The New York Herald Newspaper, September 8, 1873, Page 4

4 CASARISM. What Mr. Frank Leslie Thinks of Grant. SOME SCATHING SCINTILLATIONS, Cesarism an Impossibility as s Permanent In- atitution—Probability of a War as a Mask— A Delicate Analysis of the Charac- ter of the Soldier-President. Views of Judge Packer, of Pennsylvania. What Representative Southern Men Say On the Subject. For the purpose of knowing what Mr. Frank Les- te thinks of Cxsarism. a representative of the HERALD sought him recently, at his ofMce, in the building corner of Pearl and Elm streets, de- voted to his publishing interests. Mr. Leslie was tound at last in his own room, surrounded by an atmosphere redolent with artistic, editorial and Teportorial ability. Aiter the gentlemen of the pencil and the knights of the quill had retired, Mr. Leslie settled himsel! in nis easy chair and inti- mated that he was ready for the enemy to ap- proach. HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—I believe, Mr. Leslie, that you are somewhat interested in the question of Omsarism ? Mr. LEsLIE—You are ri>ht, sir. Not only dul take & personal interest in the discussion, but I think my paper was among the foremost bo agitate the question and to call the attention of the Ameri- can people to the breakers on which they were drifting. HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—Do you think, then, that Cersarism is practicable? THE PRACTICABILITY OF CARSARISM. Mr. LESLIE—Yes; the people have become 80 disgusted with the effects of political agitation that they are absolutely lukewarm. The manage- ment of the national affairs being out of their aands, and in those of professional politicians, it 8 not strange that they are drifting under the shadow of a political tyranny. HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—If this be so must it not be admitted that the Republic is a failure? Mr, LEsLIg—Not necessarily. While the political administration of the government may at times be @ failure the average political opinion of the masses is so honest and progressive that in the end the character of republicanism is fostered and maintained rather than otherwise, HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—II this 1s a true state- ment of the case would not the overthrow of the Republic and the establishment of an Empire be brought about only at the cost of biood ? Mr, LesLiz—If Cesarism should ever come to pass in America—of which there is only a possi- bility and not a probability—it would be brought about by just such acts as the republican party has deen committing ever since it has been in power; and by such actsI mean those that we witnessed in New York, for instance, at the last election— arbitrary transactions which had no show of au- thority, such as invading the sanctity of homes, as Was repeatedly done. I mean, also, such acts as we have wituessed in Louisiana, where the State government was trampled under foot and the Washington supremacy maintained AT THE POINT OF THR BAYONET. Imean such acts as are embraced in the appoint- ment to office of men like Cramer, Babcock, Casey and others of that ilk. hey are men who repre- sent no party or political idea. They are but the arbitrary choice of one man, And when a party, like the republican party, being at any one time @ large majority of the people, recognize the right of one man to violate all the traditions of politi- cal science and precedent, in appointing nonenti- ties to office, that party and that majority are so ; far in favor of what is called Cwsarism, which is, In reality, but a classic expression for the one- man power. HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—Do you think, then, that the Louisiana troubles were but the drst act in the Cesar drama? Mr. Lesiiz—! hardly think that Grant was fol- lowing any fixed idea of his own at that time. It Was an outburst of his own personal disposition. He thought he was master, not servant, of the peo- ple. He don’t understand the meaning of repre- sentative government. He is naturally an arbi- trary man, without ideas, and when such a man has great power there is no more dangerous com- bination. Time and temper suiting, and the peo- | ple being qulet, lie is uuconsciously following his own bent. Itis a habit with him tobe a tyrant— not an idea. HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—Then you don't think that previous w the appearance of editorial articles im the HERALD he had any tdea of Cwsarism? Are there not men around him who whispered the idea to him ¢ THE MEN AROUND GRANT. Mr. Lesire—I hardiy think so. The men who im- mediately surround Grant are but enjoying tem- | roy power, and, to tell the truth, they haven't | rains enough to originate so stupendous an idea as Cwesarism. Each of his followers has some local werin view—utier in Massachusetts, Morton | in Indiana, Cameron in Pennsy! \. they can feather their local nesis they are satisded with the party. They are not political geniuses, only political pap-eate | HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—Do you think that there exists to-day in Aterica any aristocratic class who would hail tle banner of Cwsar with ac- clamation ¢ Mr. LESLIE. not in favor, I think, of such au idea as Ca: ‘The real aristocracy of America is sarism. Being educated and reiined, it has become dis- | tastelul to its members t mix in any political matters. They have no interest iu them whatever. | There may be a pi sibility of the shoddy people those who made fortunes by furnishing ‘‘army beef” and “‘giue hats" to tae soldiers ta the fleld— coming out strong in favor of Cwsarism, for this one reason—being common, they would be likely to be recognized by a common Ovsar. HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—IS not this apathy that you have mentioned of the socially influential classes dangerous + Mr. Lest.ig—By all means. I hold that one of the Greatest dangers tothe Republic exists in the in- difference with which her best citizens regard her affairs. HERALD Ri ENTACIVE—DO you not think that General Grant has a more imperial chance from the possession of purely negative qualities than from any other reason ? GRANTS NEGATIVE CHARACTER. Mr. Lestiz—Yes. While Grant has busted him- self about his own private aifairs he has allowed commercial and other money interests to gyrate as they please, Money-makers consequently are satisfied with his non-mterference. Had he been a enius—say like Napoleon--he would have been in anger Of assassination. If Lincoln had been a | fool he would have been alive to-day. | HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—In your opinion has Grant any personal idea of Cwsarism ? Mr. Lesiig—I dou’t think that General Grant ever had, or ever will have, an idea, He is merely floating on the tide, and tue tide of republicanism ds setting toward Cirxsarism ; but it will be arrested by @counter-current in the next two years. The opportunity of Cesarism is in the sectionalization of the Union, There is a New England temper, a Western temper (Grangism), a Southern temper | (apathy), and a Middle State temper (commerctal- iam). All these are gradually being unified, and when they are whoily so Cxsarism is an impossi- HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—Admitting, just for the eake of argument, that Cwsarism will be possible, do you think that the South will shake hands with an emperor in preference to the President pro- duced by a Northern party? ‘THE SENTIMENT SOUTH. Mr. Lestre—No; the South is sentimental, That 4s, the old element is su; the new element is prac- tical, As the old sentimentalism has lost slavery as an object it will in time take hold of political . The educated part of the South is really more a towar than any other section of the country. REPRESENTATIVE—Were an Empire onne aiabihned would it be possible to wield this immense country from one centre, say like Wash- ington? ir, Lesture—No. The different seotions of the country would disintegrate themselves from the Union. Acentral government in this country cal never, of itself, wield military power. The area is $00. great. In’ fact Casarism means consequent secessionism. HERALD RKEPRESENTATIVE—Will the steps toward Cwsarism be gradual? HOW IT WILL BB DONE. Mr. Lesiiz—Ii Cxsarism comes at all it will come by using Congress as a tool. But Casarisi wouldn't Jast six months. Roman C#sarism was & power, ‘with ® Dopular sentument Debind it, Tbere is none | trigues were initiated, NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1873. No one personally likes Grant. He 1s Beccr etna ae pat ‘3 man to gain the do not fear bis becoming an —— rations pty yt beptimens at. which makes Possible will torrect Piscit, aa I have said, within two years. fp HERALD KEPRESENTATIVE.—You speak of Grant's bese at enough man.” What do you mean y that Mr. LEesuig—I think that General Grant has Bene himself @ soldier, and he has also proved If nota good President. He failed as @ busi- ness man before he went into the war. I, for one, would not entrust General Grant with the manage- ment of any part oi my business. He might suc- ceastully tend a cigar store or “boss” @ livery sta- ble, because he understands such Pings. But, ene a claen, of the country, I object to his being RY prod simply because he: doesn’t know any- iy at government, HMRALD RAPRESENTATIVE—Were Grant disposed to try a coup @'état could he count on the army ? THE ARMY. Mr. LEsLiz—Yes, the army always flourishes in anempire, Napoleon became an emperor with the ald of oldiers; Omsar wielded imperial powers from the same reason. The course of instruction at West Point tends to produce military martinets, and not men with any ideas of political justice. When the army 1s appealed to it will be @ mere question of Fsonat probabilities; it will decide for the Kmpire because the Empire will need tt, and will, consequently, take care ef it. But there 4s not much o/ an army, and you need not fear that, It is the politician's army you must fear. HEBALD REPRESENTATIVE—Ia it probable that Grant, admitting that he means Cwsarism, will ere mask his purpose by the glory of a war Mr. Lesire—I think thas the par, of the ad- ministration is to make war with the neighboring countries, and naturally with Mexico; and also that Belknap’s visit to Texas and Mackenzie's raid were but feints, to test the military enthu- Stasm of the people. General Grant evidently means to retain his power at home by being con- sidered the only soldier who can wage war abroad. HERALD REPRESENTATIVE—Is there any og that you have to propose for this threatened e THE REMEDY. of Casarism? Mr. Lgstiz—I would propose a strict civil ser- vice. When a man is appointed to an office he should not be removed without cause; and if one man is removed for cause his successor should not have the power to remove his subordinates with- Out cause. Then the great army of oilice-holders wonld have no personal, bread-and-butter interest in the President of the United States. At this point Mr. Leslie was called away, and the reporter withdrew. Views of Judge Packer, of Pennsyl- vania,. PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 6, 1873. I came hore to see that fivefold millionnaire, Judge Packer, and I succeeded., I found him this morning at the office of the Lehigh Valley Rall- road Company, of which he is the President. The Judge is well known, so his political career need not be gone over. That he is yet an earnest democrat will be found from his opinions given below. In ap earance he is a sturdy, old-timer, still wearing the brass-buttoned blue coatof the kind affected by men who tell of the time of Andrew Jackson or bore you with stories of the campaiga of which “Tippecanoe and Tyler, too,” were the main figures. Judge Packer, if he retains the recollection, does not tell how ‘“Gov- ernor Kent went hell bent,” or how anybody else pursued that sulphureous way. He is a man ofthe present in ideas, if not in dress. Being desirous to hear what he thought of the Casarism discus- sion [ said:— CoRRESPONDENT—You know, of course, Judge, of the discussion of the ‘third term’ subject in its re- lation to what has been called Oxsariagm, which bas been started by the HeRALpD and participated in by most of the newspapers of tne country. You are also aware that, for a clear exposition of the senti- ment of the country, the HERALD correspondents have procured and published the views of the best known political men and editors, As you are among the former class, | have called to get your ideas as to the possibility of Cesarism. Judge Packzr—Yes, 1 have noted the course of the HERALD; but while approving of its opinions, I have given the mooted question very little thought, I have been away from political action and discus- s10n jor several years; ior, being a business man and not @ politician, I have to attend to my busi- ness. I think the agitation oi the question as to the period of Presidential service most proper. I believe the matter should have been settled ton; ago. My own view ia that but one term shoul be allowed to a@ President. ‘The present moment 1 opportune for the discussion, not be- cause President Grant 1s filling lus second term and may desire a third, but for he reason that the period of service should be fixed unaiterably by law, and not by sentument, SENTIMENT CANNOT CONQUER NEED. The subject has only a relation to Casarism in the future, ior Ido not consider that Presideut Grant is desirous of making himself imperator. He is, L judge, devoid of ambition, and undesirous even of another term o1 oilice. Still, he may be urged by his “riends”’ to accept, even to endeavor to bring about a tuird nomination, There are chords in his organizauon tat can be played upon to make a music tuat he is ever desirous to hear. And there are among lis ‘iriends” 4 number of master Musicians. See how they played upon him in the Louisiana matter, Were it not that the people Know the character of those political musicians, they might do even greater mischie/ than they have done. Upon this knowledge of the people, and the fact that the “musicians” are coming iorward as the chie! champions 01 the republican party, supporting and being supported by the