The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-01-13
A Half Hour with Gen. Grant-His
Decision in Reference to the Mis-
sissippi Levee Bonds.

sissippi Levee Bonds.
The Missouri Democrat (RadicaD say
ga distinguished citizen of St. Louis,
professional gentleman Of reliable iudp
ment," has recently returned from Wash
ington, where he had an introduction t.
Gen. Grant, and thus relates the character
istics of the interview:
1t was my good fortune this morning t,
spend short time with the man to whom
more than to any other, the eyes Of the M
ton are at present turned.
The headquarters Of the armies Of thu
United States is an unassuming two-stor,
building, formerly private residence, di
rectly opposite the Navy Department. Ir
company with friend, your correspondent,
presented himself, inquiring of an ortleri,
in the hall if the General was in. Receiv.
ing an affirmative reply, our cards were
sent up. In few moments we were re-.
qnested to walk up stairs to the Generals
office.
His office is front room on the second
floor, about sixteen feet by eighteen. 1t is
carpeted with an ingram carpet of bright
cheerful coiors, giving the room the air of
parl0r rather than that of business of.
nee. There are two windows in front and
one at one side. BY the side window ia a
low desk for member of his staff. Near
it is table about SIX feet long, covered
with piles and bundle of official documents.
oil tied with the inevitable red tap. .
Grant's desk-a common Office desk-is
between the front windows. A frame COW
cred with suspended maps, and half do
zen chairs complete the furniture.
When we entered, the General was out.
in moment he entered by side door.
No one could fail to recognize him instant
". The lkenesses one sees everywhere
are very like indeed. They do not fiatter,
as is usually the case, neither do they make
him younger than he really appears The
pictures we see of johnson are not like
him he is much older, more wrinkled ard
care-worn than they represent him. Not
80, however, with Grant. The pictures of
the shops, the parlors and cabins are strik
ingly true representations of the man.
Grants cOuntenance is pale, and has an
expression of sadness. He has q noticea-
BILE stoop of the shoulders, and walks with
a shuffiing gate. He looks like man
burdened with care and anxiety, and AZ if
it was by a strong effort of the will that he
was bearing up against it, determined that
he would not yield to it or he affected by it.
He was. dressed IN plain suit of black,
with nothing whatever about his person or
Office to indicate his rank.
After cordial greeting, he offered US
seats, and in very easy, familiar way. EN-
tered into conversation. In few moments
Senator -, was announced, with Judge
-, of Louisiana.
General" said the Senator, "Judge
- wished to see you few moments
and consult with you in regard to the i'm
prOye'nent Of the levees of the lower Mis-
sissippi. We wish the United States gov
to indore, and thus guarantee the
bonds of the State OF Louisiana for the re-
storation and Improvement Of the levees."
hope the Government will not do it,"
The General replied with quick, positive
ntterance that was not only decisive and
inal on that subject, but almost stunning.
But, General" urged the Senator, "we
only wish the United States to indorse
he bonds, so that We can sell them with
,ut rniEous discount, giving the United
States ample security for the entire amount,
20 that it would be impossible for the
Government to lose cent in any emergen-
~"
Again Grant quickly interrupted, ~
lever knew government to become, re- |
ponsible for any amount that it did not ul- |
imately have to pay. You now want the |
Endorsement Of the bonds. If that is CIV
N you will soon want to legislate for the |
payment of the bonds"
General" said the Senator, "you are |
90 hard on u.s."
:" While we are discussing on all sidess,"
aid Grant, how the national debt is to |
'e paid, shall oppose any increase of the |
RATIONAL obligations"
at is impossible to cultivate our lands"
Interrupted the Senator. "The levees are |
necessary"
know all about the levees," he an
wered. Il served in that country when /
yOung man, and had something to do
ayself with the breaking Of these lpvees."
But" said the Judge, millions of
ores Of the best land in the world are sub
,ct to overflow"
Let them overflow, and let them stay
nder water" said Grant, "until their Ow.
ers are willing that Northern men and
Northern capital should come in and pro-
sct and improve them. Northern men
18th ample capital are ready to make
arden Of your State, and you wont let
lem do it. Your large landholders are as
ostile to the United States Government
,-day Us they have ever been and if that
oyernment should rebuild their levees it
ould not change them particle. ! know
D way the Government could have adop-
ID for rebuilding the levees hut to have
,ufiscated the lands of those engaged in {
belllon, and used the proceeds to restore +,
10 country. AS that was not done, moth
G remains but to set your negroes to ]
ork, and to invite in and welcome
Orthern men,"
General" said the Judge, "the me- :
oes won't work.
Won't work." Grant quietly replied, !
they'll work if you1l pay them for it"
Am ] not right ?" he added. Is there \
1t such hostility to Northern men that /
amounts in most sections of the State '
practical exclusion OF them from the ag- t
cultural interests of the country? Is y
ere not an unwillingness to divide up the !,
nds, and sell in small parcels to those
no might immigrate and is there not q
neral tendency to secure the services of
e negroes without prompt and adequate ),