New-York tribune., 1879-12-20


at the Commercial Exchange in Philadelphia
yesterday. He made a longer speech than
usual. referring chiefly to the obstacles
TO the growth of American trade IN
Asia. Mayor Stoklcy followed and alluded
to General Grants fitness for a third term.
The negotiations regarding the presidency of
the proposed Nicaragua Canal Company are
apparently suspended Last evening Mr.. A.
J. Drexel gave grand reception in honor OF
General Grant. Many persons of distinction
were present.
MORE COURIESIES CONFERRED.
IRE CANAL AND THE THIRD TERM-wHAr sESoR
FRANCO SAYS ABOUT THE GENERALS RELATIONS
TO THE CANAL-THE COMMERCIAL EXCHANGE
RECEPTION.
iFRcM STAFF CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE-l
PHILADELPHIA. Dec 10.-The political pot is still
boiling, albeit Pennsylvania's 80 old man has gone
home. The best informed politicians have regarded
General Simon Cameron as the commanding genius
Of the situation. inasmuch General Grant has al
ways paid heed TO his counsel. General Cameron
has been here for several days and has regarded the
triumph Of his at Washington with supreme
satisfaction; and while he has not taken pains to
appear in public with General Grant, be
has been in consultation with him. His sons
wife. moreover, has been Mrs. Grants COM
panion at all the receptions and public
exhibitions. II cannot be doubted that the inilu-
ence of this dominant family in Pennsylvania
politics is exerted strongly and decidedly in favor
OF the denomination of General Grant. General
Cameron does not attempt TO conceal the fact and
bis son is quoted to-day saying that Pennsylva-
mia wants Grant and will have him. The veteran
left his hotel this morning apparently well satisfied
with the political situation.
After the Camerons have come the Administrd-
tion. The Secretary of State dined to-day with
George W. Childs. who entertalus all the great men
nowadays. and subsequently met General Grant at
Mt lsreception The Secretary of the Treasury
also attended Mr.. Drexefs reception and will remain
in the city night. President Hayes himself will
be here during the coming week. having accepted
Mr. Childs's hospitality in order to meet the ctys
distinguished guest At the same time new groups
of politicians are forming IN the corridors OF the
hotels. there being fresh arrival for every depar
tuie.
SOME DISSATISFACTION.
While there is n buzz of third term talk at the
Union League and in the hotels, 1t is not to be as
sumed that the current is running in one direction
An experienced politician, who knows Pennsylva-
MIA politics if body does, remarked 10 me to-
day that there was a large and influential body of
Republicans in the city and the State who regarded
with dismay the political tendencies of the recep
tion of General Grant. They want as leader,
he added, either Mr. Blaine Mr.. Sher
man, and they regret that the friends OF
those rivals did not combine to defeat
Senator Cameron in the National Committee.
So long General Grant is the guest of the city,
and the programme of what wus intended TO be
strictly non-partisan demonstration is being carried
out in detail this class of Republicans shrug their
shoulders and remain silent
THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.
The canal episode is still disputed question Ad-
miral Ammen and Senior Franco, the Nicaraguan
Minister to Italy. contend that they have accom-
pished all that they sought to do in Philadelphia,
aud that General Grant is cooperating with them,
and has virtually agreed TO accept the presidency of
the canal company. asked Sehor Franco, to-day.
whether the Admiral and he had made any progress
within twenty -four hours. He replied that the Ad-
miral had called upon the General to-day and gone
over the ground again, and that there
was no trouble about It, l inquired If the
General had committed himself in writing or by
word of mouth 80 unquestonably that they could
use his name with capitalists the president of the
company. This he admitted the General had not
done. "But how could hef" he asked. There is
no company organized. We cannot elect him pres
ident until we organize, and we cannot organize
until we have conferred with capitalists here and in
New-Yorkr then asked him If they could raise
the money needed for the enterprise without having
n positive assurance that the General would be the
president of the organization. lie admitted that
General Grants name essential to the success
of tue project "He is just the man want" he
sand. "He is known abroad where we must get
good share Of the capital; be has the engineering
skill and character that are required; and,
moreover, he IS representative citizen ana
can interest Americans in the work." He then
explained that he found that Americans were back
ward about engaging in an undertaking lnyoiVlhs
500 600. .000 and that while he had received ell
couragement in New-YOrk and elsewhere, there
were great many conflicting interests, 80 that they
REQUIRED the prestige of General Grants name.
A DILEMMA ARISING.
Eva singular coincidence both Admiral Ammen
aud the personal friends of General Grant have fol-
lowed the same cue to-day. They arguing that
the Nicaragua Canal scheme and the third term
are not conflicting interests. General Grant, they
AFFIRM can accept the presidency OF the company
and resign it whenever he likes Even IL his renom-
NATION be regarded foregone conclusion. be will
have they saw year or more TO devote TO this in
ternarional work; and even if he be elected the
two Offices may not prove Incompatible.
Iasked Senor Franco what was his view OF the
matter and while he asserted that political consid-
erations did not him, he admitted that Ge-
eral Grant could not serve the company ana the
country also. "How can you the Generals
name and induce capitalists to take stock, unless
Won have unequivocal assurances from him that he
will become aud remain the president of the com
many Yv To this question Senor Franco returned
answer that ii a company were formed the condi-
tions under which the Office would be rendered to
and accepted by General Grant would require him
to devote his time and services to the canal for
period of at least ten years
The truth Is that the projectors OF the lntero-
ceanic Canal cannot make headway without Cen
eral Grant. He knows it and they know it, lie
told them that he fayors this route and assured
them that he would be willing to accept the presi-
dency if they could assure him that the capital
H. &n r04e fhC