The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-04-09
Correspondence OF the New York Herald.
RICHMOND, Va, Aprii 4. lSf

litical grounds, but because his admins
tration of affairs had been generally popu-
lar, though sometimes, and in many in
stances, exceedingly unpleasant. Then,
there is q class who rejoice that the famous
raider is gone; but they are few, and
" carpe, Dagger is the title By which they
are individually known. Here, as in every
other southern State, this precious set had
airing" which was first to have the Go
vernorship, then the State Offices, next all
the minor Offices throughout the State, and
following IS necessary result Of these
would be success in the elections and con-
trol Of the Legislature, with the United
States senatorships in their hands.
Stoneman, however, refused to accede to
81 their demands, and hence an active
warfare was waged against him by this
"rinr =" at Washington, which ultimately
resulted in his removal. Charges of dis
loyalty, apprehension, and others equally
outrageous and infamous, were publicly
made against this officer by irresponsible
parties, to which it was impossible for him
10 reply because Of his official capacity.
With knowledge Of many of these circum-
stances, l yesterday evening visited the
$50, General, you ere removed" I re-
marked.
"Yes, and I am glad Of it. I have been
anxious to 20 to California for the last four
wears. General Schofield, as we'll as my
self, particularly wished to 90 there, and
only regret that he has not been assigned
to that command. Besides, I am glad to
get rid of this eternal political muddle, in
which am not interested, and for which l
have neither taste nor inclination"
"What do you suppose caused your re-
moval!"
81 have no idea, except that it was done
through the influence OF politicians who
could not use me to further their ends and
aims. Upon taking command here I de-
termined TO be guided altogether by the re-
minister affairs impartially, without regard
10 political parties. This have done to the
letter, as far as circumstances would allow
or the interests of the State would justify
hut when ! would not gerrymapder certain
laws TO satisfy certain Interested parties,
and appoint this man to be governor, that
man 10 be treasurer, and the other to be
auditor, became an obstacle to reconstruc-
ton"
at is alleged, General, that you re-
moved Governor Wells because of the
charges Of mail robbery existing against
him, and that that act subsequently, caused
your removal"
"The first is q great mistake. / had
nothing to do with any charges of crimi
nal nature made against Governor Wells.
Such matters belonged properly to the
courts, ard | suppose the United States
civil officers here are thoroughly competent
to protect its interests. And, then, did not
r,move Wells, nor did I suspend him. l
merely devolved the only duties he per-
formet-those Of pardoning convicts and
appointing notaries public-upon the COM
manding General until further orders. He
still continued to draw his salary and play
croquct on the lawn-(with q laugh. Had
removed him, there is on order in exist
ence that would have prevented his reap
p0lntmcnt by my successor, and this l left
to General Candy. | absorbed Wells's du
ties because he exercised the pardoning
power too freely for political purposes, and
because his policy was proscriptiVe, leaving
il at the option of my successor to do as he
pleased. Wells also transcribed the au-
thority conferred upon him. As to whether
that caused my removal | am not aware,
but suppose it had something to do with
it."
Your enemies state, too, General, that
you were party 10 the new movement
ard had frequent conferences with the
committee Of nine.'"
81 had nothing whatever to do with
politics, much less the new movement
Once or twice one or two gentlemen called
upon mo to ask my advice as TO the course
they should pursue in regard to the new
movement and | told them ! saw no use in
going to Washington with protest in one
hand and condition in the other. What
they wanted would have to be obtained
from the Republican party, end they were
evidently outside Of it. Get into the ring,
gentlemen, or you will fail. Don't depend
On the fallacy of establishing Grant
party, but go at once to work and organize
through Republican party, and then you
may succeed. as for Mr.. Walker, Of New
iork,-the new movement nominee-1 have
never seen him but two or three times in
my life, and only to speak to him once, and
then nothing political was preached"
What is your opinion Of the general
condition of the State 3''
swell, it must be acknowledged its ma
terial interests are not in o very flourish
ing condition. have endeavored in every
instance to prevent expense in corporations
throughout the State, and l believe by de-
feating o ring saved this city half O mil
lion that would have been paid for whiskey
and other claims. Its political condition
will speak for itself. Meantime the peo-
pie are quiet and peaceable under this try
ing ordeal, and l have yet to hear of the
first disturbance Of any moment since this
revolution in the Offices commenced. In
deed, for the past two years Virginia pre-
sents q record that is enyiable. No other
State North or South can boast Of less crime
within her borders"
"Then, General, you have conscien-
tious approval of your course 7"
81 came here stranger, and AN yet
stranger. l had no enemies
to punish no friends to reward. l have
done my duty to the best Of my ability, and
I believe my course is approved by nine
tenths of the people Of Virginia"
MCT1LATED CURREScY.-Treasurer Spin
ner has decided that such currency has lost
nothing Of its current value, and that the