The New York Herald Newspaper, February 18, 1876, Page 4

4 sor of Mr, Ford by the recommendation of bis bonds- men; he haying died suddenly, unexpectedly and away from home, I thought they were entitled to be at least consulted a5 to the successor who should settte up his accounts. Q. Did you advise General Babeock to telegraph to Joyce to get the bondsmen of Ford to recommend Joyce for coilector? A, I made the statement in sub- Btanee that | have given in answer to a former ques- tion; whether I told him to do so by telegraph or not it would be impossible for me to say; that might be re- garded, at least, as autho: to so telegraph. A WEAKNKSS OF MEMORY ; Q Did you see any telegram of that character from Babcock to Joyce ut that time? A. 1 do not remember to have seen any. ] Did General Babcock at that time show you a de- pateh trom Joyce in these words bys wy, Mor, Lows, Oct, 28, 1878 bs, atch to the President. We mean it, Mum, ‘See despate! 2 “JOYCE? y goes back to that » commenced I have A, Tdon’t think that my m time; since these prosecutions we seen that. Q Iam asking you in regard to thattime? A, Ido not call it to memory. Q Did you receive a protest against the appointment of Constantine Maguire signed by James E, Yeatman, Robert Campbell and others? . Objected to by counsel for defendant, A. I do not remember such a letter; if such a one ived itis no doubt on ile in the Treasury De- Such a protest may have been received. arpose of leaving the nomination of Mr. or to his bondsmen was because they were liable on his bond for the administration of his office, was it not? A. Yes, sir; further than that some of them were men that I knew very well and had great confidence 1, Q Speaking of Ford’s objection to McDonald, were you aware that in the matter of education McDonald When he Was appotnted Was an ignorant man barely able to write bis name? Objected to by counsel for defendant. A. L was aware that he was not an educated man, bat he was aman who had seen a great deal of tho world and of people, and would I not call him ignorant ony 5, he was illiterate. Q Did you receive a protest against McDonald’s ap- potntm ns igned by Carl Schurz, G. A. Finklenburg, R. T. Van Horn and otber meu in Missouri? Odjgetent to by counsel for defendant. A. Tdo pov remember if it was received; I do not know that it would have had avy particular weight with me if I had received it, bis indorsements being good. Q. Was not that objection based on the ground of bis entire uniituess for the placey A. Ido uot remember it it was received; it is, no doubi, a matier of record, and caa be obtained. Q Did you ever see tne paper now shown you? If 80, state in whose handwriting it is Counsel for deiendant objects to any examination in regard to this paper. A. As to the handwriting I do not pretend to be an expert; [bave had a great many letters from Mr. Ford; that looks like his signature; { do not remember to have soen that before and I do not think I ever did. Q. Do you know the other sinature to the paper? A. No; I know all the parties, but I do not know their signatures. ‘The paper referred to was marked exhibit No. 6 and is appended hereto. Did you see at or about the timo of its date the affidavit now shown you made by James Marr, taken from the files of the Treasury Department? (A copy of which marked exhibit No. 7 is berewith annexed. ) Oljected to by defendant's Counsel. A. [{ Lever did see that paper it bas passed cutirely from my momory, and I think it wo that such a document as that could T not remember it. Q Do you remember at this distance of time ou whose recommendation Mr. Joyce was appointed’ A. My recollection is that when McDonald was appointed Supervisor he asked the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to give him an assistant from his office, some one Who was acquainted with the duties; 1 think there Was ho acquaintance existing at all between Joyce aud McDonald at that time; that is my recollection; I never bad Leard of Joyce’ myself, and did not know of the existence of such @ man Until be was appointed on the recommendation, as I understood, of the then Commissioner, who thought him to be the most capa- ble man in his oflice; I did not remember about these despatches at all until since the conspiracy trials have commenced; | have heard General Babcock’s explana. tion of most or all of them since that; many of these shown to mo at the time know at during the fall of 7 nt to your visit to St Louis, General Babcock corresponded with John McDonald, ‘after the latter was indicted, and sen: his letters to McDouald under cover to Major E. B. ¢ Objected to by defendant's counsel. A, No; I was not aware of it at the time, TUE LUCKEY CORRESPONDENCE, Q Did you know at the time that General Babcock Sent cipher despatches to Major Luckey at St. Louis over his own and over a fictitious siguacure on the 17th or 18th of last November? A. I do not remember as to particular dates, but we have an Executive Mansion cipher, so that’ when myself and secretaries are sepa- rated despatches can be sent without being read by the operators; we always have had such a cipher; [have no particular knowledge, but I knew in a general way that they were corresponding while Mr. Luckey was there during the Avery trial, he having gone there, as T uaderstood, as a withess, Did you see the despatches before they were sent? A. [do not think I gaw the despatches. you any objections to stating the meaning two Words only—the words “Hamlev”> A. | never keep the cipher and I never wrote a cipher despatch; I never travel without having a secretary with me. Q You co not know what those words mean? A. I do not know; when I want to send a despatch in cipher 1 give it to one of my secretaries in the ordinary form and be transiuits it, @ On or about December 5, 1873, did General Bab- cock show you a despatch from Joyce to bimseif in these words :— “Is there any hitch in sending Maguire's name to the Senate? JOYCE." A | cannot remember particularly—I think, how- ever, General Baveock did ask me if there was any reason why Magu an indistinct recollection of his asking me the ques- ton. @ You have said that you resisted the pressure Drought to bear upon you by prominent public men in regard to the #uspension or revocation of the order transferring supervisors; if you have no objection will you please state the nates of those prominent men Who brought that pressure to bear upon you? A. There were many persons, and I think I could gtve the names.of several Senators and probably members of Congress, but probably I should have to refer to papers that are on file; 1 do not know .that it is material; i know that the pressure was continual from ors and their friends. Q. Cau you, from memory, name any Senators or Representatives? A. [could natne two or threes but 1 do not believe that it is necessary. THe “SYLPH” exUE Q I will not pre: D: se to state whether General Bal howed you, on of about the time of its date, a despatch to bim in these words:— “St. Loca, Feb. 8, 1875, “General ©. FE. Bancock, Execut.ve Mansion, Washing- ton, D.G :— “We have official information that the enemy weake ens, Push things. SYLPH.”