The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-05-16

burn. They simply punish and purify, al.
though they adopt unlawful means to DO so."
''Do you think there is any antagonism eX-
listing between the whites and d'colored peo-
ple.'
isNot at all so, certainly not on the part of
the whites. On the contrary, the general
feeling is one of kindness, and If let alone Inc
two races would move in perfect harmony"
'sHave you any objection to seeing negroes
in possession OF a portion of the offices, pro-
vided they are competent'and honest %
: "None in the world. l myself voted for
Robert G. DeLarge, the colored member OF
Congress, and believe majority Of the white
people would be perfectly satisfied to give the
negroes tair representation under the con.
ditions you name. There are such colored
men as Derecf Holloway, Geo. Shrewsbury
and others, in whom I have full confidence,
and have said in response to inquiries from
the young men who are kind enough 10 con-
suit me, that in making up a municipal tlcKet
it was their duty to selecta certain number OF
TIE RESPECTABLE CoLoRED CITIZENS"
ssWhat do you think of Stephney Riley?"
81 have the greatest regard Tor him. 1would
as soon put him IN an Office Tor which ne is
competent as to 60 there myself"
s'Whst were your views with reference to
secession and notification :"
II thought both were inexpedient. | be-
lieved the South was always safer IN the union
than out OF it. I was strong State rights
man, because thought State rights essential
to the Union, and the Union equally essential
to State rights. South Carolina, however. is
the god of my political worship. MY feellng
for heris like the affection entertained by
child for its mother, and followed her as
would 60 with my mother, fight or wrong, If
saw the hand of a strong man at her throat.
The first object of my reverence is the Al
mighty; the second, always my country"
"Were you interfered with by Shermans
troops during your residence in Columbia :" /,
''Enough to prevent nay singing peans Of
praise to Them They invaded the sanctuary
of my chamber while my wife was, as ] sup
posed, in the agonies Of death, and there, In
the presence OF helpless women and children,
commenced their work OF robbery and arson.
One of my sous was captain in the Confed-
crate navy, and had fallen at New Orleans
while commanding the iron.clad McRae,
during naval engagement, in which she
was surrounded by iour ships and torn
in Columbia. His body was taken to
New Orleans, and there treated with great re-
spect by the Federal troops, the officers. in
citizens dress, following 1t to the grave. His
wife was the sister Of General Meade, who has
Frequently been in my house In the days OF my
prosperity, and who has since visited the chill
dren Alter the surrender took place he was
the relief of the children, but said to him,
General, ] would rather not avail myself of
YOUR kindness. These little oues are one gen.
GRAFTON closer to me than to you, and the
smoke of the battlefield has not yet cleared
away He answered. i understand you, and
respect your feelings I have protected the
children from that day to this"
The stately old gentleman courteously
bowed, and, rising, the Interview was ended:
No man in South Carolina is more respected
than Mr.. Hugep-hs name iu itself is house.
hold word, aud do not believe that he would
utter a falsehood. Mr. Huger, in common
with other old, leading citizens, would prefer
that the United States troops should hold the
State to having the present system OF misgov-
ernment continue.