davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
The Witness Maddox.

Maddox, the fatal witness in the Louisiana
case, has become famous, and as every thing
relating to him is now grasped at with aVldlty,
the following, from the Baltimore Sun will be
read with interest -
Mr. j. II. Maddox, who has recently figured
prominently in the Investigation OF frauds by
the Louisiana returning board, vas yesterday
Dismissed from the United States revenue ser
vice. IN exciting episode IN the early lie OF Mr..
Maddox, which is we'll remembered by many
cilis,us Of Baltimore, is his participation 10 i
fatal duel during the Mexican war with lat. Nc
Pherson, Of Frederick couuty Md. The result
of she encounter caused much bitterness Of
feeling On the part Of the relatives and friends
Of Lit. Mcpherson against Mr. Maddox. 1t was
always spoken Of by him IS subject OF deep
regret, although he claimed his action could not
be avoided under the circumstances. The &C.
count given by gentlemen who though not eye
witnesses, we're uever!bclu familiar with the
dctaiIs'ot the affair, Is substantially as follows -
During The war ten regiments OF regular
troops were authorized to be enlisted by the
United States Government, which were dis
banded after its close One OF these was the
Third Dragons, commanded by Col. b. u. W.
Butler, OF Louisiana, with Major Lewis Cass,
IT,, son Of General Ca*s. One halt the rcgi-
meat, undcr these officers, Was stationed on
Gen. Zachary Taylor's line at Mier % miles
from Gamargo, and the other portion, under
the lieutenant colonel, was attached to Gen.
SCOTS command at the city OF Mexico.
The regiment was considered one OF
the most effective in the service, all OF the off.
GERS being noted for both soldiery bearing aud
their social saodipg as gentIemeu. One otthe
companies was raised 10 Maryland, aud two OF
lis cutcuants were Maddox and Mcpherson.
Both officers were fast friends, and highly es
teemed for their ga!Iaulry aud prep0sscssIug
appearance.
At Nlier sudden quarrel occurred between
the two while spending the evening in the
officers quarters. over an offence given 10
heated controversy. Lieut.. Mcpherson became
greatly excited aud exaspcratcd, and challenged
Lieut.. Maddox to fight duel. Maddox, on biz
part, insisted that the quarrel was the result Of
misunderstanding and could be settled With
out . meeting Mcpherson refused TO listen TO
any overtrres whatever, and insisted that there
should be meeting and that blood should be
shed. Maddox yielded q reluctant assent, and
the meeting took place at an carly hour 10 the
morning, near Mer. Maddox won the choice
of weapons and selected pair OF regular duel
ing pistols. The distance was ten PAGES. The
first shot was exchanged and neither party iE.
iured. The friends OF Maddox, at his instance,
then asked the seconds OF Mcpherson that the
duel should end, but Mcpherson positively re-
fused. A second shot was exchanged without
effect. Mcpherson was excessively angry at his |
failure in both trials aud Glamed the weapons !
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
The Electoral commissions.

