The New York herald., 1870-02-24
WASHINGTON, Feb. %, 1870.

The safe return OF Mr. Seward, ex-secretary OF
state, and party from their extended and proracted
Journey in the hypereorean lattuaes OF Alaska ana
tropical regions OF Mexico is an event OF interest,"
and grancation TO tho large circle or riends nc nus
gathered about him. This afternoon your cores
pondent called upon the ex-Secrelary At Ms Iooms
at Barnnm's Hotel. In Baltimore, being shown into
his private parlor. gne Secretary was seated with
his rwo sons Frederick aud William, Jr.,
and Mrs Frcdesck Seward. The Secretary
had ssost finished his dinner and was induging
m fragrant Havana. He looked ten years
Younger than when he left the responsibilities ana
harassments of Official life. His face has norid
hue that might De expected IN one far younger than
himself produced by a sharp walk on winter
morning HIS eye possessed an unusual lusre. Hts
movements about the room were astonsningy
supple
CoRREsPaNpESr-You are looking remarkably
well, Mr.. secl etary. Your journey must have been
pleasane one.
Mr.. sEwARD-u was. enjoyed all that saw and
heard very mucn ] return, as all travellers should
return with much that Is new, much TO think about
and much to reflect upon.
CoRRRsPosDENT-No doubt you found Alaska sll
that said Oft by Its friendsS
Mr.. SEwARp--I did, indeed 1t is most
wonderful country. Sitka is an old Russian
town. In the days of Russian authority
1t was the centre OF trade or all Russian America.
Since the American government has taken control
the business Of the country has been transferred 70
San Francisco. Sitka now Is sort OF depot where
furs, fish and lumber are brought Tor shipment to
san Francisco houses, where the business is done.
i made number OF excursions into the interior.
saw the finest rivers teeming with fish and noble
forests OF the finest lumber IN the world visited
several OF the Indian tribes, and found a people
tractablc, quiet and peaoeable The climate OF the
country never goes below fourteen above zero Fab
renheit ana in summer ranges between seventy ana
eighty. extended my travels as far north as lat-
tude sixty, and found wonderful country ana mild
climate I consider Alaska the shipyard OF the
world and in addition to It's lumber IL has unpara
ieled resources Of fish and 1nrs. In regard
aoyernment rd' seem 10 be working s' Wen. some,
thing however, should be done not to ruin
that other great source OF wealth. the FUR SEAL The
seal Islands OF Alaska the nnest IN the W0rlu and
should be protected by judicious laws. The popu-
laton OF Alaska is small but 10 The progress OF CIV
lliZation IL win De the scene OF wonderful industry.
Population is now moving into our own Territory OF
Washington; next it Will go TO British Columbia a
vast country. ana next to Alaska Alaska In timber
aud climate is similar to Washington Territory.
CoRREsPoNDEST-Whatd DO You think about gov
Mr. sEwARD-i thiDs 1t needs some form Of civil
government, but 1t must be very simple. lt would
be unnecessary TO have any complicated system at
present. 1t would not be proper for me TO say that
the acquisition OF Alaska was q valuable extension
OF territory, but found it, from personal obserya-
its vast wealth.
osnREsPoNDENr-You visit to Mexico, from
accounts, must have been also gratifying
Mr.. SEwARD-I always felt oesire to personally
visit Mexico and examine its soil, Its variety OF land
scape lis accent remains u.s. people & ana Its insI,
government had made preparations for my journey.
had my own choice OF the means OF travel and the
length OF my daily Journey on landing on Mex
lean soil proceeded by boat across a beautiful
lake. The boats were elegantly fitted up, and were
every respect as comfortable the river steam
ers IN our own country. The boats were propelled
by oars; though not so RAPID means Of locomotion
steam, WAS certainly more pleasant. After cross
ing the lake took Ihe dlligences passing the end
Of each days journey IN towns on the way In oil
i had but twenty-tour miles on horseback over
tract OF coun try which IL would be impossible 10
travel in vince led vehicles.
CORRESPONDENTS presume you met all Tue MeXi
can notabes 2
Mr.. sEwARD,-Yes. found the President OF the
republic eminentiy fitted for his nigh station.
Juarez mai, OF prudence, wisdom aud foresight,
and believe ha the interests OF his people at stake
and simple In tn cir views. The country, it IS true
for the past 4 ity years has been distracted
qnences incident TO all internal commotions. Out
OF S,oOoOoo Of people abont 5000 600 are
Aztecs, the descendants Of the early inhaoants Of
permanent and tiubsta1tIai administration would
certainly make the basis OF firm government. There
some features IN the Mexican government that
might be initiated ,Dy our own. Between ali branches
there exists the md st harmonious action. itwould
seem tnat political disturbances would be imp0ssi-
pie still there ambitious persons that seem to
exist everyw where. All can say about my visit to
Mexico H. that wall much pleased. The people are
devotedy attached 10 their country, are loyal and
patriotic.
CoRREsPoNDENr-Ii-ow did you ind matters IN
Cubal
Mr.. sEwARD--I have Just come from that country
ana think it would ,not be proper 10 express any
opinions ut all. You viii understand my position
when say this.
The Secretary mentioned also IN regard to Mexico
that ne mad YET reaeHed has home ana therefore
considered himself IS stil under the obligations in
Kpired by so much hospitality. What opinions he
had formed he reserve until some future time,
when he had carefully reflected upon what he had
seen and the valuable facts ne nad gathered.
CoRREsPoNDEsr--lt rs unnecessary for me TO In
form you OF the death OF MI. Burngame.
Mr.. SBwARD-f received despatch today an
nouncng the sudden death OF Mr. Burlingame.
His death Is great calamity. His death Is loss TO
the world NJ. Burllngame was q man Of practical
views, and with his energy and skill mas been the
instrument Of setting ia motion one OF The greatest
progressive revolufl0ns Of the age.
Upou his arrival an Baltimore Mr.. Seward tele-
praphed to his son, who immediately Joined him.
bringing liberal supply OF Clothing suitable for cold
climates The Secresaiy wll proceed directly TO
comfortable home at Auburn