* A. I do not remember of ever seeing that despatch until since those prosecutions have commenced. Q. Did you know that General Babcock was at that time in correspondence with Joyee about the transfer of supervisors ? A [know that he received frequent letters from Joyce, for I saw a number of them tysell, and those I ANY, did see were generally as to what be was doing in the | way of writing editorials for the different papers, and enclosing editoriais which he would ay in bis letters he had written, and asking how he 11 the tone of them and so on; I recollect bim saying in one letter (hat some papers in the Siate of Missouri, and perhaps in Arkansas, at slifferent points at all events, were will- ing to publish as editoria: matter what he would write for them. Answer objected to by counsel for the prosecution, as going beyond the scope of the question, Q Did you have auy conversation with Genéral Bab- y Brooks to Deputy Commissioner Rogers? ‘Objected to oy counsel (or the defendant, A. 1 do not remember dates, but L remember of his showing me aletier that had been handed bim from somebody in Philadelphia to Mr, Rogers, and he said that it appeared in his judgment to be simply black- mailing; and I think that was the occasion on which he told ine what he had stated to Mr. Douglass; that is as I remember new. . Q Do you remember that General Babcock, prior to May, 1879, sending deteouves into the several distric frauds? A, one time of what he had proposed to Mr, Dougiass, but the date of it 1 do not remember; aod that was not a it was merely what he had suggested aud this is the same that | have vefore to detect @ Do you remember when that conversation was? | A. No, I do not; my recollection ts that he had shown that letter to Mr. Douglass before he lad to me, and that was the occasion when he told me of his sugges tion. Q Did General Babcock, about the time of its date, show you a despatch iu these words ¥ St. Lous, Oct, 27, 1874 General 0. F. Bancock, Executive Mansion, Washing ton, D, C. Have sou talked with D.? Are things right? How? Objected to by dofendant’s counsel A. 1 do not remember anything about it @ Did General Babcock at or about the time of its ate show you 4 despatch in the tollowing words !— St. Louis, April 2%, 1875. General 0. F. Bancock, Executive Mansion, Washing- ton, D, C.:— Teil Mack to see Parker, of Colorado, and te’egram to Commissioner. Crush out St. Louis cacmiee. © Objected to by counsel for defendant, Q. Did General Babcock at any time tell you be had €ndeavores to influence Commissiouer Vougiass to re- | voke that order? A. No. TUE COURT OF INQCTRY. Q@ Smee you say that Genera) Babcock has not mani- fesved to you any desire to interfere with or prevent the trial of the indictments against himself and others w Il be 80 good as to state whether any of his friends tor ‘jan bave at any time since these indictments were found endeavored to prevent the trial of the indict- monts against bim of any other of the indicted parties, ‘and if so please state who bave made such effort. ~ have not with me. Q Will you piease st why the order for the court ‘of inquiry in General Babcock’s case was made before we Foment of the Grand Jury which tound the fadictment against him, if you know? A. It was made because he applied for it, and | thougnt he was clearly gpuutied to vindicate Dimeelf if be was inuocent, be pas eal RS lea ea be impossible | read by me aud | k prior to May, 1876, in reference to a letter written | talked with you abgut the propriety of | 1do not; I remember of his telling me at | NEW | had been denied that opportunity vefore the Granu | Jury, | “Q' Did General Badcock show you a telegram from District Attorney Dyer, saying that the next conspir- | acy case would be tried on December 15, 1875? | did; Ido not remember about the dates particuiariy. | _Q Now, I suppose, Mr. President, that the substance of your testimony is what we all know to be true, that if there bas been any misconduct on the part of Gen- eral Babeock it has uot come to your knowledge? A. sir; that is true, Q' You do not know, of course, do you, whether Mr. | Douglass suggested to Secretary Bristow the saine thing about the transter of supervisors which you say he originally suggested to you? A. I do not know anything about it except from the Secretary himself. | _@ Do you recollect that Supervisor Tutton was or- | dered from Philadelphia to St. Louis under this order for transfer? A. That is my recoilection—that he was Ordered to St. Louns. Q. You say that General Babcock has made no efforts With you to avoid a trial; but you do not know of your own knowledge, of course, wheiber be bas made any efforts with others? A. I do not. REDIRECT EXAMINATION By Mr. Cook (handing a copy of withegs)—I wish you would state what you know in re- lation to that A The despatch seems to be dated “WASHINGTON, Oct 27, “To Wituam H, Dexvox, Wiliam MoKuw and Jony telegram to the M. Kkva:— “Your request in regard to tne Collectorship will be complied with. U. 8. GRANT.”” ‘Those gentlemen are a part of the bondsmen of Ford, and they have recommended Constantine Maguire tor Ford’s place as Collector. Q The original of that is, 1 believe, in your writing ? A. Yes, sir; I wrote that; I saw the original this morning. Objected to by counsel for the prosecution on the Liking of incompetency, irrelevancy and immate-. * rialie ‘ ‘@ What was the character of the correspondence between Mr. Joyce and General Babcock, as exhibited to you? Objected to as incompetent and calling for secondary evidence, and being as a whole irrelevant to the issues of the case, A. My answer to that is the same as has been given and objected to. Q What was tho general character of the explana- tion of the despatches to which your attention bas been directed as given you by General Babcock ? Objected to by the counsel for the prosecution on the ground that it is irrelevant and immaterial, and that the declarations of the accused as to the despatches roferred to cannot be used as evidence in bis favor. ‘A. The explauations which he gave seemed to me to clear up all grounds of suspicion against him, Q. What was the general character of- those explana- tions? Same objection as to the previous question. A. It was generally a statement of their meaning and what they were in response to; but I could not probably give at this time his explanation of any one of them: Q. Buf the explanations given at the time were such as to Satisiy your ‘Same objection as to previous questions. A. They seemed to me to be entirely satisfactory. J. 8. GRANT, THE WAR IN CUBA, | Private letters received in this city yesterday bring the following tidings concerning the war tn Cuba, At 1a la Grande the people are afraid to leave the town | and go beyond the cemetery, where there 1s a fort, on | one side, or cross the briage on the other, The Delta | and Resulta plantations havo been burned by the | patriots, In the precinct of San Juan, adjvining Sagua laGrande, the patriots recentiy sacked two stores, Cannan and Guayaba, small hamlets, are in ashes, and incursions have lately been made about Jumagua, Com- mandante of Volunteers Orviz, a Spaniard, with forty- five well equipped men, bas deserted and joined the patriots. Several attempts have been made to burn the plantation of Mamulatu, owned by Count Flaquer, bat ouly one field of sugar cane has been burned so far. The Carolina plantation Was set on fire recently, but was not burned. / The Spanish ‘Bourbon’? baitalion has been recently bad!y whipped by the patriots, RXECUTION OF AN OLD WOMAN. News from Trinidad, in tke Cinco Villas, states that ap old African woman, over oighty years of age, and formerly a slave ot Mr. Iznaga, and who re- ceived her jiberty in her o'd age, was