Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-09-26
THE KING CAN DO NO WRONG.
Alexander HI. stephens on the LOUISE
ana Trouble and President Grant.

Alexander HI. stephens on the LOuisi.
ana Trouble and President Grant.
From an Interview in the New York Herald.
Awaiting myself of the opportunity,
asked the venerable statesman his opinion
concerning the recent disturbance in New
Orleans, and its probable effect upon tie
country at large, especially at tie North,
where it seemed evident that until the Oc-
cuTrence referred to better and more SYM
pathetic feeling for the South was being
rapidly developed.
Mr.. Stephens replied as follows: "While
am entirely uniformed as to the facts, and
averse TO making any statement upon mere
reports by telegraph, am still free to ex-
press the earnest regret that any condition
of affairs exists that should have caused a
resort to arms and the shedding of blood.
L sincerely hope that Gen. Grant will not
find it to be his constitutional duty TO or
der the Federal forces to take any part on
either side. regret the occurrence from
another point of view. The South is pass
ing through period of probation, and
whatever tends to excite the masses is cal
culated to retard our healthy growth. On
the eve Of important elections even the
smallest crimes, such as may and do occur
in every community in the country, are ex-
aggerated to our injury; and how much
more so when thousands assemble,
with arms in their hands, to sub
vert an existing government, even
though oppressive in its character. l hope
the report will prove true that peace has
been declared, and no unfortunate 7 suits
will follow the bold and desperate resolve
of the people. Understand me, that how
ever much | may sympathize with the Op-
pressed, ] am far from saying that the
movement was right. 1t is the most seri-
Gus thing that has occurred in the country
for a long time, and upOn the prud-n,e of
President Grant must depend the solution
Of the difficulty. / do not believe, with
very many persons, that Gen Grant is
either a tyrant or usurper; nor do believe
he will interfere unless from strong cOnvic
lions Of official duty"
A gentleman who was listening to the
conversation inquired Of Mr.. Stephens if
he had seen an account of the meeting yes
terday in Atlanta and the comments of the
papers.
''NO, base not" was the reply, shut /
have heard something about it."
A rough looking farmer remarked, Il
hyar the folks down thar are ready to vol
OAAbNNA ea-lAll anu ~ " " al lul tAC LOpStlh-
vans"
Mr.. Stephens-Oh, those are most indis-
Greet and foolish sayings. The opinions of
these hOt-heads are worth nothing, but
they do infini'e mischief, because they are
circulated and sent North. | do regret
that our newspapers, yigilant as they are,
will publish such things, because the edi-
tors know there is no such general senti-
ment among the people.
"What is your impression as 10 the
future movements of Mr.. Kellogg
Il have formed none. As | said before,
only telegraphic reports have thus far
reached us, and on these, in such a serious
matter, would not express a judgment.
My firm belief, as before stated, however,
from personal observation, is that Presi-
dent Grant desires only peace and order,
and is averse to any Interference in the af-
fairs Of States unless such interference Is
necessary to maintain the law. Even
while AZ Fortress Monroe during the war,
| was impressed by his earnest desire to
bring the conflict 10 a close, and since that
time, notwithstanding the free use of the |
military forces, there is good reason for the |
assertion that his action as the Executive !
has been subordinate TO Congress and the |