The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-06-09
WASHINGTON.
Yesterdays Proceedings Of the
Potter Committee.
TESTIMONY OF SENATOR FERRY.
Stanley Matthews Declines
to Attend.
AN EXPLANATORY LETTER.
A Lively Debate O.. .le;Privileges
OF Senators.
NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT.
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.
AN EXPLANATORY LETTER.
A Lively Debate On .ie;Privileges
OF Senators.
NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT.
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

WAsHyGToN. June 8. 1873
sPEcULATIoNs AS TO THE REASONS on sENA-
TOR MATTHEWS RI rusAL TO APPEAR BEFORE
OF THE SENATE.
The DRIFT OF the tedious examination In tho Potter
committee to-day seems to show hope the demo-
cratic side to connect republicans up here
tho forged Louisiana certificates. Mr.. McMahon
who 10 q sk,lfu examiner OF witnesses, with
endless patience insisted much tho infor-
mality Of the first certificate, u matter Of
not the least consequence ho knew that
General Cox would, at last show that several demo-
cratic certificates also informal; but Mr. McMahon
was IN fact, II suspected, trying after other mat
tors; and he kept poor Senator Ferry in tho chair
for long tIno. without much, II any, result
The only matter OF possible interest drawn
put that Mr.. Ferry doubts whether tho
messenger who delivered 10 him certificate
No. WIS tho Same VINO oame with the
arst Senate clork was requested to make dill
gent search Tor tho ettor OF crcdencc OF this
ger No ono prctcnds to doubt, It should be said, that
Mr.. Ferry faithfully aud honorably did bis duty in
receiving tho votes, aud u proved that all tho
certificates were before tho Electoral Commission.
ana tba, the informal,ty was.ot consequence
The sensation Of the day came when lotter was
read IRON Senator Matthew'S refusing to appear be-
fore the committee which had requested him como
before them. HIS letter awakened General Butler
who at oncc drcw up resolution ordering tho
chairman TO issue a subpoena 10 compel Mr.. Mat.
:hews TO attend. In support OF this he mado
some roEarks showing that Senator'S, Vice
Presidents. Speakers OF the House had all
boon summoned before House committees and had
attended General Cox suggested that IL might DO
we'll 10 so word and tmo the subpoena not 10 inter-
iere with tho Senator's ubIc duties, but General
Butler said times and could be settled atcr
Mr.. Matthew'S had obeycd tho committees summons
The democrats took part In the discussion, tho
pubbcans made no cefence of Mr.. Matthew'S refusal
10 appear and General Buffers motion was adopted
Unanimously. .4 r.a
Mr.. Matthews Is thought 10 have shown extraor
binary lack ofJudgme IN his ro usa. appear. Il
vas eviden, that no had even Informed any mem
ber u tho Committee OF his purpose, aud as II was
known day Or swo ago that tho republican members
wanted him 10 testify and expected by his evidence
" ovsshrow some Of ADdcrson's alsgat,oas, It was
easy account for their evident intment at
has unexpected refusal II possible that the Senate
republicans hopc to use Mr.. Matthew's TO gcs up
quarrel with the House, but this Is doubtful. IL is
thought tonight that whom M Matthews presents tho
subpoena the senate that body may reserve It's right
TO withhold Senator, but viii him permission to
obey tho summons; but IL IL believed some quar-
tiers that the republicans have determined on formal
ana formidable counter Invest gaton. and that they
VIM Withhold Mr.. Matthews and over his shoulders
start tncir inquiry.
Tho democrats are very connoout OF important dis
covsrics. but they appear unduy elaod ut what has
boon shown. Anderson has not been examined;
he Is broken down already by hts denial OF the
document he gave Senator Matthew's. and. on tho
whole, though enough nns been done to justify the
investigation. IL ought not TO DO forgotten that II has
ooiy just begun. Tho republicans, on tho OF her
hand, are thoroughly shaken, and are preparing to
1y 10 their usual refuge tho old cry OF murder and
Intimidation; In fact the fall campaign has begun.