The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-01-26
GENERAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.

WASHINGTON, JAM IS, 1877
z. cHANDLER's rELEGRAMs-LoUIsIANA,s SOUTH
CAROLINA AND FLORIDA MUST BE CARRIED
BY FAIR MEANS OR orHERwIsE-TEsTI-
MoNY OF TELEGRAPH OPERATOR.
Tho Committee on the Powers Privileges and Duties
OF the House Ia counting the electoral vote, ex-
amined to-day J. B. DO Berry.
He testified that he lived in Tallahassee, Fla, three
years, and was telegraph operator at the railroad
depot no not ut the ONCE on the day Of the
election, but was there the day after.
Question by Mr.. Ficld-Do you remember any teIe-
grams passing between T. Chandler and Governor
stcarns between the sth and 18th OF November
Messrs Lawrence and Burchard objected to tho
question and the objection overrucd by the
mtteo
The witness then answered tho question that the
arst telegram Of which no knew was from 2. Chandler
TO Governor Stcarns, in substance as follows:-
We are absolutely sure OF so many electoral
votes for Hayes 1.-THE witness did not remember tho
uumbcr), and we must have Louisiana, South Caro-
Ina and Florida by iair means or otherwise
Witness could not give the exact language.
T. Chandler also telegrapbed to Governor stearns in
yubstance:-
Send couricrs each county and the returns
They must be made 10 show majority for Hayes.
e. Chandler also tolegraphcd to Governor stearns:-
William f. Chandler leaves tonight for Philadelphia
on important business.
Between tho 9Th and 10Th of November Frank r.
Sherman. q engaged with Governor Ssearns
handed him telegram for TRANSMISSION, signed by the
latter and addressed TO T. Chandler which mention
was made Of train, containing sent out for
returns being Ku Kluxed followed by the remark
We caunot,carry the State for Hayes unless We have
troops anu money Immediately.
These were the words, but tho substance
O. Did you sec any telegram from z. Chandler to
thcso
telegram from T. Chandler to Governor Stearns, say
,ur he had seen tho President and the Secretary Of
War; aud was authorized by them 10 say that troops
and money would be furnished
o. Do YOU know of troops arriving shortly after 2
A. Yes they arrived on Sunday, tho 18th OF Novem
her: VIM 4. Chandler aroivcd tho afternoon,
hut little In advance Of the troops. which arrived
Tallahassee special train.
In answer to questions by Mr.. Lawrence, witness
said he had no party affiliations but he voted for tho
democratic ticket; It was his first vote.
O What were the dates of the kilograms from Mr..
ChaudlcrY A. do not remember tho dates, but they
wcrc between the Sth and 18th Of November
O. Did you communicate a knowledge of these tele-
Grams before your appearance hero to any persons
A 1 decline to answer on tho ground that to do
might tend to eliminate me.
Mr. Lawrcnce-Tho witness must answer.
Mr. Fields tbcrc a law In Florida making 1t
criminal offence TO reveal tho contents OF Geographic
communications? A. There Is.
Mr. Burchard-Is this the FIRST time that you have
claimed tho privilege of answering such questions
for fear IL might tend to eliminate you? A. decline
to answer the question
Mr. Lawrcnce-I do not know what the law OF
Florida is on the subject but II there Is such law II
could not operate out OF Florida
MIR. Ficd-But 1t could tend to crminac the witness
In Florida.
MT. Lawrence-Had you a conversation with any
body about your knowledge of the contents Of the tce
grams before you wcro called to testify hcreY a.
aIso decline to answer that question:
o. Have any inquiries been made OF you concerning
vour knowledge OF these kilograms: do not mean by
members of this commtteoY A. decline to answer
The witness said the kilograms were from WASH
ington and New York.
O Can YOU give mo tho contents OF any other
messages received from any persons other than
Chandler and Stcarns between the Sth and 18th or
Noycmbcrp A. cannot remember
Tho witness IN further examination said he first
heard OF tho telegram from Chandler 10 stearns, say
ING that tho republicans must have Louisiana, South
Carolina and Florida BY fair means or otherwise was
communicated TO him confidence by republican
graph operator but the witness declined to tell tho