The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1877-02-04


requested by Wells to transpose the returns OF
two polls in Vernon parish, taking the vote
from the Democrats and giving them to tbs
Repubilcans-Polls and g. The number o.
votes thus transferred was 17S. The Original
figures were erased and those required written
In their places 1 was instructed by Gov
Wells to bring him the two statements accom-
panylDg the consolidated statement l gave
them to him the day after the PRONUNCIATION.
Lie was about to put them into his pocket
when asked him whether it was not indis.
Greet to do 40. He said was right. Whetber
he or Idestroyed them / cannot say, but I saw
them burned Wells afterwards wanted wit
ness to forge the name of g supervisor to some
papers su bstitnted for original returns.
kenner Of the Returning Board testified that
Wells and Anderson opposed DR.. Kenneday as
the fifth member of the board don't know
why. Kenner knows that Hayes carried Louis
lana by throwing ont votes. He could not ex-
plain the change in the vote of Vernon parish,
but said that IL was not authorized by him.
The following is succinet history of the ct
tempt to sell the Electoral vote, as given by
Maddox, who is an old friend of Wells' of 25
years standing, and has been special revenue
officer, in which capacity he visited New Or
leans. Acting as con fdential agent, Maddox
was to come North, and fret endeavor to ar
range for the Republican party to put mp
large amount of money for Wells and the
board, and with this view letter was writ
ten by Wells, which Maddox was TO exhibit
TO the Republicans in Washington, to chow
that Maddox was authorized to represent
Wells or had his confidence. A second letter
was written by Wells to WeaC ssking West
TO cooperate with Maddox. Upon reflection,
witness decided that it would be imprudent to
deliver the letter to West. A third letter was
written by Wells to Maddox, which was to be
used and was used to exhibit to the Democrats
If negotiations failed with the Republicans.
The purport of the letter was that Wells relied
upon Maddox's advice, etc, TO settle tie
troubles in Louisiana and of a nature to imply
that Maddox had Wells confidence. Maddox
came to Washington, leaving New Orleans
Nov. 20, 1876. Wells was to hold matters in
such position that the decision conld be
thrown either way pending negotiations. The
details were to be left to Maddox, Wells only
looking toward the main point-the money. |
Maddox visited the President upon his arrival |
IN Washington and advised the President that |
Wells felt the necessity of having protection in
the discharge of his dnty, The President said |
that the board should be protected in the dis. |
charge of their duties. Maddox called upon |
Mr.. Don. Cameron end explained the situation |
n Louisiana, aud Wellss propositions, W hich |
we're declined by Mr.. Cameron. Maddox then
'onferred with Col. Pickett, who was instruct
ID to proceed to New York and negotiate with
he Democrats, and was furnished with letter
to Hewitt ss q oredential. Pickett
'isited New York and called upon Mr.. Hewitt
md others, presented the letter from Wells and
Explained the proportions to Hewitt, who de.
lined TO consider the matter. Forms of
Diagrams for safe comm uDiostion were agreed
pom between Wells and Maddox-fiotiLious
ames being used, and tive six, and ten per
en- meaning $500, 900, 5000 goo and 81 900 600.
he Committee.
If the Democrats had accepted Wells propo-
ition, his plan was that the vacancy in the
seturDing Board was to be filled by Demo
rat, that he would get mad and resign and his
lace would be filled by another Democrat.
Wells stated to witness that be wanted at least
200 600 for himself and as much for Anderson,
nd a smaller sum for each of the darkies,
SBanRve and kenner.
MISSISSIPPI -JdekSon, Feb. 1.-The Legisls- :
ature has adjourned. Its clOsing hours were =
larked by the colored Republicans on the !
oor of the two houses rising and pronouncing \
sntiments of the most oommendable character :
J favor of the economical and just government !
I the Democrats. These oolOred Represents !
YES represented that the Democrats have /
ade q remarkable improvement in the gov .
Enment Of the State and its Affairs, giving . /
'ir speech TO colored men rarely, if ever, &C. '
oTded by the Republicans when in power {
he bill authorizing . new Representative Ap- !
ortionment in the State, 30 that each county 1
i'll have at least one Representative, has gene a
the Governor for his signature. 1t has ex- 4
ted more debate and feeling than any other 4
easure presented during the session.