New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-01-29
GRANTS SUPPORTERS.
A TALK WITH THE HON. THOMAS C. PLA1

For the purpose Of obtaining fair statement OF
the views and expectations of the strong
Grant element in the Republican party In
this State, representative Of The TRIBUNE
called upon the Hon. Thomas c. Plat re-
GENTLY Mr. Platt's thorough knowledge of State
politics. his conspicuous position as chairman OF
the Republican Executive COMMITTEE, and his close
relations with Senator Conkling, Governor Cornell
aud other party leaders make him an excellent au-
thority this subject. He besi:ated at first 10
talk for the public. having inclination, he said,
10 appear in print. but after good deal of persua-
sion yielded 50 fan as to answer few questions, as
shown below.
In reply to a query as to what proportion OF Re-
pubtcans in New-York lie supposed desired the
nomination of General Grant. he said:
From my intercourse with the men who have
controlling influence in local politics in the differ
ent counties. am led TO believe that a very large
majority of the Republicans in the rural dis
tricts are enthusiastically in favor OF Grants
candidacy. TIE old soldier element, intending
the Grand Army organization, is almost unanimous
in his support. Then there is considerable class
of business men who believe property would be
safer and business more prosperous under his admin
istration than under that of any other man.
What arc the arguments yod hear urgedin favor
of his nomination ~
he certainty OF puDnc tranquility anu th' VII
forcement of law which the country would enjoy
undcr him is strong one. Another which has great
weight with the stalNgart class Of Republicans who
still take lively interest in what goes on IN the
South is tho belief that the white and black Repub-
Icaps in that section would have better chance Of
their rights being respected with him in the White
House than with anybody else. His name is a ter
ror to the shotgun Democracy He Is feared and re-
spected by the violent classes in the South. Stiil
another argument is that on the score OF avaiia-
bility. The supporters of General Grant believe
that no would DO the most popular candidate the
party could nominate, and would carry New-fork
overwhelmingly"
lis this your own view ~
Eyes decidedly. 1 recognize the fact that few
Republicans. influenced By old prejudIccs would
refuse to vote for HIM, but am confident that the
loss of this small element would be much more
than compensated for by the gain of thousands OF
votes from conservative Democrats. who arc
sick of the disturbing course pursued by
their party and desire strong. safe
government at Washingto "A good many Demo
cratic soldiers would also be attracted TO Grant by
his worldwide fame and their recoections of hIs
great deeds in suppressing tho Rebellion One oil
the strongest proofs of General Grants strength Is
re fact that I'll the Democratic and assistant
Democratic newspapers in the land are making
ouch desperate efforts TO weaken and defeat his
nomination"
"What States do you think General Grant would
&c sure TO carryat the election. uiean, not in the
convention 7"
Every Northern State. with Tho possible excep-
ton of Indiana. HewOud have besides fair chance
Of carrying three Southern Siatos-~Yrginia Flor
ida and Louisiana WAS down In Virginia during
the recent Senatorial contest at Richmond Some
of our frieads thought my experience in political
organization would aid movement Tor combina-
ton between the Republicans ana The debt-payiDg
Bourbons III the Legislature. which would send Gen
era Wiekham, Republican, 30 the Senate. Tho
movement would have succeeded = u had been
started earlier While there I learned much
of the popularity of General Grant with the
people, including many Confederate soldiers. They
said they believed the best President would be
Republican in any case, and they hoped to sec
Grant chosen because he had always treated them
fairly. and they felt sure that their interests would
be best subseryed by his election. Large numbers
of them Will vote for him If he is noininatcd.'
"How is Virginia going in the Republican Ma
tional Convention
sherman il making q strong eiiort to secure the
delegation Treasury officials are travelling over
the State and tho South organizing for hlH and
combining the negroes into secret sccieties called
the "Grand Army of Republicans" i don't OBJ
iec TO this per &C. but such methods seem to me TO
come with bad grace from an Administration which
has talked so much sbout Civil Service Reform
and beheaded Government officials for attending
cancuses hardly think however. that any amount
of Treasury effort will overcome tho strong feel
ING among Virginia Republicans in favor OF General
Grant"
"ComIng back now to New-York, when is thS Re
nnhlicap State Convention to be hcldp
"Probably the date will be fixed early in March
That will be medium between an early and late
date The call will be issued at the meeting OF the
committee on Saturday next and there will thus be
ample time for the people to canvass the question
Of Presidential candidates before the convention
assemblies"
There are no State officers to be nominated,
believe
mo; but a new State Committee Will have to be
chosen. unless it is decided to hold second conven-
ton early in the Fall If this course is taken the
present committee will hold over to that time. and
the second convention beside choosing its successor
wopld frame platform with which to open the
State campaign, and would besides perform the
work of making up the Electoral ticket
ado Won expect a solid Grant delegation from
this Slater
"Yes; that Is the expectation"
Twill Senator Conkling go at its head Y
He will be strongly urged to be one OF the
deleoate, from the State ut large, and hope will
consent"
"Suppose a Grant delegation is chosen TO 90 to
Chicago and afterwards. some time in April or
Nav. or Just before the Chicago Convention meets.
Grant should positively decline, what would then
he the probable action of the New-York delegation
Would II be controlled by Mr.. ConklingP
81 don't think Mr. Conkng desires to exercise
apv control over it. His views would naturally
have great weight, however. l want to add to
what said about Mr.. Conkling's controlling the
New-York delegation that there is an exaeqer-
ated notion in the public mind as TO
his active influence IN the local politics OF this