to be executed on the 9th of this month for giving information to the enemy. Her name was Dolores Iznaga (she taking, as slaves often do when liberated, their master’s name.) She was celebrated throughout the neighboring country asa clairvoyant and healer of the sick, by the aid of her salrva, which she laid on the afflicted parts. She charged nothing for her treatment, and the money that was given her she expended in buying candies to place at the shrine of the Virgin in a neighboring church, She resided at Cunao, about three miies from ‘Trinidad. Tn 1867 her fame was so great that Governor Patino ordered her to leave her residence on account of the crowas of sick people who came to be cured by her. The above sketch of this poor old African woman was obtained by a HeRaLp reporter from a gentleman who «new her, Her execution is alluded to in a few words 1m the Vor de Quba, of Havana, LONG ISLAND SHOOTING CLUB. THE CUP TO BE SHOT FOR ON WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY—THE CLUB TO BUILD A BIFLE BANGE, . Ataspecial meeting of the Long Island Shooting Club held on the evening of the 16th inst. it was re- solved that the Club Cup should be shot for on Wash- ington’s Birthday. The conditions under which this prize {s put up for competition are that at least ten members shall cuter the list, each to shoot at 7 birds, 25 yards rise, 80 yards boundary and 1\ oz, shot The cup is at present held by Mr, Robert Rob- inson, who, at the last reunion, killed all his birds in first class style. The club also resolved upon a new departure at the same meeting, and that is the Uuilding of a first class rifle range of 200 yards upon its grounds. The work of constracting this will be commenced tmmediately. | Tne fence now at the foot of the hill upon the left of | the fleld, looking from.the buildings, is to be moved back to ‘the furthest possible line at’ the top of it, 80 } that tully 230 yards will th be ured. It ts felt by the oflicers of the club that the construction of this range will supply a long mecded want. There are already conn:cted with the organization many excel- lent rifie shots, and Brooklyn for some time past has demanded a place of easy access where such practice can be obtained. Pigeon shooting will be carried on as ‘usual, but certain days of the week are to be set aside for the ritlemen, when the range will bo under ‘exctusive control. This stop of the Long Island Club will no doubt in- crease its prosent great popularity. With fine grounds thoroughly enclosed and officers fully appreciating what is required to maintain cellent reputation of the association 1 wast make rapid, onward strides. | SPARRING EXHIBITION, The Harding testimonial, at Hill's Theatre, yesterday aflernoon, was quite well attended and the programme was ofavery creditable nature, The variety troupe enterg tained the audience for an hour, when the boxers wero Vi duced by Uncle Bill Tovee, who was the master of ceremonics. McGinty and Cleary opened with an amus- ing set to, giving way to Bowles and Leary. These went through thetr three rounds withont causing mach excitement, when they yielded the stage to “Glasgow”? and Kelly. This was the first cle er bout of the afternoon, the advantage, if any, being with Kelly. Morrison and MeGinnies ‘had a rather rough encounter, and Mickey Coburn and Ned Melahan, two old adversaries in exhibition boxing wero | very good, although they bave done better on previous | occasions.” The wind-up was beiween Pote Croker and Jerry Leary, who sparred for a cup, Four rounds were | had, when Harry Mill decided that ‘it was a pretty | even thing,” but thought Croker was slightly the bet | ter man, inasmuch as he had deliveredthe greater num- | ber of straight blows, which decision the audience in- dorsed and then dispersed, YACHTING AT ST. AUGUSTINE. Sr. Avaustive, Feb, 12, 1876, The St. Augustine Yacht Club inaugurated the season | to-day with a grand regatta, The club house has been enlarged and improved, and the club now has on its | rolls over 100 members, embracing many prominent | yachtsmen of the North. ‘ The day was beautiful, with a light breege from the southwest, Atten o'clock A. M. a national salate of twenty-one guns was fred, Visitors from Jacksonville and St. Augustine soon filled the eapacious club rooms | and piazza, and at half-pass ten o’clock a five start of the second and third class yachts was made. The race | was over the usual course of ten miles. The America won the first prize easily, and the Ida Lynm the second by « few seconds; the Eagle | Won the third class prize by one minute, In the afvernoon the first class boats, Seminole and Belle of the Bay, were started, followed by the special class yachts, Julia, Maud, Lucy and Nellie, The Sem!- | pole Won easily ‘in her class, but the special class race was closely contested, At the Gnish the Maud, by skilful mancenvering, | Managed to pass the Julia,’ coming in thirty seconds abead, with extra time allowance, the Lucy being a good third The grand regatta of the season will be held ih March. COLUMBIA COLLEGE SEMI-ANNUAL. The students of Columbia College held what they call their semi-annual at the Academy of Music last | might The order of exercises was varied, and con- tained numerous essays and copious musical selections, The orchestra, under the direction of Grafulia, dis- coursed gems from Donizetti, Meyerbeer, Balto, Mller, Lindblad and Wrogand, while the students, between times, gave their opinions on the “Progre. of Civilization,” “Superstition,"’ “Political Honesty “The Infuence of the Dutch,” “State Sovereignty’ and the “Year of '76,"” The proceedings were opened by Rev. N. W. Conklirg, D. D., who invoked a biessing on the as setmblage, and then the entertaipment began an; | timed to the end, when the ssasembled bundreds died .| OWL Of the Academyto the music of the orchestra GRANT AND THE THIRD TERM. A Defence of the President Against the Charge of Seeking a Re-Election. HIS PATRIOTISM AND PARTY POLICY FORBID IT. | Democratic Charges Trumped Up in Opposi- tion to His Letter of Denial. To Tux Epiror or THe HeRALD:— select the New York Heap as the medium of this communication because it occupies the position of an independent journal, and because it is generous enough to allow both sides on any important question to be heard through its columns when views are pre- sented in dispassionate and respectful language. My object is not to present an argument in favor of the election, of General Grant for a thira term. My pur- pose is to defend General Grant and hiS friends against the unfair, unjust and unfounded charge so persistently made—that they have been engaged in a concerted and systematic effort to force his nomination tor another election, In thus trying to vindicate the cause of truth I sball, as a matter of course, have to refer to the honestly entertained opinions, reflections and po- sition of that portion of the republican party who haye advocated the re-election of General Grant. I cannot defend them against the charge of factions and servile partisanship without referring to the reasons and in- fluences that prevailed in fixing their views. ‘ WHAT HAS BERN CHARGED AGAINST GRANT. For more than a year past the charge has been per- sisted in—sometimes by covert insinuation, some- times by open reckless assertion—that Prosident Grant had set his heart ona third term, and that he ‘was perverting his official power and shaping bis ad- ministration