The New York herald., 1873-09-01
THE CHIEF JUsTICEsHIP.

Ex-Governor Aiken, OF south Carolina.
Ex-Governor Aiken, who was Governor Of South
Carolina directly after the nulhftation disturb
ances In that State, was found by the HERALD re-
porter in the paror of the Spingler House, where
he is stopping on his way home from Saratoga
The Governor is not yet an old man, although his
head Is covered with fine gray hair and his beard
Is of the snowicst white. He appeared strong and
hearty, and in his interview with the reporter last
evening showed no deterioration OF those mental
qualities that raised him when young man, and
an anti-nulliner, against, apparently, the long
cherished opinions Of South Carolnans Of that
day. to the highest offlce in that State. He smiled
at being made the victim OF an interview, but ex-
pressed himself not averse to enduring that
NEW AMERICAN TORTURE
II his opinions could be OF any service to his
countrymen.
~ am especially instructed to obtain your opin.
ion regarding the vacant Chief Justiceship Gov
ernor," said the reporter.
"well," said he, 81 have been so long out Of
politics that / could hardly venture an opinion
upon the subject. do not suppose that President
Grant is delaying the appointment for any Interior
purposes OF his own, though he may be-"
"Do you have in your mind anyone who could at
all fill
THE PLACE OF CHASES"
"Hardly. Chase was pre-emiRently at man.
He had been foremost in his advocacy Of abolition,
had done great part for the success OF the war by
his financial system, and deserved well
OF the republican party; and alter the war
closed he became so conservative IN his
ideas, and seemed so willing so anxious
to conciliate the people OF the South and thus re-
unite the people, ana became so conservative in
o sHas sae nd
don't think there are many men now living who
can replace him."
'Tt is to be presumed, suppose, that General
Grant will restrict himself to
PARTY MEN IN CHOICE pO
eyes, suppose so. General Grants appoint
1nents heretofore have not been such as TO
courage any one to hope that he will appoint the
next Chief Justice for his learning in the law, his
20. because have the highest respect for the
Supreme Court and have all along hinged all my
hopes upon its stability and substantial sense.
When 1t Is made tool for political engineering
and the Chief Justices seat is given as the regular
party spOils are given we are in bad way"
"Have you any candidate to recommend, Gov
ernors"
ooh now responded the Governor, laughlngy,
al have not taken part in politics for twelve years;
in fact took very little part In politics since the
beginning OF the war. when strongly opposed the
whole movement on the part OF the South as dis
astr0us and retired into privacy when the die was
trrevOcably cast. know no one except very old
men whom could suggest for the place.
REvBRDY JOHNSON
would be my choice. He's rather DID, but he's wise
and cultured thoroughly conversant with the
statutes and rulings Of all ages, and Is still, think,
In possession OF all his noblest faculties"
'The President. however, would doubtless avail
himself OF the counsel Of his party leaders.
mo doubt oft, presumed suppose that Sena-
tor norton and Senator Conkling influence him
Ss es wh IN a., all his appointments and they may de-
After some further discussion on ordinary TOPICS
Ine reporter withdrew.