The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-01-30
The xoaisiaua investigation.

FACTS BY COLONEL MORROW, ETC.
New ORLEANS, January 2S.-Msjor Lewis
Merrill was recalled before the congressional
investigating committee yesterday, and In
answer to Mr.. Marshall said his information
was not all obtained from, Que side; that he
had no political prejudice in the matter; that
he had conversations with Kellogg, Packard,
and ether Radicals, but they did not infu'
cnce him particle. His conclusions were
made from reports made by subalterns. Inc
chief crime Of the colored people IS petty
larceny. Many are out Of employment Tor
political reasons, and must steal or starre.
The colorcd people are generally truth
full. In De Soto parish they are delib-
erately robbed before justice Of the peace.
As class the Democrats are the most intel.
ligcnt in the country. White men are not
punished for their crimes as strictly as the
negroes are. White people generally assert
that there has been maladmnistration and
corrupt men in State offices; taxation has
been unreasonably high, and white people
regard the State Government as oppressive.
Witness made athdaritS against some citi'
Gems "to arouse a feeling among the best
citizens TO induce the worst to obey the civil
law. Civil law was not resisted in that in.
stance" Have never seen handbills calling
upon employers to discharge employees who
did not vote the Democratic ticket, but have
seen notices TO that effect.
To-day is the sixth of the investigation.
Lieutenant Rudio testified in relation to the
St. Martinsy.lle troubles. Heard persons
hurrah for the White League, and man
pointed out q party who, he said, were
White Leaguers made several arrests was
informed by some colored men that they
dared not vote unless they voted the Demo.
cratic ticket. In reply to a question wit.
ness said that 100 families were driven
away by planters, who refused to employ
them further; but in reply to subsequent
question by Conservative counsel said he
did not know whether or not contracts be.
tween the employers and laborers had ex.
pired. Negroes had informed him that the
" White Leaguers had robbsd them of their
arms" Witaess had never seen the White
League drilling. The complaints of the
Democrats were not against dishonest off.
Gals, but against them as being Republi.
cans.
Captain j. 81. Gage testified in relation to
affairs IN the same parish to similar effect,
with the exception that lie said the Demo-
Gratis complained both against the Kellogg
government and the Republican party. They
opposed giving Republicans equal rights.
Heard the conversation between Colonel De
Blanc and the United States Marshal, when
the former said, IF white people are to be
arrested for the discharge of negroes who
voted the Republican ticket, make out your
warrant for me now; that be would dis.
charge his own servant if he go voted.
NEW ORLEANS, January 2S.-The Marshal
crosS-eXamined Lieutenant De Rudio. Wit
ness admitted his opinions were formed
mostly from information obtained from ne
groes; had very little intercourse with Con-
scrvatives OF the country; admitted that
most Of the statements made by him were
upon hearsay; the Republican clerk Of the
court Is under indictment for murder does
got think the United States marshal could
have made arrests upon warrants without
the assistance of United States troops; doubt.
less the sending of the Metropolitan police
into that country by Governor Kellogg Is
partly the reason for SO much bitterness of
feeling against Republicans. Has heard a
great many complaints against oppressive
taxes; has been informed that people have
had to abandon their lands because they
were unable to pay taxes; considers the
whites in that country IS unreliable as ne
groes.
TESTIMONY OF COLONEL MORROW.
Colonel Harry A. Morrow, lieutenant.
colonel of the Thirteenth infantry, testified.
[ have been in the army since 1852; have
been twice appointed by the department
commander to inspect different portions Of
the State 10 see what was the general condi-
ton; have been through Cuushatta, Lin.
coin, Washington, and Caddo, and all par
sh.s TO the mouth of Red river, and have
never heard any citizens express hostility to-
wards the United States. Iattrihute the un.
certain condition OF the State, in the first
place, to a deep.seated opinion on
the part of the people that they have
been defrauded Of their rights at the
elections; secondly, that they feel themselves
to have been imposed on by some of the pro-
cesses of law. There is also feeling on the
part of the people that is more imaginary
than real in relation to the negro. They do
not regard the black man exactly entitled to
the position that be occupies. For instance.
in The parish of Natchtoches q jury of
black men, not one Of whom could write
his name, had sat in Il caSe involving $780,
600; that was regarded by both parties as
something that was not right. Hound else
where that there was an opinion that colored
men had been splaced in positions Of more
importance than their education entitled
them to. did not look into the character
Of State officials, rs ! did not deem 1t my
duty As 4 military officer to do SO.
MIR. Zlcharie: State the condition Of feel
ing between the races, and what it is to be
! attri 6uted TO-.
| Colonel Morrow talked freely with all
classes of people in relation to the negro,
Nt...S
here had been carried by the Conservatives,
| was anxious to know what effect 1t would
have on the condition of the black man
whether the power they had acquired would
he used to Cypress him. or whether he would
he allowed to 20 forward and enjoy privi-
legcs guaranteed TO him by the general laws
of the land and the Constitution. With few
exceptions | was answered that the negro
would have none Of his rights taken
from him. These rights would be guarau'
tecd him. That there would be no effort to
curtail them in any respect. There were ex'
ceptiops, where 1t was said the darkies
would have to take back seat ; but rs rule
the best class Of people Q could name some
of them if necessary expressed the former
opinion.
Mr.. Zacbarie: To what do you attribute
the disturbed condition Of the raeesl
Colonel Morrow: had little opportunity
to witness anything of that sort. l was told
every wi here by officers and citizens that there
was difficulty at Shreveport. saw General
Merrill and other officers who gave me an
account of the disturbed condition. talked
with great many colored people when
could get hold of them, but very few could
give me any information, one OF whom was
p,,+;st p,ipistpr He seemed to deDlOre
the condition of the State, and hoped things