New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-19
GENERAL POLITICAL NEWS.
OPINIONS OF A SENATOR OF THE OLD
REGIME.

OPINIONS OF A SENATOR OF THE OLD
REGIME.
EX-SENATOR JAMES A. BAYARD ON THE FUTURE OF
PARTIES AND OF THE COUNTRY.
Ex-senator James A. Bayard of Delaware, who for
more than forty years has taken an active interest
in political affairs is at the New-YOrk Hotel, much
enfeebled in health. In conversation with TRIB-
UNE reporter yesterday he stated that he had vrtu-
ally withdrawn from political life; most of his old
colleagues were dead, and his age prevented him
from mixing with the class of active leaders who
shape the destnes Of parties and control the politics
of the country. Still he could not be disinterested
observer of public events, and contemplated with
fear and anxiety the spread of corruption in both
parties.
"Take our own town of Wilmington. for instance"
said the ex-senator. 1--WE have n Tweed Ring there
a small scale. composed of both Republicans and
Democrats; and wherever look around and see
city growing in wealth and population, there is cor
ruptiOn. In Philadelphia, understand there is
Ring quite as formidable any you have had in
New-YOrk. Corruption stalks about everywhere in
high and low places in municipal State, and Federal
politics, and unless it is stopped there must come an
end to republican institutions. cannot but feel
a deep reverence for those old constitutional prnci-
pies which prescribed limitation of powers
and forbade, among Others the Federal
Government from interfering in internal i'm
proyements. The abandonment of these principles
breeds corruption, and Government interference
with railroads any other matters, which should
be left to individual enterprise will ultimately lead
to it's destruction. This limitation Of powers
should be applied to State and municipal govern
mens as well Us to Federal. If Government, whether
Federal, State, or municipal, is TO take charge OF
everything the result is always, especially in large
towns, that some shrewd demagogue will surround
himself with a clique, take advantage of powers
conferred by precedent by statute, control the
masses, and corruption ensnes. Give Government
no more power than il needs to exercise its proper
functions and the occupation OF the bad leaders VIII
be at an end There is 10 question as worthy OF the
attention Of the public mind to-day as this question
of corruption. 1t must be met, and met speedily,
too if We are at all determined to preserve the insi-
tutions founded by our fathers"
Upon being asked what he thought of the political
status of the Southern States, Mr.. BayaTd again re-
peated that he did not mix sufficiently with the peo-
pie to express an opinion.
"But," said he, 81 have always thought and be-
evc to-day that it has been great mistake TO give
the right Of suffrage to the negro race. They are I'M
t,,tored are race full of passions, without de-
liberation, without argumentativc powers, and they
become the easy prey of any demagogue who desires
TO use their votes for his selfish purposes. They
did not expect this right of suffrage, though con-
sidered them always and consider them now worthy
of equal rights before the law"
In referring to President Grants letter on the
third term question, the ex-senator shook his head
and said:
"How easy it would have been for him to write
letter which might have stopped all controversy Oh
this subject My opinion is" he continued, " that
Grant will take the nomination if he can get 1t,
and believe he would not hesitate to employ the
armed forces of the United States in various
Southern States of the Union. If he saw the least
chance of success But Grant is not fool. He IL
persstcnt. obstinate even in al his doings At the
same time he has great degree of common sense
Everything depends upon the Fall elections of this
year. Should they go against the Administration
YOU will hear no more of the third term but If
they should go otherwise take my word for it Gen.
Grant will lose opportunity in drawing comfort
fromi: and you will see him the Republican candi-
date for the Presidency next year,