The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1866-04-21
The PRESIDENT and the Copperheads.


Ingersol with number of others of that State
who recently had an interview with the Presi-
dent have made speeches grossly misrepreseuting
the language and spirit of the President on the
occasion. In regard TO this interview, we find
report in the New York Times y which we
cannot help but believe is correct, inasmuch as
the " Times - is the particular friend of the
President. The Times says:
The interview with the President as reported
by Messrs Ingersoll and Burr, may be ofinterest
to those who prefer to believe the insinuaions of
such men as Cleveland rather than be guided by
the beacon light record of the President himself.
Here we have his own ideas and preferences in
his own words
Mr.. Burr-We have come, Mr.. President as
LOYAL citizens of the State of Connecticut to have
talk with you concerning the pending election
in our State.
The President-That is q matter gentlemen,
which do not propose to interfere with. Your
local politics should be decided among yourselves.
Mr. Bwr-But we sustain your restoration
policy, your veto message, &C., and our cand-
date, Mr.. English, indorses your position une-
quivocally, while Gen. Hawley and those who
support him are opposed to your policy.
The PreSident-Opinions of candidates will
$500
parties express clearly political positions, and
understand that my political friends-those who
sustain my policy-in the Union party, are sat-
isfed with their party platform Indeed be-
lieve the resolutions of the Union Convention
were reported by personal friend of mine MIR.
Babcock. But as have said to you, 1t is O. To-
cal election, and have desire to Interfere one
way or another.
Mr. Inqerson--But the issue in the State is be-
l. G and to
nents. Party lines have been drawn on that is
sue.
The President-I don't so understand it. But
if it were true, that would not affect my conduct.
| can't conceive how such an issue might DE
forced by designing politicians for the purpose
of securing political advantage; and if. it has
been SO forced, it has been done on the sole re-
sponsibility of your men, without any sanction
| or intimaton from my administration.
Mr.. Burr-Mr. Cleveland, postmaster at Hart
ford. has openly avowed his intention to support
Mr.. English. :.
The President-I know he has, but he does ii
on his own responsibility | tell You it is not
my purpose to interfere one way or the other.
refused to interfere with the election in New
York State last fall, and also with the recent
New Hampshire election | am President of the
United States whatever policy maintain is OF
national character, and it would poorly become
me to take sides in the local elections OF the
country. My political position is understood
stand here to defend the Constitution, as took
an oath to do. and when great public measures,
which are under my control, require my sane
ton or disapproval, it is my duty and privilege
to act but 10 step down into the local contests
of state is no part of my business.
Mr. Burr-You have not accepted Mr. CleVe-
lands resignation.
The President-No, have not. approve OF
his political action in unfolding my measures
and policy, as approve of other men, who may
entertain different views as to thier duty toparty.
would not remove him because he supports
one man for Governor, any more than |
would remove another man for supporting diff
ferent candidate. Let me make this plaiu.-.
Taking the ground, first, that will not medde
with local elections, follow it up consistently
by making no tests in the political conduct OF
any man who receives his appointment from me-.
| prefer men, of course to sustain my policy /;
-but if they do not sustain it, shall not ostraclse
them.
Mr.. Burr-Gen. Hawley and the gentlemen
who were here the other day report that you de-
clared yourself in favor of " the success of the
Union party" intimating that you desired Gen.
Hawley to succeed.
The President-I did tell them so, and frank
ly stated that while | preferred men to adopt
my policy there was no necessity of going out
side of our party organization in cases of differ
ence OF opinions, to fight our battles. told him
that stood upon the platform of principles
adopted by the last Union National Convention.
Mr. Burr insinuatingly.) Then you didn
mean the last Union National Convention, the
Democratic Convention
The President-Hardly. If remember cor
rectly that Convention pronounced the war fall
ure. and cried for peace when armed treason
do6o md tho life Of the nation
Mr. Burr-But, Mr.. President, you seem to
forget that your restoration policy is the one
great issue in our State.
The President-No, do not. have already
told you my views on the subject. take party
platforms, not the individual opinions of men.
Mr.. Burr-We sustain your policy unequivo-
| cally.
Mr. Mgersoll-Yes, that's the point.
The President-Perhaps you do but do you
mean to tell me that this is not done, as | have
already intimated for partisan effect-to deceive
to people, in order that you may hereby obtain
power? l cannot yet forget the record of the
Democratic party. 1t opposed the war it plae-
ed obstacles in the way of the Government, while
we were graphing with the enemies of the Union;
| it denounced my lamented predecessor as a usur-
| per- and cassed me us an enemy of my country,
| because gave up all to crush the wicked rebel
| lion and it hardly seems possible to me thai
such party could be converted so suddenly IN
to lovers of the Union, protesting to be its best
| friends
Mr.. Ingersoll-It is about time to go.
| The President-Hold on, gentleman ; don't be
in n hurry. | wish to have you understand thi;
matter | was speaking about the sudden con-
version of the Democratic party. have been in
public life too long to be deceived, by having
men who violently opposed and denounced me
during the war, now come forward and profess
to be my special champions | was elected by
the Union party of the Countryside party which
sustained the war, and crushed out the rebellion,
in spite of the opposition ofNorthern copperheads