New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-08-16
LOUISIANA CORRUPTION.
1oUNr IERTs STORY CONTINUED.


JOHN T.. LETS STORY CONTINUED.
CONCLUSION OF THE WITNESSES TESTIMONY BEFORE
THR POTTER INVESTIGATING CoMMITIEE-HE
BEGINS Personal EXPLANATION
John f. Leet finished his story yesterday,
before the Potter Investigating Committee, oil
the political corruptions of Louisiana. Gene
raj Buffers examination of the witness lasted
only few minutes and the crOss-exdmina-
ton by Mr.. Hiscock was still more brief, but
very pointed. The witness entered into per-
sonal explanation of the purity of his motives
which he feared had not been made sufficiently
clear In the course Of his testimony de Will
finish his vindication of his actions at the
opening of the session this morning.
TRYING THE COMMITTEES PATIENCE.
LISTENING TO JOHN Z. LEET's LONG sroRY-GEN'
FRAL BUFFERS LINE OF RxAMISATIoN-THE
WITNESS SAYS HE HAS MORE YET TO TELL
Chairman Potter wrestled for several hours, yes
terday. with that picturesque and entertaining wit
ness from Louisiana whom he introduced the day
before-Leet the carpet-bagger. Mr. Potters ques-
tions were carefully framed as to draw out facts
that would have some bearing. near or remote upon
the subject under investigation but he utterly taied
to bring the witness down to any point. Leet paiu
very little attention to the scope OF the lnterrOga-
tories, but continually wandered oil into rambling
narrative of some things which be said he Knew ana
of many more which he conjectured, about the MS
tory of Louisiana politics, ancient and modern MI
Potter bore this with wonderful patience, attempt
ing every now and then to recall the witness from
his constant excursions but failed in every instance
Perhaps the chairman of the committee, who knew
as we'll as anybody that Leet's long stories were not
testimony. allowed him to 90 on for political Tea-
sons; thinking that while very few people would
believe much that the witness said. he was exhibit
ing himself as a frightful example Of the class OF
men who have ruled in and ruined the Republican
party of the South. The worst thing about Leets
testimony for Governor Kellogg 81 Co. is not what
he says abOut them for they will hardly care enough
about his story to contradict It, but the TACT that
must be accepted, that they used the fellow to do
their dirty work. Leets present ambition seems 70
be TO appear as a man Of former great Importance
and influence among the Republicans Of his State
man who had 10 be consulted in regard toall plans,
and who was necessarily made conhdant of when
ever any secret plotting took place among the
Republicans.
The witness had plain sailing rs long as he was
In the hands of Mr. Potter, but soon found himself
among the rocks and breakers when General
Butler and Mr. HiscOck began to cross-examine
Inc FORMER seems ulNdSt 70 uhNb iooh'A WIN
suspicion on the alleged Sherman letter and while
the effect Of his questions other branches OF the
Investigation has been TO attack the Republican
visiting statesmen he has apparently tried to break
down the testimony introduced by the Democrats
on this point. When James f. Anderson was frst
upon the stand, in Washington, General Butler
attacked him in cTOss-eXamination, and got him so
confused that he has never since been able 70 ex-
tricate himself Buffers position on the committee
then was a mystery, aud the Republicans were led
to believe that after all he might be their ally.
He has given them very little help since until
Yesterday, when he got Leet pretty badly involved
by asking him about half dozen questions. The
witness who coulditalk so glibly when telling his
story in his own way, got excited and frequently
contradicted himself when forced TO answer ques-
tons categorically.
After General Butler Mr. Hiscock came to the
front. and after inqulring Of the witness If there
were any exceptions among the Louisiana Repub-
Ican politicians OF II they were all dishonest, and
making the witness admit that he had associated
with them for seven years-an association which he
said was demoralizing-asked him if years ser
vice on Democratic newspaper was sufficient TO
restore him 10 the cOhdtlOn of purity and honesty
which he enjoyed before 1871. THIS was poser
for Leet, aud he declined TO answer It.
The committee having completed IFS examiQation
of Leet the witness will to-day treat the public
TO a biographical sketch of himself, as he says
there are some things which no has not yet told.