Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-08-14
The Potter Committee.

NEW YORK. August 10. The Potter ipves.iga
ternoon.
The first witness called was VIM. II. Roberts,
who being sworn testified that he was editor Of
the New Orleans Times, democratic Journal.
During the campaign IL used its influence TO carry
the state and national ticket. Witness believed
Nichols and Iilden carried the State of Louis.
lana.
In either 1866 or 1868 Mr.. Hayes came down to
New or'esns Tor the purpose OF looking into the
cause oi the riots. He went out hunting and
circulated freely about and made many friends for
his party IN that way. Didn't seem to have come
there to fight.
Witness said Mr., Charles Foster Of Ohio spoke
of him as truthful man and who dared give ex.
preston to his opinions.
Witness said that from his conversations with
various rep. leaders be understood that if La and
South Carolina were counted for Hayes the gov
eminent OF those states would be given to dems
They acted on the assurance and the assurances
were carried out
Gen. Butler observed that such assurance look.
ed much 10 the same nature as q bargain.
In the course of further evidence witness said
that he Was offered position of naval officer, but
be recommended that it be given to . "nigger."
lie would not take any such position, where he
would be obliged to take care of Kenner of the
returning board.
Witness said that Gen. Grants order, known 40
the ''Snfen order" was issued short time before
he went out of Office, at the earnest solicitation of
reps. When he left New Orleans to call on Gov.
iiayes be believed that the returning board would
dec re Packard elected In that Conversation
Hayes told him that he did not want the presiden-
iial Office unless he got 1t fairly. Gen. Cowley
was present at the time. Hayes said his letter Of
acceptance was not mere empty form Of words,
but that he intended to live up to it in its bro adest
spirit and ntende to treat the people of the south
with hrmness and Justice. He said nothing a. to
which state government he would recognize in
La. He understood "frmness and justice" to
mean the withdrawal of the troops and the cleo
ton of the person receiving the highest vote. He
believed Hayes to be q well meaning and honest
man.
Gen. Butler again cross. examined witness - to
whether he did not understand "justice and firm
ness to mean the recog milton Of the dem. govern
ment.
He replied that Hayes made no pledges of any
kind, and witness was left TO infer what the words
meant.
Gen. Butler tried to show that tney implied q
bargain.
Witness admitted that when relating his talk
with Hayes to his friends he accompanied the in
formation with the statement that he understood
La. was to be saved.
An article in the old time, "bloody shirt" style,
pub shed in the Ohio State Journal and given -
Hayes sentiments towards the south, created .
great excitement until it was proved Gov. Hayes
held no such opinions and never authorized the
Article.
Gen. Butlei-Had you any doubt that Hayes
understood he was pledging himself to you that
your state would be placed IN the hands of dems.
II he was elected presidenti
long discussion ensued between Gen. Butler
and Mr.. hiscock, as to the question, alter which
the witness said he understood from Hayes man
ncr and conversation that the Nichols government
would be given chance to establish itself.