of the government with a view to the at- tainment of that object. General Grant finally wrote a letter to a Pennsylvania committee defining his posi- tion on that question, and it was reasonably hoped, on the appearance of that candid and patriotic letter, he would have had some respite from the assaults of his enemies, Put no, the torrent of slanders and misrep- resentation has continued tp flow on Genera) Grant vow sees, and the calm and observant outside world now secs, that he can do, nothing and say nothing to satisfy those who do not intend to be satisfied. It is plain to all that ‘the quarrel which his enemies now have with himis like the quarrel of the wolf with the lamb on the charge of muddying the water by the latter while drinking ata point lower down the running stream. HIS. LETTER, If ever there was aletter written that should have stopped the mouth of complaint and abuse that letter of General Grant's was such a one, The letter was characteristic of the man. It was-short, plain, pointed, unaffected The sting of the letterto his revilers con- sisted in its honest truthfulness, its freedom from pala- ver and platitude. For months the welkin had been ringing with the chimes of a thousand democratic bells that General Grant was a candidate fora third term; that he was directing his administration of the govern- ment So as to secure a re-election; that his continued silence was proof of the fact ; that if he was not a can- didate he ought to come out openly and say so. Well, he did come out, he did write a letter, and in that let- ter he said clearly and distinctly that he was not a candidate—that he was nota candidate either at his first or second election—that he would have preferred the position of Commander-in-Chief of the army when first elected; that ho would have preferred the repose of retirement to pri- vate life when last elected. What more could he have said ; what more ought he to have said? But because he went on to say that nothing could induce him to ac- cepta renomination, unless under some case of im- perious necessity—not likely to arise—the howl of alarm, terror and dismay has continued to sound in redoubled chorus from a legion of democratic throats. Would it have been in good taste, would it have shown gratitude for past honors conferred, would it have exhibited a proper respect for the wishes of the people, would it have evidenced a due love for his country and its free institutions tor General Grant to have said peremptorily and unconditionally that under no possible state of circumstances would he agree to serve the people again? Would not that have shown that he selfishly preferred his own private ease and comfort to a com- pliance with the popular will and to the advancement of the public good? The example of Washington is constantly referred to, Did Washington ever say that under no possible state of circumstances would he con- sent to servo the people of his country any longer? NO SPRCIAL PONDNRSS FOR OFFICIAL TRAPPINGS, Never in the annals of party warfare was any charge made with less of trath to sustain it than this charge, persistently urged by his enemies, that General Grant has had bis heart set upon a third term and that he was laying his plans to secure it Not a single act or word ot his can be pointed out to corroborate such a state- ment. No matter what may be said or thought of President Grant’s policy in regard to public affairs, or of his deportment and bearing toward the world at large, he is thelast man against whom tho tntimation can be thrown out that he has any speciay fondness for the trappings and paraphernalia of high and distinguished station, Never in our history has any one holding the Presidential office shown less dis position to put on princely airs or to presume upon his lofty position. No ono’s head was ever less turned by his elevated situation. He 1s the same plain, natural, unaffected man he has ever been. No one, even the most reckless, can charge him with the electioneering arts and biandishments which usually denote the pur- poses and objects of those ambitious of place. Noone can chargo him with the fawnings and flatterings which are the evidences of a desire to conciliate, where per- sonal and selfish aggrandizement is the end aimed at. So far from it, the same calm composure of manner, the same self-possessed dignity, marks his bearing to the high and the low alike. President Grant's selec- tions for Cabinet and other high appointments gives the lie to the chargo that he ts seeking, or even desires, | arenomination. Does he select prominent politicians with reference to what party strength they can bring to his support? So far from it, he has sot an example ‘on that score worthy of imitation by all bis successors, He seems to make ita point to choose men not in the role of politicians, while he takes care, as far as he can get correct information, that they are men who possess ability and integrity. The assertion may be safely made that President Grant shows less purpose to avail himself of electionecring appliances tn bis appointments to office than any President in modern | times. Does this look like be was manwavring for a | third term? ‘TRE ORIGIN OF THE IDEA. Let it be recollected that it was President Grant's enemies who first originated the idea of his renomina. | tion for a third term. Let them know that if this re- sult, which they affect to regard as a great calamity to the country, were to take place they would have no | one to blame but themselves Tho probability is, if | this subject had not been agitated by General Grant's / | enemies he would have quietly served out his second term and then sought the repose of private life with, out the idea of a third term ever sugzesting itselt to his mind. If he had beon allowed to retire in peace and could have had the respect paid to bim, as Chief Magistrate of the nation, of silence even, his friends would hardly have thought of calling on him tof still further sacrifices of time and comfort in the, public service. But it frequently happens in this world that men who, when under excitement or bitter feelings, charge others with intentions never entertained thereby suggest ideas that otherwise would never be thought of, These thoughts, when once in the mind, gTow upon reflection, and frequently end in what was never contemplated—in the doing of the very deeds a purpose to commit which has been wrongfully charged by those who origi+ nated them, General Grant, instead of being allowed to retire in peace to the shades of private life, has been twitted and taunted with the wish and pur” pose of a renomination for a third term and with slyly | operating to bring tt about. And this unfair course has been persisted in, in the face of bis letter to the | Pennsylvania Committee, in which he disavowed all | wish fora third term. It is to be supposed that every- | body, by this time, would have understood President Grant's character sufficiently to know that if be de- fired to be renomindted, ja case his frends thoweht YORK’ HERALDS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1876/-TRIPLE: the good of the country required {t, he would not nave hesitated to say so, True, he is not a man that blabs about his views and purposes. He has, in am eminent degree, that trait of greatness—the capacity for keep- ing bis own counsels, But no one is more bold and un- reserved in speaking out his convictions when duty or self-respect