The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-10-16
Mr.. Robeson's Testimony.


The party journals in New Jersey are giving
prominence to recent mysterious speech of
Secretary Robson, claiming to give the
country the exact views of the President on
the third term. "The President" Mr.. Robe
son said, ''would never be found acting con-
trary to the established traditions of the
country" He chad no idea of third term;
had never thought of such thing, and re-
garded the discussion as unworthy Of notice"
Hence he had never spoken on the subject
except to his intimate friends, and has avoided
''giving any official expression Of his opinion
lest he might seem to attach too much i'm
portance to reports which never had any
foundation in fact - -
We have all respect for Mr.. Robson and
are willing to accept him as an oracle on
administration matters. But he should speak
more clearly. He defends the President from
the charge of conspiring to be elected a third
time That charge has not been made. We
could understand that the President would be
willing to retire in 1876 No man accepts the
inevitable SO gracefully as a retiring office
holder. We can understand also the
Presidents ssreticence." But he was quite as
retcent III 1867, when President John
son was sure he supported his pol
icy, and Mr.. Stanton was just as
sure he did not when democrats and
republicans were alike convinced that he
could be their candidate for the Presidency,
and when the republican party leaders were
uncertain whether he would accept when they
arranged his nomination. The Presidents
''reticence" means the reserve of sagacious
man and the silence of a silent man. So far
az talking to intimate friends is concerned
Mr.. Robson is more fortunate than the rest Of
the President associates if he has obtainedany
opinion from him. We know of Cabinet Off
third term. We know of gentlemen who hold
toward him the closest personal relations who
are no less ignorant. And so guarded is Mr..
Robson in his utterances that we infer
he speaks with view to the election of q
Senator in New Jersey, an Office for which he
is candidate, and for the purpose Of reliev-
ing the republican party of what Mr.. Wilson
regards as it's most serious burden in the cam
vaSs.
Furthermore what shall we say of party
which waits with bated breath upon broken
utterances Of President before it gives voice
to its opinion upon one of the most important
questions now before the American people?
1t reminds us Of the manner in which Philip
H. ruled Spain. But it is not pleasant thing
to see in free republic, where administrations
are supposed to be ruled by public opinion.
A FULL REPORT of General Mackenzes ex-
petition and his recent battles with the In
dams is given to-day in our correspondence
from his headquarters. 1t was difficult and
dangerous march that our troops undertook
to perform in that barren country. near the
Red River and the Texas boundary,
and it was more difficult to find
the Comanche and Kiowa braves than
to punish them. General Mackenzie, how
ever, has accomplished great deal OF good
in this campaign, and the only thing to regret
is that next year our peace policy will require
it all to be done over. Our Indian war is the
veritable stone of Sisyphus it is no sooner
rolled to the top of the hill than it comes
tumbling down again.