The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-03-01

Ethusiastic support Of the Unionists Of
1.-The Southern States. It. is our$ best
policy, Mr.. Stephens, md you are The
best man for furthering that policy,
i sir. "a ~ q. N; 4. 7: :,E Il
After arguing for about two
hours they got him to the point of
Saying he would consider; then very
wisely withdrew, 54a
i ssThe next day Judge Chiffon ana
Colin McRea, Of the Alabama delega-
tion called for the same purpose.
Their shadows had hardly left Steph-
ems door when Keitt, Of South Car
olina, and Mr., Toombs made their ap-
pearance--at least Toombs didn't
make his appearance, he sat out in
the passageway and when I Let Keitt
in Toombs put his finger to his lips
and shook his head.
Well, Keitt talked and talked and
talked. I never knew a man who
could beat Keitt talking. =
:" You are the preference Of the
South Carolina delegation for presi-
dent, Mr.. Stephens, and am sent to
ask if you will serve if elected was
what it amounted to. -. -.
Mr.. Stephens listened thoughtful
ly to all he had to say. When Keitt
stopped, waiting for his reply, there
was a moment s silence. I don't be-
lieve L ever was more anxious in my
life. [ knew what Mr.. Stephens in
,clination was and I had heard his
prayer the night after the secession
Of Georgia. .... ...
| If [ am the unanimous choice Of
the delegates as well as the states and
can organize cabinet with such con-
cert of ideas and ability as will ;justi-
fly the hope of success will take it,
said he. But OH no other condI-
tions.'
Mr.. Keitt left satisfied and Mr..
| Toombs WIS jubilant. When T re-
turned to. the room Mr.. Stephens was
smoking.
CAT the time Montgomery was full
to overflowing. Besides the accredit-
ed delegates from the six seeding
states there were many politicians
and delegates-unof1icial, of course
from Virginia, from Maryland, from
North Carolina, Texas, Kentucky,
Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas.
"All represented the radical seces-
sionists Of their states and all were
rabid for war. We knew what work
had to be done, but Mr. Stephens
never opened his lips. Never once
was the matter mentioned between
us.
"On the evening Of February 8, af-
ter the adoption Of the constitution, a
motion was made to go into the elec-
ton Of the chief officer Somebody,
L forgot who, moved that the election
should take place the next day at 12
O'Clock, and in the meantime the dele
cations should consult separately.
That was decided on and the meeting
ADJOURNED.
"We nad hardly reached our hotel
when in walked Toombs and Keitt,
followed by Judge Chiffon, Willy
Harris, Gen. Sparrow and Henry
Marshall, of louisiana, Morton and
Owen, Of Florida, and the whole
Georgia delegation. Toombs was the
spokesman and [ never saw him in
better humor or looking handsomer.
" 'Alec, said he, you are the
choice Of every man in congress, and
all Of us are ready to pledge ourselves
to help you form your cabinet. There
is only ono point-those fellows from
Virginia and the border states want
you to promise to strike the first
blow
"For a moment there was perfect
silence. I believe every man in the
room held his breath. Mr.. Stephens
made no reply and Mr. Toombs went
on.
"Thosc fellows say their states are
hanging in the balance, ready to turn
with the first blow. They know Bu-
chanan will never dare to strike lis,
they believe Lincoln will be as cow
ardly
" Now they want the question
settled in their states and they want
you to promise when the opportunity
offers, say if the administration
should attempt to reinforce or provis-
ion Sumter, you will strike the first
blow