The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1877-03-21
WASHINGTON.
Conference of Distinguished
Southern Gentlemen with
the President.
The Southern Situation Discussed
in ito Various Phases.
Meeting OF the Cabinet 10 Arrange
for u Settlement Of the Question.
ITO the Associated Press.)

| tor Merrimon, asking Tor information in
relation to distribution of patronage
South, says: 81 will endeavor to ex-
plain the situation as clearly and briefly
as possible. When vacancy exists in
any office connected with this depart
ment IN the southern states. preference
will he given to a Republican, all other
things being equal. But should it be
impossible to find Republican who will
be satisfactory to large majority of the
people whose business is directly affected
by the appointment, or in case OF a con-
test for Office, then shall not hesitate to
step aside and select the persons who, in
my Judgment, will give satisfaction to
the business interests of the community.
While shall always be glad to receive
the advice of senator's and representa-
tives in congress touching matters OF this
kind, yet shall not consider myself as
in any way bound to act upon it. My
desire is to do the greatest good to the
| greatest number, and to this end shall
always be glad to have your co-opera-
ton. very much regret did not see
you. and shall be glad to do so at any
time"
FREp DOUGLASS TAKES HOLD
| Frederick Douglass this afternoon quail
, | flied as United States marshal for the
District Of Columbia and took charge Of
the office. Columbus Alexander, Of
Washington, aud George Hill, Jr., Of
| Georgetown, united with him in the ex
ecution Of a bond of $40 600 for the faith
: full performance Of his duties. A large
number Of applicants for office under
!. the new marshal were in attendance
u before he qualified. but MIR. Douglas
promptly intimated that he was not IL
favor Of removing any good men from
their present positions and would make
no changes without careful considera
ton.
CHIEF DEPUTY.
The vacancy caused by tie resignation
e Of Colonel Phillips, who had been fol
twenty-five years chief deputy marshal
was to-day filled by the appointment o
~ Il. P. " illiams, who for many years ha
IL been the assistant clerk Of the suprem
nc court Of the district. This selection
in SSded generally with very great az
Sc ~o- and the public
large.
IN. TIKI SOUTHERN QUESTION.
N. 1t IL learned at the executive mansio
Ior that there Is no probability Of decisio
nv being reached tomorrow concernin
Is. the Southern question, although it WI
er. then doubtless be brought before IL
tn cabinet and its formal consideration con
] msnced. There will be at least on
/ other session Of the cabinet held befor
! the matter Is finally determined. An a(
ed ditional cabinet meeting will probably
ks called for Wednesday.
re THE EXTRA SESSION.
@ The president up to this evening la
not found himself able to approx
any OF the plans which have been sug
q. gested to Obviate the apparent necessity
.. OF an extra congress. He, however
10 shares the general desire Of all parties
to to discover some means, If any exist, by
" which the army can be maintained with
"a. out called session of congress. ant
y, although he considers all the plans tina,
n have yet been suggested insufficient OF
~ impracticable. lie will not finally de
- eide the matter until after further consul
:, tation with members of the cabinet.
= CONFERENCE.
Il Sppatnr Gnrlno Of nan..;o o.
- Ter OF South Carolina, and Representa-
"a tiyes Levy and Ellis of Louisiana, ha,
lis this afternoon an interview with At
ca torney-General Devens on the situation
inn in South Carolina and Louisiana.
,ss Senator Gordon suggested that tn
es logical sequence OF the situation com
OF PEELED either the withdrawal OF troop
IL from the state houses or the holding O
M state houses against both governments
nd that the administration refused I,
recognize either government il
these states, and that, therefore.
the troops were not with
drawn, they must Of necessity aud logi
Sc cally be used to keep the state house a
ut neutral ground; that It was not and coul,
1t not he logically consistent to say tina
is neither government should be recognize,
le By the administration, to keep one gov
y ernment in possession Of the state-house
y and the other government out. He in
y sisted that there was no answer to thi
l. conclusion; but urged the Withdrawal O
It the troops not from the states ct all, bu
70 simply from the state-houses; as::the only
j. conrse consistent with non.intsryeniIor
'e and fres from embarrassment. s
10 General Butler and all those present
Ia united IN the assertion that no disturb.
y Snce could or would occur. All these
y gentlemen stated that the agricultural