At the conclusion Of Mr.. NlcCray's speech
before the Electoral Commission yesterday
evening,
The Presiding Justice inquired whether
counsel proposed 10 oiier evidence before pro-
ceedbg to argumcnt, aud was replied on be-
halt Of Mr. O'Cuncr that he expected to otter
evidence; that indeed be had supposed evil
dcpce was already before the Commission,
without tho NECESSITY Of further offer.
Mr.. Justlc, Miller suggested That counsel
might make brief synopsis or statement OF
what they proposed to offer, instead OF olter-
lug it 10 detail. -
The presiding Justice asked MIR. Evarts II
he Intended on his side 10 offer any evidence
Mr. Evarls said that he had DO evidence to
offer, unless there should be a determination to
admit evidence against his side, which he then
should need to meet.
The Presiding Justice Of the Commission
IF We decide 10 receive evidence you would
require to meet that evidence.
Mr.. Evarts-Ics. sir; especially relating to
this particular matter OF liumphrlcs, when
ever it is intended to show that HUMPHREYS
held an Office. We shall perhaps desire to give
evidence that he did not hold that office at the
time referred 10, and We suppose that II thcro
is to be an inquiry which adduces evidence,
that evidence il to be proved according to rules
which make its production evidence, BY the
system of common law
Mr. Commissioner Thurman suggested that
there must be Il great many facts as to Which
counsel upon both sides must agree, not as to
whether proof of them is admissible in their
proceedings, but as to the existence OF the iacts.
II counsel would agree as far as they could In
respect to the facts Of which there could be no
possible doubt leaving the question OF their
admissibility as q matter Of law to the tribunal,
it would very much tend to save time
The Commission, at o'clock, adjourned
until 1920 this morning.
The democratic counsel in Attendance 10
cludcd Messrs Charles O'Couor, Jeremiah
Black, Lyman Trumbull, Matthew W. Car
pentcr and Ashabcl Green.
The republican counsel present we're hlessrs.
W. NJ. Evarts. e. w. StougEton. Stanley
Matthews, W. e. Chandler, S. Shoilabarscr
and George II. Williams.
Senator Sargent, who was chairman OF the
Senate Investigating committee IN Florida, was
also 10 attendance during the greater part OF
the day.
1t was understood last night that the Com
mission would to-day decide the question
whether it will 90 behind the returns before
the counsel for the respective sides make ar
eumcnt. IF the decision is reserved untll ar.
gumcnt is concluded, Charles OConor aud
Jere. Black will speak for the democrats, and
Messrs. Evarts aud Stoughton for the repubIl'
cans. The democrats are very sangulne that
the tribunal will 20 behind the certificates.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03

used lie demanded not only another shot, but
that they should take their cavalry pistols. At
that time the old ''hUrse pistol, carrying
full ounce ball, had just been improved by the
addition of percussion locks, making it very
deadly weapon. Maddoxs seconds objected
positively to this, as altogether irregular, and
for some time would not allow their procipa
to accept the proposition. Finally Mcpherson
declared that Maddox had taken duelipg pls-
tolls only because no one could use them. Mad
dox then said, "Let him have his way" and
the weapons were brought Before the firing
Maddox said that he would have to wound
Mcpherson or there would never be termina-
ton Of the affair, but he did not wish to kill
him. At the third fire Mop herson FELL and
died in few hours afterwards.
The bearing OF both men on the field was
brave 10 the extreme, although MCPHERSON S
excitement probably ioterlered with the accu-
racy Of his aim. The circumstances were so
favorable to Maddox, in his endeavors to avoid
the fatal result, that, although placed under
arrest for violeton Of the articles OF war, Gen.
Wool. who was 10 command, never brought
tue case to trial. His general conduct was so
good. too, that all the higher officers were in-
disposed to force an issue which, under the ar.
ticles Of war; would leave no alternative but
dismissal from the army. After the Mexican
war Maddox resided for s1me years 10 Lousl.
ana, where lie married, and was engaged IL
cd!t:Gg the Crescent newspaper.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03

Of Congress or by this tribunal i'll their stead,
to have right to that Office 10 which be has
no right? Shall the two houses OF Congress,
the sentinel guards appointed by the constltu,;
ton against usurpation of the high office; shall
this tribunal, the substitute tor the saotlnee!
guard, permit fraud to crawl with Slim trail
into the executive seat whence it may sprlog
from its coil and sting with fatal fang the life:
blood of the greatest republic 10 the world!
Is the fat Of returning board tainted with
fraud and based upon laWlessness, to conclude
the Judgment of the American people IN put
ting usurper in the seat OF Washington
Mr.. Tucker continued at some length. lie
alluded to the quo warranto case OF the State
of Florida, ex relationc Wilkinson, CaIl ami
others, aud 70 the decision OF the Supreme
Court of the State of Florida 10 that case.
The decision OF tie court, he argued, to be
sustained by the authorities, citing, among
other authorities High on Extraordinary
Remedies section FOG. The returning board
he regarded as merely one step 10 the author
ily by Which promulgatious OF elections were
| made. The final determnant authority III lie
| were allowed to make word for the occaslon)
| provided by the State Of Florida was the Su'
premc Court. Therefore, unless the primary
decrminant authority, name y, the board Is
conclusive, not only in its action, but also as lC
| the extent Of it, power, then wo must regaru
the proceedings Ia Florida upon the action Of
these electors as d part OF that dctermInant
powc, Which the State has provided against
fraud and illegaIity iu the exercise OF elective
| function
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
MIR. Tucker'S Speech.

