The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1877-02-14

sion that if the Hayes electors have a
majority at precincts l, and 10, in
Vernon Parish, the figures must have
been transposed for purposes of fraud
or speculation. This was an assump-
ton of innocent ignorance on Wells
part, and a fling at Littlefeld's motive
in testifying to the alteration to the
return from Vernon Parish. Wells
persisted in declaring that the face of
the returns from the whole State show
ed majority for Hayes, even before
any votes were thrown out; but he f.
nally got so mixed up that he inadver-
tently admitted that the returns as re-
ceived showed six or seven thousand
majority for Tilden.
He refused to testify in reference to
any acts of the Returning Board, ex-
cept as to Vernon Parish, on the
ground that he was still prisoner I'M
dergoing punishment for contempt, and
ought not to be required to testify I'M
der duress.
Mr.. Knott pointed out the transpa-
rency of that excuse by reminding him
that he volunteered to testify, and
swore to tell the whole truth. 1t was
too late to get out of the difficulty by
SO shallow pretence.
| Before Field got through with Wells,
he exhibited the temper of demon.-
In more than one instance he rose
from his seat and, shaking his finger
menacingly in Fields face, gave the
strongest outward indications that he
was even ready to do his sharp ques-
toner bodily harm.
Field added some little to the dra-
matte situation by having his temper
somewhat rntfled, but before Wells left
the witness stand he was in a terribly
detected state.
1T was intimated in committee room
from the peculiar manner of Wells,
that he might be armed. When taken
to his quarters by the officer of the
House he was searched and there was
found upon his person two loaded re-
volvers and dangerous thug knife
The cane he carried with him was also
loaded. To ght he sent to Sergeant
alarms Thompson to send him bot
tie of brandy, but it was not given to
him.
The most charitable construction to
be put on his very strange conduct to-
day is to say that he was drunk. His
manner certainly leaves verp little
room to doubt that he was under the
influence of strong drink. He will go
before the committee Tomorrow, but
minus his bulldozing pharaphernalia.
NEW ORLEANS. }
Nov. 81, 1876.
Hon. j. R. West, Washington, D. c.:
My Dear SENATOR regret much not
seeing you when here; wanted to say
much to you which would be at least
imprudent to put upon paper. I trust,
however, to meet you in Washing on
as soon as the canvass is over which is
now upon US. Our duties as returning
officers have augmented with the mag
nitude of the destiny of the two great
parties-may l not say the natlon7 l
fully comprehend the situation, as we'll
as my duty to the greatest living Gen
eral, U. S. Grant, and not with my
consent shall the oppressed people tie
governed by his paroled prisoners, aid
ed by the white livered towards of the
North. Let me, my esteemed sir, warn
you of the danger. Millions have been
sent here aud will be used in the inter
est of Tillen, and unless some counter
movement is made it will he impossible
for me or any other individual to ar
rest its results. The gentleman pre-
senting this letter is fully aware Of the
moves, and if yon allow, will commu-
nicate freely. See that our friends act
promptly, or the result will be disas-
trous. A hint to the wise. Strictly
private and confidential.
Yours very truly,
MADISON WELLS
WASHINGTON Feb 6.-The break
down of Wells to-day was more COM
plete than will be indicated by the reg
ular report of his testimony. He star
ted out, under the advice of his coun-
sci, to deny and refute everything that
Maddox, LittlefcId, Pickett and Ken.
uer had sworn to, and to explain away
the documents, letters and kilograms
that had been given in evidence. He
had been advised to frame some au-
swer for every question that might be
asked him and not to refuse to answer
any question, because a refusal to an
swer any question, because refusal to
answer always left ground for suspic-
ion; but Field adroitly tapped him on
several points, made him contradict
himself, and finally wound him up to
the point of refusing to answer the
broadcast question he could put, which
was: "Did you take part in any con-