The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-06-13
THE INVESTIGATION.
Cross-examination of Darrell.
Rather "a Dull Session.
The Matthews Investigation TO Begin
To-day.

WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE Potter com.
mittee met at 11.45. and owing to the tempor-
airy absence OF Chairman Potter, who had gone
to Roanoke, Va, Mr.. Morrison presided
DarrelPs Testimony Continued.
Ex-Representative Darrell was recalled and
was examined by Mr.. Cox regarding the pro-
test of Anderson relative to intimidation in
East Feliciaua. The witness stated that he
first saw Anderson in the spring of 1877,
when he stated that the protest he had made
was correct.
Q.-What pretence did he make that he had
not executed the protest himself?
Ale never stated, but claimed the protest
correct as regards the intimidation.
Odd he ever have a conversation with
you, in which he stated that he had conversa-
ton with Matthews in which he threatened
Matthews?
A.-Shortly after my conversation with
Potter, Anderson told me he had seen Matthews
and threatened him with the publication of
documents in his possession, and pictured to
him the scandal it would cause, and that in
reply Matthews had told him that if he was
inclined to pursue that course he might go on
and publish anything he desired. at subse-
quent interview between myself and Matthews,
that gentleman said he would have nothing
further to do with Anderson if he intended
publishing the documents in question.
Odd you ever see the Nash agreement,
and where?
Al have seen the original Nash agree.
Rent Anderson was here about the 4th of
March looking for an appointment, and called
on me at various times Shortly after March
4th called on the President and etatod tho
which were because of the active part taken by
him 10 the Louisiana election, and he was
very intelligent man. About week after our
visit to the President, Anderson called on me,
said he and Nash had quarrelled, and be was
going to expose Nash-in other words, he was
going for him. He stated at this time that he
had paper in his possession that would ruin
Nash, and thereupon produced the Nash agree
ment and explained to me what he meant. l
consulted Nash about the document. and he
said he had signed it in foolish moment and
ought not to have done 30, bat he cared nothing
about it. 1 never heard of the Nash agree
ment until called on the President in Adder
sous behalf.
Odd you ever have conversation with
Sherman about the so-called Sherman letter?
A-No sir, none whatever. 1t seems from
conversation have had that there is no such
document in existence MY knowledge of it
is only what heard from Mrs. jerks and An
dersoD, whose stories were contradictory.
Off there was anything 10 that connection
his statement upon that subject, please state
what it was
A-As near as recollecs, Anderson stated
to me that the document was signed by
Sherman and Stoughton. Afterwards, on ses-
ing copy, 1 saw it was signed by Sherman
alone, and entirely different from what Ander-
son represented it to be-
Darrell then stated that Anderson had repre-
sented his parish as terrible, and that no Re-
publicans were safe there, and mentioned the
names of prominent Republicans who were in
Inundated and unable to vote.
Care you sufficiently acquainted with the
general reputation of Anderson to state what it
do not like to say, but he when at home was
much dssipated, and although his reputation
might be considered bad 10 the North, it was
considered good in New Orleans.
McMahon-After reading the Nash agree
msnt, did you revoke your recommendation for
the appointment of Anderson?
A-No sir. In fact was quite sure there
was no chance for his appointment.
Q-Why was Anderson regarded by you as
SO important person to have in your dealings
corresponded with him in order to bring him
over here to aid in securing the support of Mat.
thews?
A-Auderson represented that he had claims
on Matthews which were sure to gain his sup
port, and stated that he desired to assist his
friends, having good position himself.
G. How did you come to write Anderson
urging him to write to Matthews in your be
half regarding the New Orleans collectorship,
even after the quarrel between Anderson and
Matthews?
A-Well. knew that Matthews was we'll
disposed towards Anderson, even after the con-
versatiou between them occurred, in which the
latter threatened the publication of the docu-
ments, and that he had received letters from
Anderson after that time.
The Yitness was then examined at length by
Gen. Butler regarding the meetings with Mat
thews. He testified that he called upon Mat
thews in February relative to the colectorship
at New Orleans. Up to Christmas neither the
witness nor Matthews mentioned thu existence
of the Anderson documents He knew of the
existence Of the Nash and Weber agreements
was informed of the same by Weber and An
derson.
Q-Did you, or did you not, write to Auder-
son to come on here and aid in securing the COL
lectOrship, after denouucing Anderson as
drunken, miserable fellow?
| Alt is my impression that did.
The witness then continued that he was of
the impression that he rst.approached Ander-
son with regard to securing his influence with
the admins tration in behalf of the witness
appointment as collector, repeating the state
ment that he claimed he was in possession of
documents which would secure the support of
Matthews
Odd Anderson say anything to you about
any documents, he had against or for any one,
excepting the Weber aud Nash agreements,
prior to your writing him?
Ayes sir.
Q-Where?
A.-To the best of my recollection my first
letter to him to come on here must have been
dated February. Anderson was here previous
to recess, and 1 heard him state that he had
other papers relating to Matthew, besides the
Weber and Nash agreements.
Q-Do you now testify that he said anything
about those papers before recess?
A-Don't recollect.
Mr. Butler, after further questions relative to
the arrangements and declarations existing
between Matthews and Anderson, asked the
witness if he dad intended to get into office
through the fear of administration that these
documents 10 possession OF .perjurer, loafer
and black-mailer would be published Where.
upon the witness said he had not called Ander-
son that.