The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-06
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Session
WASHINGTON, February 5, 1877.


Mr.. West made personal explanation in
relation to the letter of Governor Wells, Of
the Louisiana Returning Board, addressed
to him, and read before the House Commit
tee on Powers and Privileges Of the House
on Saturday. He said he awaited himself OF
this opportunity to make an explanation
which he was not permitted to make before
that com mittee. He became aware OF the
existence Of the letter some time last
week through the public press, and on Sat-
urday, when he found out the committee
had the letter, he voluntarily went before
that committee without any subpoena, and
read the letter to them. He could have
avaiIed himself OF the (his) privilege as q
senator, and refuse to divulge the contents
Of the letter; but he desired that all the facts
in relation to the Louisiana count should
be known He had not held, nor did he in
tend to hold, any clandestine correspond
ence with any one in regard to canvassing
electoral votes. About the time that the let
ter should have been delivered to him he
was informed by the Secretary OF War
that man by the name Of Maddox was
here attempting to trade off the vote of
Louisiana. He (afr West) Immediately de-
MED that he had any such authority, and
telegraphed to New Orleans to.a friend in
substance as follows: "Tell Governor
Wells that q man by the name Of Maddox
is here protesting to be authorized to speak
for him and the Returning Board OF Lou
isiana. What does this mean 2" The an
swer came back as soon as the wire could
bring it: "Mr. Maddox has no such au-
thority."
Mr.. West, in answer to questions OF Mr..
Bogy as to what explanation he could make
OF the letter, said he (West) was ambitious
to be his own successor in the Senate, and
the letter referred to that. AS to speaking
of millions, Governor Wells used the eX-
preston in the same manner as Colonel
Sellers did. He meant there was barrel
Of money there to be used against the Re-
publicans, and aid was needed. II that
money was to be spent on one side, it must
be spent on the other. He MIR. West
would not rest for O moment under any sns-
pieion that he was trafficking in electoral
votes. ..ss,-ta
The Senate passed bill approprlating
$3.50, 900 to provide for the deficiency IN the
appropriation for public printing and bind
ing during the current fiscal year.
Mr.. ingalls, (Kansas), from the Committee
on the District of Columbia, reported back
the bin to abolish the Board OF Metropoli-
tan Police Commissioners OF the District OF
Columbia, with the message OF the Prest-
dent vetoing the same, and recommended
that the bill be passed Notwithstanding the
objection OF the President thereto. He
gave notice that he would call it up as soon
az the Senate should be full
Mr.. Spencer presented various resoiu-
tions of the Alabama Legislature. in favor
of granting the public lands in that state
to aid the schools; asking an appropriation
for the Improvement OF the Alabama river,
and for the repeal OF the law imposing tax
on spirits distilled from fruit; all OF which
were referred to appropriate committees.
Mr.. Cooper submitted the minority re-
port of the Committee on Privileges ana
Elections.
On motion Of Mr., Howe, the Sergeant
Arms was ordered to arrest Littleheld,
who, failed to attend the committee because
he said the House committee wanted him.
Recess. /.
~, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The House passed the bill removing the
poIitical disabilities OF James d. Johnston,
of Georgia. asni.l.s
Most. Of the day was consumed In ads
cnssion as to. whether the House could adj
iourn under the provisions OF the electoral
A bin directing the Committee on the
Judiciary to inquire into That subject was
referred. 81. .sst.sz g&4n rs
Recess. - =