Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1878-08-14
is IT ALL SMOKEP

The Republican papers, championing
the great fraud, "play on the harp OF
a thousand strings" in season and out,
that the Potter Committee has devel-
oped nothing new, and the investlga-
ton has turned out failnre OF
course they know better for even their
own columns, in the imperfect reports
OF testimony sent by the Associated
Press, contradict their conclusions. 1t
is true the theft Of Louisiana vote for
Hayes was known and conceded by all
candid men, no matter That their poll.
tics, but the precise methods of the
larceny were only guessed at The
Potter Committee has changed all this,
and given us solid facts 10 place of sur
misses. That is the greatest service il
has done. We anticipate from the
Committee presentation Of the testi-
mony and report that will go into
history, as conclusive that Hayes was
made President by fraud, force, forgery
and perjury. That will bo the verdict
of posterity.
Just before the adjournment of the
subcommittee at New Orleans, an i'm
portant witness, who had occupied
posts under the State Government of
Kellogg to give him abundant oppor-
tuntes to know all the movements
and intentions of the leaders, National
as well as local, was called to the stand.
He was MIR. Thomas II. Noland, and
he testified as follows
I was Chief Enrolling Clerk Of the Senate for
thrce years, and afterward Assistant Assessor for
the Third District Of New Orleans, and aftcrward
Tax Collector for Iberville. | was asked by
Mr.. Packard, Mr.. J. p. Harris, X. l.. Weber, and
Commissioner Lane to 60 to the Custom House and
assist in the preparation Of Aihdayits. That was
before the Returning Board had begun its sessions
aud the preparation Of afidavits was continued
until after they adjourned. These afidavits were
prepared In several rooms In the Custom House,
In the Collectors Office. United States Court
room, and up stairs. The Instructions TO
the Clerks were to get all they could out Of the
witnesses for the Republican side. There was no
special examination Of the witnesses. Most Of
them were unable TO put their statements into in.
tcigible language, and other language sas sub.ii-
fafed. The statements were made as strong as
possible. Very few witnesses knew from personal
knowledge what they testified, but heir statements
oere sei dorn as derived from actual observation.
have seen In the rooms where sfiidayits were be-
ing prepared some Of the Visiting Statesmen,
among them Hale, Stoughton and Garfield. Mr..
Stoughton was busy up ftair in the third story.
Mr.. Garfield came nearly every morning 70 the
Collectors Office and took notes. Mr.. Hale spoke
mony Of Colonel Brooks. did not read orer the
o6idavits 10 the wifaesses, and do not know
whether they were sworn.
In the case Of Vresinki's affdavits II was read
over to him, but the portions making positive state
msnh skipped. He displayed great reluet.
ance TO making any afBdavit-
The news that the Visiting Statesmen were
coming produced the impression that Grant would
sustain Packard. The Republicans knew the
State had gone Democratic at the polls, but Il ,eos
determined TO hrow out such number Of votes
through The fundamentally efhs Rsinrnipg Board
"a woHid reverse he result.
Most of the facts related by this
witness have been familiar to the pub
lie since the Presidential election, but
they derive Importance as coming from
a Republican who held three offices of
high trust under the Kellogg Govern.
mont, who enjoyed the confidence Of
the managers in Louisiana, and who4
oificiated in the manufactur-
ing Of aflidavits. Mr. Noland makes
II clear that the Republican leaders
knew the State had voted for Tilden,
and then organized tho conspiracy to
ialsify the Pittsburgh Post.