The New York Herald Newspaper, February 24, 1879, Page 3

THE: PIVOTAL What Our Congressional Deputation Think of the Coming Canvass, WEW YORK SEEN FROM WASHINGTON. e+ Republicans Who Deride, Democrats Who Laud Tilden. GOVERNOR ROBINSON'S CHANCES. The “Stalwarts” Call for. Blaine---Grant a First or Second Choice. REPUBLICANS AND THE GOVERNORSHIP. Husted, Sloan, Hiscock, Arthur, White and Cornell, A BOLD REPUBLICAN PLAN. Project to Alter or Repeal the State Electoral Law. A HALF CENTURY RETROSPECT. New York’s Record as Index Finger of the Union Vote. ‘Waskrnctoy, Feb, 22, 1879. * ven from so distant a standpoint as Washington not onty is the progress of the political canvas in the State of New York closely watched, but people here believe they can see considerably more of the features of the contost than the participants them- selves. Hence the foresight of the Hznatp in indi- cating the great political problem of the year 1680, viz. the result of the Presidential contest of that year, is keenly appreciated here. The wisest heads here, speaking of the Hrenarp’s Albany letter of last Monday, which first turned public reflec- tion in this direction, believe that the writer ‘was even shrewder than he thought when he proposed to show that the coming fall cam- paign in the Empire State was the forerunner end index of the result of the Presidential canvass a twelvemonth later. It is not many years ago since it was an axiom that as went New York so went the Union. In those days New York was the undisputed leader of the great sisterhood of States. Butin the tourse of tinre her nearest neighbor, the great Com- monwealth of Pennsylvania, grew to be her nearest rival in population and wealth, and, as the State elections in Pennsylvania took place in October, the Keystone State wr sted from New York the position of the banner State, and for many years, in the result ot her October elections, be- tame to the country tho recognized indox ‘Vf the result of the quadrennial contest for the chief wagistracy of the nation. It was only when Penn- tylvania changed her election time to November that, with the old axiom as to New York forgotten, the politician was at sea again and without a com- pass except such as was afforded him in the result of the Ohio October election, a criterion more or tess untrustworthy, for the reason that the neighboring Btate of Indiana, by taking the opposite political course on the same day, was apt to confound his calculations, WIY PIVOTAL. But in taking up Pennsylvania and Ohio as politi- tal weather gauges the politician, and particularly the New Yorker, has gone after strange and more or less delusive idols. As shall be shown presently, by tonvincing facts and figutes, the Empire State has been in its election returns a constant factor in the product of the Presidential eanvaes every Presiden- tial election since. the time of Andrew Jackson or since the first time when the choice of the Stateof New York for President was manifested and determined by s popular election. The words, “The Pivotal State,’ at the head of that Albany letter, expressed an im- mense deal in @ brief space. That it contained » great truth will be readily demonstrated from a ref- trence to and consideration of the port which New York Kas taken inthe recurring electidns for Presi- dent for the past fifty years. FIFTY YEARS’ COMPARIGON. The period of comparison is litmited to this span of fifty years for the reason, as already intimated, that New York never had a popular election for President until 1824, when Genera) Jackson was the victorious candidate of the democratic party. Before that ycar in many of the States, and before 1820 in nearly all the States, the Legislatures cast the electoral vote tor President end Vice Prosident—a constitutional privilege, which, it will be remembered, South Caro- lina availed herself of and preserved up to 1964, It will “now be shown that during this past fifty ycars of Presidential elections, beginning with 1826, the result of cach Presidential election in the State of Ney York was tho same in its political complexion as the result of tho State election of the year immodiately pre- vious, As the Presidential year is always leap year, the odd numbered year next before it is consequently the significant time which we refer to; so that not only does the State go as goes tho courtry in the year of the Presidéntial election, but it goes in the year before as the country isto go. In olden times, defore the telegraph, it was sufficient to accept the voice of the State at the Presidential olection as an- nouncing the general result in the country. But, then as now, this result might have been seen in the result of the preceding State election. For these reasons it is casy to perceive what significance and importance are attached to the Now York election of 1879 in its bearing upon the struggle of 1880. GENERAL JACKSON'S TIME—1827. Going back, then, to 1237, the odd year jast before General Jackson's election, we find New York a great battle ground between the friends of the hero of New Orleans and those of Adams. Jackson, in his party's opinion, had been unfairly deprived of tho Presklency by tho House of Reprecantatives into which the elec- tion had been thrown by the failure of any of the candi- dates to get majority of the Electoral College, The State election was held in November, and it in re- corded in Hammond's History that “the result afforded ® completes triumph to tho Jackson party. Tho Jack- son ticket for Senate and Assembly in thocity of New York received @ majority of more than four thousand votes! (@ heavy one in those days.) Nearly all the Benatorial districts wore carried by the same party “and a large majority of Jackson men wero returned to the Assembly.” In November, 1828, a year after, dackson swept the State and country. By this cleo tion Jackson got, it is trua, only 20 electoral votes from New York and Adams 16; for in those days and until the law was amen 4 to its present sbape the Presidontial Electors wore chosen one from cach Congressional district, the two at largo for the two Senators being in turn eelooted by the college. The people at the polls elected 18 Jackson and 16 Adams electors, and the 18 being In the majority, elected two additional Jackson elee- Vors. All this toes not weaken the rulo of precatent which it is our object to show existing in the ro- latidha of tho two sets of election revults—viz., that tho political verdict of tle previoug year will be the verdict of the Presidential year; for, had the presont law been in operation, Jackson would have seourod NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY original system of ligts, as some of the republican members of Congress. Tho reader should understand that forty or fifty years ago, when the numerical basis of populur representation in Congress was much smaller than now, the elec- toral votes of New York were at one time as many as 42. This explains why, as above, in Jackson's time New York cast a larger electoral vote than she is en- titled to now do under the census of 1870, 4 DOLD REPUBLICAN GAME. The return to this old system, it is no secret, en- ters into the plan of the republicans for the ensuing fall campaign of the State, as an expedient to be availed of should the campaign of 1880 by any mis- calcnlation of republican chances promise to be favorable to the