The New York Herald Newspaper, May 11, 1876, Page 4

E 3 NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1876- *~ 4 KENTUCKY REPIBUICANS.| +--+ Bristow and Morton as Favorites in the | Corn Cracker State. POPULARITY. OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. The Sentiment of the Colored People. INTERVIEWS WITH PROMINENT STATE POLITICIANS, | Lovisvinne, May 5, 1876, | A ramor has gone abroad that in Kentucky, tho home of Bristow, a great many republicans favor Morton Jor the Presidency; but, nke all the late yarns concerning the Secretary of the Treasury, there is no troth in it = ©Of late I bave been busily engaged in sevking the views of the prominent republicans of Louisville m regard to taoeir choice for tho Presidency. I have yet to find a Morton man of any prominence. Among those with whom I con- versed I found all for Bristow, oven men whom I had understood were for Morton. Of this latter class were Colonel Rorace Scottand Mr. Thomas Bradley, about whom more shall presently be said. GENERAL HARLAN'S VINWS. The most preminent republican of Kentucky 1s General John M. Harlan, He was twice a candidate for Governor and each time received over 90,000 votes in this great stronghold of democracy. Many democrats forgot their party and voted for the man. General Harlan obtained a vast amount of information in his two cap- vasses, and I think that no man to-day is as well posted about Kentucky and Kentuckians as he ia, The other day your reporter called on General Harlan and inter- viewed him in reference to political matters in Kou- tucky so far as they relate to the approaching Presi- dential contest, General Harlan was reluctant to be interviewed, but your reporter managed to get him talking, as can be seen from the following :— Q. sce it stated in some of the papers that the re- publicans of this county have held a meeting and de- slared tor Morton for President? A. It isnot true that any such meeting haa been beld. 1 have beard of a little squad, not exceeding a fozen, meeting in the county and passing resolutions for Senator Morton, and that is the meeting telegraphed over the country as having been held at Bristow’s home. The republicans of this city and county will not hold their primary meetings until May 4 That is the time regularly appointed, and it is certain that no re- publican will be seat to the State Convention from this city or county who is not enthusiastic for Bristow’s nomination at Cincinnati The State Con. vention will be held on the 18th of Muy, nud it will be found that the republicans of Kentucky will present Bristow’s name with + much unanimity as the old whigs of Kentucky pre- sented that of Henry Clay in 1844. The republicans of Kentucky are proud of Bristow and look with con- fidence to his nomination and election to tho Presi- foney. Q Isthere any movemont in this State being made tor Morton? A. In one or two localities an effort is being made to rally the colored republican vote in his favor, but it will result in nothing, The Kentucky delegation at Cincinnati will bo a unit for Bristow. However much the republicans of Kentucky esteem Governor Morton for his services in the repub- lican cause, they are for Bmstow above all others, They have not forgotten *his clear, record as a stanch Unionist and consistent republican. Q But they are urging itin the North that, being @ Southern man, ho cannot be trusted. How about that? A, 1do not fear avy such point against him. Bris- tow should be trusted by the republicans of the North as implicitly as they would any public man born and raised on the other side of Ma- son and Dixon’s tine The men who urge this objection forget that Abraham Lincoln, Dick Oglesby and James B, Birney were born in Ken- ‘bucky and passed some portions of their lives in this State. The men in the North who say that a Southern republican is not to be trusted aro like those in the South who distrust Northern men because they were taised under anti-slavery principles. Bristow was reared a whig, promptly sided with the Union cause in 4861, fought gallantly in our army, never taltered in his opposition to the rebellion, was for all the men and money necessary to put down rebellion. Asa mem ber ot the Kentucky Senate, betore the war closed, he voted squarely for the ratification of the Thirteenth | amendment abolishing slavery; he defended the em- | ployment of colored troops; he approved and defended the Civil Rights bill; as District Attorney prosecuted | the murderous gangs of outlaws whe maltreated the | colored men; has uniformly defended the public school | System, and maintained the duty of the State to afford j equal facilities for eaueation to all its children without | tegurd to color; approved and delended both the | fecessity und policy of the Fourteenth and Fittecnth amendments to the federal constitution ; iutained the right of the colored man to hold | e—in brief, he has swod by the republican party | ever since it had an orgunized eXistence tn bucky. N The Northerb man who cannot teast Bristow with sach a record, piained as it bas been under circum: stances w it cost a great deal to be a republican, must be very hard to please. General Harlan said be bad heard of a distinguished Northern republican’s saying that it would not be sate to trust a Southern republican; bat when he came to think of that Ueman's he recalled the iact that, although he had himself been educated under anti-slavery miluences, he stood by and defended | the policy of the dewocratic party When it made war | with Mexico for the purpose of extending the area of | slavery. The reporter continued bring about bis nomination A. Nothing—absolutely nothing So far as I know he has nover uttered a Word or written a line whieh | Suggested that any effort be made by his iriends in | thas direction. On the contrary, he has discouraged his friends from pressing his name. If those who | think favorably of his nomination at Cincinnati shoud Sucoced it will not be by reason of any assistance oF encourage.vent they bave received from bm. | 4. If Bristow should be nomimated can he carry Kentacky? | A. My deliberate judgment is that he can, There are a very large number of old line whigs who were Union men during the war, but differed with tho republican party about the policy of reconstruction, who will come tous if Bristow should be nominated at Citicin- | pat. They are being drawn largely to our party by | the mapner in which Bristow has administered the affairs of the Treasury Department. Between that class of men and the republicans there 1s nothing leit to divide them. They agree im the main us to questions of constitutional construction, and as to twe rela- tions which the States bear to the federal goverp- ment. There is an impression abroad that Kentucky sent more soldiers to the Confederate army than to the Union But this is a mistake, Not less than men went from Kentucky into the Umon y, and atno period during the war did a majority of the white people: in it favor the success of the re- Dellion avd the duesolution of the Union. W Bristow as our