New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-04
A CRISIS IN NORTH CAROLINA
CUTLER DECLARES WAR ON SENATOR
PRITCHARD.
AN EXCITING CAMPAIGN IN PROSPECT IN THE
STATE WITH LITTLE PROBABILITY OF FUSION
BETWEEN REPUBLICANS AND PoPuLLsrs

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.t
Washington. April 3.-The discussions In North
Carolina between the Popu.kt and Republican wings
OF the fusion ,arty which swept the State In the
1891 elections. now to have reached their most
acute stage Senator Marion Butler. the leader OF
the Populis forces, has at last declared open war
on his colleague Senator Prtchard. and to-day COM
pleted and mailed TO his party associates circular
etter which Is understood to advise total rupture
of the fusion movement successfully begun two
years ago. When the two North Carolina Senators
were elected in 1895 the Populists had the upper
hand and Marion Butler. their candidate. secured
the long term while Jster Prtchard. the Repuoiir
can was chosen to Ill out the remainder OF Senator
Vances term, which will expire on the 80 OF next
March But in consideration OF this unequal dis.
tribution Of avors Mr.. Pritchards friends secured
promise Of support for the reelection OF their can
didate for a full term In the Senate. Mr.. Prttch.
ards friends alleged that Marion Butler. In accept
ing the Sena orship. referred this agreement ana
ratified 1t. so far as he was concerned
The circular which Butler has prepared IL . sequel
to this Incident 1t is strongly asserted that Mr..
Buffers promised support OF Mr.. Pritchard was not
connected with any conditions. and that he was to
use his influence to secure the reelection OF the
Republican Senator. but the circular now being
manifoded for distribution declares In plain terms
that Mr. Butler does not wish his friends to vote
for any for the Sena torship who will not prom
Use to support one for the Presidency who Is not
declared free silver man. Senator Pritchard 70
himself for free silver. but he is at the same time
a strong party man, and intends to secure IS great
concessions possible for the cause OF silver from
the Republican party and then to accept the result
and work Cor the nominee OF the st. Louis Con-
vention.
Il have heretofore explained" said Senator Prtch.
ard to-day. Ito the people Of North Carolina that
was willing to make combination in the State. but
not willing to support an Independent free
silver the electoral ticket. i said favored
-t.,1 n
publicans share OF the electors pledged to vote for
the nominee OF the ST. Louis Convention while
was ready give the Popuists a certain number Of
electors who might do as they pleased. In other
words ! favor honorable cooperation between
the Populiss and Republicans. / said l was not
willing to for an Independent free-silver ticket.
for the reason that such action would be an aban-
donment OF the Republican party. and while was
for free silver for 1t inside Of the Republican
ranks. | believe the Republican party is the only
party that will do anything for free silver"
What will be the effect Of Mr. Buffers movement
on your reelection to the Senate?"
IL am satisfied" replied Mr. Prtchard. that the
Republicans will carry the State and do not think
there much doubt about their ability to carry the
Legislature. We made a fight before very success
fully and succeeded in elecng a good many Repub.
licans. and | think it would be treating those men
unfairly If to attempt breaking up Of the
arrangements then made. There is every DISPOSE
tlOn on the part OF the RepuDucdnS 10 treat tuO
Popuists fairly but there Is disposition on the
part Of the Republicans OF North Carolina TO 60
over to the Populists OF that State"
Mr.. Pritchard did not wish to comment on Senator
Buffers circular shortly be out. but he said
that when he succeeds S in getting COPY q Il ss
yet been made public. although statement az Mr:
in North Carona aT newspapers But Mr. Butter does
not stand by that publication. which, ne says. vas
never sanctioned by him. and which was merely :
rgf IRA Of q understood
Circular r' is i being held back in order that may
published by Mr. Butler at Raleigh. n: 6.
This latest movement on the part OF the Populist
an one in its bearing on the politics Of that State.
It is declaration that Mr. Butler wants the popu.
Republicans who will support no for the Presi-
" hG b IS not RE s sSsE S sna inc YOU'D
lima to support, Populi;t candidate for the Pre:i:
s ssoS u1sss tie Hfgsif Or
re%ey The IN I'VE persisted IN
be- viii make Ike i. impossible for the Republicans snd
OF North RepaSGsns to Of fu.s
acknowledge the great influence OF Senator Butler.
fight sf Brought on BY him between the Popusts and
themselves They say that the Election law adopted
by % oS n t.
that the negro vote OF the State will be cast for
The crisis in North Carolina politics precipitated
by Senator Butler IL is believed. will result in max
State dominant. and does away with any hope that
may have been entertained for Z fusion between
these parties 1t Is thought that either Senator
Butler or Senator Pritchard must 90 down. and the
struggle to be waged in North Carolina during the
next six months. II is believed will be one OF the
hottest political battles the State has known.
MR.. RAMsDELL THINKS 1T WILL BE MKrt.
LEY.
Daniel Ramsdeil. exMarshai OF the District -
Columbia. who came East with General Hary1Uo0
his trip. was about the Fifth Avenue Hotel ~
terday He will be OF the guests at the w.
dinrz onda In taux Ionda