democratic nomince. With only a | slim republican majority this year, and the danger of too formidable a democratic campaign for the Presidency next year, @ republican Legisiature would be tempted to amend the present law. Indeed, with a republican Governor and Legislature next January, thore would be nothing to prevent that Legislature from repealing the Electoral law altogether and giving its 35 votes, off hand and without risk of popular election, to the republican nominee for President. The animus in this movement is the desire to break down the overshadowing influence of Tammany and New York city in State politics. Such a scheme, either in part or in entirety, would defy the begt efforts of Mr. Tilden or any other great polit organizer to prevent his opponents from getti some portion, smal! or large, of New York's electo! yote for the republican candidate. JACKSON AGAIN—-1831, In 1831—four year later—the democrats in New York encountered a merely nominal opposition in tho shape of a weak coalition between the anti-Masons and the national republicans. The old so-called ad- ministration party had been routed, ‘horse, foot and artillery,” by General Jackson, and broke up into different factions variously namod, two of them as just mentioned. In 1832 New York went democratic again and Jackson was re-elected. VAN BUREN’S INDICATION—1835. Jumping another four years to 1835, wo find the democrats again successful in the Stute election, tho result of which haa been really determined by the election of Marcy the year beforo over William H. Seward, the whig candidate for Governor. The whigs vot: | return to this ing for electors by Congressional will be seen further on, is strongly advocated by . were the successors of the national republicans, so called, of the previous Prestdential canvass and fledglings as political bantams in the contest with the long victorious democracy. In 1836 New York went democratic, and Van Buren, the democratic candi- date, was elected President, . RISE OF THE WHIGS—HARRISON—1839, Passing to 1839 we find the Sodgling whig party grown to overwhelming numbers and sweeping New York with a whig victory. For the first time a whig Senate was choeen, giving the whigs their first con- trol of the State Legislature. The effect was, in the words of tho historian, to “‘dishearten the friends of Mr. Van Buren in the sister States, while it animated with fresh courage and sdded new vigor to the whigs. * * * Until this election the demo- cratic party had held a majority in that body (the Senate) since the year 1618. It was to them a mighty and appalling changoe.”’ The next year (1840), famous for its log cabin and hard cider campaign, when Maine went hell bent For Governor Kent, Aud Tippecanoo, And Tyler, too. The whigs carried New York and swept the country for William H. Harrison. THE DEMOCBATS AGAIN—POLK—1843, In 1843 the tide of battle turned and the democrats recaptured the State Legislature, the candidacy of Horatio Seymour being one of the strong influences in securing thistesult. - In 1844 the State and country went for James EK. Polk. ‘WHIGS ONCE MORE—TAYLOR—1847, In 1847 the whigs went to the front again. Horeto- fore the off year—as these odd years usually were— was the alternate of the yoar for choosing the Gov- ernor snd Lieutenant Governor, and en passant it is ail the more surprising, under the circumstances, that an off year should be so true and faithful in in dicating the result of the succeeding year. Anew’ element of excitement was injected by the canvass for Lieutenant Governor, to fill a vacancy. The whig candidate was Hamilton Fish, who beat his opponent by 30,000 majority. The whigs were jubilant. Next year (1848) New York went whig, snd Zachary Taylor ‘wes elected President. DEMOCRATS—PTIERCE—1851, In 1851, by which time the State’ ticket had been divided so as to be chosen one-half every other year, the New York democrats elected the ticket headed Welsh for Treasurer, and in 1852 gave their electoral vote to Pierce, electing him Prosident. ‘THY. KNOW NOTHING ERA—AN EXCEPTION—1855, In 1855 the State election was a scrub race, with five tickets in the ficld. Headley (Kuow ‘Nething) ‘was elected Secretary of State. But the Know Noth- ings broke to pieces immediately after and went, two. thirds into the now rising republican party and one- third to the democrats. In 1856 New York gave its electoral vote to Fremont, bnt Buchanan was elected, making the first excep- tion to the operation of the rule, and this for the reason that at this time parties were in a transition state in view of the distracting questions which led to the secession of South Carolina in 1860 and the civil war in 1861, A REPUBLICAN VICTORY—LINCOLN—I1859, In 1859 the New York repubiicans elected Dennis- ton Comptroller and nearly all the rest of their State ticket. In 1860 New York and the North went for Abraham Lincoln. REPUBLICAN AGAIN—1863. In 1868 the republicans elected Chauncey M. Depew Secretary of State, and in 1864 New York dnd the country went for Lincoln, ANOTHER EXCEPTION—1867, In 1867 the democrats elected Nelson Secretary of State, and in 1868 the State went for Seymour, although General Grant was elected President, the exception this time being due to the fact that party lines were lost sight of in the tribute of honor tho country desired to pay to ite greatjmilitary chieftain, and not ¢ little to the Tammany electoral frands. m REPUBLICANS AGAIN—GRaNT—1871. In 1871 the republicans elected Scribner Secretary of State, and gave their electoral vote to Grant, who was re-clected President. . _ . ‘UME CLOSE TILDEN VOTE—1875. In 1875 the democrats clected the ticket headed by Mr, Bigelow, and in 1876 gave their electoral vote to Mr. Tildon, His failure to achieve the Presidency works but little detriment to the operation of the rule, the election, even as decided by the Electoral Commission, being one of the closest on record—viz., 185 to 194 of the Electoral College. Let us throw all this into a table and see how it looks:— COURSE OF NEW State Blec- Presiden President tion Went. Year, tial Vite, ‘Blectel, 827... Democratic... .1828.. Democratic....Jackson. 1832. . Democratic... Jackson. ratic. YORK STATE POLITIC’ YOR FIFTY YEARS. Year. y 1800, . Republican. 1864... Republican. . 1868, . Democratic. Republican. 