The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-04-03
Fairness a Foundation.
On it a Good Constitution
Must be. Built.
Special 10 The State.

JOHNSTON, MdTCu ~ Ooiiotoi
Butler passed through Columbia at
noon to-day on his way from Wash
ington to his home in Edgefield. |
boarded the train at Columbia, when
the Senator very kindly consented to
give to the readers Of The State his
views on the action of the recent con-
vention of the Forty.
In reply to the question, EDO you
approve the action of the Forty con-
ference 2" Gen. Butler said:
eyes. From what have seen IN
the papers it is en- the right line. and
l trust the plan will be carried out.
The proposition submitted some time
ago exacting pledges as a condition
precedent for going into the conven-
ton was insulting to every free man,
and could not be tolerated for a mo-
ment Of course every intelligent
man recognizes the Importance OF
white supremacy, but it must be
founded on Justice to all. White
supremacy is one thing; Ring supre-
macy is another. White supremacy
is better for the white mar and better
for the negro, but, as | have said, it
must be founded on justice and fair
ness TO all
would you advise submitting the
new Constitution to the people?"
"Well you know I am done with
public life--or, to speak more accu-
rately, public life is done with me. |
therefore speak only as a private
citizen. My opinion is that question
should be left to the convention itself.
The best men ought to be elected
delegates and then left untrammeled
and entirely free to do the very best
possible for all the people 1t must
not be forgotten that the organiza-
ton Of a Constitutional Convention is
the highest exercise of popular
sovereignty, and should not be sec
%tional, partisan or prejudiced, but
representative of all. 1t should be
confined to the enunciation ofgeneral
principles of government, expressed
in the briefest, simplest form posi-
Bile, and free from everything legis.
lative.
Gas the convention will be a sover-
eign body, direct from the people, it
will do what a majority may think
best.
Eyes, I think the Forty has done a
great service to the State, and antic
ipate the happiest results from its &C
ton. l was at it's birth in Columbia
some months ago, but had some ap.
prehension then that it's patriotic pur-
poses might be thwarted by extreme
men and demagogues. When I saw
the character Of the men who were
getting together in the different coun-
ties. l felt much encouraged. 1t only
remains now to allow the people
themselves to settle the matter, free
from boss;sm or dictation, and we
shall again have harmony and good
feeling among our people"
Yes. My family will scarcely
be able to get home before the mid
die of April. I have been busy
packing up and clearing off a vast
accumulation of letters aud papers
and am not through yet, but hope to
finish up before long and then take a
rest"
"What are your plans for the fu-
ture
"Thev are not definitely settled.
shall have to go to work at some
thing, and contemplate opening an
Office in Spartanburg, but l want to
rest awhile, and in the meantime will
be governed by the wishes of my
family
"What will be the outcome of the
recent complications with foreign
powers--Spain. England and Ha-
wall 2
ooh, they will blow yer. The
Secretary Of State, Judge Gresham.
is managing our end Of the line with
very decided ability and tact, and the
questions in controversy may be safe
" left to Mr.. Clev Gland and himself
They have impaired to the negotia
tons a strong American spirit with
out jing"ism, and foreign govern
ments have realized that this govern
ment will deal h%onorab'y but firmly
with them, and with due regard to
the international rights and dignity
Of each. don't think, therefore,
there is any danger Of trouble. \
foreign wal would not be unaccepta-
bic to a great many people IN this
country, but, Of course, n could
net be precipitated except upon just
cause
"Have you any views you care to
express about the two great political
p,..ties?"
"Not now. will talk to you later