The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-04-19
WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 10, 1871.

citizens. and the entire South may some day
be earrisoned by troops, who will see to it
that men vote according to the dictates OF
their conscience or their interest, as the case
NAV be. A further bad effect will follow, In
which the Republican party Itself will be injur-
ed. not less Than the people at large. In
ali periods of strife, the worst elements inyari-
ahIv come to the surface. The most extreme
and interruptions men are certain to be the
most industrious in securing for themselves
political positions from the dominant party,
and thus that would occur which every we'll
wisher of his State, most wishes to avoid. l
saw. therefore, that If the Democratic party-if
RAJ. he the marty under which this ku-Klux
organization Is operating-aim to achieve GER
tain purposes, they can adopt no surer plan to
consolidate the Republicans TO a q than to
atte mpt to regulate by force that which can in
time, perhaps, be won by reason.
MINORITY REPRESENTATION.
O. Changing the subject, somewhat abrupt:
". what are your views on the new question OF
minority representation!
The Governor, I have given that matter
considerable reflection, and believe the minor
lty system to be the best plan Of representa-
ton. Tt must be patent to every one that a
majority, unchecked and untrammelled, may,
by legislation, do an infinite amount of harm,
and that the only mode by which the evil can
be limited, and greater purity in the admins
traiion OF affairs be secured In any Common
wealth. is by allowing the minority to have a
representation corresponding with their
strength. To accomplish that purpose In
South Carolina, however, 1t would first be
necessary to make q change In The constitu-
ton, which, by the way. all the people OF the
State will. in my Judgment, soon require, be-
cause in several particulars II Is not. equal TO
the demands OF the hour.
THE RocKs y SHOALS OF TIE ADa1N1sTRA-
TON.
O. would like to know what have been the
chief difficulties with which you have had to
contend In YOUR administration thus far
The Governor. First. the efforts of the out
side parties to push through Legislation which
was destructive of the best interests of the
State. and only beneficial to a few individuals.
Secondly, the promptness with which the Leg
isIature Welded in many cases to these infu.
ences, and carried out measures in which
their constituents had no concern.
The Governcr. Well, the facility with which
local interests were subserved and the general
interests of the State were neglected, besides
certain other signs more personal IN their
character, induced those who were not con-
nected with the Legislature to believe that In
proper influences had been brought to bear In
order to effect these objects. Whether 1t is
true or not, I have had no means OF knowing.
Q. We're not the expenses unnecessarily
larger.
the Governor. Undoubtedly; but I had no
means o flimiling them. a large number OF
the attaches received pay for services that
might have been dispensed with, while the
length of the session, unnecessarily prolonged,
again increased the expenses. ! have no means
Of knowing, and, up to this time. have not
been able to ascertain how many employees
there were. In aud around the capital, or what
were their duties.
WANTED GOOD MEN.
O. One more question, and am doue. In
selecting officials, do you feel yourself comm
ed exclusively to those VINO are IN open 'inla-
ton with the Republican party?
hitherto, nor do 7 expect to be governed by the
ordinary rules adopted by other administra
tions. Were I to attempt to apply the rule
strictly. I should fail In many Instances IN Sc
curing the best men for the positions. ] can
only refer you to my last inaugural address,
in which l proposed to consult the fitness and
qualification Of a man, rather than the clalms
Of a mere politician.
CONCLUSION.
In. closing this somewhat remarkable inter
view with his Excellency-,so important De
cause It is the first expression OF official opln'
ion that has been heard In the present crisis
It may add to the interest OF the statements
made. to remark that the Governor seemed u
meet each question ffankfyAand eqlarely. ant
spoke with IN earnestness which betoKenet
conviction. The colloquy on both sides wa
the inspiration Of the moment and in al
respects the foregoing ia q faithful transcrlp
Of a free conversation.