Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-01-02
President Grant on TIE situation.


President Grant, in the course Of con-
versatiou with a representative Of the As
ISOLATED Press, Monday, said, in reply to
a question, that he had no knowledge of
democratic conspiracy South or West, as
had been reported. He had information,
merely, Of organized rifle companies out
side of the State militia, but he was MOI
afraid of armed collision in connection
with the presidency, no matter what might
be the fears of others. 1t seemed to him
that the people desired only fair count
in the southern contested States in order
to be satisfied Of the result. The reports
oftbe several committees now there would
she'd light on the true condition of atflirs
and have a tendency TO solve existing
doubts. 1t was certainly desirable to es-
,ablish the actual fact of the election Of
either HAYES or Tilden. for neither could
feel satisfied if any doubt remained OF his
election, because in such case his position
as president would not command the nee
ccssary general support. The president
remarked that no one could suppose that
he had any connection with or relation to
toe declaration as to whom was elected.
That was not matter for him TO de-
termiue. lie was now anxious for the
coming Of the 4:h of March, when ne
would gladly give way TO his successor
and be freed from official cares.
The President, recurring to the recent
election, remarked that he should promp-
tlv recognize whoever should be his sue
cossor. With this his political feelings
would have nothing 70 DO. 1t would be
rccollected that several years ago, during
the guubcrnatOrial contest in the state OF
Arkansas. and when both parties repre-
seuted their respective eases at Washing
ton. he recognized the democrats in pref
crcnce 70 the republicans, because by legal
representation the former was entitled TO
the position. While it was true that the
Presidential term commences by law on
4th OF March, it did not necessarily follow
that the Prosidcnt-elect should defer TAX
ing the oath OF office until that time. Tie
might take 1t Immediately after the dec
laration Of his election, but Of course,
could not enter upon the performance OF
his duties as President until the 4th Of
March, the day Of the retirement Of his
pre- lccessor
The President intends replying to the
House resolution calling for information
as to the sending Of troops To the South
and the authority under which he acted.
Ia ali such proceedings he said be had
cudcayorcd TO keep them within the limits
OF the law, having always, previous TO act-
inc. consulted the Attorney-General, his
legal adviser, and before the democratic
House OF Representatives, during the for
mer session OF Congress, emphaticalIy de-
clared thatau citizens Of the United States
should be equally protected in their rights.
he further said with regard 10 the CON-
plants OF his sending troops 10 the South
for the above mentioned purpose, that 1t
would be recollected that General Frank
Blair wanted troops sent there for differ
ent object, saying in his letter to Colonel
Brodhead, in June. ls65, that there was
only one way to restore the government
and the constitution. and that was for the
President-eiect TO declare the reconstruct
ion acts null and void, and compel the ar
my TO undo the alleged usurpation at the
South and leave the white people to reor-
ganize their own government. Surely"
said the President. IF the army-accor-
ding to General Blair-could be used to
wipe out governments, it could, in my
opinion, be employed to support them.
| The democratic national convention, after
this letter was written, nominated Gene
eral Blair Tor Vice President on the tick
ct with Governor Seymour. The repub-
lean governments at the South has moth
ing 10 expect from him. Under their
rule al such governments would fade out
as in Mississippi, where General Ames was
| legally elected governor, but was forced
10 vacate the office, and is now 4 fugitive
from the State