candidate hosts will flock to our standard who, é | | | | “What is Bristow doing to since the war, bave drifted into the democratic organization, ‘Resides those there are many 18 Who say they will vote for him. — But these ‘otes will not come to Bristow because of any ont 4s to the slavery question, or With any ex- pectation that Bristow will abate one jot or tittle Irom #8 principies as a republoab, tred m the tire, but solely becuuse they have faith that it will have an honest, pure adimibistration of public affairs, and give | the country steady, sate government, His nomination | ‘will arouse such enthasiasm in this State us has not Deon seon since the days of Harry Clay. Q Do you think the repablicans wili elect their can- didate for President? j A. You can tell that as weli as Ican ; but U do doubt our 1 the republican party, by its thou at Cmermnati, will sutisiy the country that it is in earnest in the great work of retorm ineos will weep the country. ‘The great muss of the people de- sire genuine, thorough retorm ia all departments of the public service. They have no desire to restore the democratic organization to the control of the natioual government, aud nothing but the folly of our party can bring about such a deplorable result. Suck are the opinions of General Hariaa, and tbere ix no republican in Koutucky better qualitied 10 auswor he mterrogatorics put to tim, MORTON AND THE XKORONS, Much has boen said eisewhere of Morton's strongth Among Kentucky negroes. 1 have found a tew for him, they number tn to ono for Bristow, lodiana electioncers have bee rating among iberr jucky brothers converving Morton, bat not very inliy, Te illustrate the kind of men the In- negroes are I will give ab exainpue. had an mterview with uo old centennial, plantation, | dyed-in-the- wool “eullud gen'iman * said], “who the best man for the " “Does ye mean for Massa Grint’s place, sab t'’ asked old Seventy-s:x. ‘ “ ; Madagascar, th: hhatl » Jotigoh, snes je's econ Bs 19 ‘os te old man's | nominate nor their votes | thinks Morton the b | he seems to bo trul: ‘pinion, I don’t mind telling what I thinks "bout dat Yore matter, I Morion am de man for de place.’” “Why sor” ase, sah, he is de only man as has stood pine (Pinchback); he am de man as do ‘nenduents, and he am de only man as has de spunk to suck by bis culiud braader, ” “Who told you this about Morton ?”” “Told me? gwine 'way fro’ heah, chile; I know tt; de caunjurets done tole ms 80 long ‘go; dey know what dey're talking "bout, I ‘spects; fc bound to vou mun as would vote jor me inde saine sabeu news; Massa Morton ain a pabfact geu'’men; he likes called people like himself; he dey ought be ‘spected, ang if his wile die to-day I believes Mussa Morton would jes’ as lief marry a culled lady as a poor white one. Dat am de kind of a man I likes,” pat i “Yer, sah; Pse no use for dat man. clean back on de party. *spose Babcock. ”? “But suppose Babcock was guilty?” interrupted I, “De Lord hab mercy, young massa!" exclaimed the astonished African, “Does ye ’spose Massa Grant would hab a man ‘round hin ag wasn’t turt class #”” I laaghed and said, “Why, Madagascar, Bristow or somebody else may yet expose the President !”” The old negro’s eyes rolied, be clutched bh looked at me, and as he hobbied away exclaimed *'Spose de Pres'dent! What does ye tuke de ole man for’ I kinder guesses massa Grunt and I is mem- bers of de same churci, 1 knows bim well, and tubs him, but when you talks about 'sposing him den do ole He am gone 1 done gib bim up when ho cane, de pinion o’ do old man dat Gubner | by old | Taree pects dem as | | Convention on the currency question ?”” “Then yuu are opposed to Bristow?” I mildly | man’s got nuffla moab to say, kaso I sees ydu'se poking | tun atbim. Yah! yah!?? MK. THOMAS BRADLEY'S OPINION. Tt ts men like old Madagas who are ior Morton, ‘The more inteligeut of the race are tor Bristow. T know many negrocs of Louisville, and not ono-titueth are of old Madagasear’s opinion. T have been told that three white republicans of Louisville favor Morton. are suid to be Colonel Horace Scott, Mr, Thomas Bradley and Colonel J. P. Luge. The first perintendent of the Louisville and Indianapolis Railroad, the second a prominent politician, and the third an Indianian holding a Ken- tucky oftice, I met Mr. Bradley gazing with a longing eye toward the Custom House # day or two ago, “Well,” said I, sthow gocs the Presidential move?" “AM right, all right, so far as I can tell; republicans are bound ‘to wie. “Who will be their choice?” there 1s a wide breach between Conkling and If elther cannot elect himself he will strive to kill the other, and the consequence will be tho death of both.” “This being the case, have much show??? “[ think not, Morton and Bristow remain; the former 18 very strong and the latter has been growing greatly in favor with the people by his exceilent ad- ministration of public affairs.” see you are for Morton.” o, sir, not at all.?? “It ts generally understood in Louisville that you and Colone! Scott are the only republicans of the city who are for Morton, How about that, sir?” “Tam for Bristow first and Morton second, and my optnion is that Colonel Scott 18 for Bristow.” “fben there are no republicans who favor Morton"? “Lam sure that Iam. for Bristow and believe all Louisville is.” Government officials as a general thing don’t inter- view well, ‘They may think, but are in the main afraid to talk. There has been go much said about the Lonis- the e does the Grest Unknown ville Custom House that I lately resolved to enter it | and attack one of the officials who stay there. Tho man I selected was L. §, Hawlett, Appraiser of Mer- chondise, He is @ representative man and very out- spoken in his views. I met him by chance at his room inthe Custum House and engaged in conversation aout the coming campaign. Suid 1:— Q. Do you feel a particular interest in the politics of the day? A. The same interest, I suppose, as is felt by the average citizen of the United states who intends te live in this couptry and leave his children to live in it. @ I find oltice-bolders given to vagueness in their answers, Can't you tell me something about the situa- tion here? A. What do you wish to know? If I have any in- formation in your line you are welcome to it. Q. Well, to begin with, what do you think of the so- calied Morton movement? ‘A. | think it a movement which everybody expected and which needs no apologists. Morton is certainly one of the tirst men in the republican party, and I think a movement on the part of his friends—or evon on his own (og daerang give him the management of a nation he has labored so weil for, to give him a chance to carry out the principles for which every republican must accord bim praise, is pericetly natural and houor- able, Q I know; but do you regard it as important enuugh here 'm Kentucky to affect the delegation to Cincinnati? ‘A. Most surely Ido not, I would as soon think of an Indiana delegation for Blaino. . Are there any government officials here who favor Morton’s nomination? A. Quite hkely. Q Who are