requires it, His enemies taunt him with @ loss of the public confidence, with being about to retire from official station shorn of his popularity, and with having brought about divisions and deser- tions in his party which will result in their defeat at the next Presidential election. It is not to be presumed that General Grant's friends are so free from the im- pulses, and infirieities if you please, of our common nature ag not to feel some resentment at these un- generous taunts, as not to be willing to let his enemies test the question of his loss of popularity before the tribunal of public opinion if they will insist on agitat ing it, HOW THE RUMOR INCREASED, At first this gabble about President Grant's desiring @renomination was disregarded as the mere clap-trap of partisan gossip, But ithas been kept up, as if by design, to accomplish some party purpose, At length his friends simply met it with a feeling of this kind:— “Well, if you think President Grant has lost his popu- larity, if you think the republicans are so demoralized, and that hocan be beaten so easily, yoncan try itif you wish. It was not the purpose of the republican party to callon General Grant for still furthor sacri- fices—to forego his desire for the repose of private life— and to devote himself to the country’s service for an- other term ; but ifyou can beat him so easily. we wily not object to giving you the opportunity.” Now, here and in this way, truly and in fact, originated the idea of this third term movement, It did not originate with General Grant, tor to this day no one has ever heard him say that he wished to be re-elected. It did not originate with General Grant's friends; but it origi- nated with his enemies, They would continue to agi- tate it; they sneered, they derided, they denounced, they abused, they swore that General Grant did desire a third term, and that there was an organized conspiracy to re-elect him. After having been twitted and taunted in this way for a long time Genéral Grant’s friends retorted back, ‘Well, if you will have it so, so let it be,” This is truly and in fact the groundwork of this everlasting fuss about a third term. The subject having been forced on public attention by General Grant’s enomies, the idea natu- rally suggested itself—‘‘Is it practicable for General Grant to be elected for a third term?’? And the an- swer, ih the bosom of every reflecting man, unbiassed by party prejudice and passion, was as follows:—Thore js nothing in the constitation to forbid it, An eight years’ service was simply a precedent set by Washing . ton, not because he regarded his further service as ob- jectionable, but because, having been engaged in the service of his country nearly his entire life, he longed for the quiet and retirement of domestic repose. He asked his countrymen to excuse him, which they did, But, suppose the country had been in danger and some great crisis impending over it, does any one doubt if his countrymen had called on him that he would with alacrity have agreed to serve as President for four or even eight years longer? What is there in the constl- tution or in the nature of things more objectionable in two re-elections than in one? The early Presidents were pretty far advanced in life at the terminations of their second terms of service. They wanted rest and quiet But this does not apply to a younger man, in the prime and vigor of manhood. PERSISTENT BNEMIES. T repeat I am not arguing the abstract proposition of tho propriety of re-electing General Grant. I am trying to do justice to him and his frionds. Iam trying to explain the position they have been forced to occupy and the influences that have caused them to view the question as they have done. President Grant’s enemies have taunted and provoked his friends almost beyond patient endurance, charging them with a determination torenominate him and insisting that the republicans will surely be defeated in the next Presidential election. If this be so—and it is not unnatural that the republi- cans should feel somewhat uneasy at their great confl- dence in a democratic triumph—then might not the re- publicans feel that the country is in danger; thata great crisis is impending over the country, ag hypothe- cated inthe case of Washington, and that an ‘‘impe- rious necessity” required the democratic party should run their strongest man? The democracy affects to be horrified at the idea of General Grant’s election toa third term, and yet they are constantly suggesting to the republicans a valid reason for renominating him. Suppose the republicans were frightened into it—for a frightful thing it is to contemplate the return of de- mocracy to power—it would only prove that a patriotic desire for the country’s good rendered the running of General Grant for a third term a matter of necessity and of duty, entertaining the opinions the republicaus do of the tendency and effects of democratic policy. THR REPUBLICAN PARTY ATTITUDE, ” ‘The republicans are ready and willing to do justice ‘to the opinions of honest and patriotic democrats who believe that republican policy is injurious to the best interests of the country. All the republicans ask is that democrats should extend to them the same gener- ous respect for their opinions in regard to the ruinous tendency of democratic policy. After forcing the re- publicans to think about and to consider of a third term; after pertinaciously msisting, in the face of endless disclaimers to the contrary, that General Grant’s ropublican friends were determined to force him on the republican party as their candidate, is it annatural or unreasonable that republicans should be able to discover strong and forcible reasons in favor of reeclocting him forathird term? Might they not in. sist that General Grant, im “reconstructing” the Union, has had the most onerous and difficult duty to per- form that ever devolved on any President since and except Washington, who had the task of organizing and putting in operation our then new and untried system of government; that the reconstruction of the Union ig not yet complete; that the adaptation of the rela tions between the States and between the government and the people, to the great changes tn the organic law, are yet in an imperfect and unsettled state; shat the work is progressing favorably, but {t requires time? Is it not due to General Grant, and necossary for the public good, that he should consummate this great and important work; that the democracy can- not do it; that their strong counter-revolutionary tendencies would bring about commotion and discord, instead of harmony and concord? It is remarkable that the democratic presses aud orators, considering their usual party tact and ingenuity, should have ex- posed their fears and alarm, as they have done, in re- gard to this third term agitation. And it is still more remarkable that they should nave succeeded in delud- ing or misleading any reflecting man of either party. In one breath they affect great horror at the idoa of any President being elected for a third time, and affect the deopest concern at the sad fate that awaits our free dom and our republican institutions in the imperial purposes of General Grant. With simulated alarm they warn the country of the impending danger, and in most lugubrious strains they implore the people of the nation to prevent President Grant trom carrying out his ambitious resolves. For months and months we have had these