The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-12-20
THE LOUISIANA IIBROCLIO.
The New Orleans Delegation
at the White House.
EX-CHEEF JUSTICE CAMPBELLs STATEMENT.
President Grant Refuses to Act with.
out Authority from Congress.
Kellogg to Be Inaugurated Governor
In January.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 1872.
This afternoon the Louisiana Citizens Commit
tee In accordance with previous arrangement
through Attorney General Williams had inter-
view with President Grant In his business ONCE at
the Executive Mansion.
THE ADDRESS OF Ex-CHIEF JUSTICE CAMPBELL
The committee having been introduced to the
President by Attorney General Williams. Judge
Campbell explained the purpose Of their coming 10
washington and gave a brief account OF the condi-
ton of AFFAIRS In Louisiana, In consequence OF
which commerce was seriously anected and trade
generally 80 injured that the people are dis
mayed. This uniavorable condition OF affairs
not only injured that State, but other
States having close business relations with Lousi-
ana As there was no prospect Of = Just and salts
factory solution OF the present trouble by OF
the agency 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 States, may take charge or the judicial
administration Of the Circuit Court sitting In New
Orleans. Judge Campbell said that when he
occupied o seat on the bench Of the
Supreme Court OF the United States he was
twice requested by the Chief Magistrate to per-
form 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
atfairs than that which now existed in Louisiana,
and could see no relief except In the manner now
suggested, the Judges whom he had mentioned hav.
ing greater power and independence than the Judge
who now presided In the Circuit Court. The course
he had indicated promised solution Of the dlnlcul-
ties far the judicial question was concerned.
IN THE SECOND PLACE
the President Of the United States, living 1900
miles distant nom New Orleans, could not be ex-
pected to have knowledge OF all the facts. What
the people Of Louisiana wanted what the President
wanted and what all good men desired was the
right OF this matter. about which there were con-
nictlng statements and eliminating remarks. The
people OF that State, as represented by the Com
mittee also ask the Executive OF the United States
to send to New Orleans three Independent, i'm
partial, learned and just men to make full In
quiry into all the facts, to take testimony and
thoroughly explore the situation. They desired
that oil the facts be reported to the President He
repeated that what they wanted was a clear, ex-
act, truthful honest investigation into all the
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 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 apprehen-
sion 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 hest men OF the land and to submit the
subject to Congress for determination IL this should
become necessary. but II may not be 50,
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY.
President Grant, In reply, said he supposed It
was competent for the supreme Court to designate
but he did not think it would be quite proper for
him to make the request Congress had power to
he did not propose to interfere with the local
arairs in that state by putting set OF officers
another in power, although numerous kilograms
letters and papers say he had done so. No
action was taken by. the administration until the
decree OF the United states Court was attempted
the state. Then the United States Marshal was
simply instructed to see that the decree OF the ede
were to be used II necessary to support the federal
authority. He would not feel at liberty to make q
ny % he the IN
session; although II the Court should make the
reguestit would meet with his appreciation.
the constitution and laws Of the United states for
q federal Court to interfere with the afairs OF
to the decree OF the Court and its eect in stating
and unseating persons elected TO ONCE.
THE EXECUTIVE LOArH TO INTERFERE.
The President, during q colloquy with Judge
Campbell, said his understanding OF the subject
was that the Court had merely decided who were
case the Court exceeded its authority, its decision
will have to be respected until the decision shall
be set aside by Q Superior Court: 1t would be
81 interferiis with the decisions OF Courts.
" A CASE PROPOUNDED. ~
Judge Campbell remarked that Judge Cartier,
Chief Justice Of the Supreme Court OF the District
of Columbia, should undertake to count the votes
for President and Vice President, and declare who
were elected to these oces, with the power OF the
more legal than the course pursued In Louisiana,
under the opinion OF the Court, supported by
the federal power. The committee did not ask
the President to DECIDE anything they only asked
to Congress- the report OF the three honest men
selected by him for the purpose.
The President said he could not without the
action Of Congess employ and compensate such
Judge Campbell said there was 80 much patriot
ism involved the gentlemen would trust to Con-
THE PRESIDENT REPEATED
that without Congressional authority such COM
mittee could not administer oaths or control the
attendance OF witnesses.
municate with those acquainted with all the cir
cumstances and, learning the facts, report the
truth. What they wanted was responsible In
guiry BY men whom everybody knew would sel the
The President repeated that such committee
should have authority by law to send for persons
Judge Campbell asked whether the President
would receive from the committee the law and the
facts in the case. Tnsy did not wish TO 60 outside
me President replied that they would be ex-
amined by the Attorney General II II was thought
g 2 ds,es.o. say that the
Legislature IL composed principally Of negroes and
they dread the legislation which they may