th A. I don’t kno nd I wouldn't tell you if Idid I have been told that there were such; but their prefer- ences are as much their own as their wives and babies, Q. Who are Morton's supporters in Louisville? A. 1 tell you, young man, I have not the specific in- formation you seck. Ihave been informed by somo men, whose only pleasurable eensation is that of alarm, that Morton men_ were stirring about among the unih:nking voters—the blacks—who must be told all they can know of candidates, and trying to work upa sentiment for Morton and against Bristow; but tor all the real effect their operations will have they might as weil spend their time selling Saukey’s sopgs in Pata- sonia. Q. How is Colonel Horace Scott interested ? A. 1 at all, in dead carnest, Horace Scott is not one of the half-hearted kind. Q Is it true that be has spoken for Bristow? A. He told mo he was as good a Bristow man as there was in Kentucky; that if apybody said he was trying to create seatiment against Bristow, or told that ho wanted to go as a delegate to operate for Morton against Bristow, such a man told a damned he, Several have indulged in the remark that Scott is a Morton | | issues man, but since no ove bas told me that he is specifically | against Bristow I can’t give you the names of any considerable number of damned lars; [suppose nothing would suit you better than such a specitied list, since you have such strong dislike for things vague and I only want to know if Colone! Scott is really r Morton, as I have understood ? 1 can only. say that such 1s the general have told you what Scott said tome; I him to be a good republican; he was member of Governor Andrew's Council in “War Governor,” but who dicd before these times of picking choosing, or he would have been head and shoul- over all the others, short though he was in etature, I tell you, young man, John A Andrew would bave been the Centennial Pret nt if he had lived. Q. Excuse me, sir, bat I have hardly time to talk of dead siatesin Don’t you think the mass of prople mn Louisville—democrats and republicans alike—seem to favor Bristow? A. Yes, and that fact speaks well for him; bot that Won't nominate him, The anteeky republicans hope for his nomination and will worl Indiana republicans will w mination of Morton; but the success of either de- wider field of operation than 18 te lines of Kentucky or Indiana, nocrats talk Bristow, and perhaps many ot Id vote for him; but {ther opinions will not hit. ho Js for Bristow, but a Massuch usetts—another one them Q. Mr. Thomas Bradley s: jor his party than any other of tie members. A. Well, Bradley Knows more about politicians than T do, bat it strikes me that party conventions generaily inate the man that the party will do the tost to . What the party wiil do tor the man is just now of more importance to the republicans than What the man has done for the party. It you were to choose 4 horse to run against one I had put ap to bent any you could bring would you take the old borse that bad pulled you through Many years of bard travel simply for the reason that he a fresh une whose abilities to beat mine you knew to bo better than your old stundbys? That question is one with which I will reply to yoars, BRISTOW THE FAVORITE, | the | wembi t mah, because he has done more | ut drove so, or would you take | Colonet Horace Scot. denies being a Morton man and | Says if he goes to Cincinnati it will vo to support Ken- tucky’s choice. Mr. Bradloy says he ts tor Bristow, aud Mr. Luse is tor Morton on purely personal grounds, I understand, ‘hese three are the only Louisville to padlicans suspected of being for Morton, and two of them deny tt. Having beard that Major Keeiei States Ariny, Was a Coukling man, paid tay respects to him and told him whet Lad heard, The Major was rather reticent, expressed a high opinion ot end likewise Bristow, thought that Blaine and Conk- ling will kill each other, and do much for ether Bris. tow or Wheeler, of York, spoke bighly of Wheeler, I taited to find a single soul tar Blaine, and the great unknown out Bristow towers aboveall. Morton has some few friends, but neither Conkling bor Blane has much show tor tucky’s vot HON, JAMKS SPRED, It was the Hon, James Speed, ex-Attorney General of the United States, who made Bristow United States District Alorney, irom which position he has gradu- Kide into lame. The ex-Attorney General 1s now quietly attending to his large law practice, but be takes ‘au interest 1 republican politics and has probably been more thoroughiy identiticd with the republican party than aby other man in Keotucky. He suys he always refused to be interviewed by, correspondents when at Washington, but ertheless the HkKALD | representative found an audience with him and the result is given here. “Mr. Speed, what is the condition of the republican party in Kentucky at this time f” asked the reporter, is more compact than ever.” didates in this State?” “Bristow is the first choice and Morton follows, no chance in Kentucky, Blame 1s a bot- te than Conking. The republicans of this State would not support the latter; he hay no hold ou them whatever.” “ould Bristow carry Kentucky!" “ile could anuless the democrats would be able to pat Up Very strong man. The democrats would vote ior hun. He ts, beyond all doubt, the strongest man in the ropublican par “Upou what do you base his streagth #” “Upon the parity of bis character and the courage exhibited lately im the honest discharge of the barass- ing doties he hae had tu pertorm, ‘ * Do you consider Bristow a man of great ability 2” “in ail the public positions vecupicd by him it has been noticeable that he hus always tlied the measure of Lis place, even though not exhibiting any extravr- diary geutus.”? bie... § Bristow's chances for the nomination at all “If the people are heard at Cincinnati he wiil be uy ling | ere, | the corruptionists--would find uo difficulty in defeat- | ing Senator Eaton, who is one of tho purestas he is “What is the standing of tbe varioas repablean can- | oye of the ablest public men in the United States, The | tering?” nominated; but what tho politicians may do 1 can’t a ‘What are the prospects the coming election !"" “The chances of the of the republican party at | iy without Bristow as tho nominee for the are fair; with bim they are certain.” } “What will be the leading questions of the canvass ?”” “The reform and money issues; the tariff may pos- | sibly also bocome an tssue.’* “How does Bristow stand an these questions $”” “He represents the idea of reiorm better than any other cancidete, und i pronounced on the question of currency.” “Whatis likely to be the action of the republican “The republican party ought to declaro for hard money, und probably will; if it does not and the other party does, many votes will be changed in favor of the democracy.” “Will not the character of the candidatos for the Presidential nomination be considered ?”” “The personal character @f the candidates, the plat- forw of reiorin and the money issue will have more in- fivence in this election than I have ever knowa like questions to have in a Presidential election.” “Do you think the section trom which a candidate hails wiil influence the republican Convention ?”