Sharp County record., 1878-08-16
The Louisiana Subcommittee.

Evidence taken by the Committee on
the 24th and 25th, was as follows: Thos H.
Nolan testified that in 1876 he assisted in the
preparation of at11davits in the Custom
house; in preparing affidavits made them as
strong as possible; always endeavored to
make a fair statement of the testimony of
witnesses, but instead of making witness say
he had "heard" we made him say he
"knew" of the allegation made; found
very few who had personal knowledge OF Oc-
currences related; three or four witnesses
We're sworn together; never took any pains
to read over the atfidavits to witnesses; they
were generally told the atfdavitS would new
er be published; it was the understanding in
Republican circles that the State had gone
Democratic, and they must by affidavits and
protests make a case for the Returning Board
to throw out polls enough to reverse the re-
suit. MessrS. Hale, StOughtOn, Garfield and
other visiting Republicans were frequently
in the room where the affidavits were being
made. Major E. \. Burke testified at length
regarding his mission to Washington in the
interests of the Nichols State Government.
He was instructed by Gov. Nichols to repre-
sent to the President the true state of affairs
in Louisiana, and to confer and act with the
Democratic managers. He produced large
mass of kilograms, letters, ETC., which relate
to affairs there pending, among them notes
passing between him and Stanley Matthews
Government. The called Wormley Con
ference was held on Feb. 26, at the sugges-
ton of witness. There were present at this
conference Messrs. Matthews, Garfield, FOs-
ter Sherman. George Carter, Levy, Ellis,
WatterSOn and witness. The condition of af-
fairs in Louisiana was thoroughly discussed,
the Louisiana representatives rea0 state
ment of the position Of the Nichols Govern
ment and most positive assurances were Civ
en- by Matthews, Sherman, Garfield and Eos.
ter, that, although they were not authorized
to speak for Gov. Hayes, the latter would
carry out the policy indicated by Gen. Grant,
of Federal n-intcrference. Witness then
gave an account of an interview that took
place between Mr.. Hewitt and himself lmme-
diately after the Democratic caucus had de-
termined that the count should go on to
peaceful solution. Witness arraigned Hewitt
Tor his abandonment of Louisiana, it being
well known that the Louisiana members de-
desired the House to hold out until satistac-
tory assurances were given OF Federal non
interference. Notwithstanding the action of
the caucus, the filibusters continued to hold
out and increase in numbers, until they
numbered 1l6, which was sufficient to deter
the count from further proceeding 1t was
at this time that Mr.. Sherman sent for wit
ness and these conferences were held
which resulted in the completion OF
the count. t........IIOn. E. John Ellis
testified regarding the Wormley Conference
and stated emphatically that there was
no bargain; that the ceasing to tilibuster was
not insisted upon by Republicans who were
at the conference. The object of the RepuD-
licans seemed to be to remove all anxiety in
regard to the course Hayes would pursue to-
wards south Carolina and Louisiana....."
The sub Committee then adjourned, subject
to the call OF Chairman, and members left
New Orleans the same night