New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-04-07
THE COMMISSION AT WORK.

uituls
THE COMMISSION AT WORK.
CONSULTATIONS WITH BOTH NICHOLS AND PACKARD
OPPOSITION OF BOTH TO A COMPROMISE LEG
,s1 ,rrRE-PACKARD's DEMAND FOR RECoGNI-
TON AND FEDERAL SUPPORT.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRTBUNE.l
Nrw.ORLEANs. April 6.-The Commission began
work to-day with great industry. They spent the
forenoon talking with large number of people and
visiting the Cotton Exchange. At noon they at
tended, as individual ookers-on, an immense gather
ING Of business men, held to impress them with the
unanimity of the support given Gov. Nichols by
that class. At 230 they drove to the st. Louis
Hotel where they held interviews for over an hour
with leaders of the Packard party. There were
nresent besides the Commission and the Governor,
acommittee composed of Messrs. Mcmillan, Leonard,
Raw. and Burch. In this interview and in subse-
onent one with leaders of the Nichols party,
the Commission, acting under its instruc-
tons endeavOred TO call the attention of
the contending parties to the need OF
finding some common ground of undoubted legality
IN which to begin the work of organizing single
government. They stated that the most feasible
pan was to obtain Legislature every member of
which should be recognized on both sides as having
an undoubed right to a seat. OF 80 Senators 80
are absolutely uncOnested, and OF 10 representa-
tives 1Oi are in the same position. The Commission
proposed to assemble these unchallenged members
and form a new Legislature. Gov. Packard de-
cned to accede to this project and insisted on his
prompt recognition his legal right He
asked for proclamation similar to
that issued by Gen. Grant in 1872. declaring
him The lawful Governor and his Legislature the
lawful legislature and ordering all persons con-
formulating resistance to disperse. He said If this
were issued and the troops remained he would soon
make his authority recognized throughout the State
Packard claimed to be exercising good deal OF au-
thority outside NewOrleans, which Nichols denies
that he possesses. In tins respect the Commission
found great contradiction IN the statements OF the
two parties. Packard insisted with warmth that
his title to the GOyernorshp is as good as that OF
Hayes to the Presidency.
The commission proceeded at o'clock to Odd Eel
lows Hall, and found Gov. Nichols in his office In
company with Gen. Gibson, Major Burke, and a
few other prominent men of the Conservative party.
full conversation took place, lasting nearly TWO
hours, in which the whole situation was gone over
all the gentlemen present joining In suggestions,
argument and general talk. Gov. Nichols stated
that his authority was undisputed throughout the
State EXCEPT within the st. Lous Hotel; - out OF
IL district udges had filed Oaths of office with his
Secretary of State and one more had applied for his
nav Packard's claim of ccOgntiOn by parish officers
was bascd ON the fact that many held over under
KcllogcSs commission, and being Republicans were
counted as for Packard. The undisputed collection
of taxes was urged proof of the acceptance OF the
Nicholl, Government. All that was asked from the
President was the withdrawal of the troops, not
from the State. but from the building adjoining the
State House Their presence there character
lied as Initiative, because il gave some people the
idea that the Packard Government was under the
~ Tn;T toto he int
informal and private but it is understood that Gov
Nichols assured the Commission that he would use
no force against Packard if the troops were
withdrawn to their barracks, but would
LET the rival Government die OF man
ition. The Commission urged as solution OF
the difficulty the converting of mutual Legislature
composed of all members whose elections are con-
ceded by both Sides 1t is reported that NICHOLS
and his friends declared that the thing could not be
done, their reason being that 1t would be TO admit
the nuty of their Legislature. The Nichols Legs
lature has been granting franchises and passing
laws making important changes In municipal and
parish organizations which have gone into effect.
These acts might all be confirmed by compromise
legislature; but it appears that Gov NICHOLS Is
not willing to take the risk and to admit that
they need to be validated. The solution proposed by
the Nichols party was simple order withdrawing
the troops 10 their DarTachs. OeHVIchOh WI" P"A
tcpated in the interview say that the position OF
the Nichols party was that this is not a case re-
curing the President to recognize one Government
or the other, because the conflict of authority IS
created by the presence of faction thot is herein
an unconstitutional way, viz, the troops IT, after
they should be withdrawn, there should be rival
Governments, then the Nichols party admit that'
under the Luther and Bonden decision, the freSi-
dent could lawfully interpOse his decision.
This evening the Commission heard committee
Of the Packard Legislature, and tomorrow morning
they will hear a committee from the Nichols Legs
ature. The Commissioners appear hopeful of bring
ing about a settlement by means of united Legis-
ature in spite of the flu sal to-day of both sides to
accede.