Year: 1873

sawn win bow before him and CRY, 20 King live
This concluded my interview with the editor Of
the Dtspascn, and, thanking him, ItoOk my leave.
Views Of Mr.. A. p. Bennett, OF the Rich


mond Enq&irer.


Inext turned my attention TO the ENQUIRER once.
where found Mr. A. p. Bennett, one Of its editors,
who conducted that democratic 10 urnal with
singular ability through the entire Greeley
campaign, and who is admitted to-day to
be one OF the first, II not perhaps the
abiest and most experienced Journalist in vir-
ginia. Mr.. Bennett is Pennsylvanian by birth I;
but his entire life time, from infancy almost has
been passed In the South, to which he Is strongly
attached by early associations cherished memories
and the binding ties OF friendship. His views
found to be more moderate than those Of the editor
OF the Dispatch, though somewhat in the same
spirit. began abruptly by askins:-
"Hsve you read the articles upon C9sarsm


Mr. BENNErr-f6e first series / read, but not
very carefully. The more recent have not read.


CoRREsroNDENI-wh are your ideas upon the
subject from southern standpointY


Mr.. BENNETr-Wel, to tell the truth, look upon
the whole thing as


-" - + MATTER OF MERE BosH


II WIN do for nine days. sensation in dull times;
but there Is really nothing in 1t. The American
people, who, alter all, shape and control the des-
tintes Of the country, let the politicians hew them
how they may, have no idea OF adopting or tOler-
ating C9sarism or despotism In any l0rm. They
would ridicule any attempt OF the kind out of eX-
istence very promptly. Its discussion can do no
harm, however, because 1t is so preposterous that
no persO OF sense Will ever consider It seriously,
or in any other light than as one OF the pleasing
distractions absurdires ndulged In by the press
Tor the want OF more lively and interesting topic.


CORREsPoNDENT-But do you not think there is
something In this question OF Grants third term2


Mr. BENNErT-yes; there Is, OF course some.
thing in 1t; and there may be


A GREAT DEAL IN IT,


and think the HERALD has done much to give 1t
shape and prominence. But the "third term" and
C@sarism are very different matters-widely dis
unct. Grant or any other President might be re-
elected for o third or fourth fifth term, we
might continue to elect him as long as he lived,
but that would not change the form or nature OF
people. 1t is a matter resting wholly with the
people. If they wish to retain any President in
power they have the right to do IL and will do It,


CoRREsPONDENT-How, then, do you dispose OF
that time -houored precedent established by Wash
kr. BENNrrr~The co country ''s is very differently
situated now lrom wnat 1t was in the days OF
washington or Jefferson. Then the popuaton
at present. The nation was poor in purse and
sunk in debt, had no prestige abroad and not a
great deal OF respect at home. 1t had just come
were all OF the past, and which left very little OF
promise for the future. TO be President at that
time was an honor but little more in advance OF


THE GOvERNORsHIP OF NEW JERSEY NOW,
and 1t was not TO be wondered at tnat Washington
grew urea Oh pOSltlOn Ill WHICH ne EOt lltJe else
than abuse He had many enemies and he was
not much better proof against attack than Mr..
Greeley. Indeed he was very sensitive, and was,
no doubt heartily glad OF any opportunity to retire
into private ife to get rid OF the petty annOyances
and discomiorts OF rather petty and thankless
oifice. Had the country been as grand then
him that 1t Is said was then offered him believe
Washington would have accepted the place as often
as the people desired But age and the cares OF
office, and the wear and tear oil long and active
life weighed him down, and he sought retirement
rather than the establishment OF u precedent to


BIND HIS SUCCESSORS.


II such was his idea why were not the judiciary
ana the legislative departments, the army and the
navy, the governors OF States, AND even down to
the clerks OF Courts, controlled Dy the same "two
term" or eight year policy? There Is nothing what
In this precedent It's observance or violation
would amount to the same thing SO long as the
power OF impeachment is retained by congress, to
be exercised at any lime and by the people, to be
no consequence whether the same man be chosen
Tor


ONE TERN OR FOR DOZEN TERMS.
The liberties OF the people Will never be over
thrown in that way Nor do believe the liberties
OF the American people can ever be overtnrown or
endangered in any way They are secure in the
virtue and intelligence OF the minority-thar great
conservative element in our society which VIII
slways be to see that the Eep%ec sinai
doxical; but 1t is nevertheless the truth. The
minority not only controls here but in every coun
majority rules, ana will DO very wei, as Victo
Hugo says, for the people; but we and the HERALI
| KNOW DetlcT. h M. L. AuuCcT anu u lew Verl
| excellent gentlemen here who come down to nj
from former generation, profess to fear, and,
have no doubt, really do fear


THE COMING OF AN EMPIRE
but 1t is because they have no longer q hand In
controlling or voice in directing the helm of the
ship OF state. They have been removed from com.
mand, and 1t Is but natural they should say and
think that everything Is going to destruction But
the young men who are on or are coming on the
active stage OF politics and hope to make their
mark have none OF these fears, doubts misgiv-
ings. they know the strength OF the vessel and
for Grants aspirations, don't think he mad any
at the time OF his last election, but shouldn't
wonder II the HERALD's articles and the excite
strange thoughts. In TACT, by the interest he
seems to take In partisan politics OF late, 1t looks
very much as II he were 'iXing thingsn to secure
his election In 1875.


CoRREsPONDENr-why do you think sos What
could actuate him to do thatY


Mr.. BENNETT-The glory OF


CLOSING THE FIRST CENTURY


or American independence will not be complete
unless can be supplemented by the still greater


OPENING THE SECOND CENTURY.


therefore beileve that Grant VIII not only work
for the nomination, but that the party which he
leads, and which but Tor him would have no leader
no name and no place in American politics, already
sees that It's continued success requires his election


HE WILL BE THEIR CANDIDATE
two potent reasons for the third term.


CORRESPONDENT-But what will the South say to
thisp


Mr.. BESNErr-The South takes very little in
LeTcSJ Ill ndtlOndl pOuucS anu VIII take Still less
until Its best people are restored to full participa-
ton in the benefits and "spoils OF the govern
ment." we are now privately and publicly
plundered and get no share OF the plunder,
Our young men are refused places in the army
navy and civil services and have no tie to bind
them in love or allegiance to the government. and
our people feel that tney strangers in the land
OF their fathers. One form Of government or one
President is Just as good for them another, so
long as they are allowed no part or participation
In 1t. therefore, they care not II Grant is made
President for life, or


DICTATOR OR CAESAR OR EMPEROR,
and II he would but insure them against negro
rule they would willingly vote for him as perpetual
President. The South is completely broken In
spirit and IKE one without hope The future, too,
seems to promise nothing and there lore IL would
gladly welcome what is styled Imperialism as .
means OF escape from radicalism.


C0RREspoNDENT-What do you think would
reconcile the people OF the south to the govern
ment and restore the "od time" feeling in these
StatesY


Mr.. BENNETr-It Is a very simple matter. Give
them government at Washington that iii treat
them kindly and restore them to