New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-02-07
The Testimony Yesterday.

There were several important points in
favor Of the charges made by Republicans
developed in the examination Of the Conser-
vative witnesses yesterday. 1t was shown by
General Nichols and General Thomas that
it was not the Confederate soldiers who
made trouble, but that they had accepted
the situation. 1t was complained by Mr..
Goode and Mr.. Elan that the colored people
did not trust the white people in their
political affairs though they relied in them
in all others. The reason of this was the
frequently repeated one that they had
been taught to believe they would be
deprived of their rights if the Conservative
party came into power. That this belief is
firmly impressed in their minds was shown
by Mr.. Goodies statement that not one of
his fifty employees voted for him. Mr.. Elan
said most Of the colored people OF DeSoto
wanted to vote with him, and more would
do SO if not Influenced by this feeling. The
true cause, and a sufficient one, was brought
ont by Mr.. Frye's cross examination OF Mr..
Young. He had opposed the White League.
and admitted that the White Camelias of
1868 had prevented the casting of single
vote for Grant by intimidation, and Mr..
Elan was forced to admit that the mere
name Of tbs White League, BY calling to
mind the days Of their predecessors, induce
the belief that the legislation of lS65-e7
would be repeated. Mr.. Young said the
feeling was rot cordial, though all said there
was no hostility to the Uaited States. 1t is
not strange, therefore, that the colored
people, even though they had. no teaching,
should fear to trust the most modera te Con
sentative lest his more fiery associate
should control him when both had been IN
trusted with power.
No better proof of the existence Of intimi-
dation could be desired than that found
in Mr.. Elam's testimony. lie said,
and believing it, was plainly sorry
for it, that the party was controlled by
the most ultra journals, whose articles
destroyed all advantage that might be oh.
tanned bysmoderate counsels, and he did
not believe snch misfOrtunes could have
overtaken the State if the majosity had
control He showed the effect of thes ar-
ticles in intimidating men of his own party.
by saying, 'men were often afraid of what
would DO said of Them II they have such
effect on their own allies how much more
they must afoct the unprotected colored
voter. But one word more was needed to
make Mr.. Eiam witness for the
other side, and that was printed in
yesterday afternoons Bulletin. When
Mr.. Frye read that article to him be in.
stantly said such articles would destroy
every conservative effort, and prevent the
accomplishment of harmony. 1t was com
plete intimidation itself.
Major Bnrke's testimony occupied the
committee more than two hours, and was
principally devoted to statement of his
personal exertions in the camp aign. In his
cross examination he sai0 that it was ONLY
the co!ored vote that his commi ttee endeay
ored to reduce by proving fraud, and reite-
rated that the election was quiet and
without intimidation. He had, however
taken pro ointment part in the uprising
'out did not consider tine White League
opposed to the colored voter or the United
States government.