New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-12-20
THE LOUISIANA CASE.

THE CITIZENS COMMITTEE IN wAsuIyGToN-AN
INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT-wHAT
TIE COMMITTEE ASK THE PRESIDENTS
OPINION IN TIE MATTER.
WASHINGTON, Dec 19.-This afternoon the
Louisiana Citizens Committee, 10 accordance with
previous arrangement through Attorney General VII
lams. had interview with President Grant in his
business office at the Executive Mansion. The Commit
having been introduced TO the President by Attorney
General Williams. Judge Campbell explained the pur-
pose OF their coming to Washington, and gave brief
account OF the condition Of aIrs Ia louisiana 10 conse
quence OF which commerce seriously affected and
trade generally injured that the people dismayed
This unfayorabe condition OF affrs only injured
that state but other States having close business re
tons with Louisiana.
As there was prospect OF Just and satisfactory
solution Of the present trouble 10y OF the agency
at work. the people, through the Committee, asked
that this exigency Associate Judge Bradley Of the
Supreme Court OF the United States and Judge Woods OF
the Circuit Court of the United States take charge
OF the judicial Administration Of the Circuit Court
sitting in New.0rleans.
Judge Campbell said that when he occupied scat on
the bench OF the Supreme Court OF the United States he
twice requested by the Chief Magistrate 10 perform
such duty in order that the force power and influence
of the Court should be felt and respeced and he also
went there twice at his instance He did not know
of serious condition OF affairs than that which
now exstedin louisiana and colld see relief except
in the manner now suggested, the Judge whom he men,
toned having greater and independence than the
Judge who presided IL the Circuit Court.
The he had indicated promised solution OF the
difficulties the in hcial question concerned
the second place. the President OF the United States,
living 200 miles distant from New Orleans could be
expected TO have knowledge Of all the facts. What
the people OF Louisiana wanted, what the President
wanted and what all good men desired, the right of
this matter, about which there conflicting state
ments and eliminating remarks.
The people Of that state represented by the Com
mitee also ask the Executive Of the United States to
send 10 New-oreans three Independent, impartial,
learned and Just men 10 make full inquiry into all the
iacts 10 ahe auu n g b nored ~
the President He repeated that what they wanted was
clear exact truthful honest investigation into all the
matters involved and heyaso asked that the President
submit their memorial TO Congress- together with tho
result OF the investigation made in the manner indi'
Gated.
wealhiest and best men to De found IN Louisiana. ana
who have largest stake society His Apprehension
was that things have gone beyond either local ats
asked the President 10 make a candid examination
OF their condition through three OF the best men OF the
land and 10 submit the matter TO Congress Tor deter
minatOn If this should become necessary but may not
be so.
competent for the Supreme Court to designate
OF its TO proceed TO Louisiana, but lie did not
think would be quite proper for him 10 make the re-
quest Of them Congress had to investigate the
facts in the presented But he did not propose to
set OF officers another IN power although nuner-
kilograms letters, aud papers say he had done So
No action taken by the Administration until the
decree OF the United States Court attempted 10 be
set aside resisted by the last Governor OF the state
Then the United States Marshal simply instructed
that the decree OF tho Federal Court was sus-
tanned and tbe military forces we're 10 be used IL neces-
sary TO support the Federal authority. He would not
feel liberty TO make request that Judge Bradley 20
to New Orleans, particularly - he Is wanted here while
h as SQ2E Y m woa sa MSh biz sppobaoa
Judge Campbell said there no authority under the
Court 10 interfere with the affairs OF state, as IL had IN
Louisiana; and he briefly alluded TO decree OF the
Court and its effect IN seating and unseang persons
elected to office.
The President. during colloquy with Judge Campbell,
said his understanding the subject the Court
had merely decided who were the legal canvassers, and
even IT, stated In the case tho Court exceeded its
thOrty It's decision will nave 10 be respected until the
decision shall be set aside by Superior Court Itwould
be dangerous President ret tue precedent OF
interfering with the decisions OF Courts.
Judge Campbell remArged That II Judge Cartier, Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court OF the District Of Column
ba should undertake. 10 the for President
and Vice President, aud d clare who elected TO
these offices, with the power OF the Government TO sup
port him. the act would DO legal than the
pursued III Louisiana, uIGer tie opinion OF the Court,
supported by the Federal rover. Ihe Committee dld
not ask the President decide anything. They only
asked him to investigate the matter and TO eommuni-
cate to Congress the report OF the three honest
selected 10y him Tor the purpose. 49,
The President said he could not without the action OF
Congress, employ aud compensate such men. Judge
Campbell said there was so much patriotism involved
the gentlemen would trust to Congress for compensation.
Tue President repeated that without the authority OF
Congress such committee could not administer oaths
or compel the Attendance OF witnesses,
Judge Campbell said the Comiuittee could eommuni-
with those acquainted with all tho circumstances,
aud learning the facts report tho truth. What they
wanted was responsible inquiry by men whom every
body knew would tel the truth.
The President repeated that such Committee should
have authority by TO send for persons and papers,
and examine witnesses on oath.
judge Campbell asked whether the President would
receive from the Committee the law and tue facts IN the
case. They did not wish TO 90 outside OF them.
The President replied they would bo examined by the
AttOrney General II IL was thought proper to do
Tie Committee Will hold another meeting tomorrow
morning. The probable programme Is that a sub Com
mittee OF five members Will mere In charge Of
the subject, and that the binder OF the Committee
will visit great centers OF trade where they have
business relations.