administration, | base a beliet in the near dissolution o1 their party. Tne evidence is very clear. Butler comes up in Massa- chusetts a8 @ candidate for Governor, anu, though he 18 propped by the Wastiington patronage, ull the reputable leaders of iis party denounce and oppose him, while they deciare a continued fealty to the administration, That is the first revolt, and therem is the primary symptom of tne radical party’s disruption, ‘The greater politicians denounce and uppose, while the lesser ones support General Butier. If the present re- puiable Massachusetts political men do not, in the event of Butier’s election, prove themselves meaner, by giving their support to nim, than those who, urged by aaministration patronage, give aid to lim at present, the breaking up 01 the radical party will be complete in the Bay State. Once weil started, the revolt will spread throughout the country. In every State the “musicians,’’ who are now So pleasantiy placed, will be overthrown. Ail these facts bear against THE POSSIBILITY OF CAESARISM, with General Grant as itsexponent But, as I said beiore, Ldo not think the President wants to be @ j Cesar, CORRESPONDENT—But you know that the HERALD does not assume that the President wants to be the Cwsar. Judge PacKER—Ob, yes; | understand the HERALD periectly. itis not taat General Grant wants to lound adynasty, but that some one else may try to, infuture. By showing that possibility, if only & sentiment is to be overcome, the HERALD wishes and expects to cause precaution to be made. [ have no doubt tuat there are men who would hail an Emperor, and the endeavors oi some of the radical papers assure me 01 it. ‘The people will net believe in keeping a man at their beaa to re- buke his enemies, When everybody shall see that President Grant or anybody else is periect in every respect there will be an autocrat in this country. CORRESPONDENT—Do you believe that the cap- italists and business men are averse to present changes in our goverument—that tranquillity in politics is all they desire? Judge PackER—No; I donot. My reasou may be found in the overthrow of the Tammany Ring. They were business men who planned and carriea out the expuiston of the members o/ that ring trom their posts. Their action acted upon the national election and that in this State and caused the overthrow of democracy in New York, Southern Views on Coesarism. WHITE SULPHUR SPR Greenbrier ty, West August 26, 1973. This watering place was more notabie as a ren- dezvous for Southern politicians prior to the war than any ether in the country. Here political in- Presidential siates were made and national campaigns were planned, marked out and settled long before the millions of American voters knew who they were to cast their ballots for. Even since the war several noted | meetings of Northern and Southern politicians took place here, but latterly there has been a great falling off in this way, until the present season, whick has been an unusually large and successtul one, when quite a number of distinguished Southerners made their appearance among the guests. In the absence of a more interesting polit- ical topic the HERALD’s discussion of “Cwesarism’’ has been the principal subject of conversation, and I Gnd it spoken of with that seriousness and earnestness which such an important matter justi- fies. The opinions expressed are as varied as the mixed company at present here, or as the inter- esting personal interviews published im the HERALD. As there are a number of ex-Confederate officers here embraced the opportunity to learn their views as far as possible as to @ third term for General Grant, in order to lay before the readers of the HgxaLp the subject as regarded from a strictly Southern standpoint, The first of these gentlemen that I approached was GENERAL MARTIN WITHERSPOON GARY, of South Carolina. Upon being introduced to him I remarked that I would like to asvertain his views upon the subject of @ third Presidential term for General Grant. He replied, “Well, sir, I will talk to you freely.” Selecting a wooden bench upon the lawp, beneath the shade of & noble old oak, we sat down and T opened the conversation as follows :— CoRRESPONDENT—Have you read the recent dis- cussion in the newspapers upon the subject of a third term for General Grant, or as it is regarded by some the approach to Cesarism? General Ganr—I have. CORRESPONDENT—How are you disposed towards General Grant politically ? General Gany—I am opposed to him, because I do not believe ne understands the true theory of this government, or if he does he has not illus- trated it by his course since he has been President. He destroyed his fame as a general by bis truckling to politicians and plunderers. CORRESPONDENT—After the close of the war what were the feelings and sentiments of the oficers and soldiers of the Confederate army towards General Grant? General GaBY—They were those of gratitude and kindness throughout the whote of the Contederate army. He permitted the oMicers to retain their side arms and all of their priyate property, in- cluding their horses, He granted them paroles aod afterwards manfully protected them in the enjoyment of these paroles when President John- son wanted to disregard them. I think at that time he was imitating the example of OARSAR IN HIS OLEMENCY towards the conquered; and if he had continued that line of policy, #0 well begun, and had adhered to his democratic record, the South would have unanimously supported him for the Presidency, and he could as easily have been elected by them as by the republican party. 1 he was driven into the radical party by the odium of Andy John- son, who wished to run for the Presidency; and I think Jobnson the worst enemy the South r Len He is @ low and ignorant demagogue and jan. eCORRESPONDANT—Thon your opposition to Gen- eral Grant is only political. General Gary—¥ my opposition to him is gimply political; bat I lost my respect for him as a military man since he became the tool of unprin- ho dre peliticians, 1ORRESPONDENT—What particular political act of his first turned you inst him and in what does your opposition co! tr ‘ General Gaky—General Grant was nominated by the radical party for the Presidency, but he di not bind himself to the platform of the party when he accepted the nomination, if my memory serves me aright. It was when, by his acts, he abandoned the democratic party my opposition began, and that consists in opposition to the tenets of the Tadical bah a I also think that the numerous charges preferred against General Grant in the speech of Senator Sumuer were sufficient to turn every honest reais: from him, for they have never been disproved, GRANT'S LOST PAMR. CORRESPONDENT—It is your 0; General Grant has obliterated tness and fame as a military man by lending If to poli- ticians and financial speculators. General Gaky—It is. General Grant is not the equal of the Duke of Marlborough in military abil- ity; but he certainly surpasses him in his love of money and in the prostitation of his position and tame to secure the almighty dollar. THE THIRD TERM. CORRESPONDENT—What do