Year: 1879

gagged that do not have time to think talk about
anything except Maine politics. When this
paign is endod shall have leisure to think of and
talk about national matters. Until then 1 shall be
Obliged to ask the HERALD to excuse me-


Ex-coNGREssafAs HALE FAITH.


Soon after leaving Mr.. Blaine the HERALD corre-
spondent found ex-Congressman Eugene Hale, and
he being only speaker in the and prospec-
tive candidate tor the Senatorship. succeed
Halnlin, had more time and inclination to talk. He
said he had read the letter in the HERALD containing
General Grants interview with the Vlceroy and the
editorial thereon.


..rhat editorial" said Mr.. Hale. sis eminenty just
and well timed. 1t correctly estimates. my judg-
1nent General Grant and his position in relation to
a third term. l have never believed that General
Grant either wanted or would accept third term ex-
cept upon the most urgent demand of the country.
believe his statements to the Viceroy represent his
true sentiments; that he is entirely honest have
not the slightest doubt. Some people may be un-
just enough to say that II he expected renom-
ination the shrewdest thing he could do would be to
give out such expressions. But my acquaintance
with General Grant has convinced me OF the fact
that he is an honest earnest man, who always says
just what he means. believe. as General Grant
says. that the Office of President for third term
would be dstasteiul to HIM; that he does not desire
it's perpexities and its responsibilities. also be-


eve that he sincere in his desire that of the
other eminent men of his party shall be selected.


1.-The timely declination OF General Grant" said
Mr.. Hale. will do very much to simplify the contest
of 1880. 1t will, in great measure, set rest all
talk about his candidacy. and set the people to
vassing the merits of other candidates. The HERALD





senting his views"


CONGRESSMAN REEDS OPINION


With Mr.. Blaine ut the meeting in Lincoln was
Congressman Reed. who cut somewhat OF figure as
q lawyer on the Potter committee last year. The
HERALD correspondent inquired what he thought of
General Grants interview with the Viceroy.


He replied earnestly just what expected. I
always believed that General Grant would at the
proper time put himself squarely upon record as
opposed to q third term. regard hun entirely
sincere in this expression OF his views as settling
the question of his candidacy. never be-
friends had any part in pushing him for the Presi-
dency a third time The declaration OF the General
comes in good season and should stop all further
agitation OF the question OF which he speaks Gen.
eral Grant is TOO sensible man to tilt against
the prejudices Of the American people. He has had
his full share of honors ut the hands of his country
men, and appreciates it, 1t Is matter Of gratiica-
ton also that he takes occasion to express himself
opposed to the demonstration with which some
of his indiscreet friends meant to welcome his
turn to this country.


Mr. Reed was as much at sea as Mr. Hale as to the
effect Of General Grants decnation upon the re-
publican nomination of $780, He said however.
that he thought it would help Mr.. Blaines chances
eral Grant Mr.. Blaine had stronger hold upon the
people OF the country than any other man.


OUT THE


Congressman Frye, who also seen by the
HERALD correspondent, took somewhat different
of General Grants position and the effect of
the interview printed in the HERALD. When asked
his opinion of General Grants expressions to the
Viceroy, he replied:-


"My relations with General Grant-and they were
very cordial indeed-impressed me with the belief
that he would do whatever the American people de-
sired him to do. and sec reason why should,
after reading what he said in relation to third
term. modify my impressions Of him. have great
admiration for General Grant. and firm belief
in his sincerity. l also believe him pos
sessed Of much greater ability than many
people give him credit for. think General
Grant expresses his convictions clearly and
emphatcally in his interview with the viceroy
do not believe that he desires the Presidency again.
I never did believe In fact, had every reason
to believe that the duties Of his second term
were irksome and, in very great measure unpleas-
ant to him, and, OF course, third term would be
very much more Notwithstanding this fact, and
notwithstanding the expressions he makes to the
Viceroy believe that IL General Grant were noml-
mated by the unanimous voice Of the republican
party expressed in National Convention he would
yet accept the nomination And am not sure
that contingency may not arise which will bring
very largely upon the events attending the next
session of Congress. Much will depend upon
the way in which the democrats talk and act
the condition of the public mind when the next
pressions Of Grant to the vceroy Tentsin
simply putting upon record the fact that he does
not desire third term, ana would not accept it ex
cept on the practically unanimous demand OF the
friend of his has known this fact ever since
tired from that Office"


BETWEEN GRANT AND BLAINE.


"What do you think of the contest Of 1892"


II think" replied Mr.. Frye, "that the contest In
1880 lies between Grant and Blaine. do not regard
Sherman as q formidable candidate. Blaine is still
very strong in the West and is undoubtedly the
ond choice of the South. If General Grant out
of the way have little doubt Of Mr.. Blane's NOM
nation. Ho has more elements Of popularity among
the people than any man know OF in this country.
But speculation as to the contest" continued Mr..
Frye, sis conjecture. Until after the events Of
the few months shall have passed into history
no mans opinion is worth anything