The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1877-03-30

were to determine their action as to tn,
| carrying out OF the provisions OF the elec
torial bill, but that they desired them a.
guarantee to their people; that they
acted IN good faith TO this end. and de-
sired that Hayes give to them only such
guarantees as he had already given to hi,
| own friends. In reply It was stated by
us that il would be improper and indeli.
cate at this time for Hayes to give any as
surances foreshadowing his policy. but
that we felt fully justified IL stating
from our knowledge of the views and in
tentions of Governor Hayes that his
policy would be to favor local self gov
eminent and home rule in the South.
Reporter-I GU did not give any 0s-
surances as coming from Governor
HAYES,
Mr.. Fostcr-Not directly or as to
them we simply stated our belief rs TO
his course based upon commune
cations from and conversations with
HIM.
Reporter--Was any assurance given as
| to the immediate or the unconditional
withdrawal of troops from the South
ern states?
MIR. Foster-w Whatever may have been
said with regard to the withdrawal Of the
lief that such would be the result of the
policy which we believed the president
would adopt.
Reporter-You say that there was no
written compact entered into.
Mr.. Foster-There was no written
compact entered into and all the allega-
tons TO this effect. SO tar as | have any
knowledge, are the merest moonshine.
Reporter--I see il stated that compact
was sent to Hayes and that he approved
it. Have you any knowledge of any
such thing?
Mr. Foster-There being no such com
pact it is simply impossible that Hayes
should approve or disapprove of it; at
least know nothing of such a thing.
Reporter understand then that this
meeting was merely an informal one IN
which yourself and others. as friends, or
in some degrees confidants Of president
Hayes, made representation to the South
ern gentleman as to the pacific intentions
Of the incoming administration toward
their section; that these representations
were based on verbal and written COM
munlcations You had with Governor
Hayes, but were not regarded in the ma
ture of compact TO which he was
pledged.
Mr.. Fester-Exactly; we had 10 au-
thority to make compact binding Gov
ernor Hayes and we distinctly stated the
improperly and indelicacv of making
such compact al tine am nder
the circumstances.
Reporter--Wha about the letter writ.
ten TO John Young Brown and SEN
ator Gordon by Matthews and your
self.
MIR. Foster-That letter was the result
of conversation had with Brown in
which ne asked for written assurances for
his future Justification. lie distinctly
stated that lie did not ask this as q condi-
| ton Of carrying out the provisions of the
electoral bill that he regarded that a. a
matter of personal honor and that no
power could eoerce him to do otherwise
than faithfully stand by the provisions OF
the bill. He asked that the paper be
signed by Matthews and myself and be
addressed to him aud Senator Gordon. |
expressed Willingness TO accede to his
wishes and the paper was prepared,
signed and delivered. | have no reCollec
ton OF having any conversation with
Senator Gordon on the subject of writ
ing this letter.
Reporter-What was the nature OF that
letter?
Mr.. Foster-It was a statement by Mr.
Matthews and myself as to what We be.
lieved would be the policy OF President
Hayes in dealing with the Southern ques-
| ton. IL contained nothing more than
| was contained in my speech or the sub
ject. We did not retain copy Of the
letter and cannot give its exact con-
tents.
Geporter-What is your opinion as to
ba nti.ct nj tho ,,,Ihlica tinp of FOL
ports regarding this matter:
Mr.. Foster-Its object is evidently to
weaken and cripple the administration IN
| dealing with this Southern question and
to disaffect Southern men who are work
| lug in good faith to uphold and sustain
| the president.
COPIES or The LETTERS.
House. OF REPRESENTATIVE,
WAsHINGToN, ID. c., Feb. 26, 1871.
GENTLEMEN - Referring to the con-
| versation had with you yesterday in
which Governor Hayes policy as to the
| statutes OF certain states was discussed
we desire to say in reply that We can as
| sure you in the strongest possible man.
ner Of our great desire 10 have adopted
such policy as will give TO the people
| of the states of South Carolina and
i
affairs in their own way and to say fur
| Their that We feel authorized from all &C.
quaihtance with and knowledge of Gov
| ernor Hayes and his views on this ques-
| ton 10 pledge ourselves 10 you for him
that such VIII be his policy.
| CHARLES FOSTER.
THE AMENDED LETTER.
WAsHINGToS, Feb. 81, 1877.
| TO Hon. John Young Brolcu and Hon. JHo
| h. Gordon.
GENTLEMRN:-Referring to the CONVEX
sation had with you yesterday in which
Gov. Hayes policy as to the status OF
| certain Southern states was discussed
we desire TO say that we can assure you
in the shortest possible manner OF our
great desire to have him adopt such q
policy as will give TO the people OF the
States OF South Carolina and Louisiana
the right to control their own affairs in
their own way, subject only TO the con.
stitution OF the United States and tC
the laws made in pursuance thereof. and
to say further that from an acquaintance
with and knowledge OF Gov. Hayes and
bis Views we have the most complete
| confidence that such will be the policy
| OF his administrs ton.
| Respectfully,
STANLEY MATTHEWS,
/