Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-12-12

V'toH nc LTOpOSeSL 20 HcLh3Ha 70 xH1S C0hA-
t,y--His Tour az 4sia.
Washington Special to ST. Louis Globe Demo-
For some time past there has been quite
an animated correspondence between ex-
President Grant and his confidential friends
III this country in reference to his future
movements. From time to time such por-
lions OF this correspondence as were thought
judicious to make public were given in these
dispatches. More recently the subject of
Mr. Grants early return to the United States
has been agitated, and upon what authority
cannot be traced. It was his intention six
months ago to return next summer, but, had
the present status of affairs been known,
such information would not have been pro-
mulgated. and the patriotic citizens of Bos-
ton and other large cities of the Union would
not have been misled into preparations for
the ex-President's reception nearly eighteen
months ahead Of time. 70 correct any fur
Their mistakes of this kind, it can be stated
that Representative Hammer for several
months has been in correspondence with
certain parties abroad as to Mr.. Grants flu
ture travel. In order to have the plbIic no
farther misled, your correspondent suggested
to Mr. Harmer the propriety of a general
statement of the facts as they have been pri-
vately known for long time.
Mr.. Harmer having given his consent,
your correspondent feels authorized to say
that, it having been intinlated that Mr. Grant
would probable desire to visit British India
China and Japan before returning to the
United States, as suitable recognition of
this wish, after consultation with Mr.. Har
m yuac Infa 10
President that the United States steamer
Richmond, Capt. A. K. Benham commanding
the flagship to Rear Admiral Patterson,
commanding the Asiatic feet-would sail
from the United States in December, the
present month, for Singapore, touching en-
route at Point de Gale, Ceylon, in January.
and thence to other points in British India.
1t was suggested, as the northeast monsoons
then prevail frequently with serious violence
III the Chinas, that the Richmond would visit
Bangkok, at the head of the gulf of Siam;
Batavia, in Java; thence by the straits of Ma
CAESAR to Manila, in Luzon; and thence to
Hong Kong and the ports of China and ia
pan, as the views Of the rear admiral may
determine, in the interest of American citi-
zens III those countries.
1t was lntimated to-day that the presence
of SO distinguished American, in addition
to the facilities thus afforded him to visit
the countries named, would be of great adj
vantage to the commerce and trade of this
country, by attracting attention to our i'm
portance as a nation and our varied indus
tries, as the intercourse of the ex-President
with the ruling classes would naturally lead
to an exchange of views upon the institu-
tons and people of both countries.
In letter dated as late as November IA.
at Gibraiter, Mr.. Grant said that he was
much tempted to carry out his original plan
to visit the East. His friends, including
Mr.. Harmer, at once held consultation,
and agreed that Mr.. Harmer should
present the subject to the government,
IN view of courtesies previously proffered
through the interest of the President, Secre-
tarles Evarts and Thompson, for the proper
recognition of the presence of an ex-chief
magistrate in foreign countries. The result
OF Mr.. Harmer's interview was commune
Gated to Gen. Grant by cable, and by the
same means of communication an answer
was received to-day, accepting the courtesles
of the flagship Richmond on her outward
voyage. The ex-President's cablegra,n was
read to the cabinet to-day. This will dis
pose of all further spe eulation on this sub
ject. It is thought that this tour to the
Oriental world will consume at least year,
as the movement of the ex-President will
doubtless be governed by fitness of seasons
for travel in India and the Asiatic tropics.