? “I don t imagwe it will have any effect upon the so- lection of candidates, The me bas gone by when that could be raised us an objection to any candidate. Shortly after the rebellion it would have bad its im- pression, but not now, ‘The fact that Bristow resides im Kentucky cannot be urged against him as likely to injure his chances, “Who is making the movement in this State against Bristow?’ “Tbe extreme soft money republicans, who do not re- Morton as pronounced as Bristow on the currency It don't, however, amount to mach.” . “In your opinion whut’ ts the strongest tieket that could be put forth by the republican party #? “Bristow and Adams. Against the latter nothing ean be ul |, cither as a man, as & republican or as a Statesmen,” JUDGE BALLARD, Hon, Bland Ballard has been Judge of the United | States Court for this district for many years past, and is recognized as one of the most emiment district Judges in the country, Tis decisions im the | ‘culebrated Ku Klux cases have been extensively | quoted. Judge Ballard is not a politician, | | he does not mingle tn political meetings, but his view upon the Presidential question will be read with great interest. The Heratp correspondent, having found him at his reatdence, proceeded to inverview him as fol- low: ‘om the events of the past few months do you consider the prospects of the republican party iat- “Irrespective of the character of the candidates I do not think the prospects of the party good, but by the nomination of a pure weil known to the country for intelligence and uprightness of character and for his sound views on the currency, I think the party ought to and will succeed.’ “Ot the four republican candidates ost prominently spoken of for the Vresideucy—Blaine, Morton, Conk- ling and Bristow—which do you consider the most available?” consider Bristow the most avatlable.”? | Upon what grounds do you base the Secretary's availabilty ?? “Because he is distinguished by his detestation of corruption, and bas shown a willingness to expose and punish it, ' He is aiso recognized by the thinking and business men of the country us possessing sound views upon tho currency. [ thik 1 have a high opmion of Mr, Morton. I appreciate the greut services he rendered the country during the war of the rebellion; but ho holds extreme views which are objectionable to many repub- icans in the country, and his opinions upon the cur- rency question are bot regarded as sound. Mr. Blaine ig a man of intellect, but 1 think he lives too tar down East, He would make uw strong candidate, but not so strong as Bristow, Conkling 1s the weakest ot tho four candidates mentioned. It is difficult to assign the | reason for this, but it is quite apparent that he ts not | acceptable to the best republicaus in his own State. 1 regard Bristow as the representative of that idea of the purity of administra.ion with which .the repubii- cans must tnumph if they triumph at all’? ‘Do you think that he 1s really the only one who can carry the republican party victoriously through the coming canvass ¥”? h “I am inclined to think he is, though I am person- | ally willing to support others,” i “Would not the nomination of Secretary Bristow, he being a Kentuckian, injure the repubiiean party in the North?” “1 suppose not. The republicans of the North will not soon forget the mistake they taade by the election of Johnson; they will not be willing to support any Southern republican until fully assured of his antecedents and his preeent sound repubtican views; but the more they inquire the more they wil) be satisfied with Bristow. He hus been throughout fife an opponent of slavery, and there | is not a republican in the land who is a truer triend to | the principles uf npiversal frecdom and to all the prin- ciples for which the republican party has struggled for fifteen years’? “Would his nomination not injure the chances of the party if the democratic party should nomiuaie.a North- ern man?" } “I think not, for it 1s quite certain the democrats will bominate a Northern man. Tueir only chance lies there."” “Do you consider Secretary Bristow a man of strong individual force aud possessed of great ability ?”? “{ consider him a man of fine abinity, of dependent thought and of the strictest integrity. The more be 1s assailed the purer will his public lito appear.” “Wow'd not his pronounced views upon the cur- Tency question injure him in the estimation of thesoft money republicans?” “It would undoubtedly, but I think tt quite certain that the democraue party will nominate a a who will be equally objectionable to such republ ican party likely to foree the e question pron ‘one of the issues by declaring for hard money?” “Tho question of currency is obliged to be one of the great issues of the next campaign.” “Do you really suppose that Bristow would be able to carry Kentueky ?”” iB “I think it very improbable. I have been fighting the hard-headedness and pig-headedness of Kentuckians: for so long # time and with so little success that I have very L:tie hope from them; bat! think his nomina- tion would reduce considerably the usual democratic majority of the State.” “Waillthe attempt of Morton’s friends to createa diverston in this State 1n his tavor injure his chances with the Kentucky repubhican delegation should Bris- tow not stand any show for the nomination #”” “I kuow nothing about the effort Morton has made, but it there has been one it has been so metectual as not seriously to affect Morton’s position. The fact 1s Kentucky republicans re.aember with much gratitude the zeal and executive ability displayed by him during | the war.” 4 “Are not the politicians throughout the country de- cidedly averse to the nomination of Bristow 1” “‘L bope not; but, judging from the sianders thiat are daily published against him, I fear there is some sys tematic and unscrupulous ediort to detame him, Lam very uowilling to believe that this is prompted by any of the prominent republicans of the party. 