Year: 1878

The New York Herald, of this morn.
ing publishes the following account of
an interesting interview with New York $
most illustriuus statesman-Horatio Sey-
mour--at his home in Deerleld. Being
asked his opinion Of the present condi-
ton of the country, at the present time,
the ex-governor said:


"There is confusion in the ranks of
both parties General distress makes
general discomfort. These give birth to
various theories about government, labor
aud finances. Many OF them are wild
still they are of interest, as they show
what thoughts are in the minds of men,
and what views are held by large classes.


While their theories may be false, still


they prove that those who entertain them


are in trouble, and they will bring oul
discussions OF this year in the end will
be of great use. To cure errors they
must be brought to light. Many crude
fancies perish when men seek to bring
them out, and to defend them, and moth.
ing cures discomfort so surely as to let
those who arc dissatisfied get up parties,
and try to organize and manage them.
Such parties, as rule, fall into ruins be.
fore they can be brought into the field of
action. This year will explode many er-
rors; will shattcr many new parties. and,
it is hoped. will make clear and establish
many truths.


"Do you fear any trouble from the
communists or other socialistic parties,
who seek to divide property ?"


"Oh, no, in this country they are the
most harmless of men, and will do more
good than hurt. They make clear by
their idlcnoss aud their follies the need
OF sound social organization. When
they talk of gaining their ends by force
and their desire 10 wade up to their knees
in blood, they only teach the citizens the
need of good laws well enforced. Their
impotence here shows the strength of our
government beyond that of others. A
mailman may shoot king, and shake a
state, but majortics cannot be assassina
ted 1t is blunder to interfere with
their paradcs, with arms in their hands
1t would be good thing If they were
obliged to show themselves with all their
weapons and banners and notices, on
frequent occasions. Not only are the
majority Of our people property owners,
but not one poor man out of q hundred
in this country. would give up his chance
of gaining wealth for all that the commu-
nists could give him if they had the full
sway. Such parties are only dangerous
in countries where society is SO stratitied
that the laborer has ho hope, no chance
10 lift himself above want, unless he can
overturn the social and political condi-
ton under which he lives


But what will other new parties do
who hold less destructive ideas than the
communists 7"


"Tney may elect some Of their nom.
nees. they may qualify the actions of the
old parties, get them out of their ruts,
bring up new topics for discussion, and,
in these ways may be Of use. The exist
ence of these organizations proves that
there is trouble and distress in our coun
try. and they will force the governing
party to look into their causes, do not
think these organizations will be long
lived. AS a rule, they appeal to classes,
and not to the whole body of our citi-
zens. The past history of our country
shows that outside organizations pass
away with the cause which gave them
BIRTH


"You think, then, that some good may
grow out Of the present confusion in pc,
Iitical affairs "


Yes. AS democrat, believe that
the extravagancies of some Of them make
clear the tallacies OF the republican par
ty. The communist is only highly de.
selopcd tariff man, who believes that the
government makes the prosperity Of a
country, and should interfere with the
business of its citizens. They both be-
ieve that the property of one should be
given to another to make his business
prosper. The one says this should he
lone by division The other reaches
ihe same end by taxation They agree
a the vital principles nfs their theories
hat government must protect labor that
political power. aud not industry and pur-
suits adapted 10 the condition OF our
country. are the true sources OF wealth