Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-07-09
ID. J. WEDGE OF EAST FELICIANA,
ON THE STAND.
What lie Knows About Anderson and
the Returns.
TESTIMONY REGARDING EAST FE-
LICIANA PARISH.
THE NATTER OF INTIMIDATION
NOT TO BE TOUCHED.
Testimony Of the Witnesses COncerniD,
Captain DeGTay.

NEW ORLEANS July 8. The Potter sub-com.
mittee met at III o'clock.
ID. J. Wedge of East Felicsna testsfed: Wa,
chairman of the democrat parish campaign com
mlttee; detailed the occurrence in connection
with Andeison's departure fran the parish. and
the efforts TO secure bis return to complete the
registration; under the law registration closes
nine days before the elections there were over
four hundred democratic votes unregistered
knew Capt. DeGray, a prominent republican, who
was consulted by the negroes as to his course.
DegIay, in conversation, told witness before the
election, that II was the purpose Of the republi-
licans to have no ticket in the field; that the par
ish could be thrown out. DeGray refused to vote
saying 1t was no use-that 1t was all farce.
Witness stated that Anderson, after completing
the returns refused to sign them, but promised
he would sign them when he got to Baton Rouge,
ON his way TO this city, II some Of us would 20
with him. went with him in q carriage to Ba-
ton Rouge when he signed the returns under
oath. before a Justice of the Peace. Anderson
said that 1t was not necessary to make any pro-
test, rs the election was peaceful and quiet. Al
ter sly ming the returns, paid Anderson between
500 and $500
Cross examined by Mr.. Reed: Witness paid
Anderson the amount OF his voucher on the bill OF
the PARISH treasury, which was insovent. My OBJ
Ject was to get Anderson TO complete his work.
lie was hard to manage, and for that reason
went to Baton Rouge with him. He refused to
sign the returns 10 Clinton. We promised to cash
his warrant, for fear he would not complete his
work without such payment paid him out of the
campaign funds. Did not consider that there was
anything wrong in making such payment; would
not have paid Anderson for the purpose OF induc-
ing him to do wrong. Heard Anderson say Col.
Patten furnished him transportation from New
Orleans to Bayou Sara. My impression is that
Anderson had foriete his legal right to pay me Mt
by his scampish action in leaving the parish be
fore completing the signation.
10 Mr.. Sturgis:
We made anplcatlOn n CIV Kpnnup upIer
sections ~ and % of the election law, to have
some one appointed in Anderson's place, when he
refused to perform his duty as supervisor.
Mr.. Stenger read the section Of the law giving
the Governor authority to remove for cause.
Witness said that in 1874 the negroes voted al
most solidly for the republicans. In 1876 they
voted the democratic ticket.
Thomas M. Williams, (colorel) testified that
the lives in East Feliciana, up to 1876 belonged
to the republican party. Knew Capt. DeGrav ;
considered him the leading republican OF the par
ish. lie told me to inform friends that there
was no use voting; that the vote would be thrown
out. He had known me as a republican.
10 Mr.. Reed:
1t was well known had joined the democrats
told Capt De-Gray so after we had talked about
the election.
John DeLee of East Felicana testified In
1876 voted the democratic ticket; III 1874 voted 4
mixed ticket. Prior to the election in 1876, De-
Gray spoke to me about acting rs constable Oh
DeGray aud Campbell, and they told me there
would be no republican ticket III the parish; that
this was the programme agreed on down below
meaning New Orleans. Know that De-Gray was
in the habit of consulting prominent republicans
IN New Orleans. lie WAS really tue head of the
republican party in the parish
To Mr.. Reed
Was present when Packard and Lewis made
speeches IN the parish, when the republican
speaker WAS made 10 take back what he had said
Here a dlscus siOn between the members of the
committee arose, as to whether or not the ques-
ton Of inun idatlon should be gone into, which
was decided IN the negative.
John >. Lancer, of East Feliciana, testified
Am planter and clerk of the District Court.
Knew the leaders of the republican party from
conversations with them. | inferred that they
would not put the ticket in the field. Had con-
versatIon with Andersun, who wanted his friend
Nash put on the ticket tor Congress. Ander sob
said II this was done the election would be all
right; otherwise it would not. The warrant
Dashed for Anderson afterwards fell into my
hands and was paid INTO the parish treasury at lie
face value, for taxes.
Witness In response 10 a question, submitted q
copy OF the indictment found by the grand jury,
May 20, 1872, aga nst Thomas Ill. jerks, for em-
bezzling $4,000 as tax collector. The records
show that the indictment was nolle pressed May
~ of the same year. There was another indict.
ment which was similarly disposed of. There is a
civil proceeding against jerks for the amount OF
the deficit. | tnd no Indictment against l.. b.
jerks.
AT 2 o'clock the committee adjourned till IL A.
NJ, tomorrow.