The New York herald., 1875-08-16
Ex-Governor Hoffman on the Present
Political Situation.
@'When We Give Up Cur Hard Money Principle
We Have Neither Apostles Nor Creed Left"
SOUTHERN POLITICIANS AT LONG BRANCH.
The Controlling Power of the South and West
in the Democratic Convention.
sARAroGA. August l4. ls75.

SARATOGA, August H. 1875.
Ex-Governor John t Hoffman, who is stopping with
his family at the United States Hotel has given your
correspondent some interesting views the present
political situation What he says about the relation Of
the democratic party TO imitation will be loud and
ringing OF warning to of his Western fellow
democrats
REPoRTER-I see, Governor, you have lately said you
had retired virtually from active political life but the
NEw YORK HERALD wishes you to answer a few ques
lions If you.have no objection. May have few min
'utes with your
GovrRNon-Certainly; have said lately that have
retired from active connection with public matters
Without protesting too much may add that service
for two terms as Recorder and terms Mayor Of
che city of New York and two terms as Governor of
Tho State is an experience which leaves very
strong desire ever again to give up the Independence Of
private life Yet in return for the honors bestowed on
me by the democratic party to it my best service
and counsel, though the latter may be needed or
needed What does the HERALD wish to ask2
REpoRTER-What do you think Of the probable result
OF the Ohio election?
OHIO
GovERNoR-There is an old saying, the wisdom of
which every mans experience shows him, that ''you
should never prophesy unless you know" do not
know much about Ohio. Careful observers there tell
that Allen will be elected, not because Of but in
spite of the financial platform The people believe he is
honest and able and hard money and paper money
alike will vote for him for that reason and because
also they want express their sapprova of the present
national administration which they hold responsible for
all the evils financial and otherwise, from which the
country is now suffering. The prospect seems to be
chat he will be elected by decided majority Itmay be
there influences at work which may defeat
him. but from all hear they not powerful enough
TO do that.
REPoRTER-Wl not democratic victory in Ohio be
what is generally considered imitation platform-n
your judgment embarrass if not endanger the future
OF the democratic party in the country9
DEMOCRACY SAFE
GovERNoR-Not at all There is not in my judg-
sent the slightest danger of the democratic party of
the country becoming imitation party There
districts and parts Of States where such doctrines
popular Just higher tariff has been popular with
many democrats in Pennsylvania, for instance. But
the democracy Of the country generally sound
gold dollar on the finance question. They know they
can't afford TO occupy any compromise ground it;
TO be hard money men with soft money
principles They know there are but two
sides to this question-for good money
and for bad money; and if in quarters there APP
pears to be caor for what is bad rather than for
what good makes all the their duty to resist
It, They know the present depressed condition of the
business ofthe country is the result TO great extent of
having currency irredeemable and of uncertain and
unsteady value, and that the best cure for itthough
they may favor violent immediate conractions-
Us the SpeedleSt possible return specie payments
thing which perhaps can't be forced but will be-
fore long if the country sets its face unmistakaby in
that direction instead of the other way leading
men In both parties would have 1t do. They know
chat it
WOULD BE no DEMOCRATIC VICTORY
20 get into power any other doctrine. When the
democratic party gives up its hard money principles
repudaes Jefferson and Jackson and has neither apos
Ties nor creed left You may depend upon IT, the DEM
ocratic party will go into Presidential issue
under any imitation banner One Of its chief notices
will be 1.-THE speediest possible return to a currency
on gold N IN
and every honest ought to declare TO the people,
that every day the country money of an uncertain
and unsteady value il cheats the aborer of his just due
confuses all kinds of legitimate business and pro-
longs condition Of things which makes capital timid
and idle, and deprves the workngman OF an Oppor
tunity to work.
REPorrRR-What do you think win be the chief qucs-
ton in the next Presidential canvass2
GOVERNOR Financial questions 1t is not impossible
that these may TO some extent break up old assoca-
lions and create combinations That certainly will
be the case if am wrong in my estimate OF what the
democratic party will do.
SECTIONAL ISSUES DEAD.
The attention Of the country is drawn of from old
t0nal issues. They can never be revived The people
poor; they are thinking of money, taxation,
omy private and public affairs and honest admins
traton Of local. State and federal governments. They
will, | think look more to men and less to platforms
Men have records, platforms have not The time TO
inaugurate and carry reforms is when the people
are poor You can't get their ear easily when they are
all making money They are, as said, poor now and
THE RESULT IN NEW YORK.
REroRrER-What do you think New York win do
GovERNoR-That calls for prophecy again. but I know
more OF New York than OF Ohio If the democratic
convention puts proper ticket in the field see no
TO doubt its election by large majority There
may be fatal mistakes made but hardly think it pos
sble.
REPoRTER-You spoke OF secret influences at work in
Ohio Did you have mind those connected with
the public school question?
GovERNoR-Yes. Governor Hayes made those ques-
tions prominent in his recent speechAn hear there
are secret organizations with reference TO it, There
great 10 fear unless those who influence large
bodies of men, and who guide, TO extent public
alars, show great wisdom forbearance and courage
SCHOOL QUESTION
will be forced prominently into the politics not only of
Ohio, but of New York and other States. IL a ques-
tion exclusively for States and with which the federal
government has nothing to do Before very long every
one must see who reads the papers, it must be met If
we would avoid great mischief great evils people of all
opinions, II must be met squary and kept OF party
politics IL is not question upon which the people
should be divided by party lines. They cannot be so
divided with safety sincerely hope there is wisdom
and courage enough in New York and elsewhere to pre-
vent it, Inconsistent the statement may appear
there some things which be kept out of party
politics by the timely wise bold action of party leaders
and party conventions, and in no other way
asked him other questions about the Speakership
and the probable Presidential candidates of the demo-
cratic party but in these matters Mr. Holman preferred
TO be SILENT and the hour had arrived when he had
TO dine with hr. A. T. Stewart the interview termi-
mated
EWT