The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-08-03
risEhngn lee "a the Hands OF an fn'
fervteHer.

CHICAGO, July 3i.--The Times published
the following interview with General FifZ
hugh Lee, OF Stafford county, Va, touching
the present political situation. Being asked
IN the recent attempt 10 ass1ssinate Mr.. Gar
field had wrought any marked change OF
feeling, and II so, to what extent, he re-
piled:
$50 far as my observation extends there
has been no marked change in political feel
ing in consequence OF the attempt to assas-
snate the President. The sympathetic
heart OF The whole South has been touched,
and the universal feeling OF sorrow for The
distinguished sufferer has been manifested
by public meetings, addresses, and resolu-
tions, coming from all sections and from all
colors, classes, and parties. But Demo
Gratis are Democrats, and Republicans Re-
publlcans still, and know OF no change
from enc party TO the other as result OF
the asSassin'S crime"
"What effect, II any, has it produced In
popular views on our administrative ar
Tangements!"
"Tbe effect produced on our administra-
tive arrangements seems 10 have largely IN"
creased the number OF those who would
like to see a genuine ciyil-seryice reform
which would keep good, honest men IN
Federal offices. irrespective Of political feel
ing, and would bury the political dogma OF
TO the victor belong the spOis.' The
quadrcnnill strain on the timbers OF the
ship Of State would be much leSsened, and
the perpetuity OF republican institutions
more nearly assured"
"HaS the designations OF Senators COnk-
ling and Plat aud the subsequent contest
in the New York Legislature produced any
effect upon eli her party that will probably
be felt in the next general cOntest!"
I" No effect, so far as | know, has been
produced upon the Democratic party by the
action OF Senators Conkling or Plalt, or
The New York legislature. am not good
authority on matters pertaining to the Re-
publican party, but as the question asks the
effect on either party, venture the opinion
that the recent action OF the New YORK
Legislature has driven away Cat least for the
presently from the royal wing OF the Repub-
lican party the dream OF empire, and in
creased the strength OF the simple bands
drawn around the Republic by the wisdom
OF our forefaihers."
General, what, II any, indications are
there in your opinion OF breakup or re-
arrangement Of political Dartiesf"
:" see no indications OF a breakup or re-
arrangement OF political parties. Here IN
Virginia we have had always two parties
the Democratic or Conservative, as it is
locally called, and the Republican,. The
former consists principally OF the white tax
payers, the latter principally OF the colored
people, with a smaller number OF whites
the whites hold the Offices, aud the blacks
DO the voting. Latterly we have had in Our
midst what has been termed RoadiuStcr
party It was at first distinct from the
other two, but the distinction will not be
durable. In Virginia, as elsewhere, there
will soon be but two parties, and | can see
no sign Of a breakup in either
General Lee Is one OF the most prominent
Democrats in the State. His name is prOmi-
nently mentioned in connection with the
gubernatorlal nomination by the ConYen-
ton Of that party when it assemblies next
week. The General l. a nephew Of Gene
raj Robert +. Lee, the commandments
Of the southern army. Fitz. Lee was q
major.general in the Confederate service,
and one If the most distinguished cavalry
officers on that side.