jeremiads over the threatened immola- tion of American liberty. AND AGAIN, THRY Sat. And in the next breath we hear from these samo democratic presses and orators the deGant boast that the people of this nation will never consent for any President to serve three terms; that opposition to a third term isa sentiment deeply seated in the Ameri- can heart; that the very thought of a third term is aspiration toa third term would be fatal to the fame and popularity of any man, no matter how great the affection of the people for him, no matter how great may have been his services and sacrifices for his coun- try, how distinguished and successful his administra- tion. And for months past, throughout the length and breadth of the land, the democratic organs—whether of the press, at the forum or on the stump—have swelled the loud refrain that the nomination of Gen- eral Grant for a third term would be the signal of his destruction; that bis re-election is impossible and that his defeat would be the easiest imaginable thing for democracy to accomplish. Now, can any man Ub so credulous as not to understand this? And yet, strange to say, this systematic party mancuvra has deceived, confused and misled some well meaning and thinking mon. Not democrats; oh no, they understand it But certain republicans, of honest intentions, too, whose credulity and fears outweigh their sagacity firmness, have listened to this syren song of their enemies until their composure has been disturbed and their alarm aroused THR LOGIC OF KVENTS. Now, how can every reflecting republican fail to ask himself tho question, Why, in the name of common sense, are the democrats so serioasly irichtened at the SHEET. @anger threatening our freedom by General Grant's re-election, if that be an impossible thing; why do they so nervously deprecate his renomination if they really believe he can be so easily beaten? Is it not reasonable to suppose they would prefer to have him for thetr opposing candidate {f, as they pretend to be lieve, they thought him the weakest man that could be put forward as a candidate? No, no! this is a party trick too thin to obscure tho vision of any thoughtful man as to the results of the tuiure. Did we not hear the same cry in 1872? Is was then with seemingly equal confidence proclaimed that General Grant had outlived his popularity; that bis re-election was im- possible; that he had disgusted the leading men of his own party; that the republicans had become demoral- ized by his usurpations and his failure as a civilian. Many prominent men of his own party then became alarmed and went into the Greeley movement, which tn a few months met with such a signal collapse. For atime it did look alarming. So many distinguished men, who had done noble service in the republican ranks in the mighty struggle for the Union, became disaffected, So loud and deafening was the burrah raised over the nomination of Greeley that the true and the faithful were for a time startled, but they did not lose heart. While some of the leaders, either from alarm or from a hankering for the flesh pots of Egypt turned back, the great mass of the people kept on their way tothe promised land, The people of the nation resolved that the great man who had saved the Union when in peri! should complete the reconstruction of its shagen elements, caution, It is admitted to be a wise and safe principle of action in war never todo what the enemy wishes you to do, and that the way to discomft him in his plans isto do the very thing he does not wish to be done. Itis equally politic in party as in military warfare, The demo- crats tell the republicans that they ought not to nomi- nate General Grant; that his nomination would inevit- ably result in their defeat, Should the republicans trust in their sincerity? Should they take this demo- cratic advice? Should they allow the democrats to select their standard-bearer and to dictate to them the plan of battle? From the fallof Troy to the present time it has boen a proverb that it is not safe to accept the proffered kindness of your enemy. The democrats affect to regard the re-election of General Grant as 4 great national scandal, and yet they are continually offering reasons that would induce the republicans to run him again. IN HASTE, BUT NOT PRUDENT. It would seem that with the comforting hopes ro- sulting from the last year’s victories, and with a conf- dent hope of an assumed victory in 1876, the democrats could have afforded to ‘bide their time’? and let repub- licanism die in peace, Bus all this, it seems, could not fill the measure of their joy, as long as the unconquered heart of Grant intercepted, their pathway to power. “‘All this availeth them nothing, so long as Mordecai sitteth at the gate.” Like Haman of old they still scowl at the man who foiled their assaults upon the institutions of their country, and the fate of Haman should admonish them of the futility of their efforts, AND why? Why the persistent efforts of the democrats, first by coaxing, then by denouncing and abusing bim, to induce General Grant to simply announce his unwilling- ness to accept a third term? Finding that neither wheedling nor intimidation could move him, why is it, that since the elections of the .ammer and autumn of 1874 they have been trying, by a regular system of party management, to frighten the republicans by thetr crying aloud that it was ‘third term,” “Cmsarism,’» “«mperial usurpation’’ that caused the election results of the past year? None but the timid and the waver- ing can failto see through this party trick. It is because the democrats know tho might and power of General Grant’s name. They know that he has a prestigo in the hearts and affections of the American people possessed by no other living man, ‘They know that the very mention of his name awakensa thousand memories connected with the nation’s trayail andthe nation’s triumph They know that his name and fame are indissolably united with the Union in periland the Union saved. They know that he is the idol of the people, They know that with his trusty sword he hewed his way from poverty and obscurity to the utmost goal of power and renown. They know he is a man of iron will and nerves of steel. They know, while he stands at over the citadel of American Uborty, that, like flaming sword that swung at the gate of paradise, be isa silent warning to evildoers ‘that they cannot enter there. This is the secret of all this democratic uproar about a third term. This is the reason why they ‘cannot sleep o’ nights” as long as General Grant refuses to declare in advance that under no possible state of circumstances will he agree to serve his country any longer, no matter hew press- ing the emergency. They know that General Grant out of the way and the terrible “adder in their path’’ si removed. And what annoys his assailants the more is that this great man, amid all their railings, has re- mained as placid and immovable as the face of the phinx amid the ruins ot Egypt, NEVER PROPOSED SUCH A THING. There is not, and never has been, any concerted pur- pose to secure the renomination of General Grant, either by intimidation or circumvention. The demo- crats may rest easy on that score. True, many repub- licang have lamented the fact that a want of proper or an abundance of improper leaders bad caused divi- sions and contentions within the republican ranks, and many have doubted whether among the suitors for popular favor it would