The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-08-04
POLITICAL NOTES AT THE BRANCH.

LONG BRANCH, August 3, 1865.
Although no democratic Mohammed was ever to
knowledge born that part OF the Jersey coast
known as Long Branch, that delightful summer re.
has nevertheless become the Mecca OF New York
democratic politicians, who flock to Its Mansion
House and Stetson House and Metropolitan as per-
severingy and numerousiy as the Mohammedans
throng to the Caaba, or square House." OF the holy
Arabian city. This season they more plentiful
ION the beach" than ever, and politics have almost
entirely usurped the place OF nirtations, fashions
gossip and hops, or at least cast them temporarily
into the shade. Politics talked at the breakfast
table, by groups on the long plazzas, in circles
the broad smooth lawns, by pedestrians on the
splendid promenade along the seashore, on the
nit OF the cliff and by knots OF bahers and dlers
the sandy beach.
Why do the New York politicians go to Long
Branch and indulge so literally in sea bathing' Is
IL to wash or the sins OF the fall the winter and the
springS Or that class OF individuals is not famous
for repentance IL IL TO strengthen and invigorate
their frames for coming campaigns, with their pow
erful accompaniment OF strong whlskey and heavy
lager beerr
We do not care to inquire too closely into the rea-
son: but certain II Is that Long Branch Is now the
spot where battles are planned and bargains made,
and where, cooled by the delightful breezes and
relaxed by the magnificent surf the leaders take
counsel together In good temper, or watch each
others movements with view to future opera
tons.
For the past three weeks they have been "a busy
"a buzzards, each on his own particular "lay."
Here at the Stetson House we have been surrounded
by motley crowd OF them, working, bathing, eat
ing dancing and occasionally even drinking, but
always with an eye to the main chance. Let ns see
who we have under review. Here IL HOFFMAN,
smoothing his exquisite musache, now diving
into the surf and into the sentiments OF the peo
pie on the question OF Governor. One remarkable
fact Is that he has no cliques around hm, and ap-
pears 10 be left alone much to the surprise OF those
OF us who recollect the days when Ike Fowler, then
a 1T tn Aaeh ad IN afr nya
OF politicians after him wherever he moved on the
Branch as the fishermen above the Mansion House
But HOFFMAN has left now 70 look after Murphy, OF
Kings, who Is busy engaged In making capital In the
interior OF the state against the meeting OF the
Democratic Convention. The two competitors Will
meet nj Utica on the 18th inst. when the State Com
mittee assemblies and then will come the real mea-
surfing OF swords for the nomination.
Here f. George wilkes, offering bets on Grant,
but generally with q safe proviso "a TO the number
OF states that win go for his candidate with some
other anchor to windward, known only to sport
ing gentlemen. George Is very anxious to make
himself square on the Impeachment iasco but sup
p0se luck should desert him a second timeY
We have sheridan Shook here. saucy and indie
pendent hanging on between the seymour demo-
Gratis and the Grant conservatives, and spending Ike
prince the money he was fortunate enough 10 re-
cover through the good services OF Rams Van Valken
burgh and another friend during the impeachment
trial. To have kept $1,000 out Of Buffers clutches
Is enough 10 make man feel literally disposed for
season Shook drives fast horses and more than haf
believes IN the success OF the democratic ticket TINS
fall He In collector OF internal revenue, and hence
| has the credit Of being a three mill nnaire.
| Here also are Thompson, OF the Erie, who has re-
Gently won 50 much renown as legislative finan-
\ cer: Judge Barnard, cool, easy and confident OF
denomination by Tammany and a victory at the poh;
bowling, the popular Police Justice and Justice Of
Sessions, who wants nothing, but can get whatever
he pleases from the party he serves ably Judge
Jones, who is as independent az sporpose at high
tide; James ID. Nicholson, the Commissioner OF
Charities and Correction who Is said to be the Irish
mems favorite for Mayor on Hofman's elevation 10
| the Governors Chamber; Chauncey Depew, the
great census compiler who is striving TO talk friend
ship and the Tax COmmissionership with all leading
democratic politicians, and Hugh Hastings who be-
gins TO display mysterious symptoms Of having
already taken weeds place In political management
and barter, a. he already has In the lobby and
| journalism.
Who else is here at the other houses, what they all
want how they all talk ana what they all think We
| Will gossip about hereafter.