In Hon. J. r. fuckers speech before the
electoral commission, yesterday, he said:
The objections which are made by the mem
bcrs Of the two houses OF Congress- to tho
counting of the electors who voted for MCssrS.
Hayes and Wheeler are to be presented this
morning in form, to which call the attention
OF the commission The first objection is that
the said Pierce aud others were not appointed
by the said State of Florida, 10 such manner as
its Legislature had directed. The second is
that the said Wilkinson, Call and others, the
IiGcn electors, we're appointed by the said
State in sucb q manner as its Legislature had
directed. The third is that qualified electors Of
the said State 10 manner as provided by the
law of Florida did elect Wilkinson, Call and
others the Tden electors. The fourth is that
the pretended certificate or paper purrurllng
to be SUCH signed by Stearns as Governor Of
that State, of the appointment of Pierce and
others, was and is in all respects untrue, and
was corruptly procured aud made in pursuance
OF conspiracy between said Stcarns, Pierce
and otLcrs 10 set up fictitious aud unreal votes
for President and Vice President. The fifth
is that said papers falsely purportng to be
votes Tor President aud Vice President for the
State of Florida, are fictitious and unreal, and
10 not properly represent any votes as lawful
acts, and were made out and executed 10 rur-
suance Of the said fraudulent conspiracy. The
sixth sets out at leugth what | will state
succlnctly: That by quo warranto to pro-
ceediug, initiated prior 10 the vote given Tor
Hayes and Wheeler, by these pretended
electors. on the sixth day Of December, and
which resulted in an adjournment 10 the
18th or 10Th Of January, their election and
their title to the Offices Of the State OF Florida
was declared utterly null and void, and
that they were usurpers and pretenders to the
said offices. In that case of quo Warranto the
parties were the State of Florida ex rel. WIKI
ipson, Call and others, (the Tildeu electors
against the Hayes electorS.) These IRE the
objections made, and they may be summarized
thus We object TO these votes being counted,
because We say that these men we're not elected
according to the law Of Florida; and, not being
so elected, can have 20 title to the Office Sec |
ondy, VIC hold that even if they had been cleo
ted according to the forms Of the law OF Florida,
their election was tainted, and is void. The !
whole question presented to this tribunal is
question presented 10 the two houses OF Con-
gress, and in which they have substituted this
tribunal in their stead 10 decide. 1t is simply |
this: Is there any power in the constitution
under which We live by which fraud can be
on the presidency?
Must man whom everybody knows to be
40 usurper be pronounced by the two houses
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03

Some Of the radical newspapers are attempt
ing to iuvalidate the testimony of the wltncs3
Maddox, whose evidence gives the finishing
stroke 10 the iutamy of the Louisiana returning
board, and adds nothing to the reputation tor
probi,y and honesty Of those who arc endcavor-
ing to count 10 Hayes upon the returns Of that
board, upon the ground that his own reputa-
ton for fair dealing Is not above rcproach, and
that upon several occasions 10 his cVent!ul lie
he has been engaged in transactions OF such
questionable character that his association Is
DOT sought after by the best Of men. Whether
their assertions be true or not, it Is Impossible
for US to say as we never saw or heard OF the
witness hu. once before, and that was during
his short residence in this city soon after the
close of the war, when he associated with gen
tlemen and bore the character that entitled
him to such association, but il all they say to
his dctrmeut be true, 1t only adds to the value
of bis evidence, for it is we'll known that 1t is
only with such characters AZ they represent
him to be that Gov Wells can associate 10
Louisiana, in which Stale his, the Governor 81
reputation is en- eiFectual barrier TO the assocla
ton Of honorable men, and compels him to
seek the fellowship Of people Of just such char
acter as they represent Maddox to bear, and
10 whom his social, aud in FAC! all other rela-
tons, are restricted among the community 10
which he is known These same papers forget
that the law has always recognized the Iegltl
macy OF ayailug itself Of the testimony Of one
criminal il its attempt TO convict others, and
for that purpose grants immunity to those
who turn States evidence. They also forget
that in many cases it requires the employment
of one thief to catch another.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
News OF the Day,

