The Morning herald., 1877-01-23

approving of the bill reported by the joint
select committee In regard to counting the
electoral vote. Laid on the table.
THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON POWERS AND
PRIVILEGES.
The Committee on the Powers, Privileges
and Duties of the House In Counting the
Electoral Vote, examined to-day General
Fitzpatrick, who testified that he had a
conference on the Sth of November with
William E. Chandler, and suggested that
somebody had better 60 to North Carolina
Louisiana and Florida.
He accordingly went to North Carolina
and there conferred with the Governor of
the State and ,dr. Keogh, chairman of the
Republican State Committee. He bore q
letter signed by q. Chandler to the effect
that he, Fitzpatrick, had full confidence of
the National Republican Committee and was
entitled to consideration. He had not this
letter, which was destroyed, having been
burnt.
He took only 500 with him to pay ac-
tual personal expenses, and had no instrue-
tfnns to use money or to resort to other
improper means to influence the result Of
the election In North Carolina. While there
he had a conversation with the gentlemen
above named and others, in substance that
t should be an investigation as to the
manner in which North Carolina was carried
for the Democrats.
George 8. Fisher, q resident of Georgia.
but now temporarily residing in Washing
ton, testified that during the months of
August, September and October he made
collections of money in the Post Office,
Treasury and War Departments, and in
the Government Printing Office for political
purposes, at the instance Of the Republican
Congl essional Commit tee, through Senator
Cragin. The usual assessment was about
per cent. Some paid more and some paid
less.
The collections were not forcible but
voluntary. About 5000 were thus COL
lected and delivered to Jacob Tone, the
Treasurer of the Congressional Republican
Committee. The witness had DO list Of the
names of those who did or did not contri-
butte. They were destroyed at the instance
Of Allen Rutherford. Probably from ten to
twelve clerks only declined to contribute
out of from 1000 to 1900 applied to for
money. He paid himself for his services 5
per cent. on the amount cole cted. He pre-
sumed that the chiefs of the departments
were willing such collections should be
made, otherwise he should not have made
hem. Oher parties also made collections
in the depar, ments, among them Major
Button.
The witness explained that he did not
collect from the clerks generally In the
Treasury Department, but only from those
Of the SIKH AUDITORS Office. In approach
ing clerks for contributions, he merely
asked them to do so for the Union Repub-
ican Congressional Committee. No induce
mems were held out for them to contribute
and be collected money wherever he could,
nd as facitiously suggested by members of
he commit ee, there was no bull-dozing or
distinction made on account of race, color |
,r previous condition.
@ Do you know whether any of the
employees were discharged for not contri-
'using.
A. do not.
On being examined by the Republican
members of the committee the witness said
e did not personally ask permission of the
eads of departments to make such collec-
ions, but acted on the general knowledge
nat consent was given.
In furl her answer to question the witness
aid he saw on the lists the names of two
ads of departments, who had contributed
, the Iund of the Congressional Republican
Ommittee.
An adjournment took place till TO- morrow.
Mr.. Hendricks Favors the Bill.
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 22.-The Sentinel Of :
.msrrow will contain an interview with i
r. Hendricks upon the report of the joint |
,mmlJlee on the electoral count. He says
am gratifled that 80 fair bill has been .