1876, . Detnoc ratic. SUMMARY OF THE COMPARTSON. Hero for fifty years woe eco the result of the Presi- dential election in the State indicated every time but once by tho result of the State election of the year immediately preceding. The exception is in 1855- 1866, The importance of this exception amounts to very little when it is remembered that the Know Nothing party of 1855 constituted a largojmajority of the republican party of 1856. There is at least no such pesitive exception as the triumph of one party in 1855 and of @ radically different party in 1856, An inspection of the fourth and fifth columns of the above tabie shows that during the sate period of halt acentury New York's choice for President was also the choice of the country in every instance ex- cept in 1856, when Fremont was detested by Duchanan; in 1868 when Seymour was beaten by Grant, and in 1876, when the result had to be referred to the Electoral Commission. Leaving this last elec. tion out of the consideration as one in dispute and doubt, and remembering that Grant was borne into office by & popular ovation, the case of 1975... the entire electoral wote of New York, A | Fremont in.160¢ is really the only exception worth would noting to the working of the rule which we are ap- plying to the problem of your politics—that is, in every instagee for fifty years the State election has determined the course of the State upon the Prosi- dency, and in every instance but one tho State has cast its electoral vote for the man who was clected President. If, as we are told, history is but philoso- phy teaching by example, we ought to know next November which party will win in 1880, The sig- nificance of New York's position as the pivotal State’ cannot be overestimated. THE NEW YORK DELEGATION INTERVIEWED, It was to secure the expression of their opinions upon this and the collateral issues of the coming election in New York that the representatives of the Empire Stato in Congress were waited upon and in- terrogated by your correspondent, with the following result :— , SENATOR KERNAN. Senator Francia Kernan, in response to the inquiry of your correspondent, said he had no views to ex- press just now. It was too soon to begin to agitate the nomination of candidates. There was plenty of work yet to be done before the State ticket was shaped, and in due time he should be found in the midst of the contest. BAGLEY, GORGE A. George A. Bagley, republican, represents tho Twenty-second district, composed of Herkimer, Jefferson and Lew is counties. “My choice for Governor is Frank Hiscock,” was Mr. Bagley's prompt answer to the question eliciting this information, ‘He is a young man, who has de- veloped wonderfully during his Congreseional term, and his nomination would secure the largest anti- Tilden vote that could be polled in the State of New York. He would be acceptable to the party, and though the cry ‘Canal Ring’ might be shouted vigot- ously aud lose him some hundred votes, yet nis gen- eral popularity would win him thousands of votes from the opposition. Besides, the greenback party are certain to put as strong a ticket in the field this fall as their wisdom can invent and the mass of ite supporters will come from the democratic ranks, “Who does it strike you will be the Presidential nominee of your party?* “If the question is one of choosing a candidate on the ground of expediency, why Grant is the com- ing@pan; but if it is to be sentiment, thon the namo of James G. Blaine unquestionably leads the list. He would give to the campaign euch éclut as wo have not known since the days of “Tippscanoe and "Tyler, too.” ‘ “What w 1 be the democratic programme, in your ment? “Tilden aims to make himself recognized, and if. hejs the controlling spirit in the State Convention he’willdo this beyond a doubt. He claims the re- nomination to the Presidency as his right, and who can dispute it without making discussion in the democratic party."” BATLEY, JOHN M. Mr. John M. Cipiaen deka prune represents the Sixteenth district, comp: of the county and city of Albany. It was clear ‘to his mind that there should be more of the people and less of the politi- cian in the direction of the State campaigm It would bo premature to expross a preference for the candi- date for Governor before the summer. “Perhaps you have some rettled notions about the Presidential campaign.” “Yes, Grant is foremost, and Blaine is a.strong candidate; bunt assuming that Senator Conkling is not a candidate and is not to be balloted for there is no reason why New York should seek a nominee out- side of* its limits, and (he man who ap- to me to have the strongest claim, the man who conld carry the State of New York in the Presidential campaigu is’ Vice President William A. Wheeler. Bir. Wheeler bas never been identified with any of the factions in the State; he would be the strongest men the party could put up; he would certainly the State againstany m: the democrats could nominate, and, believing thi New York holds the balance of power in the contest, is this not worth considering?” “What do you think will be the programme of the democrats?” “Tam persuaded that Mr. Tilden still holds the reins of power in New York, and that he is bendi: all of his energies toward the accomplishment renomination for the Presidency in 1890. He is a wonderful organizer and has lost nothing of his astuteness ae a the tribulations of his efforts to be elected in 1876, One thing, it seems to me, he must gain by the experience of the last two years, and that is he has found who can be trusted who is suspected of being treacherous to his interests. All this. Mr. Tilden has to his credit, while his observations have only increased ‘his. polit- ical ty as a leader and an_ organ- iver, To suppose that he is crushed ia ‘o undervalue the strength of a man who knows nie own power, Whoever is nominated for Governor by the democrats will be the helper of Mr. Tilden in the Presidential campsign, and assuming that ho is to be the nominee of the democracy in 1850, and counts upon carrying the New York, does not the other fact that Mr. Wheeler 1s the only man in the State who can beat him commond him as the proper man to be put at the head of our ticket in the next Presidential campaign?’ MH BAKER, 5 Mr. William H. Baker, publican, represents the Twenty-tourth distriet, which is mado up of the populous and wealthy counties of Oswego and Mad- ison, comprising the city of Oswego the ‘region extending southeast from Lake Ontario to ke Oneida. Mr. Baker is a ‘‘stalwart” and awarm friend and admirer of Senator Conkling. He lives within a few miles of Syracuse, the home of his immediate colleague, reseman Frank Hiscock. To the ques- tion what he thought of the movement to make Mr. Hiscock the next republican candidate for Governor Mr. Baker answe! jee “I cannot say that I know of any following which Mr. Hiscock has that would warrant the belief that such a movement amounts to anything. ‘The trou- ble with him as 9 candidate is his record of 1872, when he went off with the liberals.” “Then, who is your choice for Governor?” “George B. Sloan, by all means. And I do not select Lim because he is ope of my personal friends or a resident of Oswego, but because his candidacy will be acceptable to all the elements of the repub- lican party.” “But wasn't he defeated im) the cancus for the bec bpad because he was the anti-Conkling can- didate?” “That may be true; but he wasn’t so badly de- feated in the caucus as you may think. Governor Alvord didn’t have so many more votes over Mr. Sloan as to make his success deserve the name of a victory. It was a pretty close thing. Besides, while Mr. Sloan was the lidate of the so-called anti- Conkling men in that caucus he is himself a Conk- ling man. You will remember that he was run not so Much a4 an anti-Coygling man as an independent man, unaffiliated with the old ‘machine’ republi- caus.”” What do you think of General Arthur’s chances?" ‘General Arthur has no backing outeide of the city of New York. He is without any followers in the up- country districts which are republican. He iy, in fact, politically anknowh or ignored in the greut republican voting districts of the State. Again, he quarrel in the ed It would be unwise to nominate him for the same reason that it would be bad policy to choose General Arthur. He represents 4 grievance. He would ineur the enmity of a great many Cer republicans whose siliance wo can't afford to