Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-08-20
From the Washington Chronicle.
What the President Said to Gen. TarDell,
Of Mississippi.

From the Washington Chronicle.
What the President Said to Gen. TarOeIl,
Of Mississippi.
General iona. Tarbell, secretary Of the
Executive Committee Of Mis-
sissippi, had an interview with President
Grant at the residence Of Secretary Fish,
New York, on the 9th inst. His object in
seeking the interview was to ascertain def
nitely the Presidents views on political af-
fairs in the Southern States, and Mississippi
and also to present to him the
present condition Of parties there. So signi-
fcant were the remarks of the President
that, at the solicitation of leading Rcpubli-
cans in Washington, to whom he has related
the conversation, Gen. Tarbell has, in re-
sponsc to enquiries, given the substance Of
Gen. Grants views, as expressed on that oc-
casion.
General Tarbell, at the opening Of the in
terview, said if an apology was deemed ne
cessary for intruding on the Presidents
privacy, it must be found in the nature of
his business, which was to ask Of the Prcsi-
dent and his Administration some expression,
by act or declaration, as to parties in Missis-
sippi, and to ask an early decision, as there
was a crisis in the condition of affairs in that
State, which definite action showing the sym
pathy of the administration would greatly aid
to p right solution. Some days since he
(Gcn. TarbelD had, with the chairman of
Washington, in order to explain their affairs,
believing then, as now, that the Presidents
sympathies, as we'll as that Of the Cabinet,
were with the loyal party, and in opposition
to one that sought only to divide and betray
it.
The President took up the conversation at
this point, expressing his pleasure at the visit,
entering into its purpose with spirit, showing
his minute knowledge Of the situation i'd
General TarbelPs State He remarked at
the beginning upon the very small number
of Republicans who were engaged in what
is termed the "National Republican party
movement there, the movement which uses
Judge Dents name. With regard to the
special business presented to him by General
Tarbell his assurances were explicit and di-
rect. The President said that in his judg-
ment the small number Of those who had
hitherto acted with the Republican party,
now constituting the so-called "National
Republican party was in itself evidence
that they could not be otherwise then used
by the opposition.
With regard to the recent professions made
by those who were lately rebels the Presi
dent was emphatic and frank. His only de-
sire was peace and amity, and he would do
anything that was right to bring that about.
But these people cast suspicious upon their
own motives by the fact that all their efforts
seem to be, aimed at dividing, not aiding,
the Republican party in their midst. 1t they
were really in earnest they would not be SO
anxious about those with whom they acted.
To sincere men it could not be difficult to tell
who in the South were and had been the
friends
He talked at some length on the recent
contest in Virginia. He thought from Gov
ernor Walkers speeches since his election
that gentleman was fully committed to the
and was endeavoring hon
estly to act up to them.
Referring to the proposal made by Col
jenkins to unto the two wings of the Re-
publican party there, the President expressed
regret at the apparent failure to accomplish
so desirable an object, remarking that the
etter of DR.. Gilmer, in reply, showed that
the followers of Walker were not all in good |
'aith He still hoped, however, that good
would come Of Virginia, but did not at pre-
sent exactly see how.
The conversation lasted for about an hour
md half, and during the whole time most
If it was carried on by the President himself
The utmost frankness was displayed by him,
and on General TarbelPs expressing his
gratitude for and qualification at the assur-
ance given him, the President replied that
n his conversation with the gentlemen repre-
'enting the new Republican party in Missis-
'ippi, he had expressed himself much more
against their course and policy
han he was now doing TO General Tarbell.
lie declared positively that his sympathies
we're altogether with the Republicans of
Mississippi and against all efforts to divide
hem, coming from whatever source they
night. When it was suggested that great
,ood might be accomplished and much wild
peculation set arrest if he would take occa-
lion to put the views he had stated into some
orm and given them to the public, the Presi-
lent replied that he much preferred that acts
nd results should speak for his adminisra-
ion rather than words.
To a question whether his attention had
zen called to the dispatches pretending to
i've his views on Mississippi affairs, he re-
lied that it had, but that if he should cor
ect one, others not denied would be claimed
S admitted, and to correct all would con-
ume his whole time
Nothing could be more emphatic and COM
limentary than the Presidents expression
t confidence in tho character and admins
ration of General Ames, commanding in
The Presidents words and
aanner were both marked, mingling warm
PERSONAL friendship with solid admiration
f the Generals character as a soldier and
xecutlve officer. He said, in reply to a re-
mark made by General Tarbell, that Gener-
j Ames would have to do much, and more
erious things than he had heard charged be-
ore he would subject himself to removal
lie endorsed his administration fully.
The above report Of the conversation with
he President has been carefully read to the
President, and is published by his express
minority, and at his wish furnished to the
Associated Press
General Tarbell is warm in the expression
f his qualification at the great and ERNEST
ympathy shown by the President for the
ocular Republican party organization, and
he thorough knowledge exhibited by him of
he condition Of affairs in the Southern
'tates. General Tarbcll has known and
bserved the President in many positions
nd under many circumstances-in times of
eace and on the field of battle--and express