The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-07-22
AS DEAD AS A DOOR NAIL.
West Point Influences Condemned
The Next Presidential Cam.
paign.
Hendricks, Greeley and Hoffman.
From the New York Sun, July Isl

Yesterday slue ny eiut Will wv -.
Gratz Brown OF Missouri, and enjoyed
the pleasure Of a conversation with
that gentleman. Having informed the
Governor that our intention was TO OBJ
tain brief synopsis Of his views on the
country, he Immediately signified his
willingness to be interviewed.
GRANT IN THE WEST.
Reporter. Governor, how does Presi-
dent Grant stand in the west2
Governor. Well. sir, about the same,
l think, that he does in the east; to
make use OF Andy Johnson's favorite
expression, we consider Grant dead
duck" and his administration an utter
failure.
R. In what respect do you consider
Grants administration failure?
G. Gen. Grant has disgraced himself
and injured the country by appointing
his whole family and all his personal
friends to fill the most important offices.
These men are IN nine cases out
of ten wholly incompetent to perform
the duties devolving upon them, and in
great number of cases have turned
out to be robbers and defaulters, as in
the case of Collector Bailey and Gen.
Lawrence. He has, moreover, snub'
bed and insulted the really smart men
of the country and set them aside to
make way for West Pointers. He him.
self is but poor, weak tool in the
hands Of others.
GRANT REPUDIATED.
r. When you ran for Governor last
year, upon what platform did you take
your stand-Grant or anti-Grant?
6. was nominated as Conserva,
tive Republican. | advocated the grant
ing of general amnesty. | believe
that the time has come for US to try
and heal up past differences between
both sections Of the country and en-
deavor once more to live in harmony.
| obtained the Democratic vote, and by
that means carried the State by 10000
majority, where it had previously gone
10000 the other way. / repudiated
Grant entirely.
R. The Grant stock must be at dis
count in the State of Missouri.
G. At discount Why, sir, he is as
dead as door nail, so far as his re-
nomination or reelection is concerned.
R. Well, Governor, do You think
that he will be nomination in 1872?
G. That is question | am not pre-
pared to answer positively. So far as |
can understand at present, believe
that Grant is doing all he can to obtain
a denomination. Whether he succeeds
or not remains to be seen. ], for one
hope that the Republican party will
not disgrace themselves by 30 doing
And if he is nominated, do not think
it will make any material difference. ]
voted for him. I can assure you | will
never commit such blunder again.
BELIEVES IN THE NEW DEPARTURE.
R. Governor, in what light do you
look at the new departure" Of tht
Democracy? Do you believe in thu
sincerity Of their declarations, to abide
by the Constitution as it is, and accep
the fourteenth and fifteenth amend
ments.
G. Yes, sir, ! do believe in the sin
cerity OF the Democratic party, so fal
as regards their adherence to the new
platform they have placed before thu
country. tell you, sir, the masses o
the people are determined on having
departure Of some kind; it don't make
any difference what kind Of departure
so long as it advocates a change. IL
my opinion, matters cannot be mucf
worse, and | think that change viii
prove advantageous. | moreover firm
| iy believe that the Democratic party ar
as unwilling to bring up dead issues a
any party can be; and if they but nomi
nate some man whose nomination vii
create an enthusiasm, they will carr!
the country in spite Of all opposition.
r. Governor, you alluded TO the fac
that General Grant was turning HEAVIER
and earth in order to be renominated
that does not tally with an article tha
appeared in the Cincinnati Times, givin,
an interview with General Dent, wherein
the General declares that Grant will no
lift bis hand one way or the other Il
obtain the nomination.
G.. 1t is all very well for Dent 10 sa,
90, cir. Grant NAV not turn his hant
one way or the other, but let any office
holder dare to express sentiments ad
verse 10 his reelection, and then sc
how quick Mr.. Grant will chop bis hea'
off and remove him from Office.
GRANT AND FESToN.
X. What is your opinion, sir, in refer
ence to the GrantFenton squabble
Do you think it will ever be healed up
G. No, sir, | am certain that it vii
not. There is a matter Of principl
involved in that quarrel that gift c
all the offices under the administrator
cannot wipe out. While Senator fror
Missouri several years ago, / roome
with Senator Fenton, and am suff
ciently well acquainted with the man t
state that when once offended he is nc
easily reconciled, and be knows full we
when an insult or rebuff is intendet
and, although slow to take otfense, b
nevertheless knows the exact time whe
patience ceases to be q virtue. ! 81
, also well acquainted with Conkling, an
J you may depend upon it, sir, that hl
. adherence to President Grant is not
. account Of any great love for the maj
but more with an eye 70 the spoiis.