The Centre reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1871-1940, 1877-03-22
HAYES AND THE SOUTH.

Washington, March l5.-It is learned
positively that il was not decided nj the
cabinet me ting last night nor to-day To
remove the troops from the state houses
in Columbia and New Orleans. In fact
the status QUO established by the old ad-
ministration is 20 continue for the pres
ent. or until the new policy-whateyer
that may now prove 10 be-is decided
on. There is 10 be no undue haste. say
the friends OF Packard and Chamberlain
who were willing to make wagers TO day
that both of their governments would be
recognized in thirty days.
Senator Gordon Of Georgia, at the in
Vitation OF Mr.. Hayes, held long con-
ference with him at the White House 10
night in reference 10 the southern ques-
ton. Senator Lamar and Messrs, Levy
and Ellis, OF Louisiana, were also pres
ent. Senator Gordon said:
'Mr. Hayes, il you will withdraw the
troops from the state houses in South
Carolina and Louisiana will give you
any sort Of guarantee that not only shall
the peace not be disturbed, but that
Packard and Chamberlain may remain,
in the state houses, with all the terrific
~ they can command and with all the
offices they can induce parties TO accept
wi II further guarantee, If il be requir~
ed. that neither Chamberlain nor Pack
ard shall be proceeded against, even by
civil processes through the courts, TO
eject them from their positions; but they
shall be LEFT 10 maintain themselves I'M
disturbed so long as they can raise
money TO pay their expenses. Taxation
would in my opinion settle the
question very soon"
To this Mr.. Hayes made no specific re-
sponse. He said that there had been
suggested various plans for settlement
Of these difficulties, such as a commits
sion, new election, the withdrawal Of
the troops and the do-nothing poll
cy.
The senator replied that he was sat's-
fed that the easiest. shortest and least
embarrassing course TO the administra-
ton would be the constitutional course
which he understood TO be marked out
in the inaugural, which was non-inter-
vention or the withdrawal of the troops;
but even the do-nothing policy, the
leaving OF the troops where they are
would be better than q wrong solution,
or commission, or a new election.
Mr.. Hayes then expressed in earnest
terms his desire and purpose TO bring
about some satisfactory solution as soon
as possible. lie said that the difficulty
had been at white heat for sixteen years
and il ought not to be considered any
great delay il it required sixteen days TO
get through with it in 4 satisfactory way.
He expressed his beliefthat the problem
was not so hard to solve as n great many
persons supposed. The number Of Of
fees now vacant in the United States
(some six hundred), which must be i'm
mediately filed by appointments, was
now occupying almost the entire atten-
tion Of himself and the cabinet, but just
as soon asthese appointmentsw were made
and the senate had adjourned he would
take up this southern question aud solve |
it.
Senator Lamar in his remarks showed |
the utter inability Of Packard TO sustain |
himself as governor Of Louisiana with
out direct, constant and continued sup |
port from Washington. lie said that all
the elements in the state which compos-
ed it's intelligence, property and civlliZa-
ton were united in the support OF the
government.
Aessrs Ellis and Levy gave rarions
instances offorbearance on the part Of
.he people Of Louisiana under the
,eyerest trials, evidencing their ability to
themselves in case the troops
should be Withdrawn. They demonstrit-
ID that Packard had neither the power
% create difficulty nor 10 keep the peace.
Senator'S Lamar and Gordon have no
hesitation in saying that they are salts
led of the good will and intentions Of
dr. Hayes.
The interview lasted nearly two hours
md was altogether agrecakle,-World
special.