The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-02-09
CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE.
Testimony of Messrs. Buckner,
Howe and Fenner.
Political Martyrs-Phil Sheridan's
Corpses on Paper.
The Committee Closes its LabOrs.
Fourteenth Days Proceedings.
JAMES BuckneF.

JAMES BuckneF.
This witness was called to testify in regar
to the White League.
The very fact OF the existence Of such q
organization had the e fleet of preventing to
large extent further preparation Of thes
outrages There WIS no intention of eve
coming in contact with the police.
The collision which subsequently ensue
was wholly unprecedented. Negroes,
was well known, were arming. Witnes
knows this from his own personal observa
supported the Conservative party wer
severely abused by Republican negroes, ant
the league resolved to give the former protec
ton against these outrages.
Witness visited many polls on the day o
election, and observed that the most perfec
quiet prevailed at all of them.
Business is very much depressed; in conse
Quence of which, coupled with high taxation
city property has deprecated greatly. It il
almost impossible to raise money upon rea
estate.
Does not think the former Board Of Asses
6ors were honest. Thinks so because it wa.
impossible to get them, upon fair representa-
ton even, to make reduction in assessm ents
but broker, for certain consideration, could
invariably secure the desired reduction. Does
not know anything about the present Board
of Assessors. Thinks the negroes who sup
ported the Conservatives acted upon theil
own judgment and were in no manner init
Undated or forced to so act. Money Was
given them to enable them to defray the ex.
penses of their clubs
Ostracism is not practiced against Repub.
icans Of worthy character.
tn Mr. Hoar-Tha Qrma MIRO hoaod for tho
White League. in mot part consisted of
Belgian rifles. The White League is still in
existence. The companies, however, do not
drill at present.
To Mr. Marshall-The League is composed
of the first young men and merchants Of the
city.
To Mr.. Wheeler-The taking possession of
the State Government was not premeditated.
To Mr. Wheeler-Nine companies turned
out on the 14th Of September.
To Mr. Frye-On the evening Of Sunday,
18th of September, Gen. Ogden held a con-
sultation with his officers to make prepare
tons for taking the arms of the League, then
on board Of the steamer Mississippi. Other
arms had been seized and held, despite an
attempt made through the courts 10 recover
them. There are more names on the roll Of
the League than on the 18th of September.
The League of the city has no connection
with any organization in this or any other
State.
The League is supported by subscriptions,
and the sum expended up to date probably
amounts to about six thousand dollars. The
ladies of the city prepared great deal of the
ammunition furnished the League.
Believes that McEnery was elected Gov
ernor, and rec 7gnized him as such. Does
not know or admit that he was elected by
fraud.
William Alexander, (CoIoredJ
Resides in New Orleans. Was President
of colored Conservative Club during the last
campaign. The Club was organized by the
members, of their own free will The object
in cooperating with the Democrats was in
order to secure better government, if pos
sible. Republicans had made many promises
none of which had been fulfilled. Republi-
can negroes resorted to abuse to prevent
Conservative negroes from voting.
Members of Conservative colored clubs
were, in many instances, assaulted and
severely beaten; one of them was killed. |
Witness has been shot at half dozen times
by Republican negroes, and had to remain
under the protection Of the Acting Chief OF
,lice, Gen. Bildy, for ten days. Republic IN
Z yroes are unfriendly to Conservative negroes
Dee the election. Witness knows Of five
q ,nservative colored clubs
10 Mr. Frye-Is about 30 years of age, pos
sibly not quite twenty-five years would be
nearer the mark was born in March, 1859, |
and voted for the first time in 1864 voted tor
that year does not make much |
difference show old niger is, they take
him up and make Kim vote"
Voted for Kellogg in 1866 and 1867. Did
not pay much attention at that time to the
SO it was Republican ticket.
Made three applications before he was
admitted to the Democratic party.
w. p. Kellogg.
Kellogg explained about the pardons
granted by him. He said no pardon had
Bver been made unless urged by some Of the
Jury before whom the cri min lis had bee n /
or the District Attorney who had
conducted the prosecution. When the Legis-
ature was in session it was his rule to refer
he matter to the Senate.
Major L. A. Burke.
Fearing that his testimony Of Saturday
night have left an erroneous impression re-
yarding the fusion with Warmoth in 1872, ex-
blamed the intentions which actuated the
people in coalescing with that leader and his
ldherents.
William w. Howe.
Was ON officer in the Union army, and
,ame here in 1868. Resigned shortly after
arriving in the city. Was appointed Judge
N the Supreme Court bench by Warnoth.
To Mr.. Marshall-Coming to New Orleans
g an officer of the army, did not attempt to
Jain an entrance into the society Of New Or
cans, tor, under the circumstances, it was
vholly impracticable. 4
Has never known of any well-established
asa of ostracism in New Orleans. or in the {
state, of any man who combined in himself
he elements calculated to recommend or Z
ntit!e him to social position. Voted a
crat ched ticket at the last election. Never a
pore peaceable election than was held here
asst November. II
There are several reasons for the deprecia- {
ion of property in the city. one of which is {
be oppressive taxation. OF course the dis {
nrbed condition Of the State since 1871 has t
ad much to do with the depression Of hnsi- c