The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-08
Danger and Possibility Of an
Empire.
GRANT CHARACTERIZED.
Both Democrats and Republicans Conscrva-
tive and Moderate.
JUSTICE TO THE SOUTH
The Financial Needs of the
Nation.

WASHINGTON, March !, 1875.
At the present time, anxious eyes are turned
toward the Senate Chamber, in the Capitol, for
symptoms Of the characteristics which are to mark
the new struggle OF parties on the issues raised
py recent events and acts OF the government.
The dominant sentiments In the minds OF the
newly elected Senators will indicate, partially ~
least the controlling spirit OF the coming political
campaign, both In Congress ana without, and Will
also show what new influences viii act upon the
future destiny OF the country, which at this mo-
ment is involved In a crisis OF opposing and
changeful opinions and theories. All OF the Sem
ators who have arrived In this city and who are
tonight accessible, have been visited py the
HERALD correspondent and the Information OBJ
tanned will not fail to interest the reader. It has
direct reference to the topics which are upper
most in the political thoughts Of every citizen OF
the country.
SENATOR ANDREW JOHNSON.
The HERALD represen tative called upon ex-Pres.
ident Johnson at his rooms IN the Imperial Hotel
to-day, and questioned him upon his views and
policy as follOws:-
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Senator, what is your idea
Of the Congress which has just adjourned,
ANDREW JOHNsoN-I think, sir, 1t lett the re.
publican party IL an exceedingly bad plight
THE DANGER OF AN EMPIRE
ConREsPoNDENT-Wnat do you think OF the
Force bill i?
ANDREW JoHNsoN-I can see how that bill, In
the hands or bad man-such Q man as Grant,
man seeking only place, power and pelf-Grant Is
a man OF greed-I can see how IN his hands this
bill might have worked incaculable injury. do
not say that II certainly would have come to that
but there was great danger. II the country had
been in the proper condition, II all the other
necessary circumstances mad been present, I
can very easily see how Grant might, bv suspen-
sion OF the writ of habeas corpus have awed the
people OF the South that b. might have over
turned one State government after another until
not only the election Of 1875 would be assured to
the republican party but the thing might easllv
was the inevitable result OF that law. say it was
q possibility, and a dangerous one.
THE CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE
CORRESPONDENT Your idea OF the Civil Rights
bill ano its effect
ANDREW JoHNsoN-With the cemetery and
school clauses eliminated 1t Is not Objectionable
as originally drafted. Nevertheless, believe the
people OF the country have come to the conclusion
tnat either the negro must be put In his proper
place, or the two races must separate. l think
the matter VIII eventually settle Itself policy Of
moderation and camness prevails.
BOTH PARTIES ON TRIAL.
Observation-Disclosures now WO8G 10 you LulQk OF
the political outlcokS
ANDREW JOHNSON-It Is not all clear. think
the people Of the South are disposed to be prudent
and careful, and II the entire democratic party
act in a proper way we may return to happy
prosperity. Both OF the existing parties are on
trial. In New York the democrats carried the
State last fall by about fifty thousand, while two
years before the republicans had o majority Of
fifty thousand; but this was not all clear gain.
There was q large republican element that re-
fused to vote with the republican party and yet
was not ready to join the democracy. 1t Is this
element that must be secured before either party
can hope lot success at the next election, and II
counsels prevail l have no doubt the
democrats may secure IT,
SIGNIFICANCE OF MR.. JoHNsoN's ELECTION
In the South, think, there IS a marked i'm
provement The feeling OF terrorism which
necessarily sprung up and followed the
rebellion is dying out, breaking down,
and men are beginning to act and think
for themselves My election illustrated this.
Against me were ranged a number OF Confederate
generals and some effort to enforce the old spirit
Of terrorism in their behalf was made; but 1t
failed. My election was the first triumph of Union
principles In Tennessee since the war. advised
the people to adopt a broader view of public
AFFAIRS.
NATURALIZATION WHAT IS WANTED.
what we want Is to natonalize ourselves. We
have been denatiOnalized long enough. We want
to step out on more national plane, to identity
ourselves with national issues and national poll
tics, to be no longer controlled by local or Sec
t,onal influences. think saw the fruit OF this
advice in my election. 1 was thoroughly Union
man and so recognized aud my election was rec
IGNITION Of Union principles. Let tile whole
South endeavor to natlonalizc itself in this way
and the future Is bright.
NO WRONGS TO REDRESS.
And now I want the HERALD to correct one
thing Tor me. An impression has gone abroad
hat come here to avenge my private grievances,
10 redress personal injuries. 1t Is not So have
now no wrongs to redress but my country's. My
election settled all personal injuries ever inflicted
consider that triumph suficent and bury all Of
ny grievances behind 1t. come now to deal only
with present Issues or course, II any Of my acts
while President were attacked It might be neccs-
'ary at some time to defend myself, but that
aside, come here not as a party man, but en-
arely independent.
THE OLIVE BRANCH AND THE CONSTITUTION.
Then, Strengthening himself 10 his full height
dr. Johnson continued very imprcssiveiy
IL como here, as 1t were, bearing the olive
branch In one hand and the constitution OF my
country In the other.
II come with balm from Gilead.
~ come TO pour Oil on the gaping wounds OF nv
country.
~ come for peace"
AN MANIPULATING INDEPENDENT.
On being asked whether he should affiliate with
he democrats. the cx President said he had not
anticipated In the democratic caucus as he had
lever seen any good arise from caucuses He
mould be entirely INDEPENDENT.
SENATOR CAPERroN, OF WEST VIRGINIA
Senator Caperton, OF West Virginia, said he |
It premature to give his views on the
POLITICAL situation or outlook at this time. He
Wished to be unembarrassed 10 the future by not
Iivlng expression to spantons now which might