1 strongly | suspect it bas been instigated by the miserable rascals conuected with the Whiskey Rig whom Bristow has been endeavoring to bring to justice.” “Po you think be will have much support outside of | Kentucly delegation when the Convention as- at Cincinnati !”” “I bave no means of forming an opinion upon the subject. Tam satistied that there is a creat deal of quiet sentiment among the republicans of the country which domands bis nomination, and if ho shall not ex- Dibitun the Convention great strength in its carly stages, I think it very probable and quite certain that hus strength will increase every hour the Convention sits, because that element of the republican party— without whieh it cannot succced—will insist Bes homination of the nom{nation of some man like him.”” Do you think the South would favor bis nomiua- tion 1" “Lam very little acquainted with th the South. “I never read a newspaper fi : Soath, but 1 am sure, if it is true to is own interests, and especially if the blacks, who constitute a large major. ity of the republicens of the Soath, understand their ts, he will receive the republican support, ‘Does not Conk backed by the New York, New Jersey aud other Kastero delegations, stand a tair show Jor the irom ny”? is ho chance, ” What 1s your opinion gf his ability and Gtneas for the postion of President?” “Conkhng is a man of ability, but in some way he does not satisiy the thoughtful republicans of the coun. try.” “Who will the Kentucky delegation be apt to support | if Bristow should tail to receive a large support???” “Thaye no idea | suppose they will ve divided be- | tween Morton and Blane and endeavor to select some candidate Who can be successiul."” POLITICAL NOTES. mont of e Bont iv The Syracuse Courier eays that ox-Governor Sey- mour’s preity refusal of the crown only strengthens his chanegs, Rochester Democrat:—If Sam Tilden is not the great democratic unknown, he certainly will be next November, and probably some time betore that, The Hartford Courant hears a rumor that Senator English, despairing of an cloction for the new Sona- | torial term, will withdraw in favor of Governor Inger. soll, to head off Mr, Barnnm. Augusta (Ga) Chronicle:—Nominating a candidate for President who was im sympathy with the Soath would be like shaking a red flag in the face of an em. raged bal. A Joyal man—tbough in sympathy with South would support Senator Eaton with unammity, but the South alone could not elect bim. } Troy Wéig:—If, as Horatio Seymour said at Utica, | the country t euflering trom a low state of morals, wo do not know any man who is more to blame for it than he. In 1854 dir. Seymour bargained with the liquor | dealers for the nomtnation of Governor, hoping by their | money to be elected over Myron H, Clark, tho vemper- ance candidate, Montgomery (Ala.) Bulletin:—The presumption is | palpable, from the present indications, that Spencer 18 only working to get a delegation admitted to the Cin- cinpati Convention from Alabama in the interest of Morton or some other Presidential aspirant who will assist in carrying out his scheme for controling the | federal patronage here for threo years to come. No | sane man here claims that Spencer's induence in the for the Cincinnati nominee, whoever that may be. Norwiea (Conn,) Bulletin:—The principal argument employed by the friends of the rival democratic candi- dates for the office of United States Senator is as start- ling as it 1s novel, It ts the first time in the history of Connecticut pohtics that a man has dared to ask for an office on the ground of money expended for purely party purposes, and we sincerely trast that it may be the Jast, It marks a stage in the degradation of the poli- tics of the times never reached before, a lovel too low to be lasting if the State is to survive. ‘The Wilmington (N. ©.) Morning Star:—There is no disposition in the South to make the choico of a stand- | ard bearer for the democratic party. Most of our peo- ple aro indifferent as to the particular man, so he is one of the several able and upright gentiemen whose chances Buve been discussed, or somo one of equal claims for the position. The true policy of the South- ; ern conservatives 18 the policy of standing off and letting our Northern allies name the oandidate, All we want is the nomination of the strongest man. Whether be is Hendricks, Tilden, Davis, Bayard or some entirely hew man we care not. Baflalo Ezpress:—Tho whiskey and revenue thieves aro still Busy trying to make a break in Mr. Bristow’s armor, ana will not cease their offoris until the Uin- cinnati Convention shall have bee» held; but their en- muty will undoubtedly strengthen rather than mar that gentleman's reputation. Elmira (N. Y.) Advertiser:—The letter of Governor | Seymour explains itself, to be sure, but not to Tilden's satisfaction. Philadelphia Evening Telegraph:—Democratic in- quisitivencss has at last received a decided and deserved set-back, What with the sale of post traderships and Teal estate pools and wh'skey rings and Indian rings and a thousand and one other scandals, the democratic. majority at Washington surely have enough legitimate matter for investigation, THE ARMY AND THE NAVY. RELATIVE RANK AND PAY OF THE OFFICERS OF THE TWO BRANCHES OF THE SERVICE—AN EFFORT TO INJURE ONB AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OTHER—THE REAL STATE OF THE CASE. To tux Eprrox or tax Heratp:— The following circular, entitled “xtravagance in the Navy” (see A and B), has been laid upon the table of every member of Congress, and naval officers have waited for some little time for respectable officers of the army to disown any connection with its publica- tion. A little examination of the paper will show a good deal of suppressio vers and more of the suggestio Jfalsi, and its animus is evident, though short sighted, for injuring the navy does not benefit the army. This army circular names only the sea pay of naval officers, the highest they can under any circumstances recerve, and which can only be received less than half the time of actual service in the navy, while it gives the lowest possible pay proper of army officers, making no men- tion of the longevity increase, which the pavy does not enjoy at ail; or the allowances for forage, quarters, fuel, &c., which makes the pay, say of a lieutenant cal- onel, $5,500 per annum, while under no circumstances can a commander (the same rank in tho navy) receivo more than $3,600 sea pay, $3,000 shore pay or $2,300 leave pay, and is usually enjoying one of the two latter rather than the former, Thero is one case actually in existenco where a com- modore on shore duty (ranking with a brigadier gen- eral) is associated on duty with a major in the United ‘States Army, and the latter, who entered the army tm 1861, receives more pay thau the veteran sailor of threé wars who entered the navy before the Major was born. The following ts the circular referred to:— THE CIRCULAR. While the army is constantly subjected to legislation, in order to reduce the cost of its inaimsenance to the Most economical pomt, the navy remaing untouched, and presents the anomaly of a country maintaining a Jarger number of officers of high rank in time of than during a great war. To the almost onbounded influence of a powertul body of ollicers of high rank and high pay, numbers of whom are stationed in Wash- ington, and to the general ignorance as regards the in- ternal workings of the navy, may be ascribed the rea- sons Why this extraordinary absorption of the public money has been permitted to continue. ‘ ‘The following table will show to what extent it ex. sts:— Number of officers of high rank on the active list of the navy during the years 1804 and 1816, compiled from official re 1 168, 1 1876. With over 450 ves-| With 50 vessels Rank, sels in commission,| in commission, No. Pay. No. Pay. Grade not es- Admirals. . —| tablished. 1 $13,000 Grade not es-| Vice Aamiral: —| tablished. 1 9,000 Rear Admirals. 6) $5,000] 12 6,000 Commodores 13] 4,000) 26) 6,000 Captains... 