River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-07-18
THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.


Investigating the EteetIon of 1870 Under
the Potter Hesolution---James IL. An
dsrson and Secretary sherman on the
Stand.
The Potter committee again assembled
at Washington, and on the 18th and 18th of
July, Gov. kcllegg Was subjected to long
examination. His testimony, detailing cir
cuinstances, possesses much interest and val
ne. He testified that the election in Louisiana
in 1876 was entirely legal that Packard was
legally inaugurated IN 1877, at which time
there was Republican quorum in both
Houses; that in ho opinion had President
Hayes recognized Gov Packard by telegraph
after the formers Inauguration, and followed
the same up by an official recognition, as
President Grant had done in his, (Kelluggsl
case, that the people of Louisiana, including
the Nichols faction, would have created no
trouble, He. considered Packard elected rs
fairly a. the Hayes electors, so far as
Louisiana was concerned. Witness believed
that violation and intimidation had existed
in the parishes of East and West Feliciana,
East Baton Rouge, OuacRita and Moorehnad
lie thought Lhe result of intimidation and
terrorism was to destroy the Republican
maIorlties, especially In the parishes mention
ed, Judging from the fact of their having al
ways gone Republican previous to 1876. Mr..
sherman was present at the open meetings
of tae returning board daily. Am not aware
he participated in any of the proceedings of
a
visitors, The subcommittee met at New
Orleans, July 18th, and recalled f. L. Weber,
who testified in regard to occurrences in
West feticiana parish, and as to certain al
legged corrupt practices in legislation.
SATURDAY, July 13.-The examination
of Gov. Kellogg was continued at considerable
sength. He contradcted many of the state
ments of Mr.. and Mrs. jerks, and of
h. l.. Weber, and j. E, Anderson, and reaf-
tirmed statements in regard to intimidation,
bulldozers, &c. James +. Anderson was not
considered by witness as a trustworthy Re-
publican. Anderson now says probably for a
consideration, that he did not sign the protest,
but he certainly did sign it, He knew moth
ing OF the standing of Mrs. jerks. Always
considered her husband an honorable gentle
man and good Republican,. Gen. Butler
asked if all the members of the visiting com.
mlttee did not have Federal officers rendered
to them. Mr.. Hiscock objected 10 the ques-
ton. Gen. Butler modified his question and
Senator Kellogg answered by showing that
according 20 his knowledge some had been
appointed to federal offices and also that some
of the Supervisors whom he named had also
been appointed to places. Butler then asked:
Do you know any reason or of any special
qualifications of any one of these persons
why they, more than any others, should be
appointed to Office unless in connection with
services in Louisiana politics? Mr.. Hiscock
objected to the question, saying il was intend
ed to make the administration appear rid-
culous. The witness further testified in re-
gard to appointments to office, intimida
ton in East and West FiIiciana Par
iShes, without elicting any this new
The chairman then questioned witness in re-
gard to signing the second set Of the electoral
returns and the action of the electoral com.
missiouers thereon, but no new facts were
ELECTED. The committee then went into exc
cutjve session and adjourned till the sd of
July, to meet at Atlantic. \. J. At New
Orleans the subcommittee continued their
examination of witnesses. Charles Clicks tes-
testified that f. L. Weber stopped a few weeks
ago at witness house and said he was GO
ing to Washington and that he had the Sher
man letter in his pocket. A number of other
witnesses were examined without elieiting
anything of importance.
MONDAY, July 15.-The Potter sub
committee met, and examined Isaac w Pot
ter, chairman of the Democratic State eonven-
ton in 1876. J. f. Anderson made PROPOSE
ton by which the Democrats could have two
members of the Assembly from East Feliciana
Parish. Further testimony WAS given about
eashing scrip for Anderson. Witness agreed
with MeCabe to pay Anderson $3.50. Witness
gave jerks $50. jerks said he would not
take it as bride, but as q loan. Other wit
nesses were examined without elicting much
of Importance.