The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-07
The Great Unknown-vvtn He ssasve
q Head On His Shoulders 2"


We have recently published interviews
with two distinguished statesmen, both in
terestng, each instructive taken alone, but
doubly instructive if considered together.
We, Of course, refer to the interview with
Mr.. Seymour, at the time of the Utica Con-
vention, and that with Mr.. Adams, which
we printed yesterday. Each was valu-
able. but each incomplete. Neither of
these statesmen stated the whole truth,
but only 80 much rs struck him most forcibly
from his own point of view. But each point
Of view was a commanding one, and we have
only to combine the two surveys to get
pretty complete idea of the present odd
political situation and the causes which have
led to it. Before putting them together in
such relation that they will reflect mutual
light we must again express our regret at
the tone in which Mr.. Adams spoke of an
eminent citizen Of New York, who is the
wisest and safest adviser of his political
party, as well as an urbane gentleman, whose
private virtues command the respect of po-
ltical opponents Mr.. Adams was out
of the country in 1862, and derived his i'm
pressions OF Governor Seymours conduct
in the summer of that year from tho
distorted representations Of heated parti-
san press. The simple truth is that our city
regiments had just been sent to Pennsyl-
vania on a sudden call of the government,
and it was necessary to temporize until the
arrival Of other regiments from the interior
of the State, the Governor being help
less in the beginning of that emergency by
absence Of the local militia, which no had
sent with prompt patriotism to meet the
rebel invasion.
After these words Of Justice, We proceed
to compare the two interviews. Mr.. Sey-
mour makes his survey of the political stu
alton from the highest moral and Mr.. Adams
from the highest intellectual point of obser-
walton, and each needs to be supplemented
by the other. Mr.. Seymour says the deplo-
rabe state Of affairs has resulted from the
decay of virtue among tho people,
Mr.. Adams ascribes it to luck of
head and vigor on the part of the
President. 1t is, in truth, the joint
effect of both causes +; and it can be cured
ened moral sense on the side Of the people
and more brains and purpose at the head of
the government. Mr.. Seymour thinks that
we have suffered from low tone of morals
and foolish taste for expense and social
display which has pervaded tho people
and infected public officers, who have
found their salaries insufficient for the
style of living Mr. Seymour presented
this view in so striking manner that every
body declared hc was right and so he was,
as far as he went. Mr.. Adams. on the other
hand, presents an equally vivid picture of
the distraction, confusion and dis
ntegration-which he aptly calls
"chaos" -which he describes as tho conse
quence Of official incompetence at the helm
of State. Mr.. Adams, too, is right, as far us
no goes These two views, by able
men who do not desire office and are under
no temptation to iatter, are counterparts of
each other together they present the es-
sential features of the situation. Honesty"
is the motto of one ''head" the watch
word of the other. Mr.. Adams view is the
more important, because it is easier to find
men who are incorruptibly honest than men
whoare supremacy able. Besides, lapses from
virtue can be cured by repentance, whereas
there is no cure for blockheads. The country
may find a statesman; it cannot create one
II a majority of the people vote that donkey
is a horse, he will not be horse but remain
a donkey. AS the business Immediately be-
fore the country is the selection of Presi-
dent, and as well-meaning men are common,
statesmen rare, we think Mr.. Adams has hit
the most important nail worry squarely on
the head.
We wish it were not idle to suggest
practical union of the views of these two
statesmen in the actual nomination, for the
logic of the situation as described by Mr.
Seymour should lead to the election of Mr.
Adams. Mr.. Seymour said with equal truth
and aptness. .Tho republican party has lost
tho confidence of the country and the demo-
cratic party has not gained it," This is the
situation in a nutshell, and the election Of Mr.
Adams would exactly meet it. He deserves
the confidence which the republican leaders
have lost and the democratic leaders have
not gained. His election would not be the
triumph Of apolitical party. but triumph
of character, Of integrity, Of patriotism, Of
brains. 1t would exemplify the maxim,
''the tools to him that can handle them.
1t would require no bestowal of conf
dence where it has not been earned.
1t would DO proof of conval-
cscent public virtue and the precursor
of established political health. 1t would
precisely meet an cxigency in which both
parties are distrusted by erecting ~ pillar
of state" for lettering public confidence TO
lean against, and il would. moreover, be the
browning and longest remembered event
Of the centennial year and tho lit
test act Of its celebration. We g-icyc