Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-22
Ciemphis Appeal)


Some time ago ex-senator Reagan. or
Texas, in a speech delivered in Nash
Vile. on X-Confederate-Day at the Cen
tnnial, took occasion 10 deny the state
mcnt frequently made hitherto that
President Lincoln had offered 10 pay the
South $l00O00o0J for her slaves. prOvid-
ing the Confeicracy would lay down
arms. Hon. Henry WattersOn, editor of
the COurier-JOurnal, who has written
life of Lincoln. and VINO is more than
ordinarily familiar with the facts and
experiences Of his life took Mr.. Reagan
10 task, and with much argument en-
deavorcd 10 prove that the statement
was true. Mr.. Reagen replied TO Mr..
WattersOn, who in turn replied to Rca-
gan, and the press of the country has
been arguing the case pro and con ever
since.
Tho debate has been on the follow
ing proposition:
Resolved. That President Lincoln at
the Hampton Roads meeting offered TO
pay the South $iOO,OO0OOO for the slaves
manumitted by his proclamation, pro-
viding the South would lay down its
arms and return to the Union.
Senator Reagan changed the usual or
der of debate by opening the argument
on the negative side. Mr.. Watterson
replied TO this speech in two-column
article on the affirmative side. Both ar
uments were able and interesting. and
they were singularly in one respect
Each cOntcnded that because there was
no proof TO the contrary, his side Of the
question was the right one, and his con-
clusiOns the correct ones.
Senator Reagan denied the statement
and argued that because there was no
record evidence of it,, and because he had
never heard it claimed by any one VINO
would be likely TO know, il was therefore
pure fiction.
Mr.. Watterson insisted that because 1t
had never been denied by any or the
writers who were conversant with inc
facts. and because 1t was current rumor
at the time and q matter Of popular Dc
lief for thirty-two years, 1t was there-
fore true.
A valuable contribution has been made
to the debate by eX-Attorney-General a.
III. Garland In a letter to the Little
Rock Gazette Of Saturday he writes AT
length on the subject. lie hNed with
Alexander III. Stevens, one OF the con
ferrees He was intimate with him, ana
had the story from his own lips ON the
dav of the conference. In reply 10 Gene
raj Garland's request for a detailed state
ment of the proceedings had at the con-
ference. Mr. Stephens said suDstan-
italy: ,.,
AT the outset, when they the parues)
met and our side stated their objects and
purpose. Mr.. Lincoln said he could not
remain and confer with them as comIniS-
sioners or agents of any existing legal au-
thority. but he was willing TO talk as IN
diyiduals merely and before anything
like official talk could be had the S0uth
must lay down her arms-surrender. ms
was the absolute condition. PERSONA
conversation then proceeded on several
subjects.
An armistice was suggested by our slde'
with a view of agreeing on some common
understanding as TO the Monroe doctrine,
which. il was supposed. would soon come
into practical notice. on account OF what
was then going on in Mexico. but the
idea received no favor with Mr.. Lincoln
and he put it aside.
Then the proposed thirteenth amend
ment was discussed, and the views OF
the different gentlemen given as TO It's
erect etc. and Mr.. Lincoln said If he
were Mr.. Stephens ne would 80 TO Georgia
and urge the calling Of the Legislature 10
adopt this amendment. and generally 20
take steps TO stop the war and restore the
Union. and then the suggestion was made
n the Southern States were to come back