The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-03
Dun wAsH1ssro,ss iD,lsp,'.AircHEs.
The For,aas Consideration OF the
y,:4, Florida Returns Commenced! 4

THE TRIBUNAL. IN Observation-Disclosures OF,
Tue BODy--MATTERs ASSUMING A SERIOUS
AIR TO BOTH ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RESPECT
TO THE COMMISsION-How TUCKER ACQE1T--
TED HIMSELF AS oBJECTOR-A FAVORABLE
IMPRESsION--CHARLEs, O'CoNOR GIVES HIS
LEARNING AND ABILITY TO THE DEMO
CRATs-.CABINET Observation-Disclosures Ex-l
ANIMATION BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON
PRIVILEGES AND ELECTIONs-THE COVETED
LETTER NOT YET PRoDUCED-wELLs TO TEs-
i TIFY To-DAY-THE LONG SESSION OF con-
aREss-LrTTLEFIELD's EVIDENCE coRRoBo-
Rated, &C.: &C. ..s13 = -!
From Our Regular Correspondent
WASHINGTON, February 2.-The electoral
commission formally took up the Florida
case this morning. The commissioners oc-
cupied the bench Of the Supreme Court
iudges-the five Justices seated in the CEN
ire, the House commissioners on the left,
and those OF the Senate on the right. David
D. Field and j. X. Tucker, directors on the
part of the Democrats, were allowed two
hours to present their case, and Mcssrs.
McCrary and Kasson the same for the Re
publcans. When Mr.. Tucker con-
cluded, the Republican directors said
they were not ready to proceed, and
asked an adjournment until tomorrow
morning. To this Justice Miller objected,
and the commission took recess of two
hours to give them time to prepare for argu-
ment. The impression prevails that the
Democratic directors presented their case
more clearly and forciby than their oppo-
nents, though apparently under some en-
barrassments from the necessity OF not COM
hitting themselves to a position that might
prove inconvenient in determining other
cases that will arise.
1t was noticeable that Field and Tucker
treated the commission as having judicial
powers, while kasson and McCrary looked
upon them as a sort Of grand political COM
mittee. The Democrats addressed them in
courtly style as "Your Honors," and the
Republicans said "Messrs. Commission
ers.'
Tucker acquitted himself sowell though
his speech was necessarily compressed
within fcrty-fve minutes) that he received
congratulations even from some Of the Re-
publican commissioners.
Tomorrow the tribunal will be in con-
ference upon preliminary questions that
must be determined before the objections
are considered. Counsel will then be heard.
To both parties matters have assumed a
more serious air as the crisis approaches.
The deepest interest hangs upon the issues
Joined in this case; for upon it, as Morton
remarked to-day, depends in great degree
the decision Of all others to be presented.
The venerable Charles O'Connor, impelled
by conviction of the strength OF the case
and right of the cause, has emerged from
retirement from professional life to give his
learning and ability to the Democrats, and
Jere. Black will argue upon the same side
il time permits. Evarts will probably leave
little to be said by Stoughton on the Repub.
lican side.
No new facts Of Importance were devel.
oped by the examination Of Maddox and
Anderson to-day. Maddox failed to pro-
duce the letter to Senator West which is SC
much coveted by the committee. He says
it is in the possession Of a prominent Re-
publican, who knows the contents OF it.
From private source / learn that it con
tains a statement, over Wells's signature
that the Democrats had offered large sum
Of money for the vote of Louisiana, and {
threat that if the Republican party did MOI
pay him (Wells) handsomely he would turr
over the electoral vote Of Louisiana to thu
Democrats. - ...: ",...
Anderson said he had known Maddox
we'll for long time, but not intimately, ant
had not beard Of any attempt by Wells tt
sell out the State. Under the searching ex
animation by Dudley Field, Anderson ad
mitted that prominent Louisiana Demo
crat had suggested to him that a good dea
Of money could be made by proper man
agement Of the power in his hands, ant
that he did not treat the suggestion as al
insult, but still remains in very friendly re
lations to-his tempter. -.1.... ...r
Wells's examination is expected to-mor
row If Mr.. Field can spare time from hi
duties before the electoral tribunal for tina
purpose. The Republicans say they cal
entirely refute by Wells the testimony o
Maddox, and can prove Pickett to be first
class scoundrel. It is not easy to see tina
Weiss mere denial will be accepted as con
elusive evidence OF anything. And as t.
the charge against Pickett, perhaps nobod.
will think it worth while to dispute an.
general allegation against the moral charac
ter Of him or Maddox. The testimony Q
the latter can be substantiated in all impor
tant points by unimpeachable witnesses. S.
say the Democrats. y. - : ,,.! -:
Holman, Of Indiana, continues his effort
in the direction of economy of public eX
. to attacks from both sides Of the House
though the Democratic party, as a body
prldes itself upon the saving OF $50, 900, 00(
by. reductions of appropriations last ses
sion under the leadership Of Randall ant
Holman. 1t is easy to float with the cur
rent, but to make Roadway against an ad
verse tide and an undercurrent, too, re
quires no ordinary moral strength. To-day
Kelly, OF Pennsylvania, and Waddell, O.
North Carolina, charged that his non-re
election shows that his economical
schemes had not been approved. Waddel
said he was disguised with the two-cen
economy which proposes to reduce the sal2
ries of members of Congress; and then
losing his temper at Holman's reply regard
ing his (Waddell's) lack Of experience, hi
charged him with wiful misrepresentation
Of what he had said. Holman passed the