The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-08-28
Two Dollars a Year.
The Stolen Presidency.
ROBERTS OF THE NEW OR
LEANS TIMES TESTIFES.
He Tells the Story Of the Intrigue With
Hayes to Secure the COnsummatiOn
OF the Conspiracy.

| Extract from the Potter Invest CATION.
The witness then detailed at length the
Interview with Halstcad and his subse-
| quent interview with Governor Hayes and
Lamar. Witness told Halstead that he had
come on for the purpose of learning Gov
ernor Hayes views in regard To the South,
and what policy he would adopt i'm the
event of his being counted in as President.
witness, in the course of the conversation
with Halstead, told him that what could be
done To save the State, remarking TO him
that whatever horse loses, our horse wins.
Witness told him that whatever cargo they
threw out it would be the cargo ofthe least
value. Halstead told witness that Hayes
was good fellow, aud meant to do right
toward the South. Witness told Halstead
that he had come thither on purpose to find
that out. Witness detailed the further con-
versation he had with Halstead, and then
spoke of his visit to Governor Hayes with
letter of introduction from Halstead,
which letter was sealed, and of the contents
of which he was ignorant. His interview
with Hayes was OF an exceedingly pleas
ant character, and ne learned that the Gov
ernor entertained the most friendly feeling
toward the South. Witness told him that
the State must be saved at all hazards, To
the Democrats, and that whoever they
threw over would, in that respect be of the
least value to them. He also told the Gov
ernor that they could establish vote OF
thirteen thousand. Governor Hayes told
witness that he had no desire for the Pres-
dency unless he were counted In fairly. He
spoke very kindly and courteously of the
South.
The witness detailed at length the con-
versation he had at various times before the
matter was definitely settled with Mr.. La
mar and others. Witness said that from
conversations with various Republican
leaders, he understood that il Louisiana
and South Carolina were counted for
Hayes the government of those States
would be given TO the Democrats. They
proceeded on this assurance, and the assur-
anceS were carried out.
General Butler observed that such agsur-
ances seemed to be of much the same la
ture rs a bargain.
In the course of further evidence, witness
said he was offered the position of Naval
Officer, but recommended that it be given
to a "nigger." lie would not take any such
position, where he would be obliged TO take
care of Kenner, of the Returning Board.
General. Grants order, known as the
"Snitfin order" was issued n short time be-
fore he went out of office, at the earnest
solicitation of the Republicans.
Dues. Then, on your own showing, and
Gil the evidence that Nichols was elected
and Packard was not, aud on the decislan Of
the commission, should IL not have been
decided by them also that Tilden was elect
ed and Hayes was notP Ans. Undoubted-
ly, as Tilden got the same majority as
Nichols.
Mr.. Hutler-It was upon the assurance
of Hayes friends that il Hayes was counted
in Louisiana and South Carolina were to
have fair and just treatment, that Hayes
was to be counted in?
Col. Roberts-That was what we under
stood, sir.
Did you understand that from any source
except from Hayes himselft"
Nothing else that / had knowledge of
We thought that if we did not do that we
should lose all, and we had better save what
we could ="
"1hOse hrty-eigh Southern men seeded
from the Democratic party upon that ques-
ton, and thus caused the count 10 be made 2"
THAT is, I6elieUe the history Of the trdnsdc-
ton"
Mr.. Butler-Is not that pretty much your
idea of a bargain
ut was carried out"
Ia reply to Mr.. Blackburn, Col Roberts
said that he learned from Gen. Grant that
the troops were to be removed from the
South, and he telegraphed that fact TO his
friends.