American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1868-10-31
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, !
August Goth. 1868.

cal career. lie WAS lnen lWeHl -SlA
wears of age, making him now fifty
six, and already in the feeble health
that has been the 5aae~ofs his s'entire
existence. 1t was here he commenc-
ed the habit of smoking a pipe, which
has characterized him for many
wears past. Again this season has
Mr. Stephens honored the Springs
with his presence, and, OF course, he
attracted an unusual share of atten
ton from the numerous visitors who
have recently thronged this delight,
full watering place in quest of health,
pleasure, and some of them political
recreation. These latter were few,
though the Springs have been noted
for their political meetings and Pres.
idential campaigning prior to the
late unhappy civil war. The meet
ing of large number of eXConted-
crate generals and statesmen recent
Ily may be said to have been the re,
suit of accident; but the coming OF
Gen. Rosecrans las given it il de.
clded political cast, of which you are
already fully informed.
Mr.. Stephens, | had learned, while
evilcing ii deep interest i'll the po''t-
ical affairs of the country, deternin
ed to take 40 active part i'll the cam
paign now in active progress. though
the most vital issues and principles
with which he has been identified
during his whole life are involved.
He has devoted himself to his work,
the ti,st volume of which has been
published, aud on the second OF
which he is now engaged-these lit.
prary pursits occupying the greater
part of his time when his health al
lows. But, Notwithstanding that,
he has become Il political recillSe.
called upon him for the purpose OF
learning his views on the great i'm
bending issues, in one OF the cot
taees in the "George Row" here
Seated on " rocking chair, with the
inevitable pipe in his mouth, the
floor strewcd over with newspapers
suggestive of an editors room,
louud the former Nice-President OF
the Contederacy. Pale, emaciated,
and almost shrive!ed, his thin lips
,twitchiug nervOusly, his felt hat Oh
because of neuralgia in the head, one
leg thrown over the other, the foot
of which constantly in a nervous
motion. but his dark eyes sparkling
brilliantly and his entire features re
ma,kable for an intellectual expires
son. Mr.. Stephens impressed The
visitor with II feeling OF Difference
mingled with pity that such wonder
lul mental power should be accom-
panied by so feeble physical organ
Iization. After a few remarks as tt
his health, which he said was very
moor, and was the cause OF his pres
ent visit to the Springs, | asked lol
his opinions politically, and received
a reply winch fully confirmed whai
| had hcard-that he did not intent
to make any expression of them, MOI
lin any way to meddle with the con
test.
Allowing such to be the case,
| remarked "a mere conversation
on political topics can not be con
Strued into participation Ill th'
campaigu.' :,
"Truc," he replied, but if pub
liSled in the Herald that cast ma,
be given to it. | am unwell, howev
er, to day. and if you call again
may talk with you"
This was Il few evenings since, AM
in accordance with his expressed per
mission | again presented myself to
day, finding him looking better, de
cidedly more communicative, an'
exceedingly interesting.
"How do you regard the presen
condition of the country, MI
Stephens ~ | commenced.
"As exceedingly deplorable. Th
last vestige OF constitutional freedom
is rapidly disappearing, and w
are tast verging into Capitalization
and despotism. Unless some won
derful change takes place, unless tn
pt unle OF the North, exercise that WIS
dom for which Americans have bee
SO remarkable in the past, thougI
they seem to have lost it latterly
the world shall err long witness th
; establishment OF an empire on th
ruins OF this once great republic
The measures inaugurated by th
dominant party are the sureSt ind
cations of coming deSpotiSm. The
have trampled the Constitution III
der foot, and have legislated solcl
To keep themselves in power, and t
, effect to same object. Without
polltical revelation occurs mrantlm,
the government will he merged int
a deSpotism-au empire. Ii Gran
is elected next November | Heve
expect to see another Presidents
= election y
"n hat is your opinion Of Graz
personally I"
i That he is entirely moderated h
{ the country and the press. | kno
r him very well. lie is remarkah
d man. and one that few appreciate,
decided military genius, indo:litab
energy and determined will-iuSt IL
man for a coup detat such as I'll
luresent Emperor Louis Napoleon pc