Year: 1876




Mr.. Belmont's speech on taking the chair
as presiding officer of the democratic meet
ing last evening at the Cooper Institute was
o clear and succinct exposition of the most
weighty reasons for a change of administra-
ton. It is particularly noticeable for its
strong euiogy of Charles Francis Adams and
its cogent arguments for the early resump-
ton of specie payments. The fact that men
like Mr.. Adams and Mr.. Belmont are giving
a vigorous support to the democratic side
proves that Mr. Tilden's administration will
not lack sound advisers if he should be
elected. 1t is not probable that either OF
them would consent to take Office in the new
administration, but, whether in office
or out Of Office, they would be
consulted on all important measures,
and no administration could have more
prudent and sagacious counsellors
One of these gentlemen is the ripest states
man and the other the ablest fnancier in
the United States. and the judgment of each,
in his own province. would have great
weight both with the administration and
the country. They would be powerful
checks on whatever waywardness there may
be in democratic impulses, and their knowl-
edge and foresight qualify them to give val
liable suggestions in all affairs of sufficient
magnitude to require the aid of high facul-
ties. There are no two men in the country
who are more entirely free from every trace
or tincture of demagogism, or who have
less hesitation in exhibiting their contempt
for the shutting arts of vulgar politicians.
If the democratic party is to succeed it must
be some consolation even to republicans to
know that it has such elements among
its directing minds. Even if Mr..
Tilden should not appoint Mr.. Adams
Secretary, of State, or il, being offered the
place, Mr.. Adams should decline it, it is
unlikely that any important step would be
taken in our foreign politics without the
benefit Of his enlightened judgment We
hope however, that if MI. Tilden is elected
he will give strength and steadiness to pub
lio confidence by offering the first place in
his Cabinet to Mr.. Adams, and that this pre-
eminent statesman will accept the position.


The gratifying emphasis with which Mr..
Belmont insists on resumption of specie
payments as absolutely essential to the re-
vival of national prosperity has q signif-
canoe which would not attach to the profess
sions of a mere politician on the same SUBJ
ject. On questions of finance Mr.. Belmont
speaks with the authority which belongs to
one of the five or six most skilful men in
that department of activity now living.
His capacity, training and associa-
tions have given him conceded
place at the head of the inanciers of this
country. This position was accorded to
him even during our civil war, when his
advice was repeatedly asked by Mr. Lincoln
and Mr. Seward on questions relating to the
European connections of the government,
although they were republicans and he was
a democrat, which attested their confidence
in his patriotism as we'll as his financial
judgment. A democratic administration
could not ignore the ablest financial mind
in their party, and in the great change to
specie payments Mr.. Belmont's advice would
be invaluable in maturing the details Of
plan free from crudities and undetected
sources of failure Financial questions will
be the really great questions of the next
administration, and among the best minds
now acting with the democratic party there
is both the ability and the disposition to
solve them. So far as the advice Of men
like Mr.. Adams and Mr.. Belmont might be
followed there would be nothing crude, un-
steady or crotchety in the policy of demo-
cratic administration in that higher order of
questions on which their advice would be
sought.