New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-10-05
A TALK WITH ALEXANDER II. STEPHENS.

A TALK WITH ALEXANDER Id. SibII1ENS'
APPEARANCE OF TIE SOUTHERN STATESMAN -
WHAT lie SAYS OF THE PAST AND THE
FUTURE.
Alexander II. Stephens represents the char
acter and the sentiment Of the South other man
does" said friend OF the Georgian statesman yester-
day, himself souherner It is considered significant
that lust when President Hayes returns from most cor
dial visit TO the South, the VicePresident OF the ae
Southern COnfederacy," the man who more than any
other. living perhaps, participated in the events which
brought the civil and tried TO avert the conse
quences brings to the North assurances OF the good VIII
of the Southern people and of their faith in President
Hayes's Administration.
Mr. Stephens, mentioned in THE TRIBUNE yesterday
is making visit at the house OF his friend Avian
Johnson No East sxty-fourihst Mr. stephens is as
sisted In receiving his friends by his nephew Colonel
John A. Stephens OF Georgia. The first impression OF
sadness which stephenss almost helpless condition
makes the visitor, is quickly dispeled by CORDIAL
greeting and the evidence of robust mental powers
During his reception hours. Mr. Stephens IS seated in
welloushoned campchair, and without rising winch
would painful stretches out hand TO each VISITOR
whom he introduces TO the widening circle MI stephens
in his sxysXth year bnt it is plain that but for bis
accident he would have looked younger than his years
His body has been sadly emaeiated and shrnnken by his
long sickness. The and wrinkles IN his pad face
bear the unmistakable appearance of being premature
white Only his eye maintains its and orilliancy
flashes emphasis to ms conversation, Whlch Is
ting him to speak with much rapdity. Mr. stevens first
contracted rheumatism when held as political prisoner
in Fort Warren. On being released he travelled SOUTH
and the sudden change brought on severe cold soon
after home he took walk the estate. ac-
cOmpanied by little band OF white and coorei BOYS
In attempting 10 open large gate which proved 10 ne
several months he was confined TO his bed
and afflicted with intense suffering and II
the grounds of his residence During the most " this
long period he was actively AT work He saws he now
fresh when boy he used 70 knuckle down at mar
bies He finds time for literary work and is close
on me ground of vcnaty lie saws the different news
papers are Ike the coored RAYS OF the spectrum which
together term the white light o. truth.
Of New-York civ, which he first visited In 1898
visit in Sos Politics was the principal topic Of
saton. and Mr.. Stephens spoke decidedly and freely
"To me-" said ne. "tbe future Of the country looks
brighter to-day than at any time since 1s43 la those
days sensible OF gathering clouds ana felt the aI
Ir0ach our terrible trouble What called African
subordnation, aud YOU, slavery. was the cause
of sectional discord which no longer exists In ls2O
the fears Of rupture were Quoted for the
time, but not long after Charles sumner reVNed the ag
tati0n. II has been wrongly asclbed to stephen A
D0ugass but Sumner was The new disturbing element
Then Buchanan reached me Presidency ana Bean 10
anagonize Douglass. In 1889 went 10 Buchanan and
told linn fears ard. urged him to modify his course
toward Douglass. IoreSaW the consequences Oh Ine
action OF the Charleston convention asked Mr. l}n-
chanan he wanted to plunge The country into civil strife
and a. he persisted IN ms course qua as had promised
withdrew from Washington, and returned home was on
hosteamboa wthhe Alabama, Georgia, Southland North
Carolina delegates They came to me stood AZ The
stern of the boat gazing at the Capitol The opinion
prevailed that gong home 90 for The Senate.
told them | looking Washington FOR the last
time unless should De brought back prisoner OF war
This was literally fulfilled Nne-tcnihs OF the people,
North and South, did not want did al could 10
prevent it. but when II came b0und 10y ny alecl-
ance to 20 with my people Since the War aud ny 20
last March, there permanent ray Of hope for
US Hut now can say for Georgia that both De
lnocrats and Republicans united in solid faith
i'm the success of President Hayes policy ana believe
that nine tennis OF tue people North and South are sym
pathizug with the present Administration. At last there
seems sincere wish 90 iratcnze; men strike hands
in way that shows at the enc of sectional differ
encrs At no time have been Hopeful OF glorious
ami peaceful future Tor the country"
General COcrane told Mr.. stephens that the Republic
can PARTY In this Stale favored the Admins ration.
senator Coukling" he said. has got the machine but
ne has ID into the dtch, and the people viii DC very
glad 20 leave Al there