Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-12-20

| WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.-This afternoon the
| LOUISIANA citizens committee, in accordance
| win previous arrangement through Attorney
| General Williams, had an interview with Presi-
| deht Grant at the executive mansion. Judge
| Campbell explained the purpose of the visit to
washington, and gave brief account of the
condition OF affairs in Louisiana, in consequence
oil Whlch commerce was seriously affected and
Iade generally so injured that the people were
dlsmayed. This uulavorabe condition of affairs
not only injured the state, but other states hay.
ing close business relations with Louisiana As
there was no prospect of Just and satisfactory
solution OF the present trouble by means
Oh tne lagency now at work. the
people, through the committee, asked
that IN This eXigency Associate Justice Bradley
OF the supreme court of the United States, and
Judge Woods of the circuit court of the United
ntates, may take charge of the judicial admin
lslratlon OF the circuit court sitting IN New Or
leans. Judge Campbell said that when he occu-
pied seat on the bench of the supreme court of
tue United States, he was twice requested by the
chlei magistrate TO perform the duty, in order
that the force, power and influence of the court
should be telt and respected; and he also went
there twice, at his own instance. He did not
know oil a 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 hay
ing greater power and independence than the
Judge who now presided in the circuit court
The course he had indicated promised so ution
OF the difficulties so far as the judicial question
was concerned; in the second place, the presi-
dent of the United States, living 1900 miles dis.
tant from New Orleans, could not be expected
to have knowledge Of all the facts. What the
people of Louisiana wanted, what the president
wanted, and what all good citizens desired, was
the right Of this matter, about which there
were conflicting statements and eliminating re.
marks. The people of that state, as represented
by the committee, also ask the executive of the
United States to send to New Orleans three in
dependent, impartial, learned and just men, to
make full inquiry into all the facts, to take tes-
timony aud thoroughly explore the situation.
They desired that all the facts be reported TO
the president. He repeated that what they
wanted was clear exact, truthful, honest in
Yestigation into all matters involved, and
they also asked that the president
submit their memorial to congress, together
with the result of the investigation, made in the
manner indicated. This memorial contained
the signatures OF many of the wealthiest and
best men TO be found in louisiana who have
the largest stake IN society," His apprehension
was that things have gone beyond either local or
state power; but in advance Of any appeal to
congress they asked the president to make
candid examination Of their condition through
three of the best men Of the land and to submit
the subject TO congress for determination, if
this should become necessary, but it may not be
so.
was competent for the supreme court to desir.
nate any one of its members to proceed to Lou
isiana, but he did not think it would be quite
proper for him to make the request of them,
congress had power to investigate the facts In
the case presented, hut he did not propose 10
interfere with the local affairs in that state bv
putting one set Of officers or another in power.
Although numerous kilograms, letters and pa.
pers say he had done so, no action was taken nv
the administration until the decree Of
to be set aside or resisted bv he
last governor of the state. Then the tJnited
States marshal was simply instructed TO soc
that the decree Of the federal court was sus.
tanned, and military force was TO be used if
necessary to support the federal authority. lie
would not feel at liberty to make the reouest
that Judge Bradley 20 TO New Orleans, particu
larry as he is wanted here while the court i in
session; although, if the court should make the
request, it would meet with his appreciation,