Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-06-12
rHE POTTER INvEsrIGArION.


Tie developments made by the Potter
investigating committee naturally arouse
surprise on the part Of many persons
who heretofore thought that the under
taking was inaugurated in behalf OF the
Democratic party, irrespective of any
beneficial results that might ensue to the
country. Since the revelations by wit
nesses, whose evidence has been corrobo-
rated by circumstances and letters, there
is evidently a great change 10 public
opinion, and even the Radical journals
are now showing this. Among the
heroes of guilt in the great fraud, not
one commands more attention han Mr..
Stanley Matthews, at whose instance o
committee of the senate was appointed
to inquire into his connection with
the Louisiana affair. This com
mitteo met yesterday aud inform
ally agreed to postpone their inquiry
until the adjournment Of congress,
aid also not to hold any meetings dur
ing July and August. As yet Matthews
has not responded to the subpoena issued
and served on him a few days ago. At
the instance of Nr. Cox, of Ohio, the
Potter committee yesterday postponed
the consideration Of the question of re
porting until today, when definite sc.
tion may be had. From Republican
sources it is learned hat Matthews has
determined not to obey the subpoena
and will claim exemption on the ground
of being a senator Of the United States.
Il is certainly a little novel that official
position exempts a man from obedience
to the laws of his country. This is ell
the more singular in a republican gov
eminent, and will doubtless 60 far to
certify the fact that even a United
States senator can commit a great
crime and add infamy to guilt by a rare
and heroic impotence. Mr.. Matthews
will be made to 20 before that commit
tee, despite the failure Of the rats to
make chewing gum Of bis letters to An
derson. a Washington special to the
Cincinnati Gazette RAD, Of the 9th,
says:
Senator Matthews has determined to
decline to accept the subpoena from the
Potter committee. He will claim bis
privilege as a senator, and deny that the
committee has authority TO overturn it.
In this course he is acting not only upon
his own judgment, but also the best ad-
vice on the subject that al be had in
Washington. Therefore he is determined,
for the present at least, to disregard the
subpoena that will be serv' | upon him to-
morrow. The senator is very firm in bis
position, aud will make the issue fairly
and squarely, and let it be settled once
for all.
We hope it will be settled ono for all.
but it does seem strange now that the
terms " Mexicanize, {" revolution, " " re.
bellion," "solid South" and terrified
Democracy, " Honorable Mr.. Matthews,
etc have suddenly disappeared from the
columns of the Radical papers, Even
the Republican journal of Memphis has
all st once ceased to enjoy these terms,
for the malicious luxury of ~slsudering
the Southern people and misrspresent-
ing the true purpose Of the investigation
are exposed and set forth by the circum.
stances and facts of the proceedings
However, Mr.. Key ought to write another
letter, and every postmaster, Republican
Office holder aud political sycophant in
the South should indorse its wisdom aud
patriotism.