The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-12-20

other parties therefor, charging said compan
with the loss. The capital stock of the com
pany will consist of 10000 shares of par valu
800 cash paid up, to be increased by tn
amount equal at par value to the cost of thu
lines purchased or constructed thereafter.
The telegraph companies in actual operation
are lowed to sell to this company at valuation
which will be fixed by five disinterested per
sons, two to be named by the Postmaster Gen
eral and two by the sellers and one by the fou
previously selected. The company is also au
thorized to establish offices independent 0
those established by the Postmaster General
Any Postmaster may act as an operator switl
the assent of the Postmaster Gen. The compan.
may make special contracts with railroads
persons or associations for the use OF the wires
The Government reserves the right to renew
contract or annul franchises for neglect or fail
ure of the company.
Postal Changes.
The postal code bill as amended by the Sen
ate reduces the rate on seeds, &C., to one cent
for two ounces or less and provides that al
mail matter of the third class must be full,
prepaid.
ment to the President.
This afternoon the Louisiana Citizens Com
mittee in accordance with previous arrange
ment through Attorney General Williams ha(
an interview with President Grant in the Exc
cutive Mansion. Judge Campbell explained
the purpose of their visit to Washington ant
gave brief account of the condition of affairs
in Louisiana, in consequence of which, com
merce was seriously affected and trade gener
ally so injured that the people were dismayed
This unfavorable condition of affairs not only
injured that State but other States having clost
business relations with Louisiana
AS there was no prospect of just and salts
factory solution of the present trouble by means
of the agency now at work, the people, through
the committee, asked that in the exigency asso
ciate Justice Bradley of the Supreme Court o.
the United States, aud Judge Woods of the
Circuit Court of the United States, may take
charge of the judicial administration of the
Circuit Court sitting in New Orleans.
Judge Campbell said that when he occupied
a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court OF
the United States he was twice requested by
the Chief magistrate to perform such duty in
order that the force, power and influence OF the
court should be felt and respected. and
he also went there twice at his own instance.
He did not know of more serious condition
of affairs than that which now existed in
Louisiana. and could see no relief except in the
manner now suggested the judges whom he
mentioned, having greater power and indepen-
dence than the Judge who now presided in the
Circuit Court. The course he bad indicated
promised a solution Of the difficulties so far as
the judicial question was concerned.
In the second place the President of the
United States living 1900 miles distant from
New Orleans could not be expected 90 have q
knowledge of all the facts.
What The people of Louisiana wanted, what
the President wanted, and what all good cti'
zens desired was the right of this matter about
which there were conflicting statements and
eliminating remarks.
The people of that State represented by the
commission also ask theExeeutive of the United
Statesto send to New Orleans three independ-
ent. impartial learned and just men, TO make q
full inquiry into all facts to take testimony and
thoroughly explore the situation. They desired
that all the facts be reported to the President
Herepeated that what they wanted was clear
exact, truthful, honest investigation into all
matters involved, and they also asked that the
President submit their memorial to Congress
together with the result of the investigation, in
the manner indicated. This memorial con
tanned the signatures of many of the wealthiest
and best men to be found in Louisiana. and
who have the largest stake in society. His APP
prehension was that things have gone beyond
either the local or State power, but in advance
of any appeal to Congress, they asked the
President to make q candid examination OF
their condition through three of the best men OF
the land, and submit the subject to Congress
for determination, if this should become neces
sary. But it may rs. be SO.
President Grant in reply said he supposed
that it was competent for the Supreme Courl
to designate any one of its members to proceed
to Louisiana, but he did not think it would bt
quite proper nlu1 10 ulaht Luc Itqu1St vi
them. Congress had the power to investigate
the facts in the case presented, but he did moi
propose to interfere with the local affairs il
that State by putting one set OF officers or an
other in power, although numerous kilograms
letters aud papers say he has done so. No &C
ton was taken by the administration until the
decree Of the U. S. Court was attempted to bt
set aside Or resisted by the last Governor Of
the State, then the q. s. Marshal was simpl,
instructed to-see that the decree of the Fedora
Court was sustained and the military forces
were to be used if necessary to support thf
federal authority. He would not feel at libert,
to make the request that Judge Bradley go Il
New Orleans, particularly as he is wanted herr
while the court is in session, although if thu
court should make the request it would NEE
with his appreciation.
Judge Campbell said there was no authority
under the constitution and laws of the Unitet
States for federal court to interfere with tn
affairs of State, such as had taken place il
Louisiana; and he briefly alluded to the deere
of the courts and its effect in seating and un
seating persons elected to office.
The President during colloquy with Judg
Campbell said his understanding of the subjec
was that the court merely decided who wer
legal canvassers. Even if as is stated in thu
case the court exceeded its authority its decis
ion will have to be respected until the deciss
is set aside by a superior court 1t would d.
dangerous for the President to set a preceden
of interfering with decisions of courts.
Judge Campbell remarked, that il Judge
Carter, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Q
the District of Columbia should undertake
count votes of the President and the Vice Pres
ident, and declare who were elected to thes
offices with the power of the government t
support him, it would be no more legal thai
the course pursued in Louisiana, under tn
opinion of the court supported by the fedora
power. The committee did not ask the Pres
dent to decide anything. They only asked hir
to investigate the matter and communicate t
Congress the report of the three honest men Sc
lected by him for that purpose.
The President said he could not, without tn
action of Congress, employ and compensat
such men.
Judge Campbell said said there was so mucl
patriotism involved the gentlemen would trus
to Congress for compensation.
The President repeated, that without Cor
gressional authority such committee could nc
administer oaths or compel the attendance c
witnesses
Judge Campbell said the committee coul
communicate with those acquainted with a.
the circumstances, and, learning the facts, re
port the truth. What they wanted was a II
sponsible enquiry by men whom everybod
knew would tell the truth.
The President repeated that such comm lite
should have authority by law to send for per
sons and papers, and examine witnesses o
oath.
Judge Campbell asked whether the Presider
would receive from the committee the law an
facts in the case. They did not wish to 60 ou
side of them.
The President replied that they would be e1
amined by the Attorney General, if it Wa
thought proper to do so.
The committee hold another meeting t.
morrow morning. The probable programme
| that a sub committee of five members will r
main here in charge of the subject, and thu
the remainder of the committee will visit th
great centers of trade where they have bus
ness relations.