New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-07-30
THE TESTIMONY.

THE TESTIMONY.
Ex-Governor Palmer was first asked con-
corning his military record He said he in the army
OF the Union from the beginning of the war Of the
rebellion until the close he first served as colonel
OF the 14th Illinois volunteers under General Ere
mont, in Missouri he vent from there to Springfield
and was under Pope in the advance upon Cor
NTH in August, 1862, ne assigned TO division;
he was then assigned the Fourteenth Army Corps,
and after The fall Of Atlanta was assigned TO the De
partment Of Kentucky. where he remained until the
close of the He was officially connected with the
closing scenes Of slavery.
Q-When did you reach New-Orlsans, after the cleo
ton OF 1s763 Al reached New-Odeans on November
49, having received dispatch from Dir Hewitt on No
vember 10 requesting to go there and witness the
count OF the electoral vote.
Q-Was there any organization of the men who
went on the same business as yOurselfi Ayes l
was elected chairman OF the Democratic Visitors on
November II. We arrived before the Republican
visitors. After organization, called upon Gov
kellogg and told him OF tie object of our visit
Governor Trumbun and myself had known him for
several years, and called partly out OF courtesy
We talked with great deal q freedom.
ODD he tell yOn anything about the results Of the
electiOn7 Ale told that the apparent returns
would show that the election had gone for Tlden and
Nichols but that in Eve OF the parishes the election
had been conducted that the returns would have to
be thrown out. We had no further conversation
this subject lMtefNAfuS went 10 see NdhaudNe ana
Kenner and Governor Pnchbaok and had full andIfree
conversations the condition OF things in Louisiana.
Soon afterward think. called Governor Wells and
had free conversation with him. Anderson had not
then arrived ana when he came had talk with him.
ODD Casanavo give You full information about the
state of aarsi A-CasaDaye did but Kenner said very
little Casanaye said that in the I've parishes the votes
would have TO be thrown out. told them they knew
my attitude regard to the oOlorcd they needed
no information bout that
Q-Why9 WHAT means had they Of knOwiDgl A
They knew the had taken in Kentucky and Ten
during the talked very freely with them.
told them thought there vas danger OF the oOIOred
race being ground between the upper and the neither
mIlstones. told them thought this great Occa
sion for their race which they might lake such
action would advance it fty years. urged them to
I'LL the vacant place In the Returning Board and give
such a return would satisfy the country. CasanaVe
was unwilling afraid to DO this he said the Demo
cratic party was not TO be trusted with power. He
pressed great confidence in Nichols, and would have
been willing to have tho Returning Board flied If only
the Goyernorship had been in question. urged them
to select fair man and fill board to have three
colored IL, show the country that col
Ored had the ability and courage to make fair
return.
Q-What was the upshot OF theinterYiewf At
that Casanave declined to do what proposed Kenner
was silent.
UEGING FAIR AND HONEST COUNT
Odd yOn have interviews with others on the same
subject Ayes. talked with Wells and Anderson
and urged upon them a satisfactory settlement OF the
electoral question I told them there was danger of
civil war resulting from the state OF uncertainty did
not urge the return Of Governor Tiden, but fair aud
honest count.
Q-What was the result OF your conversation with
Governor Wells A-GOvernor Wells felt and expressed
great dislike 20 the local politicians Of the Democratic
party and feIt unwilinguess to IN the vacancy In
the Returning Board he expressed lack Of confidence
in any one He said, too that the Democratic member
had resigned and thought the party had thus for
feited its right TO representation. Anderson seemed
inclined 10 make an appointments and would have been
satisfied with Dr. Kennedy, but found that the board
could not agree upon man.
o.-When did you meet AudersODi A.-AnderSon did
not arrive until after the Republican Visitors had
sembled I was looking out for HIM and met him i'm
medntey ON his arrival He always expressed will
ngne.s to n the vacancy in tho board. but said they
were unable to agree.
Mr. EiscOok-Did you understand that the Board was
unable 70 agree upon the question OF lling the vacancy
or upon the man to I'LL it A--Upon the man. i IN
sisted in conversations with the Republican visitors,
that the board ought be filled that return would
DO maac I'm which the country would have confidence
they said that they too good states rights men to
INTERFERE
o-Dia the Democrats OF Louisiana claim the right to
be represented on the b0ardf Ayes They urged the
matter.
W
the state OF affairs in the Statei Al did
after / was made chairman OF tho Demo
cratic delegation / made IL my business to become
familiar with affairs. first put myself in communica
ton With the officials, whom obtained only gon-
er information but details. had the acquaintance
of many caored people, and devoted much OF my time
to them. knew from my experience la Kentucky and
Tennessee that the cOiored people have leaders who
have almost unlimited influence over them-the
preachers. saw and talked with these frOm all parts
81 tho state from the contested parishes
Some came to my hotel aud talked with In the pres
ence OF Others not Wiling have it known
that they were Ia consultation with white
talked with certainly 100, and. believe, with fully
300 co0ncd men from different pars Of che State. My
bsf was aud yet that the coiored people were being
diSregarded and that their wishes Bero neglected.
Governor Palmer said further, that he was told By
both army officers and reputable negroes that the poll
OF par les had been mailing bids for the
negro vote those parishes where was SAID intinlda
ton had been practised. Otherwise there was no
Disturbance The were exceedingly anxious Tor
schools: Democrats aud Republicans both made prom
their opponents. Captain Basecmh Of Ohio an 0ncer In
the army, had told him that Intimidation had been
pracfised IA the disputed parishes Tue captain had
been ssatiuned In that Dcghborhood and after be made
husc statements was claimed thai DC had beer pndn
Influenced socially.
In reply to other questions from DIR. Potter Governor
PRlner continued Substantially rs f0llowe: L was IN
the halt OF talking while IN New-Oroans WITH whaSafcr
porous cOud nud In regard 30 The state OF nhnirs
invited people to my hotel Many Of thcn were NEGROES.