you think of a third term for General Grant ? General Gary—I am opposed toa third term for General Grant or any other man, but particularly proses to Grant. I believe, though, from the thorough organization of the radical party, and the election laws that they have passed in regard to national and State offices, if he runs he wiil be elected, or if not elected he will BE COUNTED IN. But our Republic 1s too young to pass into an Em- pire, and time will purge the government of ita present corrupt officials and inaugurate constitu- tional reform. There is too much honesty, patriot- ism and independence in the American people to allow themselves to be made the slaves of a des- potism just yet. CORRESPONDENT—How would the Southern peo- ple act under circumstances of a usurping nature? General Gary—In the event of Grant usurping the government, the Southern people would take sides inst him, with the exception of a iew ad- venturers who would espouse the cause of the party in Pores, or the party they believed would pay dest. But men of thought, honesty and Patriotism, those who love constitutional rty, would eee their swoeee Mi Spar ia ree ge other usurper. I sho lo so mysel lo net belleve that this necessity will ever arise. CouRRESPONDENT—Then you believe the country ‘will ultimately return <o the constitutional forms, restrictions and limitations laid down and observed by the Fathers of the Republic ? General Gary—I do, and that at no distant period. GENERAL J. B. GORDON, of Georgia, the new United States Senator from that State, was the ext prominent Southern rep- resentative that I met. The General is regarded in the South as one of the most dashing and gallant officers of the late confederacy. He succeeded to the command of Stonewall Jackson's corps aiter the death ot that fumous officer, and at one time he commanded an entire wing of the Confederate army. He is now the leader of the new and young class of democratic States’ rights politicians that have sprung up in the south since the close of the war, and 1s looked upon as the representative Southerner, not only of Georgia, but of this entire section in the United States Senate. The General very kindly accorded me an interview, which took place in the open air while walking around the main hotel here on the western side. CORRKSPONDENT—General, have you given the proposed third term for General Grant, as dis- cugsed in the newspapers, any consideration? GENERAL—Yes, I have. ConkESPONDENT—Do you think there is any pros- pect o! the election of General Grant for a third term? GRENERAL—I think there is, and regret it exceea- ingly. CORRESTONDENT—Why? Do you believe it would be inimical to our republican torm of government? GENERAL—I am satisfied beyond a doubt that it would. 1am in favor of ONE TERM ONLY in the Presidential office, and would be glad to see an amendment of that sort added to the constitu- tion, What we need now, more than at any other period in the history of the government, is disin- Seremeducks in its administration, We can only accomplish this by stripping the President of per- sonal incentives. But the great danver in this third term movement 18 to the elective feature of our government—one of the most sacred privi- leges we enjoy. The repeated election of any man to the Presidency, and especially when that man 1s General urant, I consider full of danger to the Re- ublic, P CORRESPONDENT—But why General Grant more than any other man? Is he not as much of @ pacriot ag the average American? GENERAL—Understand me. Iam not discussing General Grant’s fitness or unfitness for the Presi- dency; nor am I seeking in any way to disparage his patriotism. But what I say is this, thatif the earlier Presidents were correct in supposing, a3 they doubtless were, that the continued re-election of the same man to the Presiaency was contrary to the genius of an elective government, then a Jortiori, would the re-election of General Grant be full of danger. Itis more dangerous to re-elect htm than it would have been to re-elect for a third ion, then, that term any of his predecessors. CORRESPONDENT—How do you explain that, Gen- eral? GENERAL—Well, the reason is obvious, and I am only surprised that it hus not been referred to beiore in any of the discussions I have seen upon this subject. General Grant, by reason of the posi- tion he held at the close of the war, was regarded in some sort as the representation of the wer of the government. ‘The people of the North have regarded him in that light, as the PERSONIFICATION AND EMBODIMENT. of that power. For that reason, more than any other, they elected him President, which, from the Northern standpoint, was well enough. But cir- cumstances have created in the public mind a sort Of habit of trausierring trom the Executive oftice the powers which beiong to it to the person of General Grant himsell, and in that kabit is found the peculiar hazard to which I refer. Like all other habits of thougnt, it will gradually strengthen into a conviction that the Hnances and the govern- ment will be more stabie ander General Grant than under any one cise, and after a while the people will acquiesce if this habit be not broken up, ina life-time Presidency, ‘This is the danger, and | am very glad that the HERALD has brought the subject 80 prominently to the notice of the people. CORRESVONDENT—Do you believe the republican party will re-nominate General Grant, and if nomi- nated can they elect him? GENERAL—Yes; I think they will renommate him, and I think further they can elect him, if any re- publican can be elect but [have not despaired Ol seeing & og successful upon the strict con- struction ideas. If we could remove the war issues out of the way, Ibelicve the people would again demand that the general government 7 BE RESTRICTED to the exercise of its clearly defined powers. I look with great interest to the farmer’s movement in the next general elections, I hope they will be able to divert the public mind from the war issues which have entered so iargely into the late elec- tions, to the pressing wants of the country. ConkEsroNDENT—Do you think @ third term for General Grant the first step towards despotism or empire, aad if usurpation were attempted would the people resist ? GENFRAL—I think, for the reasons already given, that the election of General Grant for s third term would be @ most dangerous step im the direction yon suggest. Icannot call it the first step, for L think several steps have already been made to- ‘wards empire. As to usurpatt I should hope that there would be found enough of love for re- a government leit among the people to induce them to resist. CORRESPONDENT—Would the Southern people take any active part in resistance if empire were attempted ? GENERAL—It would be absurd in the Southern Roonle to attempt armed resistance alone. In- eed, I think many of them will be almost indiffer- ent unless they should receive MORE OF THE SUBSTANCE UNDER THE FORMS of republican government. If, Yowever, a sum™- cient movement were made by the North to insure @ successiul resistance the South would, I am quite sure, co-operate