The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1878-08-02
The South Carolina Cases---Another Chance for
Political Capital.


WAsuISGroN, July pa decision was
reached to-day in regard TO the South Carolina
revenue cases by the President, which will have
The effect OF raising square issue between tlIe
Federal government and the State government
OF South Carolina. Special counsel Earle ar
rived here 10 day from South Carolina to con
suit with Attorney General Devens iii regard to
the case, Alter the Cabinet meeting was con-
cludcd, General D9yens and Mr.. Earle had a
long conference with the President, when the
case was thoroughly discussed in al its bear
ings. 1t was decided to call Secretary Eyarts
to the conference, and to hear his view rs to the
law and the duty Of the general government uE-
der the circumstances. Secretary EvartS took
the position that the Federal authority must
maintain It's sovereignty and its right TO dispose
of the cases before its own courts without inter
ference by the State authorities, and that the
government should proceed to act at once under
section GI3 of the revised statutes, and TO have
tho cases removed under said section TO the Cir
cult Court of the United States.
After further discussion and Interchange of
opinions the President decided To accept the
view taken by Secretary Evarts. and not to let
the cases go TO the Supreme Court OF the State
on appeal. The necessary instructions have
been given TO carry the decision into ciicct.-
Mr. Earle left here to-night for Baltimore to sec
Judge Bond. who is the Usitca States Circuit
Judge Of South Carolina, and To arrange with
him to 60 to South Carolina mt once and hold n
special tcfm of court, ~ that the cases carfss-'
refiovcd from the State Court, and the impris
oned revcnu, officials released OH bail
Great interest is manifested in these proceed
ngs here by Federal officials, and the belief is
shared 10y many that Judge kcrshaw will not
acpuicscc in the step about 10 be taken. and
that tho State officials will not surrender up the
four revenue officials to the United States Mar
shal in response to the summons of the Circuit
Court If this course is pursued an open con
nict and II resort to armed force on the part of
the Federal authority would seem TO be incyita.
bic.
1T is no secret that both the President and At
torncy Gencral DcyeuS have been inclined for Il
day or two to allow these eases TO 20 to the Su-
rrcmc Court of the State of South Carolina, on
appeal, without rCsortinG TO the alternative
agreed upon today. Both Of these officials
have wanted TO avoid conflict il possible, and
Attorney General Dcvcns in speaking OF the
case said he saw no reason for bringing about
an issue with the State government. lie was
disposed to take tho conservative course Of let
ting the case be diposcH Of hy the South Carroll
courts in regular order, and thus avoid any
feeling between the Federal and State officials.
The calling of Secretary EvartS into the case,
however, has led the President to adopt the
other course, and to risk an issue with the State
authorities.
Ii became known to u considerable number Of
Republicans that tho President was inclined to
let the State courts settle these cases, and no
little feeling was produced III consequence,
which would have manifested itself if the Pres
ident hal not adopted Secretary Evart's view of
the matter. 1t was freely charged by Rcpubli-
cans to-day that the President and Attorney
General were exhibiting cowardicc in dealing
with this question, and that they were afraid Of
Governor Hampton and the effect of an issue
with him upon the country at large Rcpuhli-
politicians arc now thoroughly satisfied with
the line of action agreed upon, and say that if
the State authorities attempt to resist the Fed
eral authorities in attempting to carry into exc
cution section UI3 that II will have an excellent
effect throughout the North and greatly strength
en- the Republican party in the approaching
Congressional campaign.- Gaitimorc SMn.