the villian as being stout and burly, but beyond that he cam gay no more, i} | | | | meget Mr. SPINNER—Have I seen it? Yes, and heard nothing else for the last two weeks, CoRRESPONDENT—How do you account for the report? Mr. SPINNER—Some cierk in my bureau told a clerk in another bureau, who has a friend boarding | in a house where a gentleman takes his meals that knows & newspaper correspondent, that there was a deficit in the gold account amounting to ten | millions or more. | CORRESPONDENT—But what started the story? | Mr. SpInNER—God only knows. What starts A GOOD MANY NEWSPAPER LIES? | How long is it since I was charged with stealing fifty | millions from the government, and the numbers of | the warrants given, the date of the transacti@n aud the account to which the warrants were to be | placed? What started that story? The warrants were not payable to my order and I had nothing to do with drawing them, Yet it was. industriously | circulated I had pocketed that gmouat, | , CORRESPONDENT—bat do not your reports some- | times show an apparent discrepancy when none really exists ¢ Mr. SPINNeR—There has not been a time, nor | never will be a time in the history of the United | States Treasury, when some fool might not, by the | publication of figures taken from reports, make It | delay, proceeded to prepare the statement, 3 give dates and figures, put to sensibie people the charges of irregularity must appear as 80 MUCH DAMNED NONSENSE. There is always something in transition, always some unfinished business connected with my bureau, that could be construed, distorted, or pro- ciaimed as @ great error in the business transactions of the office. When thé new York Assay Office get through melting up light weight coin, and the Philadelphia Mint get through coining it, the ac- count will then be all right, in the opmion of those who know nothing about the business transac- tions of the department, * t CORRESPONDENT—Do you know what amounto in gold has been deposited in the New York banks anticipation of THE PAYMENT OF THE GENEVA AWARD? Mr. SrINNER—How should I know? What ha‘ 1 to do with New York banks? . Why don’t you ask the British Consul in New York? CORRESPONDENT—Do you know how the Syndi- cate is getting along? Mr. SPINNER—Your sources of information re- specting their operations are just as good as mine. I suppose they are getting along all right. Have you heard of any trouble? i have not. COKRESPONDENT—What do you tiink will be the future course of gold, that is, d@ring the next three months ? Mr., SPINNER—The price of gold is regulated by laws over which the Treasury Department, undet present legislation, has little or no cohtrol; so} cannot enlighten you there, In regard to the aw curacy of the business of my office, alll can say ia my accounts are audited every three months by the First Auditor and the First Comptroiler, and the gold in the vaults of the Sub-Treasuries is weighed every thirty days. If anybody ts made happy 1n the belief that ten millions of coin have been taken from me and transferred, except in the legitimate way, to anybody, do not deprive that person of the pleasure of such thought by a wholesale denial. ‘Those who want to belleve it will do so in spite ol all you can say to the contrary. The half-opened door was darkened by a lady ip deep black, whose features indicated the refines ment of much sorrow. She wished to see if there | was any hope of her getting employment in the Treasurer's Office, and this conversation ended my interview with General Spinner, VHE ORIGINAL gTARTING OF THE STORY of the ten millions deficit tn gold 1s traced to the HERALD, Several weeks ago, John Jay Knox, Comptroller %f Currency, wished to know where the coin belonging to the government was distributed at the close of the fiscal year, June 30 last. He called on Mr. Leopold, in charge of the independent Treasury, who, without further When it was finished he found he had made a mistake in the distribution, which would materially change { the figures, and proposed to make out a correct statement, The Comptroller said the one pre- pared was all he required, and nothing more was thought of it until there appeared in the HERALD | an identical copy of the statement furnished Comp- troller Knox, error and all, This ts the foundation for the whole story. The information was not in- | tended tor publication, and low tt got to New York without the knowledge of Mr. Knox is a mystery to the Treasury officials, The apparent discrep- ancies in the official statements made by the Treas- ury Department have served as ammunition in many a fight during the political campaigns the last five years, and wil! prooably continue to be of avail durtig the next five years. The Appointment of Chicf Justice. The President recently said that he would be glad to receive suggestions from members of the Bar throughout the country respecting the eppoint- ment of a Chief Justice, but he does not want advice from any politician, AS the Court does not meet until December the appointment will not be announced until the Senate assembles to act upon | the nomination. Transfer of Fost Offices to Jersey City. The Post Office Department has discontinued the post offices at Hudson City and Bergen, N. J., and ordered the transfer of the oficial property to the Postmaster at Jersey City. Ihe latter post office | is allowed six additional letter