The New York herald., 1869-06-12
Movements Of Our Public Men-A Light
Chapter for Summer Reading.

Movements Of Our Public Men-A Light
Chapter for Summer Reading.
We have neither President nor Vice Presi-
dent in Washington just now. The President
and family are at West Point, and will, 1t is
expected, 60 thence to the great Boston jubi-
lee. The General meantime, however, may
slip down to Manhattan Island for drive
through Central Park and Harlem Lane be-
hind Bonner's fast trotters. That he intendsa
summer cruise of some extent and duration
we infer from the report that, with the de-
parture of the family from the White House,
the carpenter, fresco painter and whitewasher
were to proceed to the summer recon-
struction of the establishment En- rowtd
northward the General had narrow escape,
and a COW on the track came very near play
ing an important part in American history.
Had the train been going at a little higher
rate of speed than 1t was travelling at the time
of the collision with that cow General Grant
From that event, it is needless to say, po-
litical agitation would have followed, involving
the Cabinet and the whole policy of the new
President (Colfax), redistribution of the spoils
to some extent and the movements of all our
politicians and parties throughout the Union.
Such are the slender threads upon which hang
the destinies of men, parties, governments and
dynasties. A bit of lead no larger than a
cherry, stick, a stone or thoughtless cow,
in the chapter Of chances and accidents, may
make q revolution and convulse the civilized
world. But there is room also for this thought
in regard to General Grant-that, in the wise
designs of an overruling Providence, his time
has not yet come. Long life to him for the
country still looks to him for achievements in
peace greater than his triumphs in war.
Vice President Colfax and wife are reported
at Boonton, N. j., the guests OF the Hon. John
Hill, member of Congress. We understand,
however, that Mr.. Colfax contemplates the
tour of the Pacific Railroad, with diversion
half way and another summer reconnaissance
of the glorious mountains and lovely enclosed
valleys known as the Parks of Colorado.
Ex President Andrew Johnson is stump
ing Tennessee against the radicals. They
are divided upon two candidates for
the democratic candidate, and slip in
between the two radical factions. He
had severe attack Of collie at Gallatin
on Monday night, and his speech had to be
postponed; but he was well enough the next
day to make long and vigorous address, tho
negroes being present In large numbers to hear
him. They may, perhaps, still cherish the
idea that he is their Moses, appointed to lead
them to the Promised Land, flowing with milk
and honey, and free to all comers, without dis
tinction of color. At all events we must not
lose sight Of Andy Johnson while he is at
work among the discordant Tennessee rad-
Gals.
The other Johnson, the amablc English
roast beef and plum pudding eating Reverdy,
| our late peace-making ambassador with Laird
and Roebuck, is, we believe, resting from his
labors at his pleasant Baltimore retreat We
| are informed too, that Mr. Sam Wards pro-
| jected grand welcoming and ''well done, good
and faithful servant dinner at Washington has
been indefinitely postponed. Mr.. Reverdy
johnson, nevertheless, has ''done the State
some service" in bringing about the occasion
for Senator Summers British eye-opening
North American exposition of the Alabama
claims-an exposition which would not have
been made but for the Johnson Stanley John:
son treaty. -. -
Mr.. Huntingdon, of the Central Pacific Rail-
road, the great Western division Of the through
line, left Jersey City yesterday en- route for
the Pacific coast, having in charge Messrs.
Hooper, Brooks and Marshall Of the Com
mittee on Ways and Means Of Congress. The
other members of the committee, to make up
the nine all told, or as many as can be reached,
will be taken on at Pittsburg and Chicago.
Mr.. Schenck, of Ohio, is the chairman, but
he, If not of, Is going to Europe. The COM
mttee 90 on an official Custom House tour Of
inspection, by order Of the House Of Repre-
sentatiyes. and will combine business with
pleasure, as number Of ladies will accompany
the expedition. This Is as Il should be /; for
this arrangement Is clearly within the proper
sphere of women's rights.
Senator Sumner, on the invitation Of Senator
Nye, of tho silver State of Nevada, Is going
to make the overland trip to the golden State
and Golden Gate Of California, includ.
ing reconnaissance Of the silver mines
and other natural wonders OF Nevada
and our trans Mississippi and trans-Rocky
Mountain States and Territories, from Me-
brasks through. II Is also rumored that
Mr.. Sumner will avail himself Of the oppor-
tunity to Gre up the Western plains, valleys
and mountains, and mountain basins, on the
Alabama claims and doubtless upon this
theme in all those regions, even by the Nor
mons, he will be hailed as "the lion Of the
tribe of Judah"-the man Of the people.
Governor Geary, Of Pennsylvania, was
among the last Of our public men admitted