lose. The party is pretty well united just now. The liberals and dissenters and the malcontents _——— who left us or worked against us or didn’t work at all are pretty well back in the ramks again. All these elements can be, reconciled and kept together in support of bana) Sy si Ho is my man for the nomination, ry % “Passing to the Presidential canvass, who is your nah for the next republican nomination?” “Oh, General Graut, of course.” “What! as against your fellow-citizen, Mr. Conk- ing *"” “We can't carry ® single Southern State without General Grant we ought the break the solid South- ern line somewhere. Now, General Grant can carry North Carolina and possibly South Carolina, which Mr. Conkling or any other republican candidate yet named can neverdo. We must nominate Great.” Mn. Baker was not “posted” about the democratic “situation. BENEDICT, CHARLES B. Charles B. Benedict, democrat, represents tho Thirty-fret district, composed ot Wyoming, Genesee and Niagara counties, ithout hesitation he said, when the object of the interview was explained :— “I am for Tilden and Robinson. I believe that the democracy was cheated out of the Presidential office in 1876, and Lam not one of those who may be wilting to sucrifico the nominee of our party now. He was good enough for astrong canvas in 1976, and with the well known character of our people for fair play, why should we not be triumphant in 1880? In regari to the intentions of onr opponents I know noth and will not hazard an opinion at this time about their candidate for Governor.” BLI86, ARCHIBALD M. Mr. Archibald M. Bliss, democrat, representative of the Fourth district, compored of a portion of the city of Brooklyn and the towns of Flatbush, Fiat- lands, Gravesend, New Lots and New Utrecht, gave his views with frankness :— “Thero is no question, however, in my mind, of the certainty of the democrats carrying the State if they are nyited, and I believe they will be on a proper cand@ate and a good platform.” «The Presidential issue, perhaps, is bettor defined in your mind, Mr. Bliss “On that subject I can speak with freedom. I think any of the candidates named on the demo- cratic side—Tilden, Bayard, Thurman, Church, Hen- dricks, Randall, Hancock or McClellan, under or dinary circymstances, could be elected; but in view of all tfat has occurred Governor Tilden, if he will accept the notuination again, is the surest candidate to win with, In my judgment, he would poll avote in the pivotal States that I do not thiuk any of the others could, not only on account of his retorm record, but because of his progressive de- mocracy, which has attracted to his support and to the support of the democratic party, Lm sulk it number who have acted party in the past to turn the sealo, There would be no danger of the capital of thecountry being ar- rayed against Samuel J. Tilden, and tho laboring classes would xive him the saine supp4rt he has always received from that source in the past. I be Nevo all sectional differences woult disappear under the practical management of his administration. And last, though not least, the democratic party oly be vindicated, but justice herselt would be vindicated by his election, and in the eyes of the whole world the stain which was put upon us as a uation by cheating a majority of 40,000,000 of people out of their lawful choice for the highest office of the Republic would be wiped out.” “Have you considered who might be the candidate blicans for President ?” ntly hear of the Grant movement, and it looks now as though there were influences at work to make hia the republican candidate; but my own impression is that Blaine will be their available man. Conkling, it is understood, is not in the race. While John Sherman is not without friends and strong political backing it is doubtful whether he coult’ command enough strength to win tho nomination. No; it seems to me that Senator Blaine is tho tower of strength in the republican lines. You know there are very many timid republi- cans who could nag be persuaded to’ overcome their prejudices ayainst a man holding the Presidential oflice for three terms, and whatever may be General Grant's prestige or popularity, that fact caunot be disguised in the Presidential issue of 1880. But bear in mind that it is of little consequence whom the re- publicans nominate, Samuel J. Tilden can beat Grant or any other candidate the, republican party may sce proper to put in the Held against our nominee,"" BUNDY, S01L0MON. Mr. Solomon Bundy, republican, represents the Twenty-first district, composed of Chenango, Dele- ware and Otsego counties, He commenced his con- versation by saying that he thought Mr. Robinson was Mr. Tilden's political preference tor Governor, whether Mr, Tilden wanted to run again for Presi- dent in Is90 or L884. “It may be uncharitable,” said Mr. Bundy, with much seriousness, “to suspect: a man of personally aiming and planning to secure the Presidency ; but I think it, nevertheless, and have no hesitation in ex- pressing this conviction to you for publication.” “Will you give me your views on the Gubernatorial and Prosidential contest in your State?” “So far as our own candidate for Governor is con- cerned I am uot prepared to give you my views. Mr. A. B. Cornell has a strong hold upon the hearta of the people of New York and Mr, Chester A. Arthur is avery popular man in our party; but it is hardly nezessary to discuss the names of men. Whoever is selected will fairly represent the interests of the party and will receive the unbounded, enthusiastic support of the masses throughout the State—I mean, of course, the republican voters. On the Presidential question, assumiog that Mr. Conkling is not to ve # candidate, it is fair to say that General Grant, would make a strong nominee. In spite of all the efforts of indtviduela and newspapers to belittle his claims they will not be successful. My own impression, however, is that James G. Blaine will be the coming man of the republican party. He is to-day nearer the hearts of the people than any man in the republican eaay. There is an instinct among the people whtch makes fair play a jewel, and the sentiment I believe is a growing one that we should have leas to lament if . Blaine had been elected in place of Mr. Hayes.” “What do you think of the Presidential contest in the democratic ranks?’ “Now and six months hence Thurman would, in my judgment, command the largest vote in the Con- vention. In sixteen montha Bayard may be the democratic choice, and under bis leadership the interests of the democracy would be safer than under those of any other member of the party. You havo aliuded to the position New York holds in the coming campaign. It is right that the Empire Stato should lead the political parties of this country. Her strength aud wealth ought to direct important issues in our body politic.” CAMP, JOHN #. Mr. John H. Camp, republican, represents the Twenty-sixth district, composed of Cayuga, Seneca and Wayne counties, He freely discussed the subject, and in resolving his views for publication said:— “There are many reasons, perhaps, why the repub- licans should not express positive preferences for State officers just now, and the main one is that it does not appear morally certain that the Convention will be as harmonious and unanimous as some of the Albany people predict. I see no use in underesti- mating the existence of discordant ents. Wi are bound to do all we can to overcome the dissatis- fection which is known to exist and bring abont an undivided sreport of our State ticket; but this cannot done until we come together and bury past cuanto For President Grant is a strong man. preju- dice does not exist now that tormerly dtd against a man occupying the office three terms, especially, too, if they are not continuous terms. Mr. blaine is 2 good man, wholly acceptable to the republicans, a power in the ranks of our party and, im iny opinion, an invincible candidate for the Presidency. We can- not disguise the truth that had he been nominated he would not only have been elected, but very much that we have to regret, preceding and pte: Foo the inanguration of the present administration, would have been averted.” “What will the democrats do to give your party a gle worthy of your strength in New York?” ) information and observation convince me that Kobinson will be zenominated and that Tilden will so organize and control the State machinery as to send a solid Tilden delegation to the Presidential nominating Convention next year, and should he succeed with Robinson, then he may claim the Presidential nomination ‘as his right. Anticipating this movement, our party is bound to elect its nomi- nee for Governor so as to secure the Governor's ap- proval of important legislation which ig now pro- Jected to save the electoral vote of our State to the republican party in any emergency.” CHITTENDEN, 8. B. Mr: 8. B. Chittenden, republican, represents the ‘Third district, composed of a portion vf the city of Brooklyn. Mr. Chittenden says:—‘Both the next Governor of New York and the next President of the United States will be republicans and men who have Deen fed on strong republican meat—stalwarts; men whom the people ean trust as republicans for their fairness, justice and determination not to let the South jovern the country. That will be the jominant —_spirit. I would be liberal and fair, but I would not give the South the reins, and we have got to have a Governor and President who will keep control in their own hands. Moreover,I don’t think any man will be either Governor of New York or President who voted for the Anti-Chinese bill.” COVERT, JAMES W. Mr. James W. Covert, democrat, resents the First Congressional district of New York, composed ot the counties of Suffolk, Richmond and Queens. He had carefully read the Albany correspondence in the Hznavy, and was fully alive to the important stop taken by the LD in thus early drawing at- tention to the coming political campaign. In reply to the question what hoe thought of views pub- lished am the Heratp he frankly replied :— “L think that Governor Robinson has administered the affairs of his office, in the main, with admirable judgment. The sturdy, old fashioned democrats re- gard him as a safe, ind man, entitled to s renomt- nation if he wants it, and he undoubtedly does want it. In their staid, sober way this element would be glad of that result. There is, however, a bright, ac- working element in the democracy of New mado up to a great extent of younger men, who little ampa hy with Governor Robinson wy think ‘the veteran lags sa- They think, and with them, in sti in this eentiment that the Governor was wrong in his posi- cy tion on the educational question. Tho best element of the democracy favor the {uilest and best system of poputar education. Personally, I am for the nomi nation of some man who is not committed to any taction of the party. I want man large enough to ropresent the whole democracy of the State, who 1s sonnd on the money issues, who has perso netism aud who could and would rally to bis support all the elements of the party. Lt will not be difficult to select such a man when the time for election actnatly comes.” “Whom do you think the republicans will nom- inate?” “It seems to me that my colleague, Frank Hiscock, is “booming along’ as tho man. He is personally popular, hasn't created any sutagonisms in his party bo it seems to me, is @ man upon whom hts party might readily unite.” “How about the Presidential candidates?” “I think Tilden has the very warm sympathy and will have the very warm support of the exceedingly large number of people who think he was outra ously wronged. Personally, don't think he can favely be placed upon the defensive in the event of his nomination. I don't think he would be compelled to make a defensive, but would be in s position to make an oggressive, fight. At this time it looks to measif Mr. Tilden has,in our State, the vantage points in his favor.” “Who, in P pv soteeent, will be his opponent? Do you think Grant will be the man ?”* «| discount absolutely and entirely the talk as to Grant's candidacy. I never believed and I don’t bo eve now that there is any sincerity in the talk in this respect. My impression is that Blaine is the choice ot the element in the party which makes can- didates, and I believe he'll be the nominee of the next National Republican Convention.” COX, 8. & §. 8. Cox, democrat, represents the Sixth district, composed of the Seventh, Eleventh and Thi nth wards. He excused himself from an interview, alleg- ing that his time was altogether taken up in advocat- ing the Census bill, DWIGHT, JRREMIA W. Mr. Jeremiah W. Dwight, republican, resents the ‘Twenty-eighth district, composed of Broome, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins counties. On the question of Governor Mr, Dwight led off by saying :— “My préference, on first thought, ix Andrew D. White, president of the Cornell University, He is, in my opinion, the strongest man we can put up. Ho is @ man 60 Well known as tocormmand the respect of every citizen of our State, regardless of their political predilections, and the office is one which he ould fill very well without interfering with his present position of trnet, He mun, too, of great executive and administrative ability. Mr. Arthur and Mr. Cornell are also spoken of. ‘It is important we should not only harmonize our interests, but we must unite the solid republican vote of the State in the coming campaign if we are to be as successful ax it is claimed wo will be by our men at Albany. For President General Grant is, in all probability, the strongest man in our party. When Cesarisi was first agitated the country repudiated the idea that we even mona of making Grant our nominee for a third term. Now the very diseussion of which L speak makes it possible for us to renominate Grant and shock no man’s ideas of political propriety. It isa service the Irnaty has rendered to our cause, and by precipitating the question three years ago the public is now prepared to look upon it asa dead isane, But Ido not suppose it will be necessary to take up Grant. Mr. Blaine is as good a leader as the republican party could desire, and the impression stiilesiste that he wae not fairly dealt with at Cin- cinvat!, Arsuming that Mr. Conkling is not a can- didate, after Blaine come Washburne and Sherman.” “What will be the democratic ticket in your State this fall” _ it will be headed by Governor Robin- son, Ho is @ personal tricnd of mine, and if a demo- . New York is absolutely necessary for 24, 1879.