New-York tribune., 1895-01-13
AGAINST A COMMON FOE.
EXTRAORDINARY CONDITIONS OF SOUTH
CAROLINA POLITICS.
THE oLp.LINE CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS ABOUT
TO ALLY THEMSELVES WITH THE REPrB-

. THE oLp.IINE CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS ABOUT
TO ALLY THEMSELVES WITH THE REPuB-
LICANs AGAINST TIL.LMAN AND HIS 1Lk.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
Washington, Jan 1.-THE most sensational event
in the political history OF perhaps the most seis"-
tional Of American communities. the state or Sou'n
Carolina, 1t Is stated apparently good authority, ,
Is about TO take place. Few people not Dorm anu
bred in that singular commonwealth ever uh"ei-
stood its politics. Bat the phosphorescence OF us
occasional appearances in National politics win i"
new idea new way o. enforcing an oiu i'V'' -
a sufficiently remarked fact.
The situation in South Carolina ever since the
farmers OF the State. under the lead or IlNmah
shook off the rule OF the old arlstocfatic leaders
has been acute And that word means a great ue"i
when applied TO South Carolina The defeated con-
servatves. finally vanquishcd In their efforts 10 re-
capture the organization OF the Democratic party
lay suplnely watching for something - turn up
which they might use 10 their advantage lhc
unwieldy body of the reformers, or Hmanltes, Ike
all successful popular movements In the hour OF
crushing victory. became oversangune ana domih-
eering Its hand was on the machine. and the ma
chine was running at full speed, when some OF the
leaders not realizing all they expected in results
from the overthrow Of conservatism. ana seeing mat
there a disposition on the part OF Tiliman ana
Irby go further than the original programme
contemplated resolved 10 "sow up" Eat the mo-
checked suddenly The effort of the reforming re-
formers was unavailing Tlllman's Evans. was
chosen Governor 20 succeed Tillman. and Tillman
himself was selected as the successor OF Senator
Butler.
The latter's candidacy unique in the history
OF conservative politics in that State. He sunped
the State for himself and the ordinations and re-
ordinations between the contestants were OF the
most vrulent character. Tho result justified those
of Buffers friends who in vain had tried TO as
susde him from making joint canvass with such
politician Tman. The latter was over
vhem!ngly elected. Out OF these contests. how
ever has arisen situation. There Is, ~
formation. a strong anti-Tllman party. which may.
II well led make itself felt this year in the cleo
ton for a constitutional convention The con-
vcntion will meet in September. and the members
will be chosen In August
All this is a necessary Introduction 10 the fol-
lowing interview with prominent South Caro-
lnian. lately one Of Tman's leaders, man OF
clear ideas and strong common-sense He says
You will be more surprised than YOU ever r wern
the conservatives @ Of South Carolina viii be found
in the Republican party. or at any rate found
the bitterness that has existed there between the
Democrats and Republicans. as everywhere in the
duce another sensation has arrived As say. in
three months time the old rivals will be allies
Republicans and Populists-a successful fusion by
the way-so in South Carolina we are are going to see
servat,e Democrats and the Republicans You
viii want to know how all this could pos,sIoiy
tina, the preliminary steps to ailianSe , have al
has been taken up by men on both sides and has
found great favor, IT has the approval Of he tie
two sreat State leaders OF the c9nservaives Butler
and Hampton. 1t is indorsed by the National
Democratic leaders here and elsewhere. Some OF
the big Republican leaders favor II;
You In moment why each OF these an
tagonistic elements reaches the same conclusion
The Republicans naturally wish to have one more
chance in the Palmetto state, This gives 1t to
them without danger: am speaking as Democrat.
The conservatives will operate as balance TO
Lraily wish 10 restore the rule Of soberness and
liberty-lost since Tillman and Irby have departed
men have become tyrants and dictators. Their mot
ropoan police bill. passed by the Legislature the
takes away SELF government in ali the towns, and
gives the rule TO creatures constituted by Legs-
Of them deluded by Tillman. He perpetrates his
power by such means. But a revolt is going on
heretofore fought conservatism ready TO
operate with Republicans and conservatives 10 Sc
Ry the time the convention campaign opens there
will be a formidable movement on foot which cannot
fall TO shake the present Democratc 9resniza9n On
from centre to circumference am frank to say %
how earth 1t can stand the shock. This
movement IN the beginning at least has no prT
from the hands OF the oppressor The National Is.
involved. But in State matters there will be per
feet fusion OF nearly the whole conservative party
with the Republican party II Is the one thing which
their liberties.
This gentleman spoke with great carnestness and
certainty. A conservative. who Is a friend Of Sena
tor Butler. was seen He confirmed what had
been learned OF the projected COUP and added:
IL have myself been engaged In fixing up this
thing in my county. The movement will be general
very soon The parties will vote together. and they
will divide the Offices when they have wresied them
from Tillman's crowd