The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-05-09
WENDELL PHILLIPS OPINIONS.
He Does Not Like the Cincinnati Nominations
Greeley Quite as Bad as Andy john
son-Grant May Withdraw and
Colfax Be Nominated.

BOSTON, May s, 1917.
1t is not often that the talented and level headed
Wendell Phillips Is at loss for an opinion on cur
rent political affairs. The events OF the last few
days however, have annoyed and puzzled him. and
for once the distinguished orator and profound
thinker Ia completely lost In his reckoning or the
political destiny OF the country. l called on him
at his modest mansion on Essex street, this even
ing, to how he took the consequences OF the
Cincinnati Convention. He was, az usual, calm In
appearance, but minated that his manners for
once did not truly reflect his feeling. He was en-
barrassed, to use mild term, and suspect trne
angry, at the choice the Cincinnati crowd made for
a Presidential candidate. He said he was always
glad to meet and talk with HERALD re-
preventative and, added with great emphasis,
II don't want to have anything TO say about that
Cincinnati Convention.n
s'YOu were surprised at the result Mr.. PnipSf"
/ observed in an inquiring way.
surprised Yes was, y he answered cmphati-
caly, but kindly. 81 hardly dreamed they would
take up Greeley"
.'Who would you prefer, him or Grant2 asked.
.Oh, Grant, by all means,n lie answered. II
would prefer Grant to either Greeley or Adams.
Greeley is not whit better than Andrew Johnson.
ton would not be bit bettern
s'But, Mr.. Phips,n observed, "you are, OF
course, aware that he threatens TO be dangerous
rival for Grantp'
ayes: see that there Is strong popular feeling in
his favor and his election is possible, though by no
nent men of the country who endorse him. II such
men as Judge Chase, Mr.. Sumner and Mr.. Douglas
support him he will command the votes Of the bulk
OF the republican party, and II the democrats should
also ratify his nomination his election would be
almost Certain.o
''WOnt he he likely to command the c0lored votes
of the SOuth9" asked.
al am not so certain OF that: the majority OF the
Southern whites will probably go for him, but the
cOlored men as yet are not welded To any partcu-
lar party and il may be long time before they
will as d class declare for either one or the other.
Greeley stands well among them, but doubt II his
name will arouse their enthusiasm TO the extent
that a great many expect. He is strong among the
workingmen all over the country, and will receive
almost their undivided support. As said before,
there chances or his election, nut snoulu de-
plOre such RESULT
sWhat do you think of the story about Grant with
drawing the last means OF saving the republican
party and defeating (reeleyY'
81 have heard OF that and there may he something
i'm 1t. Last winter, when l was lccturing IN the
West the Leading men OF the party there were dis.
cussing this same possible contingency, and
/ understand that. In the event OF his with
drawing COlfax was to be brought forward, and
there was an understanding Of this kind with Col
fax when he was persuaded to change his determl-
nation about retiring from political life at the close
of his present term Taking everything as 1t stands,
l am frank to say that have no opinions about the
contest: but of course, have my preference. Per-
shaped, and then may have something to say. Az
matters are now prefer TO remain silent.o
'Well, good day, Mr.. Philips.n
Good day,n he answered. "ca again." and LETT
the eloquent orator alone with his books and
papers.