The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-17
THE PRESIDENTS SOUTHERN YoI1R,
General Grant Determines to Leave for
Richmond on March 20.
OBJECTS OF THE JOURNEY.
Oarpet-Baggism and Corruption To Be In
vestigsted, and Harmony Between
North and South Restored.


There is no event either OF state or national in
tsrest that occasions 70 much comment, consldera-
ton or speculation ameng the Southern people az
the contemplated tour OF President Grant through
the late rebeltous States. Now, this IL to be no
ordinary adair, as the mere casual announcement
by telegraph would aeen to imply. II IL full OF
political significance and II the Presidents obser
vations and deductions OF the national feeling and
condition, both socially and politically, Of the
Southern people justify hts objects In making the
tour It win result In uutod Dement'S to them. This
comes TO me direct from the President himself
through one OF his most intimate friends in this
stAte-one vino enjoys his confidence and esteem
ana is always received az the White House with
marked courtesy land attention. This gentleman
returned here from the national capital this morn
lng, having had lengthy and confidential chat
With the President. the day previous. The CONVEX
ation was altogether In reference to the projected
TOUR THROUGH THE SOUTH.
Throughout. the whole interview, which lasted
over an hour, the President took the deepest in
terest in inquring into the condition OF the people
Of the South and he manifested the greatest earn
estness in trying beforehand to ascertain what
effect his visit would have with them. He frankly
admitted that great barrier had been placed be-
tween the Southern people and the national gov.
eminent by the pcrnicous results OF the Congress
si0nal plan OF reconstruction, which had given the
control OF the late rebellious States to men whose
policy 1t was to msrepresent detract and keep
them in antagonism with 1t. The four years Of his
administration, now nearly closed, were peculiarly
In this lamentable condition The social and p0-
htlcal status OF the Southern States with the ex-
ception OF Virginia, was disturbed and unsettled.
and in his frequent efforts to effect good he
was often circumvented and thwarted by design
ing and tricky politicians. While there was not
one of his administrative acts towards the
South with which he could reproach himself,
having done the best he possibly could under the
circumstances yet there were many instances
within his knowledge where a different line Of
policy would have had decidedly better and more
pleasing results in national way. He deplored,
not the carpet-baggers as individuals, for there
were many of them good men, who had accom-
plished great deal in the way of loyalty and good
feeling; but
THE CARPEr-BAG SYSTEM
he thought was not only injurious but destructive
OF the very objects sought to be attained. He
casually referred to the chaotic and unfortunate
governments in some OF the Southern States, but
gave expression OF opinion as to the merits OF
or the parties to the different qnarres. He was
especially gratided the peaceablc and prosperoua
condition OF Virginia, and seemed to be proud In
the REJECTION that the electoral vote OF the
tor him, the first time she voted In
Presidential campaign since he conquered peace
Coming then, to the objects OF his tour, the
President stated that it more than probable
whole, Of the members Of his Cabinet, besides
many other distinguished persons Senators, Men,
sers OF Congress and others.
TO START ON THE TWENTIETH OF MARCH.
They would start by special train on the 10th Of
iederacy, would be his first stopping place. IT is
his intention to remain few days. for the purpose
ofreceiving prominent citizens and Of quietly con:
versing with them as to the social. material and
political prospects OF each State Divested OF all
official significance. the great southern visit OF the
change OF opinions, to arrive at the true solution
of the Southern problem and. If possible,
to lnaugurate new and national era OF
good feeling and prosperity. He has already
lent his friendly aid to the completion OF VirgiDia's
long wished for water line from the Chesapeake
Bay to the Ohio, and my informant thought the
President intends to investigate carefully the ma
terlal wants and necessities OF the south and to
devise subsequently the best means by which they
can be consistently advanced with national aid.
Perhaps the burdensome public debts OF each OF
feature of the visit will be TO examine thoroughly
the working OF the carpetbag system, to root out
such OF these precious birds OF prey as he finds
obnoxious to the interests of the respective peo-
pies States where they are and as far as he can
TO supply their official places with natives Uf char
acter and Responsibility. among the people where
they reside. Next, and lastly, the President is de-
termlned to eiiectuay harmonic the people OF the
10 make the next four years OF his adninistra-
ton years OF nexamped national peace, good VIII
ana prosperity. might nave added, however. per-
haps he wishes to ascertain the opinions OF the
southern people with regard to the acquisition OF
Cuba, Mexico and st. Domingo, as thev, being the
nearest neighbors, might be most interested.
PROMISED BENEFITS.
Already the contemplated tour OF the President
has had good effect as may be seen from the 1ol-
lowing extract from leading paper:-
We have had our good reasons for complaint We
ws n silent "S
although it has produced but little apparens
re si %
sn a W nssys @
Dusty followed 70 he grave his soodhearted Adversary,
Hs 1 sf
al SH tune S Se farther from
f' g
s 2 W f sS
cant, and General Grant, it is stated 4 about 2 80
sSosd e ss with s .be
cs s Ssi with the that esa aS % ne
whf e a s % e
resty aSsers!ood the south he would have acted differ
have
%Sd Ps hsa
eounseors mised him. and hence the cause Of much dis
But ali these things have neral Grant Is
70
no qe ms q row ia se hs ~
natural And circSms,ncsd as ne
and confidence between the government and the
people.
Therefore suggest that 10 would be proper for our
city authorities 70 extend to General Grant ns %
the courtesy and decorum due to his high once and to-
the reputation of this State and this city We are sure the
whole people will heartily unite In the proprety o.
prompt me assures for this purpose tAs
At meeting OF the City Council a resolr-
tion was passed appointing committee to report
at the next meeting plan, and also to provide in
the meantime for giving suitable reception to the
President upon his arrival here. The Legislature
will also pass resolutions TO the same erect. Gene
raj Grant " i'll be met and escorted through the city
by the civil authorities. The First and Second reei-
meRts OF volunteers will turn out national salute
will be fired, and In short. his sojourn In Richmond
will be magnificent ovation similar prepara-
tions are being made in Raleigh, Columbia and At