3y 3.500) 50) 4,500 Commanders. . 72 2,800] 96) 3,500 Rank Geucrals: Lieutenant Generals. Major Generals., Brigadier Genera, Present leg: ree of the navy, 8,000 men. Present legal force of the army, 26,000 men, Here is presented the extraordinary anomaly o¢ 25,000 men requiring less officers of corresponding rank than a force of 8,000 men. A large number of the 450 vessels in commission during the war were com- | manded by volunteer offices of lower grades, with sal- aries of $1,200 and $1,800, Thoro was not one volun- teor officer of the navy of as high rank as the lowest of those sn the above table, ‘This attempt to injure the navy on the part of cer- tain army officers is, to say the least of it, a very small and contemptible business, THE TRUM STATE OF THE CASH in regard to tho relative pay of army and navy will be found in the following table, The relative rank is as follows :— Admiral ranks with general; vico admiral ranks with lieutenant general; roa admirals rank with major generals; commodores rank with brigadier generals; captains rank with colonels; commanders rank with hheutenant colonels; lieutenant commanders rank with majors; lieutenants rank with captains; masters rank with first lieutenants; ensigns rack with second heu- tenants, TAULE OF GREATEST FAY OF OFVICKRS OF THE aRuy . AND NAVY, Navy. Waiting Rank, At Sea, On Shore, Orders. Admiral... $13,000 $13,000] $13,000 Vice Admiral.) 9,000 $,000] 6,000 ‘Rear Adinira 6,000 6,000] 4,000 Commodore. 6,000 4.000) 3,000 Captain... a's00 | Fd 8,500] 2,800 Commander...] 8,500) & 3,090} 2,300 Lieut Com'd’r.| 3,000] 2) First 4 yrs. (2.400] 2,000 . El Attor 4 yrs. 12,600) 2,200 Lieutemant....| 2,600) >| first 5 yrs, § 2,000] 1,600 E|Atier 5 yrs. 2,200) 1,800 Master........] 2,000 5 First 6 yrs. 51,500) 1,200 Alter 5 yr, 11,700! 1,400 Ensign........| 1,600 First 5 yrs. § 1,000] ‘800 Alter 6 yrs. 11,200] 1,000 Midshipman...| 1,000 800 ‘600 Army. Rank, Pay aut Allowances. General,...........$17,109 and forage for three horses Licuteuant General. 12,571 and forage for three horses Muyor General... 9,071 and forage for tbree horses: Brigadter General 6,811 and forage for three horses Colonel. 4,811 and forage for two horses 6,070 and forage fur two horses 4,570 and foraze tor wo horses 821 and forage tor one horse 787 and forage for one horse 2192 and forage for one horse 2,000 and forage for ong horse Note--A ration in the navy is thirty cents per diem per Forage in the army averages thirty cents per diem. Howances of ailicers of tho army are compmsed rate per room for quarters (Washington rate), 7 Malequelisation st ony. he ofticers of the army-and navy soums but an act of justices. ‘The army circular takes no account of the fact that the command of a fleet or squadron is virtually equal io ‘the command of an army in the field, while the duties and responsibilities of the command of frigates and cor- Vettes are more than equal to tho respousibiiities attending the command of aregiment. No fair com- parison can ever be made between the number of officers required for armies as opposed to navies, the dutres bemg so utterly dissimilar, To attempt itargues ignorance. That both army and navy need certain reforms is |, bus lot us be fair and just, and let it also bo yy, of in | two ‘hat is all tho wavy, conceded, established t! tor grade, the Davai oflicets ask—justice, mere justice, services all be gxactly the same. | State will be sufficient to obtain a single clectoral vote | | \ | | | | JACQUES OFFENBACH. His Impressions of American Institutions. PERPLEXING © JOURNALISTIC © AMBHITLES. What He Thinks of Music and the Drama. It is not often that this side of the Atlantic is favored with the presence of a composer enjoying such a world-wide reputation as Offenbach. It might sately | be assumed that one standing, as be does, at the very head of his own special branch of musical art, and, as @ consequence, enjoying the acquaintance and inti- macy of most of the artistic celebrities of Europe, would bave much to say upon music and the kindred arts that was entertaining and instructive, more especially as far as his adopted country, France, is concerned, With « view of eliciting sach opinions and observa- tions on these subjects as the groat composer might see fit to communicate a Heap representative called upon him yesterday. It would be diflicult to exaggerate the easy but refined geniality, the wit, grace, polish and acumen of the mau whom the outside world knows only ag the greatest ving composer of opéra bouffe. He cordially welcomed the Hxratp man, und, after an interchange of the ordinary eivilities, said that he bad noticed with great pleasure in the various representa- tives of the press whom he bad met, and with whom he had conversed, a complete absence ot those jealous- fes and bickerings which were the bane of journalism in France to-day, “And yet,’ said tho Heratp man, “they have very decided views, both political, religious and other- wise.’? “That may be, but I doubt whether you have among you the sume acerbity of opinion as our journalists have in France, You have, it is true, democrats and republicans among you; but what are such shades of opinion when compared with the strong party lines which divide our legitimists, Orleaxists, republicans ond Bonapartists? They actually disappear. (To a } gentleman in the room)- Do you think it possible to | get four representatives of different journals to frater- nize or harmonize in Paris?” “Certainly not,” said the gentleman appealed to, with a significant shrug of the shoulders, A HAPPY FAMILY. . “By the way,” said M. Offeubach, “I must tell you that I was down at the Hxranp office to-day and ‘was greatly pleused and surprised at all I saw.’ “The best time to see It,” said the Hxnacp man, “is Just as the presses begin running off the frst edition of the paper. ”” “That 1 shoald imagine, and I shall certainly take an carly opportunity of doing so. (To the gontleman above mentioned)—My dear fellow, we in Paris have realty no idea of what a newspaper office means. Ville- messant thinks the office of the Figaro a considerable thing; but in comparison with the Hxraxp office it is like a cottage to a palace, There is no use attempting to describe theso things; you must sce them for your- wot.” e “My purpose in calling upon you, M. Offenbach, was, if you will kindly allow me, to get your opinion with reference to the present condition of France in Fegard to —”” “Well, I'think it may be safcly said that France has fairly recovered from tho mere material prostration from which she suffered after her stragglo with Ger- | many. Butthere are other deep-scated results from which, I think, it would be bold to say we have thor- oughly recovered, These are partly what I should call political roguits, and of these I should prefer not spoaking at present.”’ THE DRAMA AND LITERATURE. “On these heads, sir, it was not my intention to trouble you, but the Hanaxp thinks that the people of the United States could learn much with regard to the | present state of the arts/ musto, the drama and litera- ture from so eminently qualified an authority as your- self.” “Ah, I see what you wish, Well, to answer your in- direct question in general terms,! am inclined to think that, outside what is merely matertal, France 1s passing through a period of decline (décadence).”” “Do you think that opinion holds good ot music ?” WANTED—MUSICAL INDIVIDUALITING. “Certainly. I would not be understood to say that | the general level of musical culture nas not risen in | France during the last fifteen years. Ithas, But it has been unaccompanied by the appearance of any cor- responding number of great musical individuahties. If iu the latter regard we compare our present condition with what wo were thirty years ago we shall sce how far we have retrograded. It is true we have a Gounod, a Thomss and one or two minor musical lights, but whut are these in number compared to the constella- tion in which shone such mep as Boiledieu, Adam, Meyerbeer, Halcvy and twenty others that’I could | | mention?”’ “Ig there any reason which you can ascribe for this salle off in the number of great musical personali- ties “I cannot say thore is, except that men seem to fol- low nature, which at times is overproductive and again rather niggurdly in her gifts, 1t 18 true Gounod has given us ‘Faust’ and ‘Romeo;’ bat be has been almost mute ever since.’? “Do you think that the attempt to copy Wagner’s style o: music has bad anything to do with bringing about this result?” WAGNER'S MUSIC. “IT think it hos, os music, in the first aged cy totally unsuited to the French temperament, fe cun- not enjoy it and we cannot write it. That deep, con- structive inusic, which seems to taboo melody, can never live in France, and no Frenchman can ever hope to succeed in it. Verdi tried his hand at tt and fatied sigually, His ‘Alda’ is his opera which will first die. ‘The French character and temperamwvnt require melody iu music, Such success as I have bud with my varior works I attribute largely to the facility, such as it m: be, which I have for writing melody. ‘This no amount of stady can give aman; it isagift. To-day we have hardly avy writers of melody in France. I might, with the exception of Gounod and Ebert say none, If we find we cannot produce fine original melodies that is no reason why wo should endeavor to copy the German style of music so unsuited to our mi tem- perament. Better copy good models of melody, of which there are plonty--dosart, Rossini, &¢., or even Beethoven.” “Then you are of opinion, too, that the present de- cline in the numoer of great musical com; 1 due, posers: ma large wneasure, to the affectation of the wansd) Rhenane style of music.” “Certainly, But there is another source of mischief, It is that men will insist upon writing music to subjects and themes which du not squure either witn their natural masical bias or write good ballads attempt sa cantatas; some who could write creditable Nene ‘opera will insist upon writ- ing masses, and so on, all round the compass, It may surprise you to hear that 1 haye written masses my- sell; but 1 was, and am, well aware that my forte did not lie in that direction. I should write a thousand years and never produce anything to comparo with jozart’s ‘Requicm.’ This pistaking of powers and gifts is @ prolific source of the musical tnanttion under which we are laboring. To turn to another subject,” saul the great composer, “how is i¢ that with the en mous resources of this country you have nothing here pond to the great conservatories of Europe t’’ “1 thiak,”t said the Heracp man, “that the reasons jiits. Men whe could | i the committee's work and panish those that gave ing oft in the quaiity of the general ike hight literature of the country. France have exhausted herself about a quarter of a ugo in the production of what I might term the dramatic and literary Pl Tt was period which produced the Lammartines, the do Massets, the Damas, the Sues and a | equally gt Dames, foremost which pe i i if among Hugo. t saddens one to think that the outlived genius and bis common sense years. We niay possibly again see such a think France will have to wait long for it.” “This decline has been by some laid to the charge of the Empire as as an enervating and corrupting régime, Do you think the charge weli foandod ?”” “Ido not. Really great men are but slightly aftected by such influences as are supposed to have been af work under empire—they ulways rise above them. eat dramatic and literary men did not show because France did not produce them; that ts the simple solu tion cf the question. The same observation will hold equally good of art.” GRANT’S CRUELTY TO CUSTER, [From the Chicago Times.) Ps In spite of his official denial Grant bas gotten hit» self intoa very disreputable position in the Custer business. He first affronted the cavalryman, and then tried to disgrace him. It ta not improbable that Grant’s treatment of Custer may result in a committee of in- quiry, which will lay bare the indecent wartare waged by the Executive, not only upon Custer, bat other soldiers who have, in obedience to Congress, testified as to army abusea, In the Custer case Grant’s conduct sounds like a chapter from the history of some Kastera: despotism. The facts in the ease present the President of the United States in one of the most humiliating and disreputable of the many humiliating und disrepu- tadle plights that be has veen put in this winter, A ropubtican member, interested im the contro- vorsy, has taken pains to inquire the status of the case, and from bim these facts are obtained:—First, Custer, as 1s the etiquette among army people, called upon the President so soon as he arrived in Washing- ton, He was refused an audience. He called again, om three successive occasions, and was met by the same response, that the President engaged and could not see him, Within ten days arcpubhcan Congress- man learned that the President finally, auable tu con- tuin his unger, and desiring to paralyze tue efficacy of i- dence, directed un order to be issued suporseding Custer in command of the Indian expedition, assign- dng in bis stead Major Gencral Terry, who has never had experience on the frontier and who knows nothing of the Indian service. Last week Custor, who hag Deen anxious to get off for a month, tually obtained consent Irom the committee to return to his command, subject to their summons if they needed bim. He visited General Sherman, stating the caso to him ex- plicitly, explaining that he had no instrumoniality in causing himself to be summoned, nor did he take any partin the examioation which was demanded of him by the commities, General Sherinan oxpressed per- fect satistaction with Custer’s conduct, lamented the on him and explain: the true condition of ailairs, According to Sherman, Custer had on several occasions visited the President for tho urpose of relieving his mind of any misappre- sion and disubusing ‘him of the current slander that he was going out of his way to bring dis- grace upon his former companions inarms. Sherman could see no reason why Custer should not visit Grant and oxplain the situat:on, and