Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-02-19
WASHINGTON.
Investigation.

hh'SopSotiOhe
WASHINGTON, February II. The committee
on duties of the house this morning examined
Duncan ). kenner of New Orleans. lie testified
that Wells told untruth in his testimony. lie
lkenner) offered him a Iibe to cast the vote of
Louisiana for Tilden.
Witness stated that Nov. 18th or 18th, he met
Wells on the street, and said to the latter he wish
ell to see him at witness office on the subject of
the late election. 1t was well recognized fact
that Nichols carried the state, but apprehension
was felt by the people that he would not be per-
mitted to take his seat.
Wells replied he was perfectly willing to talk
frankly and freely on that subject, and did not
wish to lose the good opinion Of any of his old
friends. In conversation, Wells said he did not
care for office. but he must be paid well enough to
enable him to retire to his plantation at Rapdes
parish and it was great deal easier to count in
Nichols than Packard.
Witness asked him how much Anderson wanted
and Wells replied, half q million. Witness said
this is perfectly ridiculous. That he didn't want
them to do any wrong; and that if this demand
was insisted upon they might as we'll drop the
matter.
Wells then said, wait few DAYS. Some days
later they had another meeting which was to the
same purpose. About Nov. Both another meeting
took place, and Wells asked what witness expect
ed him to do. Witness replied all that was want
ed was fair count of all the votes cast.
Wells answered that he could not do that that
he must throw out some parishes, but he could
leave enough votes in to elect Nichols. lie would
do that if witness would place in his hands $780,
900 in greenbacks. Witness replied that he had
not the money. This ended the interview. and be
did not see Wells again until after the prcmuga-
ton of the vote.
JOurdan Reticent.
Conrad n. Jourdan, cashier of the Third Ma
tional Bank of New York, was before the senate
subcommittee on elections this forenoon, and de-
clined to answer all questions on the subject of
mOQey sent to OREGON. nrOUuca the hnnka
and papers called for in the subpoena served on
him until he had consulted with his lawyer.
Packard to be Recognized.
1t is stated that at the cabinet meeting yester.
day, decision was reached that the Packard gov
eminent was to be officially recogniG ed by the
federal government
Report.
Messrs. Holman, Askins and Hale, the sub.com
mittee appointed to prepare the sundry civil ap-
preparation bill, compiled it to-day and will report
il to the full house committee on appropriations
next next Monday. The total of the bill as pre-
pared by the sub committee, is about Sl4 900 900,
which is several millions less than the bill of last
year.
Captured.
The commissioner Of internal revenue to dav
received despatch from revenue agent Wagner,
stating that his Ysdkin county North Carolina
rsiding party had just arrived at Winston and re-
ported the capture of twenty nine copper stills
complete. SO 900 gallons Of mash and beer. and
eight distilleries.
Caucus.
The democratic senators held caucus this
evening, concerning the political situation, but
took no action except to agree TO meet with the
house democratic caucus tonight.
The house democratic caucus met at half past
seven, representative Clyner of Pennsylvania
presiding.
A resolution was offered proposing to abandon
the conn ission, but this received but thirteen
votes,
Mr.. Cochrane of Pa, offered preamble and
resolution substantially as follows:
Whereas, The electoral commission was created
in good faith, with view to the examination of
evidence and all question which pertain to the dis
puted votes Of Florida, Louisiana and Oregon
and
Whereas, Said commission, in disregard of their
oahs, radulently refused to obey the law, and the
will of the people, by defeating such examination,
therefore,
Resolved, That it is the duty of congress which
il owes to the democratic party, and the American
citizens, to defeat the fraudulent acts Of said COM
mission by all means known to the constitution
and laws to the end that all possible delay may
be nterposed, dilatory motions made and objec-
tons interposed to the vote of every state yet to
be counted, with the view Of multiplying issues
and thereby defeating the Inauguration of a
usurper.
MIR. Reagan of Texas offered the following res
olution as a substitute for the above named
Resolved, That the count of the electoral vote
shall proceed without dilatory opposition, to the
orderly execution OF the act of congress creating
the electoral commission. whose decision shall be
received and acted upon in accordance with the
provision of the said law
A long and animated debate ensued. On one
side it was commended that the nception of tri-
bunal TO adjust the controverted questions, was
sublime act of craftsmanship, freig hted with the
hopes and wishes of the nation but the result was
dissppoip tment, mixed with grief and misfortune.
1t would, however, be injurious to the democratic
party, who strongly supported the electoral BILL if
they did not now abide the result IN good faith.
On the other hand, it was urged to be better to
have an interregnum, and for the presiding officer
OF the senate to act as president until there could
be new election, rather than submit to fraud
which should be defeated by all means known to
the constitution and rules Of the house.
Among those who advocated Mr.. Cochrane's
proposition were Messrs. Thompson of Massachu-
sets, Hurd and Southland of Ohio, and Lynde of
Wisconsin. and among those who opposed it were
Messr.. Brown of Kentucky, Reagan of Texas,
Singleton of Mississippi Hill of Georgia, and SEN
atofs Bayard and Herman.
Mr.. Bright of Tennessee offered the following
amendment TO Mr.. Reagan's resolution, namely
But this resolution is accompanied by the solemn
and earnest protest of the democratic party against
the gross aud shameless violation of law, Justice
and truth, contained In the decision of the major
ity who signed the same, in the cases of Florida
and Louisiana"
The resolution of Mr. Regain as amended by
Mr.. Bright. the whole being substitute for Mr..
Cochrsnes proposition, was adopted by a vote Of
yeas SO, nays 40.
Mr.. Field of New York offered resolution for
the appointment of a committee of five to inquire
whether it would be expedient to withhold the APP
propriatons for the support of the army.
Mr.. Willis OF New York moved to lay the reso-
luton on the table, saying that to withhold such
supplies would be revolutionary. The effect
would be to alarm the country and therefore he
should oppose any such legislation to the bitter
end.
Mr.. Field withdrew bis resolution.
Messrs. Field and Tucker of Pa, sug gesed that
there be an adjourned meeting, but this was OBJ
jected to, and an adjournment then took place.
Hewitt Abbott, Bayard, Thurman, and other
democrats on the commission while condemning
the decision, say it must be carried out in good
faith and utterly refuse to listen to the sugges-
ton to withdraw. 1t is understood that Tiden
consented to the commission.
At the same time the thousands who were look
ing for Office under Tilden are mad all through,
and at present seem to be creating strong pres
sure in favor of fllibustering. The Proctor
Knots evidently are on the popular wave. Much
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