The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1876-12-08


Saturday, Hon. Alex. II. Stephens
has arrived in Washington, and is
quartered al the Nation Hotel. Mr..
Stephens has the suit Of rooms on the
second floor, facing Sixth street, the
same that he used to occupy. A rep
resentative Of the Nation called upon
him Saturday, and was received in the
most pleasant manner. Mr.. Stephens
expressed himself as pleased at the
starting Of an Independent paper in
Washington, and said he would watch
the course Of the Nation with the
greatest interest. Mr.. Stephens looked
much emaciated, but his attendant
says he is heavier than he has been for
two or three years. His voice is clear
and firm, and he chatted freely of the
present situation and Of the future
prospect. When asked for his views
on the situation, he said: II don't
think my opinion would have much
weight at the North. They would not
believe what said, but l hope you
Nortberners will soon think better of
the people Of the South"
Of the outcome Of the present elec-
,tion contest, he expressed himself
hopefully that justice would prevail,
deprecated all extreme and belligerent
talk, and said he did not think there
would be any conflict, although he did
feel that the crisis was one of the most
serious which our government has had
to pass through.
In answer to direct question as to
whether there was any danger that the
South were meditating armed resis-
tance, he replied warmly and with
great emphasis, "If there is any such |
feeling or intention anywhere in the
South, don't know it. / know of no
man anywhere in the South who is
really talking in earnest Of any such
thing. / do not believe there is one.
/ know the people of the South, as a
people, have no such idea.'
Reporter = What is the feeling
among the people of South CAROLINA ?
Mr.. Stephens-They are, of course,
indignant at the outrage which is
being attempted. They cannot believe
that the people will countenance such
an infamous outrage on a free govern
ment. They are anxiously awaiting
the result. ..s -. ,.-..-.
Reporter-What is your object in
coming to Washington?
Mr.. Stephens--I have come thus
sarly, partly to get located before the
cold weather sets in. l came also for
-he purpose of doing what / can to
the impression that the
South is nursing the spirit of a new
rebellion. That idea has been widely
circulated at The North, and it is doing
he people Of the South n great
Injustice.
Of the real danger which did exist
y case the Returning Board should
'ount in Hayes, Congress getting into
! dead lock, and. recourse to force Of
rms, he said he could not believe that
hat extremity could be reached. "If
! conflict should ensue," he said, "it {
will be civil war for the succession.
such a war could have only one
esult. 1t would he the death-blow to
'ur free government. Such a war
would ruin our prosperity at home I
md credit abroad. Our bonds would
'e worthless. 1t would not be another
var between the North and South. In
hat war the people of both sections
pent their money freely in a war for
he succession. Any one who had any
hing valuable would dig hole and
Jury it, and leave the country, if pos
ible. All confidence would be lost.
nd the bottom would drop out OF