The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-05-24
BUTLER FAvoRs JUDGE GRAY,
Says He is Ideal Candidate for De-
mocrats.-Former United States
Senator from South Carolina.

Il HuSeIlelu, May ZU.-FOr more than
4 quarter Of a century, with profit
/ and honor to herself, South Carol
ina followed the political lead of Gen.
M. G. Butler. His public actions
L and views, characterized by resolute
determination yet wholesome conser-
sSvatism, were wisely endorsed and ac-
cepted. While not now in public life
his views on national affairs and the
political situation, if not acted upon,
will always be read with deep inter-
est by the general public. Recog-
nllzng this fact the correspondent of
The News and Courier sought an in
terview with him.
The General is now devotine his
! energies and splendid talent to hus-
bandry, and he was found in the
held, directing the working of some
cotton. Reluctantly and with becom-
ing modesty he granted the interview.
'General, I asked, "have YOU
paid much attention to the political
outlook and prospects for the next
Presidential election9"
swell, not especially. Not more.
perhaps than the average newspaper
reader. There are some conditions in
Doth the Democratic and Republican
parties which the most casual obser-
yer cannot have failed to notice.
"What are some of the salient
points about the conditions to which
you refer that make them specially
noticeable
q "Well, in the first place, the Demo-
Rratlc party has two little leadership
%4nd the Republican too much. The
so-called leaders Of both parties are
at variance as to best party policy,
), and the chances are that the conser-
Vatlve elements of both parties will
get together and join issue with the
radical, Populistic, Socialistic con-
tlngents of both parties. Call these
conservatives 'reactionaries, if you
please; II they save the country from
the centralizing propaganda of the
radicals they will deserve and receive
the respect and thanks of all who are
devoted to the principles and desire
the perpetuity Of our constitutional
Republic of limited, we'll defined
powers.'
who, in your judgment, would be
the best man for the Democrats to
nominate for the Presidency
Judge George Gray, Of Delaware,
would be able, in my opinion, to de-
feat any man the Republicans could
name, as matters now stand.'
"Why, General, do you favor
Judge Gray9"
"For the following reasons:
list. Because he is gentleman of
high, unimpeachable character.
I'D. Because he is a Democrat.
Sd. Because he is a man of COM
manding talents, strong intellectual
ity, a great lawyer.
"4th. Because he is a man of af-
fairs, well equipped from long and
honorable experience in public life.
'lf these qualities do not commend
to the voters of the country, what
wouldq Judge Gray is not spectacular,
not previous or bumptions in his
opinions, but safe, sane, steady-go-
ing statesman, free from demagogism,
rarely, If ever, speaking for effect
only. He would, in my judgment, re-
ceive almost solidly the labor vote.
lie has on several occasions acted as
umpire or arbitrator in controversies
between labor and capital, and his
rulings and decisions have been so
fair and just that both parties have
expressed satisfaction with them.
"What effect his candidacy would
have on the Populistic, Socalistic
ranks l do not know and would not
care. I believe, as far as his con-
stitutional, executive powers and pre-
negatives would permit he would en-
Rforce. with rigid impartiality every
NaRw on the statute books, and thereby
acure the respect, admiration and
Apport of all law abiding citizens
a organizations. Such at least is
candid judgment Independently
lind respectfully expressed"
,FtDo you think there are men fur
BDfer south who could fill ably and
6cfeditably the Presidential chair9"
R "Oh, yes; Culberson, Of Texas, Ba-
sdon, Of Georgia, John Sharp Will
Hams, Of Mississippi, and others who
might be mentioned, would measure