New-York tribune., 1879-06-10
GENERAL GIANTS MOVEMENTS.

TALK WITH GEORGE w. CHILDS.
A RECENT LETTER FROM THE EX-PREsIDENT-Hrs
PLANS FOR TRAVEL AFTER HE REACHES SAN
FRANCISCO.
IFRoM A STAFF CORRESPONDENT or TIE TRrBUyE.l
PHILADELPHIA, June 7.-Everybody knows of the
cordial friendship existing between General Grant
and the proprietor of The Public Ledger When
Grant was President Mr. Childs was frequent
guest at the White House, and whenever he
came to Philadelphia Mr.. Childs's house was
his home. The presents the ex-Presidont
has received during his tour abroad have
been forwarded to his Philadelphia friend. and
are kept in Mr. Clnd's private Office and shown by
him to his callers with as much pride
and pleasure as though he were the re-
cipient instead Of only tho custodian OF
these treasures. A regular correspondence Is
kept up between the two friends. General Grants
last letter was written at the Straits Settlement
Singapore, April 8. He says he expects to reach
san Francisco in July CMr. Childs thinks
the date will be about the 25thl, and in
tends to mako excursions to all places
Of interest on tho Pacific coast. After
ward he means to stop for a few days at Virginia
City, New, and on his way East will spend little
time in Salt Lake City, and then take IN Colorado
where he expects to make rather extensive tour
When he wrote he had evidently heard nothing
about the plans for giving him o public recep-
ton in California and in the Eastern cities, for he
speaks of his Pacific coast journeys as though they
were to be quiet and enjoyable affairs and urges Mr.
Childs to join him In San Francisco with few
personal friends, whom he names-among
them being the venerable General Patterson,
who, though over eighty years old, is still great
traveller and q delightful social companion. Inc
letter is mainly made up of pleasant chat about the
voyage and inquiries about friends in this country
General Grant speaks of his party suffering some
annoyance from the heat, but says all are III excel
lent health.
Speaking of the projected excursion to San Fran
cisco to meet the eX-President on his return, MI
Childs saws that none OF General Grants personal
friends are in any way concerned in IT or
take the slightest interest in it. The affair."
he adds, Is evidently business speculation
gotten up by individuals who hope TO make some
money out of the interest felt by the public IN Cen
eral Grants return. They areI no doubt aided by
the railroad companies, who would naturally be
glad to get the profits on heavy excursion DuSl-
ness. Mr.. Childs says there will be undoubtedly
handsome reception rendered to General Grant by
the City of San Francisco, and q few personal
friends will the continent to take part in vel
coming him. but their trip will be g private affair
As to General Grants political plans, 1lr, Childs
is confident that he has nOne Ii General Grant en-
tertained any expectation OF being nominated tor
the Presidency 1880, meant to enter the lists
would have written him on the sub
ject. As the ex-Presidcnt has never once
mentioned the matter in his letters, Mr.. Chds feels
convinced that the possibility OF being called upon
foreign to his thoughts. Mr. Cbilds says that
any movements to bestOw public honors on
Grant after his arrival which have political
purpose and seem intended TO put him in the atti-
distasteful to INN and will be discouraged by all his
personal friends. L. V. s.