Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-03-03
That Perry II. Ss,,ath Thinks.
[Chicagn Timea.I


That Perry H. Ss,ath Thinks.
[Chicago Times.I
Perry II. Smith, Esq. has recently return
ed from New York, and while there and in
Washington he surveyed the political field
as it at present appears with considerable
care. The survey, of course, has been in
the direction of determining what are the
for victory in 1880. Mr.. Smith
has the advantage of personal Intercourse
with SO many distinguished men in all sec
tons of the country, and SO many eastern
magnates are included within his circle of
Intimate acquaintance, that when he ar
rlVes at political conclusions they are always
well based and authentic.
With the view Of learning what his present
views are as to the
NEXT PRESIDENT AL CONTEST
and other political matters. representative
of the Times waited upon him Yesterday af-
ternoon.
"The fact isl said Mr.. Smith in reply to
several interrogatories, sit is at present al
together too premature to attempt to fore
cast anything. AS to myself, must say that
l do not presume to have any decided opin-
ions so early in the day; it is yet impossible
to arrive at any that are worth expressing
just yet. Some one or another started the
idea that I would be willing to support Grant
for third term. Set me set that at rest
promptly and forever. It is with me, the
Democratic party or nothing. like Gen.
Grant personally very much, and I think he
is an extremely able soldier, bat am sure
that the people don't want any more Presi-
dents from the military class at present.
What they want is craftsmanship at the
helm, and it is not to be found among mill
tary men. I wish to set that idea of my pos
sibly going in for President Grant for a
third term at rest forever
"Don't you think the idea of Grants third
term is growing in favor with Republicans,
and that they will probably nominate him?''
~ am sure of it.
REPUBLICAN LEADERS
are saying very little about it just now-they
don't think it time yet, but feel it when
ever am in their compony. feel distinct
~ the impression that they have made up
their mind that Gen. Grant is the coming
man. l think too that an effort will be made
to impress the people with the dangerous
tendencies of this socialistic and communis
tic movement, and that it will be in pursu-
ance of plan to force Gen. Grant on the
country as the only man who can be relied
on to promptly and fearlessly punish move
ments in the socialistic direction. But such
programme is all nonsense, all moonshine,
and believe that the people will resist any
such attempt to hoodwink or coerce them
1 see very clearly that it is very di111cult
thing for the Republicans to get really avail
able man, and thus they are more than ever
inclined to unite on Grant but am equally
sure the people would repudiate it, for they
want no more military Presidents : we must
have civilians and statesmen
''Do you believe that
SAMUEL J. TILDEN
would make anything of successful run if
nominated for the Presidency?''
eyes, sir; do. MIR. Tilten could carry
the State of New York, something which a
Western Presidential candidate might not do
He would also combine the votes of thou
sands of Democrats in the West; indeed,
believe he would not only poll the whole
strength of the party, but would. am sure,
receive great many votes from the Repub-
licans who feel certain that he was honestly
elected. l can assure you that the feeling
that he was wronged, because he was not
allowed the advantage of the popular vote
that was given him, has not died out, nor has
it become weakened. I am convinced that
thousands of conservative Republicans would
vote for Mr.. Tilden simply to vindicate what
they know to be the principles of honest
election
"Would you. as matter of personal iudp-
ment, MI. Smith, hazard the denomination
of Mr.. Tilden against the Republican nomi2
nation of Grant?''
eyes, sir, would. think he would be
the only candidate that could cope with him
successfully. Mr.. Tilden has come out of
the ordeal unscathed, and the whole people
OF the country generally are convinced that
he was popularity elected. He is man of
very conservative views, and of conservative
education, but he is also man of great firm
ness and immense pluck. Look at the way
in which
HE FOUGHT TWEED
and others, until he made hosts of personal
enemies in the political and social circles.
not only of New York city, but of the whole
State. Nothing could overcome his indom
liable pluck and fearless independence. He
is civilian, and we want civilian in the
Presidential chair; he is finely educated
and widely experienced gentleman, and vet,
he as President, would be independent and
fearless, and quite able to cope with anv
that might arise, be it commun-
ism or anything else.''
"What about the cipher dispatches?"
81 don't believe that Samuel j, Tilden
himself personally had anything more to do
with those cipher dispatches than you had.
l feel certain that he knew nothing about
them. Wait until the committee makes it's
report, and you will find how much, how
very much, has been exaggerated. AS I tell
you, Tilden has the full confidence OF the
Democratic leaders, not only in his great
ability, but also in his unbIemished nersona,
Tammany might oppose the
nomination and probably would, "a was done
before, but its interest would not vote aoa;nst
him.
MIR. sCHELI,
me CHAIRMAN of the national Democratic
committee at the time of the former nomin
atlon, has given place to Senator Barnum. of
connecticut, and that gentleman ia one of
She warmest supporters and friends Of Mr.
Tilden. 49,
"Who is your second choice, Mr.. Smith,.
senator Bayard, of Delaware, would be
nv second choice, and I think his nomina
ION would have great weight with the coun-
ry' much greater weight than is generally
supposed
'Your third choice, Mr.. Smith, who is
;hat?'' %
only third choice is Mr.. Hendricks. and
'eileve ne would make strong run. The
'nly question is whether the Eastern States
Vlll not demsnd representation in the nert
residential fight. AS told you, however
IS altogether too early to make anv nra'
tlctlOns worth talking abOut.''