Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-08-13
THE POTTER COMMITTEE.

THE POTTER COMMITTEE.
New York, August l3.-Thc Potter inves.
ugating committee resumed its deliberations
this forenoon.
w. II. Roberts testified that he was editor
OF the New Orleans Times democratic
journal, and during the campaign used his
influence to carry the state and national
tickets. Witness believed Nichols and Til.
den carried Louisiana. In either 1866 or
1868, Gov. Hayes came down to New Or
leans for the purpose of looking into the
cause Vt the riots. He was good shot
talker. He went out hunting, circulated
freely about, and made many friends for
his party in tlat way. He did not seem 10
have come there to fight the democrats.
Foster OF Ohio, was . truthful man who
dared give expression 10 his opinions.
Witness was then asked about the course
that was taken in regard to ascertaining the
attitude of Gov. Hayes toward the state
government Of Louisiana, when he went on
and stated that as newspaper representa-
tive and as man who was not actively en-.
gagged in politics, he was selected to 70 to
Ohio and ascertain the views of Gov.
Hayes and what policy he would adopt in
case of his election to the presidency. He
proceeded to Ohio some time before the
returning board met.
Witness was about tating the result of
conversation he had with Halstead, who
gave him sealed letter to Hayes. when be
was interrupted bv Hiscock, who objected
to questions and answers that would be
throwing mud upon the president. Butler
said bis question to witnesswas a plain one,
and he had merely asked him to etate as
near as he could the result of his interview
with Halstead, the editor of the Cincinnati
Commercial; he did not see how that was
throwing mud on the president by detailing
exactly what was said or done. In regard
to this investigation, he thought they should
60 into the length and breadth of it. We
are here 10 ascertain if Hayes was elected
by fair count. He said it was shown in
evidence that Nichols had received about
$4,000 votes more than Hayes, and Packard
had received go many votes over Hayes, and
yet the wonderful result of that the
country already knows. Butler also
spoke Of the vote that had been
given in South Carolina, and
said all this seems very strange. Many per-
sons have seen where lightning has struck,
but scarce any one has seen lightning strike
twice in the same place. Such phenomo-
non would surely haye got into the news
papers. He thought every latitude should
be given in this investigation. He saw no
objection TO the question as no electoral COM
mission was then thought Of.
Mr.. Hiscock insisted that Gen. Butler was
endesvoring to show that forgery had been
committed, and argued that such evidence
was sought TO be obtained with view of
connecting the president Of the United
States with forgery, and looking toward his
impeachment.
After further discussion, the chairman
said he had no objection to the question.
The witness then detailed at length his in
terview with Halstead and his subsequent
interviews with Governor Hayes and
Lamar; witness told Halsted he had come
on for the purpose Of learning Gov. Hayes
views in regard TO the south, and what poll
cy he would adopt in the event of his being
counted in as president. Witness, in course
of the conversation with Halstead, told him
that what could be done would be done to
save the state, remarking TO h,m "What-
eyer horse loses. our horse WINS" Witness
also told him that whatever cargo they threw
out, it would be the cargo Of the least value.
Halsted told witness that Hayes was good
fellow, and meant to do right towards the
south. Witness told Halstcad he had come
thither on purpose to find that out. Wit
ness detailed further conversation lie had
with Halstead. and then spoke of his visit
to Gov. Hayes. with letter of introduction
from Ha'stcad, which letter was sealed, and
with the contents of which he was igno
rant. His interview with Gov. Hayes was
Of an exceedingly pleasant character. and
he learned that the governor entertained
most friendly feelings towards the sonth.
Witness told him the state must be saved
at all hazards to the democrats. and that
whatever they throw over would in that
respect be of least value to them. He also
told the governor that they could establish
or show vote of 1900. Gov. Hayes told
witness he had no desire for the presidency
unless be were counted In fairly. He spoke
very kindly and courteously Of the south.
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