The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-05-26
EX-GOVERNOR AIKEN.
A Convention--Views Of the War.

Ex-Governor Aiken, OF South Carolina,
IS still in Washington, where he has been
complimented with visits from residents
who were familiar with him in former
times, when he represented a district in
the House of Representatives, and vowed
his loyalty to the Union He still pro-
fesses the same sentiments. In 1856 he
was the candidate for the speakership of
the House, but was defeated by General
Banks. at that time he was said to be
the richest STAKEHOLDER in the world. A
correspondent of the Rochester Democrat
has had an interview with him, and writes
the following:
PERSONAL APPEARANCE.
Mr.. Aiken has none of the unctuous solidity
of person, which position is supposed to be-
stow, and is the farthest remove from these
Quattebums who have 30 successfully cultiVa-
ted pompous and offensive manners be is
five feet ten in height, perhaps, and may weigh
one hundred and forty pounds. His hair and
full whiskers and moustache are very gray,
but his manners are as subdued and courteous,
and his eyes as bright as during his memorable
contest with Banks for the Speakership, when
he wasn't elected, but thought he was and
committed to memory his speech OF acceptance
The Governors face is scanned and 1ufroWed
unduly for man of sixty, and has an anxious
vigilent, weary look.
HE CALLS THE CONFEDERATES 'REBELs.
His health was tolerable, he said, and he had
been treated with marked respect ever since
the war begun; by the rebels OF all grades, IN
South Carolina who had tolerated his dissent
from their schemes and now by the President
and General Jetfries, of whose cOnsideratc kind
ness he spoke in the highest terms. ct was
noticeable that when he mentioned JEFF. Davis
plotters he said, 1.-THE rebels"-not " the con-
tederates.D
These have been four dreadful years. he
went on to say, "but told the rebels from the
beginning what the end would be. | have
been disappointed in only one respect; l told
them would give them two years to be con-
quered il, and it has taken four. They have
fought desperately; every boy partook of the
tanaticism, and went into the fight, and the
women cheered them on, and gave their jewels
and treasures to the cause. You of the North
know nothing of the war in this respect.
Every family in the South is bereaved and 1
told them i! would be So"
HE Avows UNswERvING UNION SENTIMENTS.
He said: mo, have never cast my lot with
them. | told them they were wrong from the
first. | gave toast for the Union at nullif-
cation supper in 1860, and offended all my
young associates, and since the rebellion COM
menced have not been to Richmond or Mont
gomery, and have declined office from Mr..
Davis for myself and friends. When Mr.. Davis
was my guest recently at Charleston, defend
ed the Union, and secuted the absurd doctrine
of secession, in conversation with him. Since
the war began l have never said nor done q
thing Of which my conscience accuses me as an
act of disloyalty to the nation
HIS JUDGMENT OF JEFF DAVIS.
He continued by saying that Davis was not
the man for President and never should have
been chosen. He had not the ability nor the
weight of character of Hunter, and had been
very unpopular ever since his election. South
Carolinians had denounced him without stint
but it was position where success was impOs-
sible. He had not a high opinion of Daviss
morals or discretion, but it seemed to him in
credible how a man of education and culture,
of refined taste, 4 member of the church who
sat at Christs table and partoOk of the sancti-
fled body and blood of the worlds crucified
Redeemer could possibly harbor q thought of
completely in the assassination. He supposed
President johnson had good evidence, hOwev-
er, but if such completely was proved it would
materially damage his respect for human ma
ture.
THE WAR ENDED.
The Governor said the war was substantially
over when Grant took Richmond all the South
agreed to that No organized guerilla warfare
will be carried on. The people of the South
will not permit it. A selfish instinct to defend
themselves will stimulate them to hunt down
guerillas. He spoke with pride of having re-
Gently presided at meeting in Charleston to
express regret and indignation at the murder
of Mr.. Lincoln. He said he had lost nearly all
his property in the war (sOme seven or eight
million dollars) but if he saved enough for his
support he should not mourn the loss.