carriers at $600 per | annum, and the two first-named cities are rated ag postal stations. The Contract ‘ for Construction of a Sloop-of-War. The contract for constructing the wooden sloop- of-war, bids for which were opened at the Navy | Department on the 7th inst., will be awarded to Thomas Stack, of New York, whose bid was $148,000, . The Fight Between the Pawneex A statement bas appeared that the Sioux In- | dians, during the recent attack on the Pawnees, were armed with breech-loading rifles, furnished them by the Indian Peace Commissioners and also the Interior Departmeny It 18 asserted upon oficial authority that such is not the fact. The Department never bas furnished the Sioux with any arms, nor have the Peace Commissioners given them weapons of any character. The arms that the Sioux or otner Indian tries have they re- ceived from traders, who were paid for them. The opinion is expressed in some circles here that the lact that the army uses the i’awnees and Indiansof£ other tribes as scouts intensifies the hostility of the: Sioux against them, and is, no doubt, one of the: main causes of the battle between them. ltis@ source of great regret that the Pawnees have suf- fered so seriously mainly through their friendship. for the whites, but it is not probable that any | official action will be taken in the matter further than extending the good offices of the government towards maintaining peace and harmony betwee all the tribes. What is said concerning the friend- ship of the Pawnees for the whites is equally true | of the Kees, Arickarees and Mandans of the Upper Missouri and of the Crows, of Montana, with whom the Sioux have long waged war. The Commi ner of Pensions at His Post Again. General J. H. Baker, Commissioner of Pensions, “has returned to Washington and resumed bis official duties. A Case of Genuine Coesarophdbia, Patrick Powers, about twenty-four years of age, | arriyed here to-day from New York fowthe purpose of getting a job as President. He informed the Chief of Police that he had read in New York that Grant had moved away {rom Washington and the White House was empty. When informed that, such was not the fact and that he would have to wait until 1881 before he could succeed Grant his insanity showed itself in a demonstrative manner. He became raving, Wanted to fight everybody, and was with some difficulty removed to the Insane Asylum, about four miles distant from | mansion, the Executive The Trial of the Modocs. The statement that exceptions were taken to the trial by court martial of the Modoc Indians on the ground that the civil courts are in operation in appear there was something wrong in the manage- | the jocality of the murders committed by them Let me give you | ment of my 6Mece. | AN ILLUSTRATION, A few weeks ago a number of gentlemen were sent from tne Department to San Francisco with | national currency, and returning brought back two millions in goid. The Assistant Treasurer in San Francisco, the day he delivered the gold | to the party for transfer to New York‘ | charged me with the amount. Now tor, eight days there was for all stock gambling pur. poses a deficit of two millions in the coin account. | The Assistant Treasurer there no longer had it in his custody, and, as it had not reached me, I did not charge myself with the amount until it came into my possession; yet the gold was not in the possession of either of us, but en route .or New York, There, you see, by @ comparison of the re | port during that time it would seem to appear two | millions in coin had ‘suddenly passed out of the hands of the Treasury. ANOTHER ILLUSTRATION. Under the new Mint law the Department has been recoining all the light weight gold, and for that purpose the accumulation in New York and elsewhere has been melted up into ingots to be recoined, It is never- theless charged to me as so much coin, yet no cor- responding accountability appears on the books or reports of any Assistant Treasurer. There is by comparisop in this instance a deficit of nearly eight Million, and so on, I could multiviy examples, and give Guarantees to and @ military court was not legal is not weil founded, Indians not taxed are not citizens, and are held by the Judge Advocate General to be amenable only to military rule. Fatal Shooting Affray. This afternoon Benjamin Unkel, a watchman at the Seventh street wharf, made an assault on Jim McCarthy, Keeper of a grocery in that vicinity, and fired four shots at him from @ revolver. McCarthy, in self-defence, seized a gun and discharged & heavy wad of buckshot into the breast and face of Unkel, killing him instantly. McCarthy sur- rendered himself, and awaits the action of the Coroner’s jury in the morning. The Wawasct Investigation. The investigation into the Wawaset disasteP was continued to-day, but nothing was elicited showing the origin of the fire. THE WOODEN PAVEMENT QUESTION. Acompany have written to Commissioner Van Nort stating that they will provide a wooden pave- ment which will not vor or wear as the preseng pavement had done. ‘They creosote the wood, and: event decay. The sap, which causes the ion La) driven from the wood, and in its piace i= suppl coal tar oil, wine presence of which dg eay of animal or vegetable matter is impossible. heir bid is to repave all the present wooden aved streets for $47,002 50, They Warrant he work,to last as long as C3 ren pavenens, edec