-TRIPLE SHEET. erat must bo elected T would soonessee him than | charitably of those who will be \rash enough to op- any other democrat in the Governor's chur. Tilden is too heavy, too much weighted with the cares of the last campaign, his eiphers, his relatives and so forth. opinion is that Bayard is the coming mun in the democratic party. He is an able and a safe His conduct at this and in preceding sessions 6 has been the admiration of fair-minded men, aud I do not hesitate to say that he is in ever respect @ great man, one who has risen above me! partisan dictation and stood firm at the right time and in the right manner. He has been true to the sentiments Of a stateman at a critical juncture, which cannot be said of Thurman, who went down on the money question just as Webster did on the slavery question. Our State campaign issnes will be very simple: perhaps their simplicity will be their greatest strength. The party recognizes the impor- tance of securing the prestage of victory for the Presidential campaign, and a change in onr State ad- ministration must precede the great aim of the party in 1880,”" EFICKHOFF, ANTHONY. Mr. Anthony Eickhoff is the Cemoeratic represen- tative of the Seventh district, composed of the Tenth, Seventeenth and part of the Eighteenth wards of the city of New York. During his Congressional term he has not been an active participant iu the business of the House. His views could not be ob- taines HART, E. K. E. Kirke Hart, democrat, represents the Thirticth district, composed of Monroe and Orleans counties. He thonght Mr. Tilden would be renominated for the Presidency, but to be elected he must again be elected Governor of the State. If Robinson is re- nominated he wil! be elected, and so secure the strength of the electoral vote to the democrats next year. In other words, we will make New York not only tho pivotal State but we will give momentum to the Presidential wheel that will crush out the claims of the republicans to being the ruling party in this country.” i, aa suppose you do not carry New York next ral?” That is not a supposable case. We shall carry it by arousing majority. Now, while lam nota Tilden man that is as strong in my opinions as some of the members of our delegation are, Iam for fair play, and I believe that the democracy owe it to their last stundard-bearer to vindicate him, even as the democ- racy vindicated the wrongs which in their opinion General Jackson was made to suffer by the campaign of 1824. The democracy was cheated out of the Presi- dency in that campaign and the answer was the elec- tion of General Jackson to the office for two terms. Surely we cannot afford to forget the history of the party. "'How shout the republican candidates for Governor and President?” “The coming man in the State campaign is, un- doubtedly, Frank Hiscock. Grant, it seems to me, must be the republican candidate. He is the forlorn hope of that party, and it only shows how te the party is becoming when in a great cloud of s0- called statesmen they are obliged to hoist the name of aman who, according to all precedents, ought to be relegated to private life forever.” HEWITT, ABRAM &. Mr. Abram Stevens Hewitt, democrat, represents the Tenth district in the city of New York, and 1s a member of the Committee on Appropriations. Mr. Hewitt said that he had nothing to communicate. HUNGERFORD, JOHN N, Mr. John N. Hungerford, republican, represents the Twenty-ninth district, composed of Allegany, Chemung and Steuben counties. He had no views upon candidates, but was certain the republicans would be successful both in the State and national campaign. JAMES, AMAZIAH B. Amaziah B. James, republican, represents the Nineteenth district, composed of Franklin and St. Lawrence counties, He is ohe of the venerable mem- bers of the House, now serving his first term in Con- gress, after having filled the office of Justice of the Supreme Court of New York for nearly a quarter of acentury. Mr. James began by saying:— “The tle ground of the coming Presidential election will be the State of New York. I cannot say who will be our candidate for Governor, but he will be @ man wholly acceptable to both wings of the party. We want an honest, open, honorable inter- change of views before urging the selection of any man in parti¢ular. A new man, who will command the good will and support of the party, perhaps, will be more successful than any of our prominently named candidates. I em certain that we can win.” “How do you think the Presidential ticket is to be formed so as to give you the overwhelming victory you predict?” “In the first place Mr. Conkling is out of the race, but who the nominee will be I would not care just now to predict. It is true General Grant has a strong name, and the conduct of the Southern people may 80 exasperate republican statesmen as to make it almost hecessary to call him again to the high office which he filled with consummate ability for eight years. He has a record for enforcing law and estab- lishing order that cannot be hidden at a time when the country is demanding that the fruits of the war shall not be frittered away in sentimental friend- ‘Who do_you suppose will be General Grant’s op- ponent in the campaign?" “In regard to Mr. Tilden, the hearts of the People are not with him, but there is no usc denying his ability as a party manager and leader. He is a great organizer, and it appears to me that he is planning to secure the Presidential nomination next year, post Bad more certainly reach this goal he may again insies upon running for Governor. The electoral, vote of the democracy, Without it they cannot expect to elect their candi- date next year, AS a preliminary movement, then, the State campaign becomes equally important to that party. You see, then, that it Mr. Tilden is to be renominated for the Presidency he must take the field in person to have the unqualified support of his party in putting forward the State ticket. Assuming that he is successful in the State campaign, do you not see he would become a necessity to the demo cratic party as the Presidential nominee in 1890? I do oot see any other solution to the question save that Mr. Tilden openly—not by cipher correspond- ence—announces that he has relinquished all de- mands upon its suffrages forever, and 8 not likely. It is, however, immaterial to us who the democrats put up in 180, We shall carry the State this fall, elect our Governor, and so change the law appointing Presidential electors as to bave them chosen by Congressional districts, and it we do no better than we did last fall and carry the State for Governor we will have twenty-fivd of the thirty-five electoral votes next year. If we carry the State then we would elect the two at large, and leave the democrats but eight of the thirty-five to swell their electoral vote. 1 think it is capable of demonstration that the republican party will be victorious this year and next year.”’ JOHN MH. KETCHAM. Mr. John H. Ketcham, repablican representative of the Thirteenth: district, modestly declined to express: his views, It is known, however, that he has a bounded confidence in General Grant, by whom was appointed a Commissioner of thé District of Columbia. LAPHAM, E. B. Mr. Elbridge G. Lapham, republican, represents the Twenty-seventh district, composed of Living- ston, Ontario and Yates counties, He found time to say that it was too soon to begitf to discuss the sub- ject; but if he bad a personal preference for Gov- ernor, it was Judge James C.’Smith, of Canandaigua. jrant seemed to be the coming man for the repub- ans, and against him we should probably find M Tilden. Governor Robingon would also, in his judg- ment, be the democratic nominee for Governor. LOCKWOOD, D. X. Daniel N.