Year: 1872

The Hon. f. B. Washburne United States Minis
ter TO the French Republic. arrived in New York on
board the Deutschland on Saturday afternoon.
The conduct Of this gentleman during the siege ol
Paris reflected so much credit on America, and
gave such general satisfaction to the public. that
his arrival on the eve OF the Presidential election
caused good deal OF interest in the
public mind. In order to satisfy the public
curiosity, HERALD reporter was detailed to call
upon the distinguished diplomat on the part OF the
public, and request him to allow the many headed
into his confidence. The superstitious dread en-
tertained by some public men Of the genus inter-
viewer makes them dread the approach OF
any one connected with a newspaper Con-
sidering Mr.. Washburne's heightened absence
from his native country, it is not
much to be wondered at that he should
look forward with feeling OF uneasiness to the
interview ordeal. The HERALD reporter therefore
found some dlculty even in approaching his
victim, because the dpomatist was cautious, and
kept himself carefully out Of view but evidently did
not wish to appear to do so. But reporters are
not In the habit OF allowing themselves to be dis
couraged by obstacles that would arrest ordinary
mOrtals, and in the end Mr.. Washburne sur
rendered at discretion with the best possible
possible grace. Passing through the brilliant cor
ridOls of the Fifth Avenue Hotel and the crowd OF
charming-looklng ladies' who lent infinite attraction
to the scene, the HERALD reporter was conducted
to the modest apartments on the third story occu-
pied by Mr.. Washburne. He found that gentle
man seated on q sofa and looking evidently ia.
tigncd. He rose as the reporter entered and
expressed his satisfaction at meeting representa-
tive Of the HERALD. Mr.. Washburne who appears
to have seen some fifty Summers, appears to en-
Joy excellent health and spirits. He is frank in
his manners. with fluent and easy address, but
has the diplomatic virtue OF keeping his own coun-
sci in remarkable degree.


The conversation was opened by the reporter ex.
pressing hope that Mr.. Washburne had enjoyed
pleasant voyage.


'sWe had rather 4 rough passage, but as the last
few days were comparatively fine got along very
WELL"


81 suppose the siege and the troubles ofthe Com
mune have altered considerably the appearance of
Paris?"


''Wel, no. Things there are not much changed,
except that you would miss some OF the public
monuments. But such public buildings as were de-
stroyed are being built up again rapidly"


''Do you think there Is any fear OF new outbreak
OF the Communistic disturbances 2"


"Oh, no. These troubles seem to be at an end and
are not likely to occur again."


"What is your opinion OF the state OF the French
finances :"


sufficient Information to enable me to express any
decided opinion"


"Would not the success of the loans seem to
prove an amount OF material prosperity in France
which was not suspected before g''


eyes, it Is true that the French people were pos
sesSed of very considerable resources"


''There is feeling among certain classes In this
country that the French people are unstable and
not likely to be very successful in governing them
selves"


"They will get on well enough If they are let
alone. They are both intelligent and industrious,
and there Is no reason why they should not be able
to govern themselves in a satisfactory manner"
.rhen you think that the Republic as now estab-
lished, is likely to continue 2"


'Tnat is question upon which cannot express
an opinion. My position as representative OF the
very careful in uttering words that might be con.
strued In sense different from what l might
intend to express. Besides, whatever views hold
Washington, and whatever the authorities there
think desirable is given to the public"
Mr.. Washburne paused for an instant and then
turned the conversation by referring to Stanley's
visit to Paris.


sceptical about Stanleys African expedition ?"


"The fact is they could not understand the en-
terprise OF newspaper In sending out search
French people you must know that, though very
Intelligent and wen informed in all that relates to
their own country they have not the same ac-
quaintance with foreign affairs as Is possessed by
the American or English people,"


that Mr. Stanley did lead the HERALD expediti on
In search OF DR.. Livingstone ~


ain the end it was generally admitted, and Mr..





courage and perseverance"
As the Stanley question had already been some-
the reporter endeavored TO lead the conversation
back into the political channel and as the Minister
French questions, made an effort to transport him


"What do you think OF the present condition Of


"There seems to be no doubt that AFFAIRS are TAX
ing satisfactory turn and that the country is pro-


as not the advent of Gorilla to the Ministry CAL
cuated to give increased stability to'the govern
ment OF Amadeus ~


81 believe SO; but am desrous Of avoiding any
expression OF opinions on these subjects The fact
is | do not think tnat have anything to say that
the public would care to hear"


II fear you underestimate the Importance at
tached by the people to your opinions, which from
your position naturally have great weight"


II fear you overrate the interest OF the public in
wisdom OF our foreign policy. There is especially,
q good deal OF dissatisfaction with the want OF vigor
shown by the government in our dealings with
Spain.o


upon that point suppose the authorities at
Washington are most competent to form correct
Of NOT By any one
outside the government, therefore they are the
only persons who are In position to form any
thing like correct judgment on this point"


1.-THE washington Treaty has not given satisfaction
to the country. as 4 Is pretty generally looked
"But 1t mnst be admitted that the Geneva Arbi-
tratton has been great advantage to the cOun-
Try by securing peace and restoring confidence to
the commercial interests OF the country. In doing
this great service has been rendered to the
public.''


whatever mistakes the government OF General
Grant may have made, the people appear to have
condoned them.u


eyes, we may look on the battle as fought. Penn
syvania, ] am inclined to think, has decided the
Presidential question:


$50 his friends say, but there are those who
would doubt It,"


"well, am SO short time home that cannot
form any very pronounced opinion on these mat
1t was now the reporters turn to get inter-
viewed, but on principle he accepted the situation
and endeavored to furnish some diplomatic In
formation In this wise: -
"The democratic majority in this State has hith-
ert0 been very large, but there was hope
entertained that through the influence OF 0'Brien
large democratic support would be obtained for