Moally, at his suggeati Custer did call. This wax on Satarday afternoon Custer had bis tickets for bis Western journey. Ho waited, however, over Saturday, Sunday and Monday to comply with Sherman's advice, and promptly at ten o’clock, 50 #000 as the President's receptiou hour be- gins, he was in attendance. There were several people who urrived with Custer, all of whom were insiantly admitted on sending in their cards. The entire com- pany who came with Custer passed in and out, and others came and passed ip and out, and still he sat in the antecnamber wubidden. From ten o'clock watil one he waited, dozens of people of all kinds and conditions. banding in their cards and gain- ing access to the President, while the oye stared at him. About two o'clock General Ingalls, passing in to see. the President, sew Custer, and asked him how long bé hail beon waiting. Learning the situation, he iniurmed Custer that he would call General Grant’s attention to his presence and we f matters up. Ingalls, on, going to the Presi- dent, told him of Custer’s being in the antochamber, aod said: *1t is not fair to Custer to servo him in thas way. Ifyou do uot wantto see him should have sent him word this morning, aod not kept lim out there among the crowa waiting tho entire day.” In- galls went on stating further his opinion of the propri- ety of treating an officer of Custer’s distinction in such a hanlon, It seems that his upbra.ding met with no response, for at three o'clock, having waited since ten, Custer’s card was returned to him with a message from the President deci.ning to sce him, stutiog that he wag, going to Junch, Dayton (Ohio) Democrat:—The statement that the President relieved General Custer from bis command because he Was 4 witness in the Belknap iin en’ ‘ial is denied from Washington, It i# said to have ‘been the wish of the President that General Custer. having been subpenacd as a witness, should remain until he bad testiticd, and that meantime the ta expedition should be placed under comimand other ollicer. it is alittle remarkable, however, @ this is reliable, that the order rolioving him should not have been issued until after he had been discharged by the committee and had Chicago on his way to jois bis cominand. Oakland (Cal.) News:—General Grant is beginning te strike back, and trom his well known character we maj expect exciting news in a short time. There is nt power in the United States that can make Genera Grant restore Custer to his command. He has fathere¢ reports against many of the President's friends that ro Newport (Rt. 1.) Daily News:—The reason of Custer’s his ‘command does not been explained the Presid Cusver to the Play becuase the impeaciment Managers sad they ain't need him. A special de hh vo the \deertiser, dated at Washington, says that Custer was ordered Wost first, be came East us a volunteer witness and had Second, Drcuuse he had given false testimony. Third, Deeause ihe impeachment wanagers di him} | and ‘ourth, because so many ollicers had on tnd expedition (hat te was Peper atu jo the first point, Custer asked leave answer Cly- | mer’s qaestions in writing without confing East, but for stich a lacune are complex: they would seem to be | partly political, partiy socil, in character. “Let me anticipate your explanation. You ing to say, were you hot, thet republican in were hurdly orable to sach growths 4s mon: chies, where the whole power of a country for founding and supporting such things wes iu the bands of a king or an emperor, who could ase it for che creation of one or two great centres of musical education, mstead of being scattered through thirty different States and Ter- ritortes ?"* “That was my idea.” be is andoubtedty something im it, bat America 4 fully us capable as any monarchy of founding such a ‘at institution right bere inthe city of New York, Here the monarch is the people. They can will anddo | doanything. The only thing required 1s to select aman of the very highest musical ability and administrat.ve | Make ove observation, I am very much at. ihe small number of theatres, properiy so Jed, which you have here, Nominally Waan'ogton is the capital of America, but New York ts really. metrop- — oli. T could never have imagia d that so great a city would be so poorly supphed Wub theatres, Can you capacity, 1a whose integrity the people have imphert ecvotidence. Place such a man at the head of it, have ¥ firmiy and well governed aad muuricently »upported by the nation, and ina given period your conservé woukl eqaal that of any country in the world Bat the conditious I have menuoned are absolutely indis- av “it it would not be taxing your courtesy too much, Offenbach, I would like to bave your views with drama in M. fegard to the present condition of the France.” ‘THE DRAMA IX FRANCE. “Twill give them to you with great ire, but, for fear it should slip wy memory to recur to it, | will frat give avy reason for it?” “I presume, sir, ithe a mere of aod demand, Ita liebe sented eee tiem me ota have them We are by no mesos so @ theatre. going people as the Freneh, Bot 1 ‘another rea- son may be that wo have notin New 80 a suwly Of Hirst rate dramatip talons to attract ie Awas subpanaed, If the second point is trae he should be court martialled at once insiead of ordered to d: with bis regimeot. The third point is contradict and as to the lourih, we believe the expedition had lett last week. We see some papers rejoice that Custer has been disgraced because he was a ‘#will” witness against Belknap, Possibiy this 1 the explanation, and in trymg to make the caso appear otherwise the well meaning newspaper correspondents contradict each Utiea Herald:--A letter from Custer to Clymer hay into print wherein the Goaeral siates he was needet his post, aud asked if the questions he was desired to aoswer could not be sent to him and his repiies re ceived by mail. The proposition was not acceded & and Caster camo East in obedience to a subpoena (troy Cly mer’s committee). | Wilhamspore (Pa.) Sen:—Grant has revenged bim | selfon Genera: Custer for testifyimg in the matter of tne post-traderehip trauds by relieving him of bis eom- ‘8 conduct 18 simply outrageous, Kafauia (Ain) Times:—General Caster has given mortal offence to Grant by pursuing an honest pol hon forward course aod exposing the rascalities connected with the post traderships; so much so that the Presi- dent bas relieved him of tis command, General Sher ‘man and Secretary fuft both went w the Premdent and protested against such «coarse, but without availing anything. Grant seems tobe inflexivie and ts deter- mined to Wreak Vengeance oo ail who dare expose the rottenbess of his administration, aud thas deties pub- no amet te g red the Sine wane his friends, «he is in sympathy with thieves, even | if he does nos directly share in the ‘pote, Winona (Minn) Hepyblican:—By direction ot the + General George A. Custer hus veen ordered on y as to his regiment in Dakota, aud lof Washi Tuenday night. He is relioved from farther Tank, and gues te colonel Gen. President’s stupid wrath and advised Custer to call”