The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-05-30
THE CONSPIRACY.
Alex ander HI. Stephens Denounces the I'm
vestigatiOu,

Alexander HI. Stephens Denounces the In
vestigatiOn.
WASHINGTON, May 80 Alexander III
Stephens in long letter denies having acted in
concert with the Republicans, as intimated in
Potter's letter, but says that be sent letters to
Potter and to his colleague, Mr.. Chandler, pro-
testing against the adoption of Potters resolu-
ton, on the ground that it was unfair and un-
just, aud if there was to be any investigation
the people wonld demand one that should
cover all the alleged fra1ds, and that any other
course would disintergrate the Democratic and
identify the Republican party.
Mr. Stephenson says that he is constitutional
~ opposed to any investigation with view to
impeach or assai the title of President Hayes,
and shows by the action Of Potter in Congress
that such is the real motive of the proposed in
vestigation. He says:
look upon the whole proceeding, concerted
as it was, conducted as it has been, as most un-
wise, most unfortunate and most mischiey.
GUS. Its effect will be to disturb the peace,
harmony and quiet of the country. Neither
Potter nor anybody else can prevent it.; and
say to him most respectfully that nothing short
OF an immediate, general and firm concert of
action of the law and order-abidng people of
all parties, Republicans and Democrats,
throughout the Union, in reprobation of this in
vest!gatlon proceeding any farther with view
to disturbing the Presidential title, such as
was announced by the Pennsylvania Democ-
racy in their convention few days aegean
arrest the most fearful consequences. Those
who have, though innocently. sowed the wind
will reap the wrlwind. My own opinion is as
l have repeatedly said, that this affair will
prove in the end either contemplate farce or
horrible tragedy. Whether it will lead to the
INSTRUMENTATION of our Federal Republic, the
result must show. But say that ali soft
words Installing in the minds of the people of
this country the idea that Hayes can be peace
fully unseated by Congress, are as delusive and
as guileful as the whisperings of the g1ert
Archfiend in the shape of a toad, in the ear of
Eve, from which sprung all our woes.
The Plan of the Investigation Not Vet
Agreed Upon.
The Potter committee held long sc ssion this
afternoon. They discussed the question as to
the scope of the investigation, the Democra
wishing to to confne in to Florida and Lonis-
lana and the Republicans desiring to include
Oregon. The subjecs of the an
pointment of subcommittee was con-
sidered and desired by the majority,
Some of the members in that connection
said they were Undisposed to go South on such
business as they feared the climatic influences
during the summer Gen. Butler was among
the number. 1t was mentioned that Secretary
Sherman and several others could be examined
as witnesses in this city, while the sub.commit-
tee could conveniently and economically take
testimony in Florida and Louisiana.
The subject of closed or open doors during
the investig alton was discussed but according
to the statement of MIR. Potter nothing was
determined on. The members would give no
particulars of the proceedings, saying that
they were pledged to secresy, and the commit.
tee adjourned till Friday.