The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1877-02-09
The Louisiana Villainy.
LrrrLErEILD PEACHES on WELLS.

LirrLEfEiLD PEACHES on WELLS.
WASHINGTON, January 3O.-J. +. LittIefeld,
clerk OF the returning board, was recalled. lie
said that yesterday when he appeared before
the committee he had taken no legal advice, but
since that time he had a conference with an attor-
hey whosinformed him that he could tell the whole
truth, ii he did so under protest, otherwise he
would have to bear the burden of suspicion in
nostracting the original return Of Vernon Par
is,,.
Mr. Field asked witness to look at the paper
marked 5, aud he answered, after slight inspcc.
noh' that 1t was the same paper that was before
the returning board,
Witness in reply to a question said that he was
requested by Gov. Wells to transpose the re-
turns OF two polls, taking the votes from the
Democrats and giving them to the Republicans
polls two and nine. The number of votes
thus transferred was ITS. The original figures
were erased and those required written in their
place.
by Dir. Field-What motive did Gov. Wells
ASST Tor requiring you to make the change?
A.--To elect Hunter Judge, Andrews District
Attorney, I'D Kclso State Senator, the parishes
oeing IN the Judicial district in which Gov. Wells
resided
Q.-Was one of the persons named James An
drews, who refused to accept tho office the ground
that he was not fairly elected2 Al presume
so, from the fact that he was a candidate for
District Attorney.
Nhis Cieiu cAnlOlteu the certluCute OF the
two friends Gf Wells, Hunter and kelso, which
witness believed to DC genuine.
By MIR. Ficld-When the change of figures
was accomplished in the way you mention what
became Of the original papers from Vernon Par
lshE A. was instructed by Governor Wells
to bring him two statements accompanying the
consolidated statement, gave them TO him
the day after the official promulgation he Was
about to put them in his pocket when | asked
whether 1t was not indiscreet to do 50, and he
said was right i'll thus reminding him wheth-
er he Oh l destroyed them l cannot say, but
saw them burned. AS to the original statement
OF the poll of Vernon Parish, with alterations,
now before him, Governor Wells told me to de-
stroy or make way with it. l felt had done
little too much already, and took the paper
home for the purpose of destroying il, but did
not. communicated these facts to Mir. Spear
lrg, my uncle, and gave him the paper to be
used by him and others, in whom confidence
could be placed, in behalf of the Nichols gov
ernment, which Mr.. Spearing supported. l
thought that Nichols VS. elected Governor |
requested of him that my name should never
be known in this transaction, and that should
paper in New Orleans. The last time saw tthhS thhSe
paper was in the office of Governor Palmer. nj
Springfield, 1t having been conveyed thithcr by
Mr.. Spearing. From that time to this he had
never seen the paper till it was produced yes
terday before the committee.
Q-Describc the occasion and the circumstan-
ces of Governor Wells asking you to alter the
returns. A.--On Sunday, the ;}d of December.
the board and three or four of the clerks took
dinner together. They sat at dinner three or
Tour hours. From there we went to the rooms
of the returning board. After being there n
few minutes, saw Governor Wells looking over
some papers and figuring We were all feeling
happy. know was In a few minutes Gov
ernor Wells engaged with me in n whispered
conversation, and told me to alter the votes.-
oil rnn In hnxn ,l 4
didn't do it that night. Subsequently Governor
Wells said it was well done.
Witness here showed how the alterations were
made.
Witness, continuing: said: Governor Wells
asked me the same night to make change in
the electoral vote. Governor Wells was exam
ined 10y the committee which went to New Or
leans. Governor Wells afterwards told me he
was asked by the committee how the returns
from Vernon Parish were received, and, in con-
sequence. he felt very uneasy. lie first said to
me: "Can you make copy Of the original
fnu out what will make an aggregate and we'll
reject them" lie then said: ave will have
athdayits prepared, meaning afiidavits showing
why three polls Of Vernon Parish were rejected
The atiidavits were sworn to before United States
Commissioner Jewell. Each affidavit was sworn
TO by three persons. j recolicct the names of
three persons who sworc TO them, namely Jim
Brewn, Samuel Collins and Samuel Carter
They made their marks. ! do not know wheh-
er there were such persons or not TIL affila.
Wits were dated believe, November Ii, 1876,
and came into the office OF the board on the 18th
Of December.
Air. FiclI-Did Governor Wells speak about
forging the name Of Thos. Franklin d?
Answer-Hc asked me to practice so I could
make the signature to the returns, but did not
do it.
Question. Since you came to Washington have
you had interviews with any parties with regard
loyonr testimony? Al have conyersed with
various parties, including Gov. Kellogg and
Marshal Piikin. Gov. Kellogg did not question
Inc particularly, but seemed anxious to do So
Ilikln spoke about former intercourse and per-
sonal relations which had, he said, been pleas.
ant, and he wanted me to consider well before
festiiylng and rs to what course | should take
told him did not intend to testify if | could
help 1t. lie as much inferred that should
remember my friends. lie thought it wise for
me 10 stick TO my own party. This conversa-
ion took place either Saturday or Sunday night
Q.-Nas anything said about furnishing coun-
sci, or about protecting you? Ale said if
desired he would engage counsel.
MIR. Lawrence then examined the witness.
who was reminded that he had said when he
was examined yesterday he was not aware Of
his rights. Witness remarked that since then
he had conversed with Mr.. Murphy, of Dayen-
port, Iowa. MIR. Murphy did not advise him,
but said lie could give testimony under protest,
which would clear him from contempt.
Q-ls there anything YOU know now that you
dld not know yesterday? Al am only Civ
ing my testimony under protest. l was in con-
i!npt w. gn
Q.-You altered nc other return than this !?