The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-12-05
THE PR EsIDENT ON TIRE sITUA-
TION.

Report of the Interview with Mr. Hewitt
New YORK, Dec 4.-The Herald's Wash
ington dispatch says Mr.. Hewitt had long
interview with the President yesterday. The
President explained that he did not iptend 10
do injustice to either side; that he held an i'm
partial position; that he meant to support and
to see safely inaugurated whoever should prove
to be elected as his successor; that he did not
think the defeated side could gain any thing by
making trouble or stirring up war or civil dis
order; that nothing of that kind would sue
coed. That is believed to have been the purport
of the Presidents communication to Mr.. Rew-
int. 1t is believed that he also said that while
he hoped Mr.. Hayes was elected, he d,d not
know 1t; that the dispute might be difficult to
decide, and it might even become possible to
bold new election in order to arrive at a salts
factory decision for the country.
The most important part of the President s
communication to Mr.. Hewitt was that in his
opinion there had not been fair vote in Louis
lana; that the whole affair there was an mex.
tricable middle, and that ia his opinion the
vote of Louisiana ought not to be counted at
all. In this opinion he was very positive, say
ing the vote OF the state ought to be flung out
He complained that the press had treated him
unfairly, had misrepresented his purposes, and
that he meant only fair play and justice; that
mistakes had been made 10 South Carolina, but
were not his, and were corrected when they
came TO his knowledge.
Another Version of the Interview.
The Worlds Washington dispatch says that
on Sunday afternoon Mr.. Hewitt had an inter-
view of great length with the President. The
Interview was not suggested by MIR. Hewitt, but
arranged through Secretary Fish. The Presi
dent talked at length on recent occurrences in
the South, and declared that what he had done
had been under the law and Constitution and
was for the best interests OF the people. He
expressed in a most decided manner his convic-
tiOn that owing to fraud and intimidation there
had been no fair or legal election in Louisiana,
and that the electoral vote of that state should
not be counted. Whether the President has
expressed this opinion in his message, he did
not say, although he will devote portion of it
to Louisiana affairs, as well as to those of other
Southern states Should he do so his view
would in all probability be accepted as rule
for his party, and the effect of it would be that
Hayes would not be counted in; but whether he
does this or not, he has at all events made the
declaration.
Reported Effect Of the Presidents Views.
The Heralds Washington dispatch says there
is considerable excitement in political circles
there, consequent upon Mr.. HewItLS interview
with the President, and that Messrs Conklng
and Boutwell, were closeted with the President
last night on the subject.
A Denial
The Pest has positive denial that President
Grant, in his interview with Mr. Hewitt, said
that the vote of Louisiana should be thrown
WV GOV. HAYES OPINIONS
Accordin 10 the New York HeEald-whnt
He Will DO if Declared Presidential
Rehash of the Roberts Interview.
New YORK. Dec. 4.-The Herald states that
Gov. Hayes, in recent interview, said he had
no sympathy with adventures like Governors
Kellogg and Chamberlain and bias been i'm
patient to let honest Southern men know his
views They need not tear, should he be elect
ed THAT the abuse of them which has been en-
Outraged by Grants administration, will be
tolerated.
Gov Hayes lately endeavored to have an in
terview with Lamar of Mississippi, in which to
fully consider and explain his views on South
ern questions :sbut Lamar, for prudential reas-
ons, declined. Col. Roberts. editor of the New
Orleans Times, was therefore sent for, at Gov.
Hayes request. This interview was considered
confidential, but an incorrect version of it got
out, and Gov. Hayes friends authorize this
correct version Gov. Hayes said he believed
himself fairly elected; that he meant to be
President and to be his own man, and have his
own policy; that no person prominently con-
nected with Grants administration should
have any Office under him. AS to Southern
affairs, he proposed to be guided IN his coun-
sells by men like Lamar and Hampton, the lat
ter he thought having acted a noble part in
the recent events in South Carolina, and should
be be President, Lamar would be called to the
Ca0lDef. he proposed u mdhe ltuerdi dP-
pointments in the South upon the recommen-
lation entirely of Southern men, considering
this the only fair way. He considered carpet.
bag government failure, and while he would
insist upon absolute justice to the negro, he
thought this would be secured best by trdstlng
honorable aud influential Southern men and
making then responsible for peace and the
punishment of outrages. Finally Gov. Hayes
'aid, if elected, be proposed to consult these
.wo gentlemen upon the best method vi arriv-
pg at reconciliation which is absolutely nee
sssary for the good of the whole country.
The Herald states that this is true account
If the interview, and comes from source
thoroughly informed, and is in harmony with
What Gov. Hayes most intimate friends have
llways known to be his views. Roberts, in an
while partially confirming this state
nent, does not so broadly and positively out
inc Hayes views.