not be found that no one could “pend the bow of Ulysses” but Ulysses himself When the ancient conqueror of the world died none of bis great captains was found competent to preserve the auton- omy of the great empire constructed by his genius and adventure. Many have dreaded that history might re- t itself if General Grant adhered to his expressed Tatention to retire to private life, Gi Grant has neither said nor done carting. to autherize the belief that he desirgs a third term. at when his enemies, fearing he might be again called on to lead the op er hosts to victory, imperatively demanded of him that be should publicly announce that he would not, under any circumstances, consent, they found, as t! often had before, that he would neither “give reasons on compulsion’’ nor answer questions on compulsion. But even now, when he has said he was not a candidate, yet because he ‘will not quiet their fears and relieve their terror by saying he will not under any possible circumstances accept & nomination, they are more rampant in their abase and furious in their denunciations than ever. They are frightened at the possibility of some ‘“impe- rious necessity” under which he might be induced to accept a nomination. It is Gen Grant’s enemies that will persist in keening him before the country as a candidate for a third term. How can they his friends to abandon him while they continue to afford grounds for believing he is the stron; man they could 5 AN gd bp Herat itself, wer ee well known adroitness and sagacity, in speaking of result of the Ohio election in Gcrober last, paid @ tribute to General Grant’: yalarity which it proba- bly did not intend. The position it took and the a ment it used were that a defeat in Ohio would have lett the republican ‘no other alternative but to fall back on General Grant as the only man that could save them in 1876. It was a tacit admission that even — In the depths of despair the tepubli¢ans might at last have called on Hercules to come to their reiie! THR KLECTIONS OF 1874. Tt will be recollected that General Grant's opponents insisted that it was opposition to and the dread of a third term that produced the reaction in favor of democracy im the elections of 1874 In the face of General Grapt’s letter to the Pennsylvania Committee the charge was [aah roe in and urged with redoubled intensity that @ was resolved upon a third term and that his letter afforded undoubted proof of the fact, The democrats w ftasan issue in all the State elections last fall, and that his renomination woula be the inevitable re- sult of @ republican triumph, And yot, in response to this cry of “third term,” ‘‘Carsarism,” &c,, the repub- licans turned the tide of victory, strack the democrais — with consternation, and weroed’ them what they could and would do in 1876, when had to decide the | estion whether the country should be allowed to | der democratic control No candid democrat can deny | that General Grant had much to do in bringing about | the result of last year’s elections General Grant had the po ang A to see that there was another great com- ing issue that should no longer be ignored—an issue which at no distant day might shake our political and social institutions to their very foundations I mean the preservation of our common school system. That short speech of General Grant at Des Moines struck the nerve of the nation. There is a logicin events | more powerful and convincing than all the dialectics ot all the schools. General Grant, in that little speech, sounded the keynote of the country’s peril In 10,000 cottages it made its mark where “contraction” and “inflation” were’ anmeant terms, It carried thousands to the polls who but for that would have avoided the turmoil of the hustings, General Grant never occupied a prouder ‘tion in his life than he does to-day—as the outspoken friend, advocate and champion of intellectual development and religious freedom, as fostered and protected by our common sebool system. TIS GRAND CONSOLATION, I do not believe thore isa living man that can speak authoritatively of G nerd Gram 8 views and feelings regard to athird term. Jam sure he has never one that he desired i, Iam candid when say I believe he does not desire it, 1 rather believe would decline a renomination if tendered to him. | What be might do if called on to lead « forlorn order to save our country and our freedom is matter, But whether nominated or not, whether in public oF 1m private life, his countrymen will honor and respect lim for his public services and bis private worth, If his evamtes will persist in foreing bim into | the position of being before the people for re-election ts it to be expected that his fmends should repudiate and reject hrm when they feel and believe there are associations connected with his name that would | the breast of every true republican in the land, with thousands of democrats besides? His name would carry with it the prestige of victory, and would sub. | ordinate all minor issues to that sentiment fast an | Oxod in the American heart of devotion to the Union | and determination that tt shal be perpetuated. | Wasminerox, Feb, 15, 1876 ‘ JUSTICE. THE CENTENNIAL APPROPRIATION. 4 JOKE ON SPRINGER—HIS AMENDMENT SAID TO BE OF NO EFYECT—THE MILLION AND & HALF MOT A LOAN BUT A CONCESSION—PECU- LIAB WORDING OF SPRINGER'’S AMENDMENT TO THE BILL, Purcapetema, Feb. 17, 1876. Mr. Kasson’s amendment to the Centennial Appro. priation bill in the House of Representatives required that the $1,500,000 be paia te the Centennial Com- mission only after the President and Treasurer of tho Board of Finance of the Commission shall have execu- teda bond for $500,000 for the faithful disbursement of the money. Without any action on the part of Jobn Welsh and Mr. Frederick Fraley, the Presideut and ‘Treasurer of the Finance Board, a number of leading wealthy citizens of Philadelphia have united in the preparation of this bond, voluntarily becoming security for the safety of the appropriation. This bond is ready to be filed is Washington after it receives the approval of the Secre- tary of the Treasury, and within few days tho Cen- tenpiat exchequer will probably be reinforced with the funds of which it is sorely in need to successfully com- plete the work of preparation in time and liquidate obligations maturing. The main exhibition building has just been completed, and upon {t is due the con, tractor, Mr. Dobbins, the large sum of about $800,000. This is the only large debt of the commission, the managers Raving wisely refrained from recklessly in- curring obligations which they had not present money to satisfy, A LITTLE MISUNDERSTANDING. Aproposof the Centennial Exhibition bill, there fs a very important misunderstanding of its real meaning. It will be remembered that when the bill was before the House Mr. Springer offered an ndment with the purpose of changing the whole character of the mak money to be repaid to the government after the Zxhi- bition was over. The bill was with this parsi- monious amendment, and was followed by the denun- ciations of the pee favorable to the appropriation and thousands of people who were disgusted at what they believed to be a very small and ‘MEAN PIZCR OF BUSINESS, especially so from the fact that the government was made a preferred creditor ayd was to receive back evey cent of its loan betore th® patriotic purchasers of Centennial stock received anything. Immediately upon the passage of the bill