The New York herald., 1875-08-20
TOM SCOTT.
His ViewSOn the Third Term, on Initiation and
on the Pennsylvania Situation.
Grant Would Accept If He Thought the
People Would Elect Him"

SARATOGA August ls 1875
We have had here the most Formidable railway com.
bnation Saratoga has seen All the big presidents
Of the big railways in the country-Tom Scott being tie
biggest in both respects-haye been whispering 10.
gether suspciousy on the Congress Hall piazza ana
shouldn't be in the least surprised II sudden bat g-n-
era increase Of eighs and passenger were 10 be
the dire Of this conspiracy. Look this array
OF and tremble thou who dependent upon the
raiways:-Samuel Sloan, Moses Taylor, the great
Garrett of Baltimore who looked combative ever;
Mr. Bishop the President Of the New Haven road Com
modore Vanderbilt William II. Vanderbilt, Chester
Chaplin President Of the Boston and Albany road, aud
Tom Scott "the King ofPennsyyana," as have heard
him facetiousy called think is generally admitted
that If ever to make the experiment Of a mon
archy in glorious republican country Pennsylvania
will be the first State where II will be tried with Tom
Scott the founder Of the first American royal dynasty
And certainly, as far appearance goes nobody could
fill the place better. Tom Scott, as / saw him
to-day at Congress Hall, was a powerful, tail,
sincwy man, with large, well-shaped, muscular
face, ruddy complexion, clear and boldly
cut features, and that fine keen, penetrating eye
which is suggestive Of the watchfu observer OF
human nature. My interview with him lasted but few
minutes, for his stay here was but hurried one, and
he constantly surrounded by the railway magnates
above alluded and other friends who TO bid him
goodby. He leaves to-day for Lake George whore no
win spend two three weeks with his family IN per
feet quiet and utter relaxation from his usually severe
labors
WANTS GET AWAY PROM POLITICS.
asked the good-natured railway king, as no cor
daily returned my salutation il he would not give mo
his views on the political and financial situation
"My dear fellow" replied he laughing "a have Just
Saratoga the very purpose Of getting
ofthe way of all financial and political talk require
rest, absolute rest"
l asked him if, after running away from Pennsyl-
vana politics and the management Of the biggest rail-
way combination in the world he would not consider 1t
somewhat of 'rest" to talk to interviewer.
He LAUGHED heartily and said, wel then, what IS It
that can teil your III sn give you any information
for the HERALD shall certainly be peppy 70 20 So"
"Colone" I" l began attacking the eh6iny al the Soss
vital point what do you think of the dangers of third
term ?"
Tom Scott looked astonished at this question and
yet tit is not a one, after all and has often before
appeared in print but nevertheless he did look aston
ished and opened his eyes very wide)
''What, he exclaimed, edo you think there is any
thing in that; do you really2"
This was beginning to be rather awkward, for It was
interviewing the interviewer. But the only way TO
boldly meet the attack and to say, 81 do, Colonel
which did
WHAT WOULD NOT SURPRISE HIM
There was a pause and Colonel Scott looked rather
puzzled; but suddenly thought lighted up his
handsome face and with expression of great candor
he said:-
prsed if General Grant to be renominaed by the
republican party ?" and he added, decsiycly 'Not in
the eastn
'Neither should l." reoined; 'but do you think he
could possibly be electedy'
Colonel scott's answer was straight to the point
ono, he replied 81 don't think the people pre-
pared to indorse the third term principle by eectng
Grant am convinced that he could not be-"
'Do you not think Colonel, that General Grant de-
sires denomination, despite his protestaons OF indif
GENERAL GRANT WOULD IP HE COULD
Colonel Scott is too polite to mpeach the
veracty honor of political enemy, but his
left no room to doubt what he really thought In
struggling with great hesitation he said :'Well,
don't know that should like to say that, after all he
has written and said to the contrary"
"Dont you think he would take the place If he could
get ~"
for moment that he would accept the nomination if
he thought the people wanted him and would elect
him"
'And do you not consider that dangerous condition
He paused a while and then said, eyes do consid-
ering all the army Of office holders and dependents he
has at his back do
THE CURRENCY QUESTION
left General Grant TO the enjoyment OF his third
term prospects and turned to the currency question
''Do you think, Colonel, that the currency question
will form the great issue in the next Presidential
vass2'
IL
you say perhaps the most important one the Colonel
said looking right into my eyes with expression of
the convincing sincerity 81 think the people OF
this great country want sound currency and good,
clear values"
0And a speedy return TO specie payment Colonel?n
eyes, think they want to return as quickly posi-
BILE to specie payment-Of course, as quickly as II
be done without unduy pressing or hurting the business
of the country"
'And what remedies would you suggest in this con-
nectIOn, ColOneN"
'Well that is rather a large question: and would re-
qure time for thorough explanation but can say
incidentally that if under the last bill shall
all events be the safe road In that bill have
good basis 10 start upon"
A DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT.
s'Do you think the democratic party could carry the
election imitation PLATFORM"
~ believe in the great strength OF the party, the
Colonel replied in firm tone Of conviction, and yet
doubt very much If they could victory such
platform. (After pause Of serious rehection) IL
would be a dangerous experiment. dangerous expert
ment"
''what will be the probable result in Pennsylvania, in
your opnionY"
ooh you know it is republican now, and doubt
the democrats will make great effort to redeem the
State IL nominate good men on good platform it
will be close contest; but if our nominations or our
platform unfortunate then shall learn it to our
cost"
Here pause ensued and then the ''Kng OF Penn
sylvana' said rather jocosely you see am pretty
much of politics. and hence can't tell you much
'why, Colonel expostulated 81 have been told
here that you would be our next President"
Colonel Scott gave violent start and darted back
few steps. ''Nothing could induce to accept the
Presidency" he declared, "whle have railroad 10
manage. Goodby."
And the Colonel resumed his handshakings with his
friends, who were wishing him "BOu UoyGge
A RUINED LIFE