actively, The beil for dinner ringing just at this time the interview came to a ciose, GENERAL B.D. LILLEY, of Virginia, oue of the brigede commanders of Stone- % wall Jackson’ who arm at Gettys next manne ee * CORRESPONDENT—Judging from the of the inveyour opinion that. the country im driftiug tor wi Senvation § ane empiret will, I belie’ correct. faut sie govcramen o be. Sdminineredacctrd it wi was ina, le priotiegepoa BITTE PEBLING among the Northern people against the South, caused by the war and misrepresentations since the war, that a course of conduct on the of federal government towards the Southern States has been allowed which would not be borne br that peopie should their own liberties be in- ved. I believe their sense of right will eventu- cause them to do justice to the South. tf 3 RRESPONDENT—What is the main aim of the Southern ple at present? General LitLey—As regards the le of the South, their greatest concern now is to retain con- trol of their regpenkiye. State governments in order tes irom utter ruin, to preserve their credit, their history and everything t is recious, 2nd to develop thelr most important in- reste. As to their feelings towards the federal government, our people went into the war from & sense of right duty, and iought earnestly to sepnblen: @ separate government, led. jar effort DO NOT ADMIT THAT WE WERE WRONG; We have no regret for the course we took; we do not believe that the war settled any principle; but We accept the jact that we have been over- whelmed; that the UNION 18 INDIVISIBLE; that henceforth it is our government, and that our duty is to make it the best government ible, not only ior ourselves, but jor all parts of the country. We hope to accomplish by reason what We tailed to establish by the sword—the preserva- tion of the liberties of the people of all of the United states. We are willing to unite with all true patriots of the North in their efforts to secure to the People of each State the control of their own local affairs, and to do all we can towards causin; the federal government to be administere economically, justly and upon true republican principies, giving it no more power than is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to the best interests of the people. ComRESPONDENT—I{ General Grant ts re-elected toa third term do you think that would be the initiatory step in the march to empire ? General LitLEY—I do not think it judicious to discuss that question so early in his second term. Ido not see that it can do any good, and it may do harm. Should General Grant’s C5) Be ripe ang liberal di the next three years, B! ins ce phen bel ‘peal iat Pore ee 0 renee r 9 TB \e 8, aD cor- secting Waa leenl altace of ae Siaies in the ad- ministration of the government, I believe the peo- ple of the South WOULD PREFER HIM to any other radical politictan, or to any officer of the army connected with the republican party. We are disposed to act towards him as his conduct may merit, and we are prepared te appreciate and acknowledge worthy acts, and to criticise and oppose such as we Seappect’, It cepenas very mucd on his conduct and thato! his party whether his re-election would be a step towards a change 4 our form of government, CORRES?PONDENT—In the event of the usurpation of the government, either by an individual, or by @ party, would the peuple submit to any form of despotism? General LILLEY—This would bet ac very much upon the people of the North; if they should be largely iu favor of a despotism there would be no remedy. But do not believe this to be the case, 4 REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT WILL BE PRESERVED to the country, and more fairly administered each year, for the condition of the South 1s improving yearly, and the attention of the North is being di- Tected to the necessity of readjusting the govern- ment upon the principles of justice and equality among the States, economy in the administration of the general government, and it will yet be so conducted as to contribute to the Vests hei and development of every section. Should the party in power fail to adopt a policy that will meet the wishes ofthe people one will be found which will give expression to their views and practical appli- cation to their ideas of good government, To-day I addressed a note to GENERAL JOSEPH B. JOHNSTON, asking the privilege of an interview on the above rrarroad and, in reply, received the following note :— Warrs Sutrsvur Sraincs, August 26, 1873. E. Cornperr, Esq. :— Dean {have had the honer to receive the note of. today, in which you ask me, on the part of the Nxw Yoru Hunan, to reply to certain political questions. It would. give me ‘pleasure to have the privilege of going so, bat not being a citiaen of the United States 1 lo not pul 01 lost respect yours,» ist pinlons;. B. JOHNSTON. General Beauregard is here; but he, too, is reti- cent on the suvject of Cesarism, and, in fact, upon all other political matters. THE HON, JAMES LYONS, of Virginia, who was the President of the National Democratic Convention held at Louisville, whieh nominated Cnarles O’Conor for the Presidency, being among the visitors, I asked his views upon & third term tur General Grant and the prospects of Ceesarism. He said:. “Before lanswer your question it is proper to say that | know nothing more o! the opinions o! Gen- eral Grant than any other gentleman knows who Keeps himself posted upon the history of his coun- try, as I have never i a word of conversation with him, and I have seen nothing in his public acts to induce me to suppose that he desires to be re-elected tor a third term. Whether his election, i it shoula take place, will ‘be a step towards the establishment of an empire’ is impossible tor any man to say now; but I see nothing m that simple event to induce me to believe that it will. There will be nothing in it in conflict with the con- sticution, and it can take place only by the wili of & majority of the people. The framers of the con- stitution did not think that an election of the same person for toe THIRD OR FOURTH TERM would be a step towards the establishment of an empire, for they provided tor it, if the people de- sired it, which they would not have done if they had so regarded it, Nor did General Washington 80 regard It, because he assisted in making ap- proved the constitution, aud in his farewell address says, if 1 recollect right, not one word that would lead me t9 believe he declined re-election because he thought it would be dangerous to the liberty of the country to re-elect him or any other man for @ third verm. Iam, I must say, NOT A ONE TERM MAN, and I think the cry about the one term principle @ humbug, gotten up by politicians who aspire to the Presidency to increase their chances by limiting the term for which the office may be occu- pled by any incumbent. That the great body of the People are not in javor of it, when the incumbent Of the office is a man in whose patriotism, integrity and ability they have confidence, has been shown by the past ory of the country. Whether General Grant will be re-elected, it a candidate, it is impossible that one, not glited with prescience, can now tell; first, because nubody can now tell who will be his competitors; and, second, because it is Impossible to teli Whether one of his ‘competi- tors might not be preterred to himself. I have great coutidence in the COMMON SENSE of the body of the people when calmly exercised and not inflamed aud misied by the arts of selfish and unprincipled demagogues, who are the great pests of popular government; but it is often mis- ied by such mea, and it cannot theretore be predicted that it will be always soberly and wisely exercised. 