The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-02-02

ate Senator Pritchard he would take-Gov-
ernor Russell, and he even went 20 the
extent OF saying that he would support
any other Republican regardless of his
financial views in order TO defeat Senator
pr,itchard. In full caucus before any
split, Mr. Skinned stated his position and
assigned reasons for the election OF Sena-
tor Pritchard, saying at the same time,
that Senator Pritchard was the caucus
and convention nominee nominated by
the Republican party and had made such
"a silver declaration that he would sup
port no other Republican and he chal-
lenged Senator Butler TO give good rea-
son why under these conditions and cir
cumstanees Senator pritchard was more
objectionable than amy other Repubh-
can, and that il he would assign any un-
amswerable cause for Pritchard's defeat
that he would then and there challenge
him to name Populfst and he, eSkinner)
would assist him to secure his election.
This challenge Senator Butler refused TO
accept. IL Butler was sincere IN wanting
Popuhst Senator he should have ac-
cepted this challenge when made when
all were present in the caucus and would
have been bound by its action. How
ever, for the purposes of deception ne
waits for THE revolt of which he was ad-
vised before naming a Populist candi-
, date. An thinking people knew that
Senator Buffers present ambi-
ton, If failing in other conquests, is to
succeed himself IN the Senate He knew
that an Eastern Populist in the Senate
at this time meant his retirement in 1900,
and consequently he would not name q
I POpulist that would be acceptable to the
Democrats because he wanted to be GER
tain that his nominee could not possibly
be elected. The nominee to be slaughter
ed i'm lhis interest and at his behest was
DIR. Cyrus Thompson, who was commit
ted during and since the campaign and in
caucus ito Senator Pritchard, a man
known to Senator Butler by reason of his
position i'm the State government and in
connection with the Farmers Alliance
that would prove a formidable rival for
Senatorial honors in 1900. / think
know that DIR. Thompson is not complain
ing Of amy Populist member of the Leg
dshature who refused 10 support him un-
der these conditions, and at the proper
time and place and for the purpose OF a
clear understanding suppose DR..
Thompson will be heard from. 1t was
further suggested that there was O con-
cert OF action between the Democratic
caucus and Senator Butler personally, but
this fact he never disclosed to his own
caucus, but always entered a disclaimer
can name three men who would have
been mutually satisfactory TO Senator
Butaer and the Democratic caucus, Meth
er of whom was DR. Thompson or either
OF the Republicans already manned The
Popuhst members who adhered to their
campaign pledges and whose consciences
directed independent action in the Sen
atoriad election acted without amy DreYi-
ous concert OF purpose and at the time
without my knowledge of their contem-
plated action, but after knowing the eau
Gus that preclpItated the movement, ]
want to say, aihat / unquahfedly justified
their course as the only one open TO hon
or1ble men and i will defend their ac-
tion at all times and under all circlm-
stances whenever vindicatIon requires it
against the wanton abuses and scurrilous
ATTACKS Both OF the press and Senator
Butler
Referring more specifically to Senator
Buffers recent official statement
and the resolutions adopted by
Hdle uIIdJOUuly CAUCUS at Wis De-
hest, wish to say that the charges made
by Senator Butler indicalting improper
methods or dishonorable influences in ac-
complishing Senator Pritchard's election
rs wantou, malicious and cowardly slam
der.
A number of the majority caucus who
participated in the action have assured
me personally since that they did not ap-
prove OF it, but / have no resentment
toward the members OF the caucus who
concurred with Senator Butler or who
acquiesced in his almost brutal action to-
ward myself personally, and the patriotic
and honorable members who defied his
despotic power in voting for Pritohard.
know that they have been deceived,
and that they have acted under misap-
prehension OF the facts as they existed
as will be completely demonstrated In
due time. And 1T win be shown to their
satisfaction whose treachery has
nearly made shipwreck OF the Populist
party in the State So far as could
tried 10 conduct the campaign upon a
high and honorable plane. 4 remained