The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-03-29
The Chamberlain Interview.

The Washington correspondent of the Boston
Advertiser writes under date of Tuesday: Gov.
ernor Chamberlain of South Carolina arrived
here before daylight this morning, and after
breakfast called at the White House in COM
pany with Senator Patterson and Senator-elect
Corbn to pay his respects to the President. but
remained only few moments, the President
inviting his return at two o'clock. After the
Cabinet meeting the governor was invited into
the Presidents library and an interview took
place which lasted uninterruptedly until half
past five o'clock. Governor Chamberlain went
over the entire South Carolina case, from his
standpoint, from the Hamburg massacre to the
present date, while the President listened at.
tentively and made frequent notes. asking
questions from time to time to draw out details
more fully. The governor substantiated his DO
sltion by documents and legal supports, repeat
ing what is already familiar to the public, hay
ing beea printed repeatedly. After the COVER
nor had finished the President stated that his
object In inviting Hampton and himself to
Washington was to hear from them personally
their claims to the gCvernorship, and to COM
pare their views with the object of accomplish
ing in some way an adjustment of their differ
ences that would not be a surrender on either
side, Tut would restore peace and settle forever
the gubernatorial dispute. Governor Cham
berIain said he could listen to no adjustment
that would compel yielding uD of his rights
He was either governor of South Carolina or he
was not, one or the other. and for him to make
compromise on any terms whatever would be
the betrayal of his constituents. The talk then
led to the general situation in the South,
the difference between the whites and
blacks, and the President remarked in an
T--~-*oE- --~--hat
was exactly to be, that it was covered by
two points: First, be wanted 10 secure friendly
relations with the white population, aud espec-
ialy with the ex-Confederates and to give
them a voice in the administration of the gov
ernment: but second, he should INSIST upon the
absolute freedom and protection of the negroes,
their recognition as citizens in the fullest meau-
lug OF that word, their right to vote aud hold
office aud equal privileges of labor, educat on
and property holding That was the substance
of the policy When Governor Chambe
lett, the President desired him to cali again,
and advised him to call upon members of the
Cabiret and present his views The governor
did Call upon Secretary Evarts during the even
ing and explained to him the situation. Meth
the President nor Secretary Evarts gave Cover
nor Chamberlain any intmstiOps and as to
what the policy in the South Carolina case
would be. out on the contrary expressly stated
that they were committed to no particular
policy or line of action. The statements con-
ceruing agreements that the troops are to be
withdrawn were pronounced to be without au-
thorIty. Governor Hampton is expected on
Thursday morning and will be Senator Cor
don's guest The Democrats are already com.
planning that Cham berlain is taking advantage
of his opponents by getting the first word in
the Presidents ear.