Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-11
Southern Republic ans i'm Council.

NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. IN TEE SOUTHERN
STATES AND THE POLITICAL SITUATION Dis
CUssED.
A meeting of the Southern Republican Asso-
citation was held last night, at Beck's Hail, the
president, D. Med. Lindsey, of North Carolina,
In the chair, and A. M. Hardy. of Mississippi
secretary. Mr. Lindsey stated that 1t was
understood among the members OF the associa-
number Of southern republicans residing In this
District to form
ANOTHER SOUTHERN REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION,
on account OF there being some dissatisfaction
at the status Of the present organization. AS
to the extent Of such dissatisfaction and the
grounds for Its existence he might not be fully
necessary, in order to secure harmony and
unity, he, as chief officer, was willing to resign,
and he thought the other officers were of the
same MING No THIS he proposed, solely in the
needed among southern republicans. Col Pei
ham said the impression prevailed that the
members and present officers OF the Southern
FEDERAL offlce-holderS, were too much
HAMMERED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE RULES,
and could not work In the interests Of the party
as 1t was desired they should do. He explained
that all these matters had been discussed at
meeting held at Wizards hotel the night pre-
v1ous by southern republicans, not Federal
office-holders, and the impression was quite
general that the old organization was now kept
together more for social than political purposes
and that more independent organization could
h,
interests at the Capital of the nation, and would
receive more cordial recognition throughout the
southern states, which he could not endorse, as
there evidently was mtsapprehension as to
the status of the old association, which by no
means is hampered as Is supposed by civil SER
vice rules The fact is, southern republicans
Stanu between fire In front and one in the
rear. They are despised and prosecuted by the
democrats at home, and Ignored by their north
elm friends-the epublicans-and they feel that
the time has arrived for vigorous and united
action. In order for self DrPSpl yatiO0 and we'll
being.
GENERAL sYPHER, OF LOUISIANA,
one OF the prime movers in the meetings at
Wizards, was called on to explain the views
and sentiments there expressed. He said there
had been several of these meetings of southern
men, and the only clamor seemed to be for har
mony and vigorous work in the forthcoming
campaign. All are impressed with the fearful
state Of society in the south, where violence
and crime run rampant. The loyal men have
been, in many instances driven from their
homes, and general feeling OF insecurity pre-
walls both as to life and property. The SOUTH
ern republicans must unite for common cause.
federal office in this city-there was nothing
dishonorable in this. He had never held one,
but had been elected twice TO Congress: He
then proceeded to give varied account Of the
condition Of affairs throughout the southern
states, claiming that it was
DANGEROUS FOR LOYAL MEN TO LIVE IN THE
SOUTH;
that this state of affairs had been brought about
through republican rule and their system OF re-
construction. 1t had been fully and amply
demonstrated that by the constitutional amend
ments made by the republicans the condition Of
social and political affairs in the south had
fallen to low estate BE then explained that
there had been three different meetings in this
city of southern republicans, the object being
to 1naugurate such action as would help bring
about change for the better He then pro-
ceeded to read resolution which had been
drawn up and adopted at the last Of this series
ofmeetingS, to the effect that In order to main
tain the principles OF the national republican
party and to secure the adoption of Its princi-
pies in the southern states; that the republicans
in this District appoint committee OF two
members for each southern state to be known
as the executive committee. who shall draw up
an address which shall express the objects and
purposes Of the movement, the purpose being
to unite all southern republicans in opposition
to lawlessness in their states. He said as
matter OF course, this organization would be
rules, and it was question whether office hold
ers could pal ticipate. The objects OF this adj
dress would be to unite all in a common cause.
They believe that the next administration Will
be republican and the south should not be to.
tally ignored.
COL E. n. HILL, OF ARKANSAS,
gave his version Of the past acts of the republl-
can party, and their effects on southern Inter-
the southern states for its existence, for with
out the three louthern states for Hayes there
would have been no election. He thought there
should be strong organization in this city out
Mr. Lindsey here stated that great misappre-
hension existed as to the status OF the old
organization. 1t Is not formed for social pur-
poSes as is believed, but is thoroughly political
organization. The gentlemen had been misled
in their ioess on this subject.
Mr. Hall, of Texas, said he had belonged to
the association for long time, and was salts
fed with its character. He had heard nothing
in the arguments advanced for reorganlza-
ton, aud should oppose it.
Mr.. S. E. Swartes, of South Carolina, took the
same view. He saw no necessity for new
organization, as they could all work together In
the present one.
Alter full Their explanations, it was
AGREED TO UNITE
under the old organization, and most Of the
disaffected ones came forward and signed the
constitution, enrolling themselves members of
the Southern Republican Association, Col. Jack
Brown, Of Georgia, taking the lead. Action on
the resolution Of Mr.. Sypher was postponed for
one week, and the meeting adjourned With
great harmony and good feeling.