New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1874.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4236, 17 October 1874, Page 2

New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1874.

American politics are menacing. The condition of the Southern States is frightful. A social war, in which the worst passions of men are aroused, has already begun ; and with the presidential election approaching, it is impossible to say how or where it may end. That President Grant is mainly, if not wholly, responsible for the anarchy in the Southern States, is generally admitted. It is part of the record of his administration, as a leading New York journal states, and he cannot possibly wipe it out. He has permitted, and indeed encouraged- the Carpet baggers in the Southern States, in their gubernatorial raids upon the public purse, until the principal States of the Confederacy have been reduced to bankruptcy. The Republican party, which carried Grant into office, made use of the Negro vote for selfish ends; and now, through oppression and misgovernment, and the threat of a Negro massacre, the white population has taken up arms, and a war of races, with all its horrors, is all but inevitable. There is one way of escape, according to American and English journals, which understand the question, and that way lies in continuing General Grant in office. The remedy is a hazardous one, however. It would fly against the constitutional traditions of the Republic ; —the unwritten law, which has been scrupulously observed since Washington's refusal of a third term nomination. It would also pave the way for a personal government, if not indeed for the foundation of a dynasty by the successful General of the Federal army. But from latest advices, General Grant and his partisans, who hold every office of emolument and trust, who command the army and manipulate the ballot-boxes, have resolved to brave public opinion, and go in for a third presidential term. If successful, the way would bo easy for a fourth and fifth presidential term even ; and when the country had become accustomed to General Grant's presidency, it would not be difficult to induce a majority to elect him for life, or for the matter of that, to make the office hereditary in his family. Bat thera is a great and imminent risk of civil war in prosecuting such an enterprise, yet the chances are in favour of the success of the conspiracy against the Republic should the President, pending the election, ally himself with the Southerners, and emancipate them from Negro supremacy. The South is in favour of the third term presidency of General Grant. Driven to desperation by the evils which his administration has heaped upon them, they see no hope of escape but by helping the author of those evils to overthrow the Republic. " Evil be thou my good," is the desperate political creed of the Southern Confederacy. And there are not wanting indications that these calculations are sound. The Republican and Democratic Conventions in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri have pronounced against "the third term," and it is not to be doubted that the regular partyconventions of the East and Western States will follow their example. But there is a large party, chiefly offico holders and their connexions, and the veterans of the army, who caro nothing for political consistency, and are also prepared to ally themselves with any section of voters, provided they can secure a majority at the approaching congressional and presidential elections. General Grant is necessary to these men. Without him they could not carry out their designs. On the other hand, they are necessary to the President : without their aid, his ambitious plans could not be ripened. Therefore, it matters little to either party how, or on what ticket, the elections are carried, provided the vote is cast in their favour. Already, an alliance has been struck with the New York Fenians. The white population in the Southern States hold out their hands to Grant in despair, while the Negroes are ready to record their votes for him, in the hope that their race tyranny may be sustained. It is, however, true that the Western States have the decision in their own hands ; but they cannot be expected to work harmoniously with the Eastern States, on account of the Protective tariff. The Western States want Free Trade and specie payments ; the Eastern States require Protection and an inflated currency, in the interest of monopolists. Thus divided, they are likely to fall a prey to the perfect organisation of the "third " term party." Looked at from what point of vie w we may, however, the prospect is not a pleasant one. England and her colonies are deeply interested in everything that concerns the United States. Our business relations with America are extending, but should the United States bo torn by a civil war, embittered as it would be by the antipathy of races, our American trade would be destroyed. Should, however, General Grant decline the nomination of his partizans for a third term, there is a hope for the country. The difficulties in the Southern States are not insurmountable, and we might hope for the establishment of order and good government in them.