Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-10-01
SENATOR BROwNLOw ON CRSARISM.
President Grant for Third Term.
Anything preferable to democratic Rule.


A New York Herald commissioner, who
fought on the Confederate side in the "last
ditch" has recently had an interview
with Senator Brownlow at his home, on
the subject Of Cesarism. We give ex-
tracts from the letter: ..
Having made arrangements the even
ing previous with Colonel John b. Brown
low, Senator Brownlow's son and private
secretary, accompanied by that atfable
gentleman, your correspondent had an in
terview with this distinguished man.
whose reputation, from that of Method
list itinerant and subsequently as country
editor, has become national. Taking into
consideration his extremely active life,
Senator Brownlow bears his sixty-eight
years bravely, although to those who
know him well it is apparent that he Is
slowly failing physically yet his intellect
is as bright and his memory as tenacious as
when he filled the gubernatorial chair of
the State. 1 make this allusion to his
health because periodically the statement
is made by some Of the Democratic papers
that he is at the point of death; while, to
Judge by the vigor Of the denial of this by
the Republican press, one would almost be
forced to conclude that the Senator was as
fond OF muscular exercise Us the late dis
tinguished owner of Chappaqua, and that
his favorite method of relaxation was
either with the axe or between the plow-
handles. ....-..i -
j was ushered into the family sitting
room, where the Senator passes the most
of his time, and found him reclining on a
sofa. He received me most cordially, and,
after the usual courtesies had been eX-
changed, professed his willingness to give
his views not only on Cesarism, but any
other subject of National interest, adding
that the Herald was exercising q leading
interest in cosmopolitan journalism, and
disseminating its views wherever mail SER
vice existed, as he had experienced on
more than one occasion, having received
letters from Europe and the Indies from
gentlemen who had seen expressions from
him in its columns.
Two prominent rebel gentlemen were in
the room, having beenwarm personal friends
of Senator BrownlOw in ante-beLLune days
one an ex-Judge and the other leading
divine in the Methodist Church-who had
called to pay their respects before leaving
Knoxville for their distant homes. One OF
them, glancing at portrait of Henry
Clay, which hung over the sofa, and one of
Andrew Jackson on the opposite side of
the window, remarked, "How is it, Gov
ernor that you have the extremes in poll
tics meeting? Here you have the Sage of
Ashland, while equally exalted ia his and
your old foe, the hero of New Orleans"
Senator Brownlow replied, pointing,
with a smile, to Mr.. Clay's portrait: " He
was my political idol, and in him I had
the most abiding confidence; so much so,
in fact, that had he been alive in 1860 and
favored the establishment of q Southern
confederacy, / expect / would have fol-
lowed his leadership. But 1 have never
seen the day when / would follow or CO.
operate with the chiefs of democracy in
anything, not even a pilgrimage to the
other world; for / should expect to be
III, I-al Do
or meet with some other terrible misfor-
tune. fought Jackson as long as he was
in active political life, but his intense love
for and devotion to the Union cover null
ttude Of political heresies, and for such 1
honor him as much as / do the memory of
Great Harry of the West"
The visitors shortly thereafter took their
leave, when the conversation was resumed.
Correspondent-The question of Caesar
ism is now attracting great deal of atten-
ton, and the discussion having commenced
in the columns of the Herald, the manage
ment of that paper are DESTROYS of obtain
ing the views OF prominent men through
out the country on the subject.
AN EMPIRE PREFERABLE TO DEMOCRATIC
RULE.
Senator BrOwnloac-C esarism, either
considered literally or in the abstract, L re-
gard as an absurdity and the cry of dema-
gogues, gotten up by the enemies OF the
administration. AS regards the democra-
cy of to-day and Cesarism, 1 stand now
where stood in 1860, when, though y was
not safe to avow sentiments akin to aboli-
tionism, publicly declared in speech
that my first choice for the Presidency was
Bell; my second, Douglas; third, Lincoln
fourth, the Devil, and fifth, Breckenridge.
And now / would, rather than see the gov
eminent of the United States in the hands
of the rebel secession democracy, tprefer
that Grant was Emperor for life and the
country an absolute despotism.
Correspondent-Are you, then, in favor
of q third term for General Grant?
Senator Brot1nlotU-I am, decidedly, and
believe his reelection is demanded by the
best interests of the country; though, as a
party man, / would support the nominee
of the national republican party, whoever
he might be. or the effects of his admin
istration all can Judge Why sir, there
are few sections In the South where there
is not material prosperity prevailing and a
due observance of law and respectful re-
gard manifested toward the general gov
eminent its agents and officers. In Ten
nessee this is especially true, and we are
getting on gloriously. L attribute this hap
py condition of affairs to the firm and judi
cious administration of General Grant.
The recollection of his victories in the
field exercises wholesome influence over
the laWIesS elements of the South, and
they have dread of violating the laws
xubiIa he ic af the head of the government