The New York herald., 1877-10-29
GENERAL GRANT AT BIRMINGHAM
HE GIVES MS VIEWS ON ENGLISH FREE TRADE
PRINCIPLES

[From the London Daily Newgl
General Grant entertained in Birmingham last
night October III at public banquet the Mayor pro-
siding In letter apologizing lcr inability attend
Mr. John Bright wrotc:-'I do not doubt you will
give TO General Grant reception which will show
how much Birmin CHAM has been sy mpathy with him.
self aud his country" tApplausc.l Nj. Chamber
LATIN, NJ P who proposed tho health OF General Grant
and his speech by reference tho
policy OF England as compared with tho protective
policy tho United States said that trade had fallen
OF lately under tho depression which was uni
lversal; but while in 1875 tho imports and
exports together amounted to nearly two and
a quarter much twenty years before,
that tho Fight side OF the picture, but untorlu-
naIcly the Increase was entirely on one side. Tho
imports COMO up while the exports had down;
they mad enormously extended their purchases bus
their sales nothing like the same proportion 1t
this state OF things had given rise TO
much discomfort, aud the General had even heard OF
IL during his visit to some of the Birmingham manu-
iactories Some persons--but u low, ho confessed
talked of the necessity OF gong to protect themselves
IRON such state OF thngs-a theory which no sensi-
extended Tree trade because they believed u was
good them. They believed that In the long run 1t
would bo to the interest OF all to DO able to buy In the
cheapest market. (Applause.)
GENERAL GRANTS REPLY.
General Grant, In replying, sad:-
MR.. MAYOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF BIRMrNG
HAM scarcely know how to respond TO toast which
has been presented such eloquent language and in
terms complimentary to myself and TO the nation
TO which belong and in which have had the honor
OF holding public positions. There were few
points, however, alluded TO by your Parliamentary
representative to which will refer. He alluded TO
great merit OF retiring large army ~ the close
OF the great war; but II he had been IN my position
for years, and undergone the anxiety and care
that | had undergone IN the management OF that
large army, he would appreciate how happy
be able that II could DO dispensed witn
disclam all credit praise Tor doing that one thing.
1 knew that was doomed to become citizen oil the
United states, ana lar as my personal means went
10 my share TO any expenses that had been
borne Tor the support OF the large standing army.
We Americans, however, claim 70 be SO much
Engisnncn, and 10 have SO much general inteli-
pance and SO much personal Independence and 30
much Individuality, that ! don't quite believe It is
possible Tor any man TO assume any moro
right and authority than the constitution aud
the laws give 10 him. Among tho English
speaking people we don't think such things
possible. We can fight among ourselves and abuse
each other, but we VIII not allow ourselves 10 be
abused outside, Will those VINO look on our own
little quarrels IN our own midst permit us to
Interfere their rights. Now, there lis subject
that has here that don't know that
should refer that Is the great advantage that
would accrue the United States IL free trade could
only be established (.Hear, hearl'') Ihave sort OF
recollection from reading that England herself had
protective tariff until she had her manufactures
established (Laughter) think We rapidly
progressing In the way OF our manufactures, and
believe becoming ono OF the greatest free
trade nations the face OF the earth. (laughter.)
Wnen we GO, TO be tree traders think II is prob
able all Other nations had better stand aside ana not
contend with al all. daughter and "Hear, hcar!N)
Ii had been accustomed TO public speaking would
have said more but never spoke IN public in my lie
until l came to England. l think IT Will be better
policy for me, however, to content myself with simply
thanking you. not only or the toast ana Ior tho
language which it has been presented, but Tor tho
very gratifying reception have had personally in
Birmingham