Q. The central idea of the South is a national idea, then? --A. The central idea of the South is more a national idea now than it has been in this respect. Q. I would use the word "leading" rather than "central" there--the leading idea? --A. We, of course, claim that we want to manage the internal affairs of our States just as much as New York, or New Hampshire, or Massachusetts would want to manage theirs, but that it is necessary for us to have the guidance and protection of the Government: we want it just as much as either of those States. Q. Have you traveled considerably through the North? --A. I have. Q. What portions of the North have you visited within the last few years? --A. I have visited Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Hartford, and I might say a number of other points in the States of which they are the chief cities. Q. While we are speaking of this matter of reciprocal feeling between the sections of country, as you have mentioned the attitude of the South, I should like to know from you, from your personal observation and knowledge, what you find to be that of the North toward the South? --A. I think it is of the kindliest character. I have never in my life been treated with more consideration than I have been by gentlemen in the East who were most opposed to the South during the war. Q. I do not refer simply to personal courtesy, but I mean the expression of feeling as between the sections, the general tendency and drift of Northern feeling towards the Southern portions of the country, to the people of the South? --A. I think, so far as I have been able to observe, that the feeling in the East towards the South is a general anxiety for her prosperity. I would go so far as to speak of it as anxiety for her prosperity. Q. You think the war of sections is pretty much over? --A. I think it is obliterated, and for that reason I go back to this point, that our prosperity in the South has begun. Q. You have described with some minuteness the condition of things among the planters and those who work upon the plantations. I should like to ask this question further, whether any of the negroes along the alluvial bottoms are obtaining ownership of lands in fee-simple? --A. In very few instances in the alluvial lands. When they make enough money to buy a home they generally go to the hill country, where land can be bought at a much more reasonable price. Q. With what amount of accumulation will a negro get up and go to the hills? --A. There are negroes right in my section of the country who have an accumulation clear of all expenses of from a thousand to $3,500 a year.