New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-12-14

o settle down in the conviction that, whether |
Senator TRuMBuLL were rendered q nomina-
ton by Republican boiters or not, he would be
found cooperating with the opponents OF Gen.
G.AYr. an interviewer came to the front
with what seemed to be an authentic statement
on tie part of the Senator, that so far from
b. ing any sympathy with such a movement,
he was decidedly in favor of the denomination of
Gen. GRANT, and that he would refuse the
use of his name by the Ihalcontents and Cop
perheads. This interviewer" states in
letter to the Louisville Courier Journal-good
Democratic authority, it was thought, upon
matter so fatal to its hopes-that to the ques-
ton, whether he would consent to the use of
his name by the Conservatives, he gave very
emphatic "No, sir, l would not" When ne
demanded bis reasons, he said he was satisfied
where be is; that he does not agree with the
programme marked out by the malcontents;
that he does not believe revolution OF parties
would be salutary, and that he does not think
the people are ready to profit by such change.
And to O demand for his reasons for this opin-
ion, he replied:
because the people of the South have
really accepted nothing, and are not willing TO
cooperate with the liberals of the North in
settling the practical relations of society on a
sure and generous basis. / know that the
South has much to complain of. But 90 have
the liberal Republicans. It is not the rebel
element. perhaps, but the nature OF things,
that the South should not realize the complete
overthrow of the old order and the necessity
for a complete change of tho domestic policy.
believe that the defeat of Gen. Grant would
involve a reaction at the South whose conse-
quences would he even worse than the present
state of affairs"
"Den't you think Gen. Grant meditates the
permanent usurpation of the Executive Officer"
" No, do not. My opinion is that General
Grant is, in the main. conservative man. He
has mistakes. But | cannot say they justify
his removal"
What are your personal relatiOns?" Very
friendly. have opposed some of his measures,
but have No personal feeling against him,
and, indeed, this is one of the reasons why it
is disagreeable to have my name mentioned in
the connection you name.'
When assured by his interviewer that :" the
Southern Democracy would support him with
pleasure" he exhibited his better knowledge
Of the temper of that branch Of the party by
declaring:
"You are mistaken. The Democracy is yet
too strong in numbers to disband, for that is
the meaning of the passive policy. Three mil
lions OF Democratic voters cannot afford to sell
themselves to two or three hundred thousan
Republican voters, and that for mess of pot
tage which the Republicans and not the Demo-
Gratis are to enjoy. l don't believe they will
do it. | think the passive policy already a
failure"
In reply to the question, "Then you think
the fight next year will be straight-out party
affair p he replied: 81 think it will be as far
as the Republicans are concerned. The party
is not really divided. Its internal discussions
merely exhibit the exercise Of individual free
will, and do it good and not harm. 1t will act
as body, and think will poll larger vote
than it did in 1903, no matter what frame
work or what candidates are opposed to it.
The people believe in the Republican party on
account Of its liberal discussions"
The correspondent concludes his account Of
the interview by saying: 81 am assured in
saying that the opinions of Senator TRUMBULL
are also the opinions of Senator SUMNER"
This statement seems SO straightforward
and there seemed so little reason why Dems-
cratic paper, which as strongly supported the
''possum" policy as the Louisville Courier
Journal does, should publish q statement so
damaging to its party, if not true, that we were
beginning to think public opinion was all
wrong in regard to Senator TRUMsyLL's views
aud purposes; and were about to congratulate
him on .ais indication of good sense Republi-
can fidelity and patriotism, when the following
disclaimer from the New York Tribune some
what unsettled our opinion upon those points
"Senator Trumbull has authorized no one
to publish his views on leading political topics,
and the interview printed recently in the
Louisville C0urter-Jotradl is untrue so far as
the Senator is represented 10 have expressed
sentiments different from those he bias hereto
fore given to the public"
1t is hard to tell, it is true, how much or how
little Of the views and intentions attributed to
Senator TRUMBULL by the interviewer is meant
to be denied by this disclaimer, for it is not
clear to what of his previously expressed senti
ments it refers. II i: is meant to deny that he
is opposed to the denomination of President
GRANT, and to assert that be will permit the use
of his name for the Presidency by the Conser-
vatives, he should frankly say SO, that Repub-
licans, at least may know where to lind him.