1 can only say that if General Grant is a candidate, and should be opposed by ‘Trumbull or Schurz (i! eligible) or any other OF THE CREW Who got up and controlied the late Baltimore Con- vention, 1 should certainly vote for him, for I think him @ far better President than either of them would make. Of course his elec- tion by the people cannot be a usurpation, for that must occur by some coup detat or other successiul revolution which shall place its leader in command of the government. It cannot be said tnat the people submit to what they them- selves voluntarily do, and if they re-elect a man more than twice it will be the best EVIDENCE OF HIS FITNESS for the place, and will be a conclusive answer to the plea of usurpation. Unless both the Nwalinnd and the candidate have become corrapt—and whenever that happens the best thing which can follow will be a well regulated empire, with an Emperor fit for his place—for the worst govern- ment and the most intolerable despotism of which I can conceive is @ popular govern- ment atter the arte have become corrupt. But, in my opinion, ail the outcry avout Cesarism amounts ‘to nothing, although the HERALD has handled the subject with great adroitness and cer- tainly not without ability, The danger in tuis country at present is NOT OF CARSARISM BUT MOBOCRACY. There are too many petty politicians and news- papers who live, like eee taee upon the im- urity of the atmosphere, and the danger is more rom the irequency of election than otherwise, There are too many men in the counury who think themselves eminently qualified to make Presi- dents to permit the P seat to slumber too long after one election before they arouse them to another, or to permit the incumbent to repose too quietiy in his office.” A HINT TO OONSOIENCE STRICKEN. OON- GRESSMEN, To THe Epiror oF Tux HERALD :— Agreat deal has been said and written about what ought to be done with the extra pay which the members of the last Congress voted themselves, and Treasurer Spinner’s letter has been published in your columns showing how it could or could not be “covered” into the Treasury. All the people of the United States want to be assured of Is that the amount 1s used for their benegt and not that of @n individual. To do this effectuaily, let each Con- gressman whose conscience tells him that it is wrong to take and use that a for himself invest the amount in United States bonds, cancel them thoroughly, and sen@ them to Treasurer Spinner with tne request that he will cover” them well 1 the next fire that he has kindled to destroy old notes, That much 0: the public debt will never trouble tne people mg thus saving the interest and commissions whica the next Syndicate would mako lor renewing tt. TRIP. LE SHEET: IREAL ESTATE. A Review of the Conditions at Present Af- feoting the Market, with a Backward Glance at Its Lessons and One Forward at Its Possibilities. BULL AND BEAR VIEWS ANALYZED. A Proverbial Fallacy with Its As- sumed Analogies Set Aside. New York’s Greatness Examined and Its Relation to the Rest of the Country. THE FUTURE STILL OURS. Points of Prospective Activity Considered, Separately and Relatively. Is Comptroller Green an Ob. structionist ? While the air of Wall street ts heavy with the whisperings of mistrust and rumors of extensive forgeries are reported dally in increased amount, forming a fruitful theme for newspaper commen- tary; when the best and most valued of securities are suddenly impaired by vague doubts respecting their genuineness, and settlements long since made, to take effect after death, are disturbed or rendered unsatisfactory by fears resulting there- from, it mast be 4 source of deep thankfulness and Profound self-rest to the wealthy in our midst, as they con over the evidences in their possession of years of accumulation, to find THB CAREFUL JUDGMENT OF SOME BYGONE PERIOD, longer or shorter, strengthened and confirmed to-day, still more pleasing to them will be the endorsements on the backs of certain formidable documents whereby they acquired titles to various portions, large or small, of the realty of this great and growing city, and realize how much removed from all taint of sus- Picion—ever liable in the case of stocks and bonds—are their investments, whether in respect to their own use and enjoyment thereof or for the benefit of their children. But, even here, where years of persistent progression in values, interrupted, it is true, by recurring intervals of spasmodic reaction, have seemed to form a deter- minate and fixed security for all tuture time, with the'same promise of proportionate increase in its Value, as the past has already fulfilled, there are heard assertions more or less confidently made and inferences more or less correctly drawn and put forth of an impending crisis, in which THR SPROIAL HISTORY OF THE REAL ESTATE MAD- x) shall repeat itself and scenes and incidents fami- liar and distressing in the past be again repre- sented and re-enacted for the instruction and profit of another generation of lawyers. It is well, perhaps, that this should be—not the reaction hinted at above, but the faint forewarning of dan- ger in the distance, by which, in the stormy sea of life, im the eddying currents and sometimes treacherous quicksands of business as in the literal tempest and confusion of waters, great disasters are averted, The HERALD in this case, as im that of Old Probabilities, is not the spokesman, but the medium through which the note o: warning, however faint, or of encourage- ment, however strong, 18 given, in respect to com- ing meteorological changes, rejoicing, however, as with those who rejoice over the prospect of sunny skies and gentle breezes, in the favorable indices which it discerns in the actual condition of the real estate market at the present time as compared with tho theoretical views above referred to. His- tory repeats itself, is an old and familiar form of expression, especially when applied to great natu- tal changes, vhan which nothing is more incorrect, no two revolutions, not contemporaneous, ever having sprung from like causes or exhibited the same results. How much less true, then, must it be when applied to a more circumscribed sphere of action? The reason of this is a very simple one, and is contained in a single word— DEVELOPMENT. History cannot repeat itself because of the progress of humanity between any two periods of historic action, the birth and growth of new ideas and new créeds, and consequently new purposes. There may be a striking similarity between the