in this shape by the House t! was much tfdignation in this city, and it was even proposed by many prominently interested in the Cen- tennial cause to retuse point blank to receive a single cent of the appropriation under the restrictions of Springer’s amendment and to insist that the Senate sl ae either pass the bill in its original shape or not at A LUOKY FIND. Suddenly there was a change 1p sentiment, and some of those who had most violent in their denun- ciations of Congressional meanness all at once showed a demure satisfaction with the billas it was, manifest- to bave It go through the Sen- ate even with Springer: odious provision attached, The cause of this was the fortunate discovery of a meaning in Mr. Springer’s words which he surely never intended them to have, Some shrewd lawyer, in read- ing the eminent Springer’s proviso, made this happy discovery, and it was forthwith whispered abroad, SPRINGER’S MISTAKE. Now that the bill has been signed by the President and become a law in the form in which it passed the Boemhee can be no harm in explaining that, even under Chis Springer provision, the government cannot le- gally be paid back its appropriation until all the holders of Centennial stock shall be paid in full 100 cents on the doliar, Whatever is left after tis, if anything, will very properly go back to the Unit ‘States Treasury, but not before. A careful reading of the language of the amendment will show this to be the case, Mr. Springer’s amendment was to strike out one of the last clauses in the bill and to insert the following: — * ai, img tppropriation hereinbefore made shall | be Rayrdlotdeud "or percentage W the pros euall be pald the an; or pe a eo holders of wald stock. ® If the word ‘dividend’ only had been used the amendment inight have bad the intended effect of mak- ine the government a preferred creditor, to be paid im full before anybody else received a proportion. The language that follows, “‘or was intended to strenthen the meaning, but it really weakens it The words as they stand clearly mean that the stockholders shall take precedence and first be re- paid every cent of their investment, Then the govern- ment may recetve back its million and a bait, after which the stockholders may possibly receive their “percentage of the profits’’ if there aro any, JATISVIED QUAKERS. Thus there ts a tecling in Philadelphia of entire satisfaction with the bill. Like Senator Dilworthy the broadbrims are ‘*for the old flag and an appropria- tion every tinie;”’ and there is a disposition to feel that the cautious Springer rather overreached him- selfin this matter, and that the Centennial people have rather got the laugh on bim, Itis but just to explain that General Hawley, Presi- dent of the commission, called the attention ot the Senate Committee, to whom the bill was refer: to the peculiar wording of the amendment, and when these gentlemen recommended the bill favorably they were aware of its meaning tully. CHESS AT THE CENTENNIAL. The following circular has been sent to the Govern- ors of all the States by Mr. P. Ware, of Boston:— Bostox, Feb, 11, 1876. To His Exckuuency THe Governor ov — 1t is proposed to boid an International Chess Con- gress at Philadelphia during the Exhibition this year, and we are assured that, if the prizes and tro) warrant it, the first players of Europe will be present. We have already about $2,500 promised, and we intend to raise $5,000, It bas been the custom in Europe for the sovereigns to give prizes to the chess tournaments as an incentive to the promotion of the love and prac- tice of this noble game; but, as we have no sovereign’ in this country, l take the liberty of thus addressing you, as the Executive of your State, to ask of you donation such as you may seem fit to give, to be desig- ted ‘Governors’ Prize,” for our Centennial ternational Cheas Tournament, to be held at Phila- delphia the coming summer, I have addressed a copy of this note to ali the Governors of the States and Ter- riteries, Emerson Bennett, No. 10 North Merrick pester ow will receive donations, Yours, re- spectfally PW. Jr., Viee President Boston Chess Club, ‘THE MASON-MACKENZI8 MATCH. The match between fom corer Mackenzie and Mr. Mason bas not yet been jtely settied. A CENTENNIAL BANNER, ABary, Fob. 17, 1876, Ata meeting of ladies, held in this city to-day at the residence of Mrs. Howard Townsend, it was proposed totorm a Central Committee to issue an appeal from Albany, as the capital, asking the co-operation of the women throughout the State in sending a banner bear- ing the arms and motto of the State, to represent them in the Woman’s Hall at the approaching Centennial Exposition, and also as a testimonial to the women of Philadelphia of their appreciation of the nobie efforts they are making to bring together the works of women throughout the world. The contributions requested will be so small that all may unite in this movement. The residue of the fund, which tt is hoped will be raised, will, they say, be most appropriately applied ta the repair and preservation of Mount Vernon, to save it from further decay and to secure to the generations s come after us this precious relic of our country’s story. a THE ICE SCARCITY. THE CROP LIKELY TO BE ONE MILLION TONS SHORT—PROBABLE IMPORTATION FROM MAINE. Povcuesersr, Feb. 11, 1876 The uppermost subject in the public mind in this vicinity just now isthe threatened scarcity of the ice crop, and even the most sanguine admit that it will fall far short of the supply of former years. Tt cannot be denied that there will be a very slim supply, and thas the prospect of harvesting even two-thirds the amount of former years is doubtful, The season opened fivor- ably for the ice companies, and had the cold weather then continued for a few weeks there would now be no anxiety. Of the 1,800,000 tons annually stored on the Hudson about Nearip Ad now Loy in rae will noe be, 060,600 tons barvested this season. The two principal joe companies, the Knickerbocker and the Washington have bardly anything stored, and their ropresentatives say that they have never kiown a year in whieh the of acrop were so bad. There a i ty of icem the neighborhood of Barrytowa, Gatekilly Coxsact Tivoli, Staatsburg and Rhinebeck, but it is not firm or thick enough for cutting. A cold snap lasting a few days would put the ice in condition and the ice companies to her their The Knickerbocker and Washing- in Ioe are the mainstay of New Yor! Brook its surroundings, and annually gather 000, eon Knickerbocker 600,C00 ‘and the on Trine prospects are dot better during the week there no doubt but that there will be a lurge quantity brought trom Maine to supply the New York jharket, ees the ice companies have advanced the price of ice, and if they have to resort to Maine for their sup- ‘will be advanced still higher. - is the view taken by the representatives of Jes bere, and ts andoubtediy the only way Menlty. The demand the coming summer, judging from the anusually mild weat! will be an~ ited and the suffering among the lower Price of ice will be a burden to the well- resent scarcity an = Rag d first cutting on the Hadson en in November, and from present indications, it will bothe las.’ psy = COLUMBUS, Dr. John'Lord delivered a lecture on “Colamdus’”! yesterday morning at Association Hall. The hall was not quite so well filled as a from the im- pp that notuing ew could be heard om the subs uo hand tage of the profits,’? | } | }