Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1872-01-12
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER.
Ex-AtioFHsy.esnsral Stanbery on the Pee.
pie of Columbia, SOuta Carolina.

CISCTNNATI, January 1.-THE GsAstte
Of thin city TO morrow publishes the sub.
stance of The interview which its reporter
bad with the Hon Henry StaDbsry CON
osrning eertsin damaging statements
contained in the newspapers in
regard to his experiences during the
ku-klux trials In South Carolina, and
specially with reference to the alleged
discourtesy shown him and his associate
counsel, the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, by
the leading citizens In Columbis, and the
report that they had retired in disgust
from the defense of these cases.
Mr.. Stsnbery, who had heard of these
statements, but not read them, on being
shown them at once pronounced them
wholly without foundation. He ssid that
Mr. Johnson snd he received, in Oolum-
bis, g warm welcome from the citizens,
who repeatedly expressed their grateful
sense snd full appreciation of their pro-
fesstonal services In these cases. A Wish
was expressed by the citizens that they
would accept public entertainments, but
this was discouraged by Mr.. johnson and
himself, who found themselves too fully
occupied with their professional duties,
and besides, under the circumstances,
they deemed 1t inexpedient.
Mr.. Stsnbery showed the reporter . let
ter from GaneTal Hampton, dated Colum
Hldr OGCcAuAGL As04T WAAkscA Ou knc dNHA-
ing OF tbs ex-sttorney- generals depart
ure, in which General Hampton ssysI
"Ailow ms, ss chairman of the committee
inviting the governor here, to express the
ssnse of obligation felt by our people to
the governor for the zssl he has shown
and the great ability ne has manifested
in the great questions now at stake"
Mr.. 6tsnbery said their reception, So
cislly, was all that could be desired,
though they were debSrred 70 some ex-
tent from moving In society by the en-
crossing nature Of thsir duties.
Mrr Stanbery said their purpose In Wis
itinK Columbia was to argue the legal
questions that grew out OF the ku-klux
prosecution touching the Jurisdiction of
the courts Of the United States over the
offense, and the oonEtitutionslity of the
acts Of congress, called the enforcement
acts Of 1871, with the view Of bringing
these questions before ths supreme court
OF the United States, and that they had
succe esded, upon division In opinion be-
tween the circuit and district judges, in
having two important questions certified
TO the supreme court of the United States.
These questions MessrB. Johnston and
Stsnbery expected &C argue in few
weeks.
AT the pressing request OF local counsel
they did assist In the trial by jury of one
case, and Whatever disgust they expert
eoced while at Columbia wRs in the utter
Of defending against charge
which, in their Judgment, was not made
ont, before such Jury ss aat in the case
He said that the persons to serve as jurors
In the United States court in South Oaroli-
nR are selected By collectors Of the United
States internal revenue, and that the jury
which sat in the case above referred to
was composed OF ten negroes and two
whites.
In uiew of this and kinderd facts, Mr..
Stanoery said that some idea might be
formed a. to the manner In which the
collectors had discharged their duty.