La the u. S. Senate Yesterday there was
some debate upon bill appropriatng 10 the
Union Bauk Of Louisiana S;3G, 1873 TO satisfy a
By the Planters Bank OF Tennessee. The
The Planters Bank ii the Union Bank, and
was seized and :ouliscated by Gen. Banks iu
1868. / has since been determined by the
courts that the Union Bank is responsible for
the amount in good money.
The congregation Of the First Universalist
Church on Jersey City Heights has resolved
by close vote TO dismiss their female pastor,
Rev. Phoebe s. Hana!ori; the object being to
secure u male minister. The friends Of Mrs.
HanalDrd threaten TO start another church with
her As its pastor.
The propr;elors Of hc Chicago Post have re-
duced the price CT composition 10 thirty cents
per thousand ems, to take effect on Monday
uc1. The compositors have given notice that
they will not accept the reduction and intend
10 strike.
\ bill passed On Wednesday by the House
OF Delegates, Of Rhode Island legaIiziug mar
riage between whites and blacks was on the fol-
lUNlHS uly itC'uSluElGu, llc PulE DCluS 81 SCa5
to - nays
j. II. Maddox, the Treasury agent who has
been giving testimony 10 the Louisiana case be-
fore The Committee on Powers, Privileges and
Duties OF the House, was yesterday removed
from his official position as an agent OF the H.
ernal Revenue Bureau. His removal was de-
termined upon assoon as he gave his testimony,
and the President sent for ColoDel S. L. Clam
berlaiu, e Virginia carpet Dagger, and rendered
the place. The offer was Immediately accept
ed, and Maddox was notified that be was from
that date dismissed from the service OF the In
tcrnal Revenue Office, and the commission Of
Colonel Chamberlain was signed.
la response to an inquiry by correspondent
in this city, the Irish World says The Pope
has the right Of conferring the different titles
Of the Roman peerace upon Whomsoever he
chooses. lie generally does so in recognition
Of some service rendered to the Holy See.
Lately the Pope conferred the title Of Marquis
DOVley Of the Holy Roman Empire upon DR..
DOvley Evans, an American residing 10 Paris. l"
The vile Of the Marquis D'Ovley isa lady from
Montgomery, county, Nd.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
SOecic Payments.

New York, Feb. 1.-The Herald Wash
iugton special says The President said yes
terday in conversation with some personal
friends that he had been entirely misunder-
stood and misrcprcsencd by those who report
ed that be desired to have the resumption date
altered from 1879 to an earlier period. Lie had
30 such desire and was, on the contrary of the
oninion that the date should not be changed.
He believed that with law authorizing the
issue Of four per cent. long bonds and the fund
ing Of legal tenders in them at the option OF
the holders the premium Of gold would be nat
uraliy and safely reduced and the legal tender
notes would appreciate 10 par without strain
on the Lublic. The message will discuss IN
some detail the present situation OF the country
industrialy, the condition Of foreign trade and
exchange, the condition Of the currency and oil
the banks, and the President, will, it Is under
stood, show that the measure he proposes and
favors Of funding the greenbacks at the option
of the holders 10 four per cent. loug bond
will cause no disturbance Of the money market
or Of industry, that it will not cause contraction
because if grecnbacks should be funded to au
amouUt which might cause money strIngency.
additional issues of national bank notes would
take their place under the present law which
allows substantially free banking. AID that the
country has nothiog to fear therefore from the
withdrawal of ereenbacks. The amount OF
gold required for circulation if the legal tenders
arc 1t par will be very small and the actual re-
OF specie payments will be attained
By the banks and vii; be reached by natural
process and without regard to the precise time
fixed in the resumption act
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
Steamboat Regulations.

