The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1877-07-19
Tho Returning Board.

Louisiana Returnlng board. The
Now York UeroId publishes tho fol-
lowing views expressed by nuns
Der of the loading citizens
Governor Nichols, upon boing
interviewed, replied that no did not
wish to reopen the subject, but inti-
mated that he would act without
regard to political considerations,
and that he would adhere to his
original determination, which was
to pardon thom if they should be
convicted. AS to tho inquiry
whether ho thought tho Legislature
had made any bargain, he replied
that he knew Of none directly, but
that the joint resolution passed,
which said, "We will discountonance
any attempted persecution for past
political acts" might be 80 con-
strued.
Attorney General Ogden said he
knew Of no bargain ever having
been made, and that as tho prose-
cutting officer he would prosecute
them if indicted; that he had no-
thing to do with their political acts,
but if they were charged with any
criminal offence they should DO
prosecuted and punished.
General Fred. Ogden, of the
White League, said they ought to
be punished, not politically, but
because they violated tho law. He
thought the people of the State
demanded it, and that it should be
dono.
Ex-Governor Wickliffe, who has
just arrived from tho country, said
the news created the greatest excite
ment that every one demanded
that the Returning Board should be
punished that, Unnecessary, money
would be raised to induce Judge
Black to help prosecute them, and
that Governor Nichols would not
dare stand in the way, and that if
he did he would suffer. Governor
Wickliffe is IN old time Bourbon
Democrat, but has considerable in.
fuonco il Middle Louisiana.
Major e. A. Burke said that the
indictment was unwise md inexpes
dient that it will be construed by
the North as violation of
assurances given by the Leg
lslature. 1t will strengthen the
enemies of the President,
who are likewise tho enemies
OF Louisiana. The State and people
absolutely require repose from po-
ltlcal strife, and are casting about
to rebuild their impaired industries,
10 plunge now into national politi.
cal issues would be to saorifce
material interests and to strengthen
the Radical Blaine element and open
the door again for military inter
ference in Louisiana.
Ex-President John Phelps, of the
Cotton Exchange, thought it was
unfortunate at this time that he
knew Wells and Anderson were
trying to sell out to the highest bid
der at tho time of the count, and
that ho personally thought they
should be punished, as they deserve
the Peniten tiary, but he thought it
bad policy at this time to stir up
difficulties.
G. Townsend, chairman Of the
Executive Committee of the Board
of Brokers, thought the indictment
would injure business and was ill
advised !; that personally they
should be punished, but as Hayes
had done all for us we should keep
what might be considered the spirit
OF the compromise which was made
with the commission.
Governor McEnery said ho
thought the members should have
been hanged four years ago, but
that it was unfortunate they should
have been indicted now
Congressman John Ellis said he
regretted the indictments had been
found, because it would be hard to
separate the political from the
criminal offence but that as they
had been found it was necessary
that they should be tried, because if
this was not done tho impression
would be they had been wrongly
indicted,
Governor Penn, upon being ap-
preached, said that he thought the
moro indictment of tho men them~
selves was of no Importance, but
that it was q grave mistake as it
stood. The State was now at peace