- Lockwood, democrat, represents the Thirty-second district, composed of Erie county. While Mr. Lockwood is in favor of “fair play” he thought it would be more judicious at this time to withhold an expression in regard to personal pref- erences for candidates of the party. It was true that New York was to be the’pivotal State, and that made it of the utmost importance to the leaders of the democracy to go into the campaign prepared to make aswift race. “My opinion js that the democrats in the State should not let personal preferences have aught to do with the course pursued in the coming election. The strength of the ticket ought to be so great as to commend itself without argument to the party. Therefore I do not care to oxpress any pref- erence just now. Let it be the outgrowth of public sentiment aroused by the Henatp’s agitation of the enibject. “Well, you have some notions about the republican ticket, have you not?” “It looks like Grant or John Sherman. But, then, it #s # matter of but little consequence to us.” M'COOK, A. O. Mr. Anson @. McCook, republican, Teprononte the Eighth district, composed of the Ninth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth wards, and that part of the city of New York bounded by Fourteenth und Twenty-sixth streets and Fourth and Sixth aventes. He thought it too curly to dincuss the State issue, and said the strength of th’ party depended largely upon the wisdom and conduct of the,Legisiature. He has po personal pref- erence for Governor, and stands by General Grant to_renew the enthusiawm and victory of 1868 and 1872 iu the Presidential election of 1880. Whoever the democrats nomtnate for Governor or President will, he thinks, be beaten. MAYHAM, 8. 1. Mr. Stephen 1. Mayham, democrat, represents the Fifteenth district, composed of the counties of Greene, Ulster and Sehoharie. Mr. ean un- equivocally indorsed the view that New York State must lead in the Presidential campaign of 180, [t was true that in 1804 General MeClellan was our leader; that in 1868 Mr. Sermour was the standart bearer of the democracy; that Mr. Greeley was like- wise intrusted with this honor in 1472, and Mr. Tilden again in 1876. Because the democracy was cheated ce and beaten three times was no reason why New should not continué to assert her supremacy in he column in 1880, nor, Robisor exefutive, a whose admin: paid question, He was not, however, prepared to say that Governor Robinson would be the most available candidate or that he is not. “What do you think about Mr. Tilden taking the field in person for the Governorship?”” “Mr. Tilden would certainly be a strong candidate for Governor, and it might be wise on hie part and would undonbtedly carry the State by a large ma- jority, Whether be would be as strong outside of New York as in the State I haves reasonable doubts. I have heard the name of Mr, Sanford E. Churen spoken of very warmly in connection with the Goy- ernorship among the democratic members of our delegation.” “What do you see by the light of the camp fires of the republican forces 2” “A very faint glimmering of candidates for the gubernatorial nomination. Cornell, of Custom House fame, seems to be revolving in the minds of the prominent leaders of that party, and the Bald Eagle ot Westchester, Mr. Husted, has much popu- larity, while Stewart L. Woodford is mentioned as having dashing qualities to lead the republican forces to defeat in the coming campaign. Of course we must win, and the least @ man can do is to speak pose us in our State fight this fall.” “How does the republican Presidential candidate appear to you?” “I suppose Grant is the strongest man in the opinion of the old office-holders*and would make a good campaign, though it seems to me some one of the defeated candidates at Cincinnati must still have giant strength within his party. It is very impor- tant tor us to consider well who we nominate for President, for between Grant’s popularity and the training Of the other aspirants it will not do for us to make any mistake in our choice. However, New York is pledged to maintain the for ound in the contest, and thus far the Hznatp's efforts aro in the right direction.” MULLER, NIC. Nicholas Muller, democrat, Representative of the Fifth district, composed of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, sixth, Kighth and Fourteenth of the city of New York, declined to be interviewed. PATTERSON, GEO. W. George W. Patterson, republican, represents the Thirty-third district, composed of Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. He is the patriarch of the Honse, being in his cightieth year, and is serving his first term in Congress, though he has been in publie life for forty years and was at one time Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York. He said, with great frankness :— “You can set me down as without a preference for the office of Governor at the present moment. It ap- pears to me the wisest thing our party leaders can do is to look well to the sentiment of the people. 7 recognize the importance of matured action, It will be the work of masterly strategy to combine the republican forees in the Convention, and so the day and the hour will suggest the name of the right map to earry the State next fall.’’ “What, may I ask, is your opinion about the Presi- dential campaign ? “Senator James G. Blaine presents to my mind greater advantages as a popular candidate than even ex-President Grant. Not that Grant would not make a strong nominee, but in my opinion the republican arty had better take up a new man and hold ap his ands in the administration of the duties of Presi- dent with as great enthusiasm and unsnimit ae they did those of President Grant throug! his honorable career of eight years. It is needless for me to argue the claims of Mr. Blaine. He is a popular man and as free from the drawbacks of Presidential candidates as any man named for the honor, Moreover, he has claims upon the y as well defined, better defined, than those ui by the disappointed democracy in favor of Mr. Tilden, and so Iam not advocating my personal preferences, but reflecting the sentiment which so largely prevails in the ty both here and out of Congress. Ido not think that General Grant is necessary to our success. I do not believe any man is necessary for the suc- cess of the republican party. It has statesmen and ite fruitfulness is not yet nipped by the frosts of “Now you surely can give some idea of the demo cratic tactics this fall?” “On the democratic side Mr. Tilden, it seems ta me, is managing with his usual astuteness in poit- ical matters the plan of the coming campaign, and the indications point to the renomination of Gover. nor Robinson, though really it is a subject Iam not atallfamiliar with. The re-election of Mr. Robinson certainly would “give the advocates of Mr. Tilden greater strength in urging his claims in the Demo- cratic Convention for renomination.” BTARIN, J. He Mr. J. H. Starin, republican, representative of the ‘Twentieth district, said he had reqd the HeRarp’s Albany political horoscope of the republican and democratic campaigns for the State of New York in 1879 and 1890. He was not prepared to express views: upon the subject. TOWNSEND, MARTIN I, Mr. Martin 1. Townsend, republican, represents the Seventeenth district, composed of Rensselaer and Washington counties. He has recently been nom- inated for the office of United States District Attorney for the Nortbern district of New York, and enters upon the duties of the office upon the termination of this Congress. “What, in your opinion, Mr. Townsend, will be the line of action among the republicans in the coming State campaign ?’’ “It is too soon to discuss so important s matter, Personally I have no preference.”” “Have you thought of the Presidential contest next ar vn not particularly. You are ahead of time. It Grant, Blaine, Sherman, or William M. Evarts, ur own State. If New York is to lead, why not take the candidates from among her citizens? Lhave lived so longin this world thatI have learmed the folly of building Presidents in the air.”” “About your politieal opponent I think Governor Robinson will be renominated and Tilden will again be nominated for the Presi- dency, He has prestige, he has power; but he has more than that—he has money, and that is what very many of his followers lack and expect to get from Sammy.” WILLIAMS, ANDREW. Mr. Andrew Williams, republican, represents the Eighteenth district, composed of Clinton, Essex and Warren counties. He opened the discussion of the aign by expressing a decided profer- political ca chester county, for Governor. “He is in my opinion calculated to make a vigorous campaign. He thoroughly understands the interests e party, and has the capacity for making the fight interesting and politically profitable to the re- Re cause. Now, not to be too pertial, thename of ir. George B. Sloan, of the Assembly, from Oswego, is also mentioned as having eminent fitness for a Ubstectenatere leader. Whoever the man selected may eitis certain that we have got to unite he &. cordant elements and present a solid and ¢ front in the coming State election.”” “Who will be the choice of your party for the nomination in 1830 ?”" “I can speak better of the fecling to-day than what it may be a year ence, If the Convention were to meet in March General Grant would undoubtedly be nominated; and what is true to-day may be true when the time shall have come for the nominating Convention to meet, What can be said against Gen- eral Grant tor another term? His service during the eight years he occupied the Executive Mansion is stich a8 the republican party can always refer to with the proudest satisfaction, and why should he not be renominated ? Besides his eight years’ experience in the Presidential office he has earned additional laurels in his journey abroad, and certainly deserves all the recognition at home that his past services have entitled him to.” it “And Mr. Tilden ?"" “It would be difficult to say what the democratic party may do, but my opinion is that Mr. Tilden is = weak candidate now for any position, State or na- tional. There is no nse attempting to disguise hie record. The revelations of the Potter Investigating Committee are enough to show that Mr. Tilden is not. likely to be popular again with the democratic party. ‘The cipher telegrams cannot be explained away, and my information on this subject convinces me that the important facts connected with the use of the cipher are not generally known. I think that the telegrams sent auder that cipher wero not wholly beyond the knowledge of Mr-Tilden. Now, judging from the public record of the prominent men in the demo- 'r. Bayard appears to be the stro: ranks, and this on many accounts. His hard money record party and, perhaps, would Convention. However, New York understands that its borders define the great battle und of the Prest- dential ight, and our forces will come prepared te win a glorious victory.” WILLIS, B.A. Mr. B. A. Willis, democrat, represents tho Eleventh district, composed of parts of the Twelfth, Nine teenth, Twentieth, Twenty. rst_and Twenty-second wards of New York city. 7. Wilhs said in response to the first question, as to what he thought of the views expressed by the Solons at Albany : “Ido not find myself im accord with the views ex- | mheormeen the general run of the interviewed Albany legislators, And to begin with the republican side, there is a popular sentiment very ly ex- pressed here awong members of the New York dele- gation that Ma Hiscock would be most Sevep! acandidate for the republicans to run for Governor. He is not identified with any of the factions, and perhaps his only antagonism wonld come from se number of rigie republicans who have never for- given him for‘Ms support of Horace Greoley th 1872. ‘Taking everything into consideration he would be o stronger condidate than any thatcould be nominated by the republicans. But it matters very little whe the candidate may be, as the democratic organization is in a stronger, a healthier condition to-day than it has been in the State of New York in rs, and the nominee of our party will certainly be elected. In my Judgment the strongest candidate we can put would be Horatio Seymour, though Clarkson N. Pot- ter ot Sanford E. Church would be sufficiently popu- lar to secure an overwhelining victory. Ifa new man is to be named for Governor, Calvin Frost, of Pecks- kill, wonld be certainly acceptable to the party, and is ‘relieved from the criticism of ever having participated in any faction fight. His edministea- tion would undoubtedly be able. The dissatisfaction heretofore existing in the democratic party will have no effect in our next election, and every dem- ovrat recognives the tact that New York is @ cun- trolling factor in our national polities. Therefore it is (air to say that with aunited party in the state we willdo everything to contribute fo the stecess of the whoie party throughout the country. “Who «ves it look to you must lead the party to victory in 1880?" “It the wishes of the rank and file of the party are regarded and the work of schemers is thwarted, Alien G Thurman will doubtless be heartily eup- ported by the State of New York, and if nominated would have no difficulty in securing ite thirty: electoral votes. He is recognized as a national ‘wan and by tar the broadest and most compreheastve There is no issue in our State campaiga interfere with the Presidential issue. Our ay be summed up in an the Stato affairs, por alministration of th a of tolls, Governor Robinson has faithfully regarded these important 1 so that his successor will only bave to continue a work already well begun.” “What, in your opinion, appears to be the drift of affairs in the republican camp? “The prominent candiaates for President are con- spicnously Biaine, Sherman and Grant, with the chances strongly in favor of Blaine, who is by far the ablest and most aggressive party leader in the rauke of the republican party.” “What do you think will be the influence of Tam- many in the coming fall election?” “Lam confident that it will not be cast in favor of any partisan candidate, Mr. Kelly has the intercata of the democracy too much at heart to risk upon pers sonal ventures, and when the time comes he will do that which the success of tho democratic party aud wn honest administration of the affairs of the Staw seem to require.” “What is the future of the republican party in the State of New York, Mr. Willis?” “In the absenes of any iesue upon which the publicans can unite, and as personalism enters so