event of to-day and that of 100, 200, 300 or 500 years ago, but that is all. The worid is ever advancing. “Excelsior |” is the motto alike of the country and the individual. Thus the New York of to-day is very far from being the New York of any period ante- rior to the war, although its greatness then over- shadowed all its rivals. It was for the great trial of a national struggle for existence to fix it per- manently and supremely in its present eens as the great centre of national life whence gravitates the best annual product of the nation’s labor in one form or other, whether the result of such labor be in thought or matter. ‘The capital of a great nation, not by the mere accident of containing within its limits the halls of legislative assembly or the departments of gov- ernment, but because of its pre-eminence as a commercial emporium and financial centre, as well as being THE FOCAL POINT OF ALL THAT 13 ABOVE MEDIOC- RITY in the domain of art, science and literature, where the gracetul and beautiful find their hignest ex- | ression, and the usetul its best encouragement. in the various walks of intellectual life no new face appears that is not set hitherward to seek at once the measure of its talent and its reward. In the virgin flelds of the Far West not one acre of land is brought under fresh cultivation that does not add to the wealth of this city, and in the current days, as they glide peacetully ty, not one mile of railroad | in the whole of this broad land is thrown open to public use upon which New York does not collect its toll. It is this which places New York in an ex- ceptional | poo in the real estate market and lifts it above all augury of future ill that is less than na- tional. Circumscribed so long in its ce Mmits between the waters of the North and Kast Rivers, the tidal movement of its expansive bay along the Battery’s front and the curved line of the Harlem River, it long since ourst these boundaries soctally and overflowed ali the neighboring territory. Within the last year, however, the last-mentioned limit has been passed, in a political sense, and, with the annexation of the lower part of WESICHESTRR COUNTY, the Harlem River has become, so far as New York 18 concerned, simply @ geographical detinition. This annexation, even tn the inception operation of the idea, gave the spur to MUCH SPECULATIVE ACTION in that direction which since its accomplishment has been actively sustained, and shows its results in the quick enhancement of values, now firmly maintained, most marked in the central portion of the annexed district. The advantage noticeable there is readily foe ognae in the superior charac- ter of the land, with respect to location and prospect, but was lurther determined by the early passing of all the purchasable land there into. strong, hands, including some of our best people, thus fixing at one and the same time both the value of the land and the character of the neigh- borhood.. The latter 13 a point too often overlooked: in random answers to inquiries respecting the; value of real estate in New York, when & thorough understanding of it would explain many anomalies in respect to changeful values not eh apprehended by the uninstructed. it has both @ eee and particu: plication, it being possible to change valves in an entire block toa greater extent ina day than in the ordinary procession of events would be accomplished in a decade, by the intro. duction into it of something calculated to disturb. its aristocratic sense of seclusion and jar inhar- moniousiy upon the fashionably attuned ear of its inhabitants. Besides the mumerous changes brought about thus there is likewise the steady in- crease In am NECESSITIES OF TRADE operating every year to bring about changes in Various neighboriieods and make new valuations, ‘Thus, for example, the extension of broadway into Fiith avenue, in a business sense, begun some years since, has changed the charactet of inuch ar that famous fashionable street, gradualiy forcing excluaiveness further i] the island to seek on the west side of the Park a new refuge and ore permanent resting place. ‘'nis movement tes which has brought about most of the specule mn in t 7 BOULEVARD PROPERTY, | increasing in provortion as the constrngtion of the ee ooo _EDLDLhLhrhlhllooOooeeemereAe_E_E OEE Soulevara progressea, and further exciting inves ment desire in that direction. As in all specuia- tive fleids there has been much variation in the excitement prevailing there trom time to time, ovement appears vo be & hosithy one, and Fests movement appe on a frm foundation with good promise in it, iy this fall to feel the spur of thle has begun early 1 activity on both sides of it, and reflects @ Very active inquiry in firm prices, and hints of 1m portant transactions now in negotiation, iy 4 ing by the experience of the past it would not amiss to look for a more active investment dei in this quarter or Westchester county this fall than further down. THE BUILT UP GROWTH OF NEW YORK ISLAND has ever been of the hop, skip and jump order, pop. uiation distributing itseli sporadically over its sur- face, as witness the names—Yorkville, Hariem, Greenwich village, Carmansville, Manhattanville— all of which have since lost their distinctive limits; hence, if precedent is to be followed, we may well look tosee Fort Washington and points beyond crowded with lashionable residences occu- pied by their owners, while property lower dowa Yet remains unimproved in the continued excite- nent of speculative ardor. The extension of the Boulevard over and beyond the heights will he! largely to bring about this result. There is mi indignation telt and expressed in real estate cir- cles, which, it must be said, however, is most gen- erally against Comptroller Green for his OBSTRUCTIVE POLICY REGARDING CITY IMPROVE MEN’ and by some he is severely denounced for hts short ted and parsimonious action in this respect, which is held to be seriously hurtful to Teal estate values, There is much truth in ths in- ference, tf the premises be correct, as asserted, im the one circumstance, if no other, of ite ke away capital from the interior which woul largely invested here in the neighborhood of such improvements; and when it 18 considered that upon the imception of such improvements their pid completion was largely discounted in the ap- preciation of such values, the danger incurred is a serious one to many holders of property. The thy lon occurs, as it has been asked in the market, Wi in led Mr. Green make himself so impracticable this as In other respects? Why does he seek to keep alive fhe impression that the cy te still oy mands of icy oe oo urers incapable of appreciati rue by refusing the ment of iegitimate bills Ba the expenses of legal proceedings in the procure- ment of a mandamus has been added to the original bill? Why does he piace himself in the way of the forwarding towards rapid completion of works already commenced upon THE GOOD FAITH OF THE CITY as @ body corporate, not of the men then accident- ally controiling its affairs—in honestly torwarding which large investments have been