The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-25
WENDELL PHILLIPS IN WASHINGTON.
The Great AgitatOr Does Not Expect to be
Governor Of Massa chusefis-His Views Of the
Alabama Question and American Statesmen.


Governor Of Massa chuseiis-His Views Of the
AiabRnia Question and American stutesmeu,
WASHINGTON, Oct. "a 1870.
Wendell Phillips, who arrived here to-day TO lee.
ture before the Grand Army OF the Republic was
called upon by one OF your correspondents. and IN
the course OF conversation said some things worthy
OF being put on record. Among other things he said
that his stay in Washington would be limited to
twenty-four hours-his presence was needed
In Massachusetts,. The canvass was active
and he felt like going into 1t with
ardor, MOT said he, THAT / shall hope
for the success Of our ticket but the canvass will
draw out our forces and demonstrate our strength
Wilson tells me we ought to poll $4,000 votes. We
have much TO contend against. We have no money. |
have no money; and the machinery OF a political cam
pagn Is apt TO work badly without that assistance.
we rely upon the great principles OF temperance
ana labor reform for our support. We feel assured
the day is not far distant when they win triumph
CoRREsP0NDENT.-There Is q rumor anoat, Mr..
Phillips. that your name Is being mentioned In
Cabinet circles for Minister to England.
MR.. PHILLIPs.-lt was mentioned two months ago,
at the time Mr.. Frcnghuysen was named but
heard no more OF 1t since. am satisfied from what
has come to my knowledge that President Grant
intends to send Western man to represent us
In England. 1t may be true that Senator Morton
has declined to accept, but the President will
endeavor to ind some other Western man who will
| CoRREsPoNDENT-But the mission was offered to
| Senator Freinghuysen.
! MIR. PHILLIPS-That Is true, but, though have
never spoken to General Grant, believe from what
have learned that the selection this time will be
from among the Western men. Since Senator
Freclinghuysen declined matters In Europe have
undergone change. There never wa q more
favorable opportunity for firm, dlgnided demand
har
present state OF Europe it essential for ner TO keep
on the best ofterms with us. Republican France may
win-whlch hope she will-this fight OF freedom
against the barbarous despotlsm OF Prussia and
then she Will stand facing England, virtually asking
an explanation OF her conduct No; ENGLAND "a In
just that condition that what she would not hitherto
render to the claims OF right and equity she may
now be disposed to render to her fears.
CoRREsPokDENT-Judging from your recent
speech Mr.. Phillips, you favor the reelection OF
President Grant.
Mr.. PHILLIPs-I do. He Is the strongest man in
the country to-day. Grant has the character and
the average brain which represents the loyalty and
Intelligence OF the American people. II Chase had
the character OF Grant and the democratic party
had the sense he might have been President: but
Chase has no character, his party had no con
idence In him and did not know where
nor popular man, but brilliant and
popular men with us have never been elected to the
their respective parties, but neither could secure the
confidence Of the mass OF the people. Webster was
popular ana brilliant but he, too, q failure.
Douglas, with his bright and Irenchant intellect ana
unDounded popularity, was overmatched by The
NJ o- common l. sense Of Lincoln the people
brains and brilliancy. Grant could never win such
love and admiration as were given to Washington or
10 tne f1rst Napoleon, but ne can make or that
confluence from the people which means that they
believe the honor and interests OF the nation are safe
IN his hands. THIS Is what | mean by character
Sumner, with all his ability, couldn rally a corpo.
Tas gnard The o same may be said Of wilson
lcan party. My theory win apply win as
much force to England as to the United
states STAT There was Lord Derpy1he could never
ability. He was unscrupulous; he was isoated
more or less from the. living issues OF the day.
RUSSELL without any ability TO speak Of in ONCE
hall century, but Russell was level with the
great mass OF his followers He reflected their ideas
could accomplish ii, John Bright ought 10 be prime
minister OF England. but 1t IS easy to see
who reflects The sentiments Of The largest 81" number @
and keeps In the front rank Is the successful one.
Grant answers this description or man. admit he
did not suit my views in the start, but say
cheerfuiy now that ne does. General Grant Is ahead
Of MS party-thsy have fallen behind hln.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES his action In the recon-
sructon oil the Southern States meet with your
APPROVAL
Mr.. PHILLIPs-well not wholly and entirely but
still far better than expected. He has shown great
Judgment and, above ALL he has maintained for the
colored people steadfast friendship when numerous
prominent members OF his party shirked their duty.
Grant embodies the sentiments OF the American peo-
pie more fully than any previous President The
politicians OF both parties distrust him, and
there lies his strength. His course so lar
would be approved on popular vote. II Ia
strong common sense, united 10 firm Will and
true, patriotic spirit which has held him straight
In the line Of duty the people desired he should
pursue. But he IS not supported. Congress is
selfish and dwelling. 1t does not interpret the
wants and aspirations Of the country. Il deals in
Jobs 1t has no broad policy. II Is incommensurate
with the growth and Intelligence OF the country.
progressive mind America n FREQ
play there. The tins Is at hand for change and
for higher aud bclt3r representation.