New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-07-04
WASHINGTON.
EPORT OF BOURBON BAD FAITH.

"A hLlVAl vi DOlhDDN DAD Al
WELLS AND ANDERSON INDICTED IN LOUISIANA IN
VIOLATION OF THE MOST SOLEMN PLEDGES.
lRY TELEGRAPH rRmUSE.l
WASHINGTON. July Shelters and kilograms have
been received by members Of the Administration,
from New-Orleaus, stating that Messrs. Wells and
Anderson were indicted June IS by Grand jury,
for their acton as members Of the Rctuming-Board.
lt is a strange circumstance that no information Of
this has been elegraphcd to the new papers by the
Associated Press agent. 1t appears from tEese -
tiers that the charge against the members OF the
Board il that of perjury for having falsely sworn
that they had correctly compiled the returns Of the
election in accordance with law. The Vernon Parish
ease Is said 10 be the one relied Tor conviction.
Among the letters from Ar. Wells to the Presl-
dent, expressing considerable concern at the situa-
ton, and characer.zing the proceeding as political
persecution and gross violation OF the pledges Oh
tae Nichols party.
This news has created n decided sensation in Adj
mnistraton circles, and the action of the Grand
Jury is vehementy denounced as a breach of faith on
the part OF the Nichols Government. ThePresident
feels very much outraged at the proceeding, rs do
all the members of the Cabinet. When the settle
ment which lett GOV. Nichols in undisputed power
was made by the Commission which visited New
Orleans IN April, the most ample promises were vol
uuteered by the Nichols party that there should De
no persecution Of Republicans for any political acts
dOne in tine past. Gov. Nichols wrote letter to
the Commission to this effect and personally pledged
lis honor to do all in his power to carry out these
assurances His Legislature passed series OF reso-
lutions among which was he following
DESTROYS OF healing the dissensions that have sturbed
for past. and that the citizens Of
ali political parties hc free rom feverlsn anxieties
II political strife mi join hands IN honestly restoring
the prosperity OF Louisiana. tic Nichols Government
VIII dscounteIa1ce any attempted Per ccutloh rom any
quarter Of individuals for past political conduct.
Ii Il not believed possible by people familiar with
Louisiana Affairs that Gov. Nichols is violating this
pledge or Is counIving at its violation By others
!. ia thought to be a man Of high sense OF honor
VINO made the pledges me did las, April with the
honest purpose Of carrying them out Together with
the leading members Of hls Government, he IS under
stood to be strongly opposed to keeping alive the
anlmosites of the past aid DESTROYS of inauguratng
a reign of good feeling. II il probable that the
movement against the members of the Returning
Board has been set on foot by what is known as the
last ditch" element III Louisiana politics, an ele-
ment led by Lieut. Gov. Wilt, which has no
sympathy with men Ike Gov. Nichols, Maj.
Burke ex-Gov. Penn, Congressman Gibson,
and other Conservatives. 1t Will very likely
turn out that the Bourbon leaders stimulated by MIR.
Tlden's friends in New York finding that they could
control the Grand Jury, have procured the indicr-
meuts for the purpose of keeping up the Presidential
controversy. The Administration can, of course, 90
nothing about the matter. Ii is wholly state al
fair nasmuch as the indictments are found under
State laws, in State court, against State officials
on account of alleged malicasance IN the per
Torrance Of the duties of Stale offices. The
President is understood in discussing the qucs-
ton to-day, that he saw other way
for the members Of the board to pursue than 10
let the prosecution take its course, and IN the event
of a conviction rely upon Gov. Nichols to pardon
them, which he believes the Governor will feel
bound to do by his obligation as a gentleman Of
honor The case, if il To trial, will be heard by
Judge Whitaker, Of the Supreme Criminal Court OF
the city lie is said TO be fair man Of conservative
tendencies, who has a great many Republican
friends