The New York herald., 1872-08-20
JOHN e. kETCHAM.


fond NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Marks His
Campaign Horror and the President
His Choice, without Offence to Greeley
Republicans or Democrats-Would a
Liberal Election Breeze in Maine
Change His viewsf
DOVER PLAINS, August II, 1872.
When was travelling in one OF the western
counties few days ago l met prominent
politician, who endeavored to interview me about
matters and things In New York and the nearby
counties He began to talk about the probable
stand the republican Congressman would take in
the Presidential contest and suddenly exclaimed =
"what do you think Of Ketcham Of the Thirteenth
district P'
81 have not seen him. why ~
"Well, have an idea he is on the fence about
now. When was in Washington q short time be-
fore the adjournment, know that he seemed to be
rather in doubt which way to CO."
This converse ton naturally enough made O GER
tain impression upon me and when met Mr.. Ket-
cham to-day made up my mind to fathom the
mystery. To tell the truth, found him the least
outspoken Of any OF the republican members Of
Congress whom had met during all my travels
through the State. He seemed to have "a perfect
terror Of being set down as saying anything
FOR OR AGAINST EITHER PARTY.
and, when he ascertained who was, endeavored
for him, who has many friends among the demo-
Gratis in his district If he should be put in print
saying anything against or for anybody.
"How does Mr.. Ketcham stand9n asked man
met at the hotel as entered. "For GreeleyS"
''Not Greeley, by a id sight," was the en-
phatc reply.
Thus primed I met Mr.. Ketcham after dinner.
When told him was going about the State to find
out how the situation was in each county he
looked at me rather suspciously as II not reishng
the meeting. After few general questions asked
him how things looked in the district. His answer
was as indefinite as an unsatisfactory answer
could be. He evidently felt an extreme reluctance
"You see," said he to me during our converse
ton, 81 have great many friends
AMONG THE DEMOCRATS
and Greeley republicans in the district. and al
ways like to be friendly all round. So don't want
to be quoted 1t wouldn't do. NO name, you know"
'Ob, yes am Grant man support the ad-
ministration; but then have friends on both Sides
and don't want to be quoted as saying anything"
and he looked about the room to see that we were
alone. -.
trictP"
''There are quite number in some Places"
"EnOugh to carry the district against Grant,"
81 hardly think so. don't think the Greeley
men are so strong today as they were some weeks
ago. Some men went into the movement to see
what they could make out OF 1t In the future, and
have come out Of it rather ashamed OF themselves,
as II they were not very partial to the company
they had been keeping"
'.It's mere question Of
BARGAIN AND sALES"
remarked by way Of feeer.
'Just 30. The democrats see in 1t their only
chance to get back to power and they want the
offices badly, they have been out so long. And they
porting Greeley. Talk about civil service reform.
Why. haven't they got II from Greelcys own
mouth that he would stand by those who stood by
This alleged promise of Mr.. GreeIey's was news
to your correspondent but, not desiring that the
honorable gentleman should change the subject OF
the conversation nodded assent.
80 you believe,r remarked 'that
GOOD GRAB FOR THE OFFICES
is the foremost Idea OF the democrats Y'
al think they like power as well as any party,
but mind, don't quote anything say as coming
from me- for don't want to give offence to the
democrats In my district"
''By the way, one OF the two counties in your dis
at is. When was elected last time got some
fifteen hundred democratic votes in the district"
"But how about this timeY II you run again you
will have TO give offence to some sde2n
asked TO by many friends. AZ any rate If do run
don't think there will be much opposition"
THE REPUBLICANS ENTHUSIASTIC
ans .schar hard Ito to work in the DISTRICT"
"Of course you have spoken at some Grant meet
ings-taken hand in before now, haven't your
"Well, no; haven't as yet. You see ! am
man who likes to be friendly all around and on the
other side have many friends"
Here MI. ketcnam wanted 10 KNOW WHHJ HIS
interlocutors political leanings were, and what he
thought about the situation; but that kind OF thing
being the reverse side of the interviewing
business, your correspondent declared him
self neutral, and shortly afterward got into
the cars perfectly satisfied that the M. T. rom the
Thirteenth district is q Grant man, but too
temporlZing on the score Of his opposition friends
to come out openly and above board In his district
and follow the example OF his republican colleagues
by fighting the liberal lion in the daylight
THE COROLLAKY COMPLETE.
Two Congressmen whom your correspondent did
not meet or could not find when in their neghbor-
hood-Messrs Merriam, OF Locust Grove, and st.
J0hn or Port Jervis-may be set down as Grant re-
publicans on the best of authority. They are
working hard for Grant, and believe, no doubt,
like all their colleagues that Grant has sure
thing In the state,