New-York tribune., 1896-04-08
A TRUCE IN NORTH CAROLINA.
WAR BETWEEN THE REPUBLICANS AND
POPULISTS POSTPONED.
SPEAKER wALsER COMES TO WASHINGTON IN
SENATOR BUTLER TO WITHHOLD HIS
CIRCULAR UNTIL A CONFER

ENCE CAN BE HELD
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBuNE1
Washington. April THE breaking out OF actual
warfare between the Popust and Republican wings
OF the Fusion party which now dominates North
Carolina politics. have been again post
poned by n temporary truce. When It became
known last week that Senator Butler had declared
Senator Pritchard through a circular letter
he proposed send out to his constituents. prac
tically appealing to them not to support his Repub-
can colleague for reelection next fall, there
great CONSERVATION in the ranks OF the Fusion
party Many prominent Fusion leaders believed
that such course would result in the downfall OF
both the Republican and Populist parties In the
State and the renewed ascendancy OF the Demo-
cratic party. which has only been beaten by the
Fusion between the two parties opposing II. At
first 1t supposed that Mr.. Butler confident
that he could carry the State without Republican
support and not only eject a Governor but dictate
the succession In the Senate. But Senator Pritchard
at once proclaimed himself ready for the pending
battle with much confidence OF Victory
possessed by the Populist Senator. while the Demo-
Gratis throughout the State were jubilant over the
prospect OF a three -cornered fight. which they be-
l.eved would allow them to regain control OF the
State.
In this dilemma Zeb Vance Walser Speaker OF
the House of Representatives OF North Carolina.
chosen by his political friends to come to Wash
ington mission OF peace. Mr.. Walser arrived
here yesterday and found deporable state OF az
fairs He found that Mr.. Butler had his circular
letter manifoded and in envelopes ready TO send
out. He realized that II that circular should be
formally distributed by the Popust Senator 1t
would be almost impossible TO effect reconcilia ton
between ihe Populists and the Republicans What
made the circular OF the greatest importance
the fact that Mr.. Butler chairman OF the North
Carolina Populist State Committsa and that tho
letter appeared to be Official deliverance Of the
sentiment Of the committee. although II was well
known that II only personal letter written by
Mr.. Butler
Mr.. Walser Is a Republican. Still. ne has been
intimate relations with Senator Butler. and could
readily approach him in such crisis. He called al
the Capitol. and for two hours a most interesting
conference held. The importance OF the stua
tion was shown to Mr.. Butler. and last night the
North Carolina Senator consented 10 withhold his
circular until after conference is held between the
North Carolina Populist State Committee and the
Conference Committee OF the Republican State
COMMITTEE s This meeting VII take Gace on AB.
pubcans is that concaiory measures Will prob
Mr.. walser also had a two hours conference with
senator Prit hard. Lut he did not find Mr. Pritch-
ard in nnm9r to forgive ana forget the as;aul;
weighing the matter. and until he should receive
Popusss during @ ,hs eomns c campagn mp pu Mr wal
ser has strongly urged the North Carolina Sen
coming % campaign % and R.H h s m here hoping ha,
before he goes home he Will be able to bring both
The embarrassing feature Of this political tenn
pest is tina, Senator Buffers proposed action had
been communicated 10 n number OF his political
friends In confidence and some OF these. taking
his suggestions cue. Rave begun 10 open hrc
on Senator Pritchard by the publication OF state
ments regarding the situation. Mr. Butler. as
chairman OF the Populis' State Committee OF North
Carolina. will attend the conference to he held on
April u. and until after that meeting he VII DO
nothing TO fan the flame Of discOrd between Popu-
lists and Republicans Tho pcacenakers think that
Senator Butter has acted prematurely and that II
the Popullss and Republicans are 10 antagonizc
each other such course should not have been
adoptei BY Senator Butter until after the confer
ence 10 take place next week has been held. These
peacemakers think that Mr. Butler can be per
suaded 20 compromise on an agreement which VIII
give the Ciovernorsh.p 10 his party. In return for
which Mr. Prtchard will be supported for re-elec-
tion.
II II should be profitable 10 bring about such an
agreement the fusion which existed In North Caro-
Ina in 1894 will be re-estab!shed and tho fight
next fall vii. be made on the same lines which eS
listed during the last campaign. Senators Butter and
Pritchard no: speaking acquaintance.
hut Mr. Walser hopes before he goes home to brinR
them together in friendly conference and he can
do this he thinks that an important crisis for both
the Popullss and Republicans Will be overcome.