New YORK, Feb. 3.-The Board Of Super
visiDg Inspectors Of Steamboats,, which have
been in session in Washington for the past ten
days, completed their Iabors and adjourned
yesterday During the session the board re
riscd on the rules and regulations governing
local steamboat inspectors, in which they have
made many changes. Stringent rules have
been adopted with reference to safety valves
and the rules regulating the issuing OF special
permits for steamboats, carrying excursions.
Heretofore 4 special permit, issued for par
ticular excursion, was made by steamboat cap
tains to cover an entire season. The rules upon
this subject require an application tor special
permit to be made for each excursion All
steamboats, carrying passengers at night Will
hereafter be required 10 keep one man on
watch at all time during the light at or near
the wheelhouse, so as to guard against acct
dents through any incapac'y on the part Of
pilots through ignorance, neglect OF duty, or
other cause. The regulations adopted IN 1871
providing system OF fog signals. for sailing
vessels have been rescinded, and hereafter On
this class OF vessels, fog signals will be governed
by the regulations OF the navigation bureau
and the revised statutes.
The clothing store OF Layton and Knight, IN
fredericksburg was partially burned last We'd
n S1aU niuht
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
BY TELEGRAPH.
From Washington.

WASHINGTON, February 3, lS77.-The in.
terest here to-day is all concentrated ia the
proceedings Of the Electoral Commission and
the Louisiana investigation.
The Supreme Court roon, where the Com.
mission sit, is as hard to getin, unless one is
member Of Congress, as it is to get blood on.
of a turnip.
MIR. Merrlck to-day made the speech on the
admission Of testimony other than that pre-
sentcd by the Vice President.
Mr.. E7arts, Judge Black, and Mr.. O'Con-
nor also argued the question.
The evidence before the Louisiana In7es!i
eating Committee revealed the fraudulent pro.
ccediugs that took place in that State to give
Hayes The electoral vote Of Louisiana
The Senate was in session only very shor,
time to-day, and the House only consiI arsl N.
Legislative Appropriation bii!-but taw H:ai-
bers participating in the proceedings.
THE GREAT C0NMIssIoE
The Commission met al 10 clock, anI H..
counsel for the 'riden side moved iJr aacc /,
ulC au1ltloudl CfluiucI U; Lu'' IL .il HiI'i.
vitiatcd the Hayes certificates frosn FiriI,-
| This waJ discussed by Me5srs OCOouo,.
Evarts, and N1errick.
The Commission decided t. h~ar arcuaIcag
on the subject, and caci, a.da VI: -;rcn dire:
hours for tina; purpose.
Judge Jere. Black argued hat de Cnuml-
| sion should open lis doors to admit every pro-.
OF fraud Fraud c)uI never hr sacred. [;
was 4 tcuahtr luI, hat ~ptiii a,!J% i.aai
| 10 be proved in order TO rnturr hos.
| to al honest owner, and yet 40: .'iya
! proof OF fraud 10 give THOUSAND, II votes
| the Just result Of their ballet 'rhr ony
Two cases ia which fraud had eyer been rrgt,.
as sacred because protected by the State SO
was in the case Of he New Jersey election .as.
in 1899, when the House Of Representatives.
even before it vas organized. Sc! il a=jla, aui
the vain fraud in Pennsylvania, which ocaa
stoned tho buckshot var.
| Mr. Merrick filed briefs 10 the cas-.
Mr.. Matthews, Of the republican c3un%a!
followed Mr.. Black, concading the risht to &c
behiod the governors action bu; not bchi"5
the returning board.
Mr.. Stcughtoh followed on the same sid:
The commission adjourned till lIon!ay
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-02-03
FOREIGN News.

Three Christians have been appointed to Gen
eralships Of Turkish provinces, and the Porte is
unremitting in its application of reforms. Tho
Government of Greece is reported to hsvo said
that by reason Of tho failure Of the Conference,
and the probability of continued misrulo and
unro1ressed grievances, it cannot undertake
longer TO restrain the Greek population Of Tur.
key from seeking to obtain their rights by their
own efforts. The hitch in tho negotiations be-
woen Turkey and Servis continues.
a Paris telegram says that tho severe penal
ties inflicted upon Les DroiLs do L'Hommo
newspaper arc likely to create 4 stir in Parlia-
rnentary circles. The members Of the Left,
particularly tho Gsmbettists, arc especially ex-
ercised on this subject, and will probably inter.
pellato tho Government about it.
In the English market all descriptions Of
whoat arc from sxpence TO shilling lower, and
the tendency is still towards decline. Corn is
also dropping, and is throo pence 10 sixpcnco
lower.