The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-11-28
A. II. stephens supports tho Presi-
dents Policy and has Heard OF no
Change.
Especial Dispatch to The World. !

lSpcClhl DispalCn 10 tue " oflu.
WAsHINGToN, November IT, An
interview with Alex. Fl. Stephens is to
be published in the Post tomorrow in
which the following questions were
asked and answered:
"What do you think, Mr.. Stephens,
Of Hayes's recent change of policy?"
'iMy answer to that is, l haven't
seen any change of policy on the part
of MIR. Hayes. AS far Us have heard
anything from HIM, it is that he in
tends to execute the laws as expound-
ed by the courts. This l understood
to be his policy from the beginning.
A understood it from the beginning,
1t was to withdraw the Federal troops
from the occupancy of State capitals,
where they had been for some time be-
fore, and to allow the people OF each
State respectively to govern themselves
under their own State constitutions as
they pleased, provided they violated
| no Federal law. This | regarded as
the true constitutional policy then and
now, and have seen nor heard moth
ing from Mr.. Hayes inconsistent with
these principles upon which his admin
istration was based at the time of his
Inauguration. The foundation princi-
Piles of true Jeffersoniau Democracy,
which is the true basis of all constitu-
tional liberty, are law and the enforce
ment of the law. Mr.. Hayes has done
nothing contrary to this, 50 far as am
informed, and / cannot see why Demo
Gratis should find fault with any execu-
tive for carrying out their own funda-
mental principles. Mr.. Hayes has only,
as understand. undertaken to carry
out the laws, and If Congress has made
bad law it is not the Presidents
fault. 1t is his duty to execute it, and
if he don't do it he's not fit for the
place. Whether it Is moonshiner or
s bulldt ger or anybody else, if the law
has been violated it is the Presidents
duty to enforce it,.
"What is your opinion OF Senator
Hills recent letter criticising Hayes
and his administration"
81 think it was an exceedingly Inju-
dicions and unjustifiable attack upon
the President, particularly coming from
one occupying Mr.. Hills position. But
it is matter that do not wish to en-
ter into any discussion about. Mr.. Hill
is gentleman of high order of talent,
but he is not usually very discreet in
his actions or counsel, if you will ex-
cuse me for what very much dislike
to do, that is passing judgment even
upon the discretion Or lndiscretiOn of
others"
"What do you think, Mr.. Stephens,
Of the outlook for the Democratic par
ty"
ats good, if good sense and psiri-
otism prevail. But don't care 10 dis
cuss the future Of parties. I'm no par
tisan, though party man. Az to The
future Of the whole country, / think
we'll of it. Financially, the country is
in worse condition than it has ever
been in my day, and the prospect in
that respect is exceedingly discourage
ing. But with wisdom, prudence and
patriotism on the part of Congress, /
think very hopefully of the general flu
ture Of our common country. Section
al antipathy and sectional parties ]
trust will cease, and men in high office,
from the Executive down, will look
chiefly to Cancellation and the prosper
Ity of all the people under this tfe
grandest Federal republic that ever eh-
listed. But the people of all SECTIONS
must be imbued with the great truth
that free constitutional governments
can only be maintained and perpetpa-
ted upon the principles of law and or
der and the enforcement OF the Laws
as expOunded by the courts"