Year: 1879

ATALK CONCERNING THE PRESIDENCY.
VIEWS OF Ex-ATToRNEY GENERAL WILLIAMS IN


REGARD TO POSSIBLE CANDIDATES.
Ex-Attorney-G General George II. Williams,
who was a member Of ex-President Grants Cabinet, IS
now at the Astor House He is tall and portly, genial
but dgniaed On being asked yesterday for his opinion
as TO the prospect General Grants becoming the next
Republican candidate for the Presidency, he saidi


81 am actively identified with politics, being now
wholly absorbed the practice of my profession but it
my that General Grant does not desire
renoIuination and will not seek It. l am convinced
however. that large majority OF the members or the
Republican party would like TO have him become
candidate and l think that If the conven-
ton were to assemble to-day majority Of
the delegates would favor his nomination.


do you prefer his denomination 2"


Personally, should like to see Grant nominated
but am equally willing TO support any one of the poss
bic candIates such as John Sherman, Blaine Conkng
or Grant. They all good men. General Grant Is
very popular with the people, and deservedy So lie
q strong man and good man he IL honest, able and
patriotic, Of strong Judgment and good sense His
experience soldier and as civilian has been so
comprehensive to lit him admirably for the admins
tratiyc chair But it is my impression that
he does not want another term, and viii not be in
ducod to accept nomination except under the pres
sure Of great unanimy and political necessity. He
would never into a scramble for the Office. think
the Republican party OF the South what there is left Of
f. greatly desires the nomination OF Grant"


"What is your opinion OF Secretary Shermans pros
poets OF getting the nomnationP


"secretary Sherman. it seems TO mo, Is assuming
great prominence as q candidate. He Is every way
strong man. He is strong with the financial men OF the
countrv and stands well with the stalwart element.
H. when the convention meets, the resumption
scheme II a promising OF entire success II now seems
10 he secretary sherman would be very popular with
the people. Aud the belief is then general that the
country enjoying renewed prosperity or II better
times 10 be coming, even the GrecuDdtkefs ana
IudotiOniss will have enough to see that II would
he unwiso to oppose him. and the greater number Of
| them would be won over altogether" -


DO you consider II dangerous I'm country IKE TINS,
to establish third term precedentp


should be very reluctant 10 support any man lor
third consecutive Ia Office for think that would
be traugnt with danger But with respect to General
Grant, the third term objection Is mere fancy.
term Office would have nterYened and General Grant
WOuld enter upon another term or onlCe Tree from
the objection of having used the machinery of Govern
mtut to perpotuae his power Tho theory OF the third
tefm objection that where man IS in power and has
been twice cOnsecuycy elected r he has the chance or
becoming candidate for The next succeeding term he
might through the influence OF the Government ma
clncry secure his nomination and election against the
wishes OF a majority OF his party General Grant being
now entirely out of the Government, would stand
ON mis- merits alone. | know that IN several states
there q making Sherifs and other county officers
ineligible for reelection after one or two terms as the
case may be- and it Is generally held that after term
has ntcryened The prohibition no longer applies.'


Do you intend to To san Francisco with the party
forming to meet General Grant there T.


No am not going, and do not think that General
Grants friends the ones principally Interested IN or
ganlZuC excursion. II II rs intended Tor political
effect II is certainly very iniudicous. should think
purpose OF the excursion was 10 put money III
the pockets Oi those organizing IT,