The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-05
from Our Regular Correspondent

West was attributed by Republicans to a
desire on his part to be bought of. To-day
they were surprised by its production be-
fore knott'S special committee on elections.
II was received by mail from New Orleans
this morning. and had been in possession OF
Colonel Jack Wharton, whom Maddox de-
scrbcs as Acknowledgement Of the Kellogg
Government, and "the brains Of the Repub-
hcou party in Louisiana" He tried 10 con-
ccal Wharton's name, but the Republican
committeeman forced him to divulgc it.
As the letter was addressed to Senator
West. and was sealed, there was some hest
tation about getting at its contents. Finally,
Senator West was sent for, and Mr.. Field
Immediately asked him to open it for him.
He replied. with all impertinent air, -
don't know that will open it for you, but
will open it and give it to the committee"
Mr.. Field handed him the letter, remark
ing: "That is what we want, sir: though
the committee has the right to open it,"
About thirty persons, including the COM
mi,tee. correspondents, Maddox, Wells,
Anderson. Pitkin. and Wilson-the latter
counsel for Wels-all came closer around
the table rs West. with trembling hand.
opened the pregnant epistie and at once
began to read it aloud. Wells sat in low
chair behind the Republican committee
men, with flushed face, in strong contrast
with his gray hair and whiSkers, nervouSly
twisting his cbin-whiskers around his fin
gers. West, never having seen the contents
OF the letter, was filled with dread Of some
thing that might compromise him, and be-
travel his embarrassment in choking voice
and hating tones not concealed by the air
oi bravado lily assumed. Like Il man
who has run up Il long flight OF
stairs, he drew ! long breath when
he got to the end, and threw the letter on
the table. i smile spread oycrthe audience,
and reporters made note Of his embarraSs-
ment To Mr.. Field he replied, "Oh, yes,
recognize that as the handwriting of Gov
crnor Wells, and recognize him all through
it,"
West animated that he would like to
take the stand to attack the character Of
MADDOX, but Field said the committee
might hear. that some other time. West
then went around and shook hands heartily
with Wells, Pitkin, and Anderson, and
Wilson drew him away to a corner for a
private conference.
Maddox testified that he told Wells he
had not delivered the letter to West, and
that Wells seized him by both hands and
thanked him warmly, saying he was de.
lighted, for the letter had worried him ever
since he wrote it. Maddox promised to re-
turn the letter to Wells if he would call at
his lodging in New Orleans, but as he did
not call he put it i'll an envelope directed to
himself and gave it to Colonel Jack Whar-
der. As soon as he found Colonel Pickett
had given his name to the committee he tele-
graphcd to New Orleans for it, and received
il this morning. Maddox exhibited his dis
charge from office, issued yesterday by
Revenue Commissioner Raum. OF course
no man should be allowed to hold any petty
Office under the Government who darcs to
say Louisiana cast her vote for the Demo-
cratic candidates. At any rate, that is 4
perfectly legal mode OF bulldozing all other
officials who may desire to come out with
the truth about the late election.
Those who are collecting the evidence
about Louisiana affairs are in high spirits,
md say If they only have few more days de-
lay they are sure to have as many witnesses
as are necessary. The confidential clerk Of
ha ,iy,y &c tba
less he be bought off or bulldoZed when he
gets here will tell some things uncomforta-
bic for Wells and the Republicans.
Kellogg was present at the debate before
the electoral commission to-day. He says
Packard stands no chance in the world
everybody and everything is against him
and if he were in his place he wouldn't
think of undertaking to exercise the office
Of Governor. CAS- to Jim Lewis, he is a
fraud, and his election to the United States
Senate was ID outrage upon the people
of Louisiana"
The Republicans endeavored to back up
their case to-day by the moral force Of the
presence OF several Of their more eminent
men during the session OF the electoral
commission.
The attendance OF spectators was much
larger than yesterday, but the discussion
rather dry-the whole time being occupied
with the question OF admission OF evidence
and extent OF the powers OF the tribunal.
Messrs. Merrick and Black represented the
Democrats, and Matthews and Stoughton
the Republicans. All the speeches were
strong save that Of stoughton, whose fire
was too scathing for effect. OF Merrick's
argument, Judge Black said it presented
concisely, yet fully, the Democratic case,
and for him (Black) 10 try to improve upon
1t was only TO attempt to gid refined gold.
The commission has adjourned until Mon
day, when the argument Will be concluded
by O'Conor and Evarts.
When the Senate was called to order this
morning only Senator Paddock was pre-
sent. The Presidentpro tenn. said, What is
the pleasure Of the Senator" Paddock said
he felt the great responsibility resting upon
him in representing the Senate, and moved
recess until II M. Senator Kelly came in
just then, and the President pro tenn. OF the
obiect!" Mr.. Kelly said he did not; and
the presiding officer added, "The Chair
hears no objection, and the Senate will
take further recess until II NJ"
Associated Press Reports by telegraph to the Dis
patcb.J
WASHINGTON, February 3.--Fhe commits