New-York tribune., 1869-01-04
cRAyr 10 THE LoBBY-GREETIyGi :

II an account published by The 81. Louis
Democrat of an interview between Gen. Grant
and two distinguished representatives OF tho
planting interest in Louisiana be correct, those
who feared that Gen. Grant would have "no
policy" will be agreeably undeceived. Not
that he has departed from his pledge to have
" no policy to enforce against the will of the
"people.r His policy, as indicated by his re-
ply to the Louisianians would be in exact ac-
corlance with the will of the people. They
had called to Consult" with him on project
to obtain the Endorsement of the United States
on the bonds OF the State of Louisiana, to an
amount sufficient to rebuild the levees.
at hope the Government will not do it," the General
replied with quick positive utterance that was not
only decisive and final n subject but almost stunning
"But General" urged the Senator, Eve only wish the
United States indorse tho bonds SO that we can sell
them without q ruinous discount, giving the United
states ample security for the entire amount, that 1t
would be impossible for the Government to lose cent in
any emergency"
Again Grant quickly interrupted, 81 never knew Gov
become responsible for any amount that 1t did
not ultimately have TO pay. You want the indorse-
ment OF the bonds II that Is given, you VIII soon want
to legislate for the payment Of the bonds"
1t is not only just but indispensable to the
that not another bond should be issued to aid
any private undertaking. But there are other
reasons why the Government should not re-
build the levees of the Mississippi. They can
not, like the Pacific Railroad, be made source
of revenue for the payment of the loan. They
protect large quantities of submerged lands,
and make them very valuable to Il fow arsto-
tocratic and-holders. But these large planters,
who receive the pecuniary benefit of the
leyees, do not propose to divide with tho
Government the proceeds of their crops or pay
any other taxes than are paid by citizens not
benefited by the levees. The levees are per-
petual source of expense to the Government,
without glimmer of income. As fast as the
banks are raised the channel is filled by new
deposits of sediment and alluvium brought
down by the stream AS its bed is constantly
rising, its tendencies to overflow are chronic
and perpetual. The very aristocratc class, who
would be benefited by the rebuilding of the
levees in the sum Of scores of thousands of
dollars each, have prevented the organization
of free government in Mississippi, and deprived
the Republican party of the exercise of its
right to vote in Louisiana The conversation
between the distinguished Louisianians and
Gen. Grant continued as follows:
General" said tho Senator you too hard on u.s."
"Whe are discussing on AZ Sides" said Grant,
how the National Debt is to be paid, shall oppose any
Increase of the national obligations"
al" is impossible 20 cultivate our lands" interposed the
Senator "The leyees absolutely necessary"
know all about the eyees" he answered.. II served
IN that country whom young man. and had something
to do myself with the breaking OF those levees."
But" said the Judge, "mions of acresof the best
land In the world subject to Overflow"
"Let them overflow, and let them stay under water"
said Grant until their willing that Northern
men and Northern capital should come In and protect
and improve them Northern with ample capital
are ready to make garden Of your State, and you won't
lot tho do It. Your large landhoders as hostile to
tho United States Government today Ms they have ever
becn and II that Government should rebuild their Iovees
IL would not change them particle know no way the
Government could have adopted for rebuilding the evoes
but 70 havo conscaed the lands Of those engaged In
beon and used the proceeds TO restore the country As
that was done nothing remains but to set your ne
groes 10 work and invite In and welcome Northern men,
general said tho Jadge. tho negroeS wOnt NolA'"