Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1878-06-14
LEVISSE.
story of n Struggle Between Conscf-
ence and Party AIlegiance-What
Mr. Hernandez Knows OF MIR,
LevIsse's Roman Virtue.

New Orleans Democrat: Yesterday we
happened to meet IN a social way our genial
friend, Mr.. Joseph Hernandez z, whom Levisse
speaks of in his testimony before the Potter
committee as one of the gentlemen who aided
in affording him the proud distinction of
becoming the only elector who was ever
offered and refused one hundred thousand
dollars for his electoral vote for President
During an interchange of those convivialities
incident to what Tony" would call a ''sus-
picious OCCASION" the following conversation
transpired, which we take the liberty of Civ
ing to the public, since no Injunction of
secrecy was placed upon US, trusting to our
friends amiability for forgiveness if we have
abused his confidence:
THAT'S nice story" said we, in a BAN
tering way, ''that Levisse has been telling on
you before the Potter committee. Come,
now, tell US all about it. -
EYES," said Mr.. Hernandez, ''that is a
nice story of Levisses; but, if you want to
hear it, l will tell you what actually occur
red"
"Well, how was it, " said we.
Gust this way" said he. "The evening
before the assembling of the electoral college.
in 1876, two gentlemen friends of mine sent
for me, and said they desired to consult with
me concerning certain Presidential elector,
who had just arrived in this city from Shreve-
port, and who had expressed his conviction
that Tilden had really and fairly carried Lou
isiana, but who was afraid to vote as his con-
victions and conscience prompted, because of
the rage such course would create among
the Republicans, who, he believed,
would surely take his life unless he
was afforded protection by the Democrats and
State after casting his vote. This mans
name was A. B. Levisse, said these gentle-
men, and we have called on you at the suo-
gestion of Mr.. Walter Pugh, who told Us
you were well acquainted with the man. |
replied to my friends that L knew Mr.. Lee
visse very well, and asked for the particulars.
Mr.. Pugh himself was present and gave me
the information. He said that Captain Aiken.
president Of the Red river transportation
company, had informed him that Judge
Levisse had come down from Shreveport with
Mr.. S. M. Asher, a well-known citizen of that
place, on the same boat, and that during the
trip, which lasted several days, Mr.. Asher
and Judge Levisse had held long and frequent
on the subject of the Presidential
election, and that Mr.. Asher was satisfied
Levlsse could be made to vote for TIlden t.
his fears for his life could be Quoted, and a
safe retreat provided for him. | was there
upon requested to see Judge Levisse and to
ascertain exactly what he desired, and what
could be done. A short while after this con-
versation with Mr.. Pugh, he and walked to
the corner of Common and Carondelet streets
where we met Mr.. Asher and Judge Levisse
Judge Levisse treated me very cordially, and
introduced me to Mr.. Asher, whom did NOT
know, who he Uevisse) said was his friend.
etc. At my suggestion we retired to nv of
fee, which Is but two doors from Common.
on Carondelet. At the door of my office JUDGE
Levisse hesitated, remark1ng that it might
not be prudent for him to be s. en- entering
my office-he feared his steps might have
been logged. Turning to me, he SAID: Mr.
Hernandez, you may speak very freely to
Mr.. Asher. He is my friend, and whatever
he says l will do. Speak to him as
you would to myself. Saying this.
Judge Levisse babe US good night and left.
and Mr.. Asher and | entered my office, where |
Mr.. Asher spoke in substance as follows. |
Said he: Levisse is really and conscientious |
" of the opinion that 1ilden has carried |
Louisiana, and be Is very much inclined to |
cast his vote for Tilden in the electoral COL |
lege, provided his life was duly prote CT ID and |
means sufficient furnished him to leave the |
State after casting his vote. Levisse is SO |
much in earnest about this that he has a |
speech already written which he will deliver |
in explanation of his vote for Tilden.'
II replied that, as far as protection was
was very easy matter arranged, |
but as to the means to leave the State, how
much, said l, will Levisse require? Two !
hundred thousand dollars, said Asher Z
At this enormously preposterous propo-