made, not by our own citizens alone, but largely by outsiders, and in many cases foreigners? Is this faith to be New York cannot afford its American credit cannot afford it. It has the taint of repudiation in tt, will be equally harti Green’s ways are diMcuit of un Judged by this simple test of its influence upom real estate, his financial policy 8p ars exceed- ingly narrow-minded and contemptibl adapted, perhaps, to secure the profits of a peanot stand, but whoily without comprehension of Position which New York occupies in the nation— its present and prospective needs, In the constant struggle tor preference going on in this country every day, no individual, if be would hope to im the race, can afford to stand still for a Hi Mauch more is this true of a great community New York, environed by Tivals, eacn seeking te displace from her brow the crown of pre-eminence and dispute her commanding position. A FREE, LIBERAL POLICY IN RESPECT TO IMPROVE MENTS is needed in this particular, ana real estate owners must look to it that those alre: commenced are steaduy pushed to completion and not suffered te languish, speaking eloquently to the stranger of New York’s distrust of its own future, and bi him beware of investment here. On THE BAST SIDE, where the streets are all laid out and, with few exceptions, completed, propery is firmly held, with considerable building activity. The work of 's here has yet to be done, le drawback to property ide, This can only be done in one way to effectually remove the nuisance now arising therefrom—viz., by commencing as far back as Third avenue, filling up the hollow places between it and Second avenue, and from there presaing. gly tide to a t4 teh low water mar! ere sewers t safely discharge of tis work Lig Of i far up town on this their ee as cost wf (Et course, fall largely upon the rty thus proved, sl oue bs Masinuch as it is likewise a lary work, and would largely benefit surrounding property, @iair proportion of the cost might be hus distributed. ‘The steady ENHANCEMENT OF VALUES . on the east side during the past ten years shows how quickly further enhancement wouid soon com amare the owners of property in and near Har- lem for the expense they would have thus to bear in Sere nt uew building enterprise and the new dock facilities thereby gained. 1tis too early yet to determine as to the nature of the offerings in this quarter this fall, although one or two large | ones are already spoken of. It will be seen from the above sketch of the conditiens most directly affecting the market this Yall that 4 STRONG HEALTHY TONE may be confidently looked for, while any specia) activity, although presenting some slight indica tions, has yet to be developed. The fears ot @ relapse from high values, always existing in every department of speculation or investment, and te be considered in reviewing the general situation, are this year without special application, and are based principally upon apprehensions growing out oi past experience, without 4 full consideration o} the changed condition of affat) social financial, now. They are the reflex of @ con- servatism safe enough to be guided by ip ® period of receding national prosperity, but too likely to overlook that “tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the food, leadg on to fortune.” New York floats buoyantly upon this rising ti ever reaching Ls! Sane and grander possibilities growth, and reflecting @ share of its greatness upon surrounding towns. With the close of the summer much of the activity which prevailed im the case of the latter will subside, for the present at least, although the STEADY INQUIRY IN MANY QUARTERS conventent to the city meets no interruption duri the year, The same causes which have operate to stimulate the growth of these various subur- ban districts still Continue to determine values in these places, the principal of these being ease ot communication with the city, salubrity of situation and surroundings, and social advantages. It will be some weeks yet before the market wil fully-feel the presence of even the present EXPECTED ACTIVITY. 4 ‘There are crowds of tourists yet to return from Europe, and the various watering places pave yet to give back thousands of their sojourners before this promise can be rightly tested. In the meantime @ very confident tone am and without more de- cided data upon which to form conciusions the above review represents the average feeling and anticipation with respect to the future. MUSICAL AND DRAMATIO NOTES. “Sinbad” is to succeed “Mephisto” at the Olympic. ‘i “Max” is the title of the new play in which Mr. Emmet is to act. Almée will presently appear at the Broadway Theatre in some of her old characteristics. Mr. George Fawcett Rowe renews his acquain- ( tance with the New York public on Wednesday evening at the Union Square. Owing to the elaborate stage setting of “Notre Dame” it has been found impossible to worthily present that play before Thursday evening next. The opening of the Lyceum 1s, therefore, postponed. fromm Monday night until that date: Mr. Shiel Barry is about as pleasant a successor to Mr. Boucicault as could be desired until the date for opening the regular Wallacktan season arrives, He begins an engagement at Wallack’s to-night as Miles Na-Copaleen, in ‘The Colleen Bawn.” The Marionette show will begin. in earnest at Robingon Hall to-night. The hall nas been com fortably and prettily fitted up;, performances will b@ given every afternoon at three and every even- ing at eight; the scenery is well painted, and. the changes are accomplished smoothly and. with celerity, and scarcely @ doubt exists that the pup- ets. will provide a very amusing season to a large body of children. IRISH GAMES IN NEW JERSEY. The Secaucus racecourse will be the scene ot/ festivities on Wednesday next such as Jersey eyes have seldom or never feasted on, Irish games rarely take place outside. of the Green Isle, but am innovation 1s to be made by most of the prominent. citizens of Irish birth tn Hudson county, A fat men’s race 1s to be run.in which Sheriff Reinhardt, Mr. David Hallanan (ex-Oity Treasurer of Jersey City), Mr. Jahn C, Hopkins and other well knowm gentlemen of huge dimensions, are to compete, for the honors. A walking match, climbing a greased pole, &@ sack race, horse rac’ and, sibly, @ laughing match, are to the many amusing featares of ing pregramme. several deputiz by the Sheruf to prevent disorder or contusion.” Should tho weather prove favorahe it 1s expected that an tmmense concourse of sj tators will be present. The racecourse ia within ten minutes’ of the Erle Rauway tion, ioar miles irom Jersey City, and special traina will be run during the day accommodate the public. ‘The proceeds of tha amusements are to be applied in purchasing an organ for St. Josepn’s churen im old Hudson City. DROWNED. * Henry Cordes, a German, twenty-cight years of é age, drowned on Saturday afternoon by into the dock foot of pier 27 North River. The body was soon removed and taken to the Morgue, Deceased lived at 375 Greenwich a@tree! Young was notified in tha cane eres some | | | | |