Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1879-11-27
POLITICAL TESTIMONY.

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POLITICAL TESTIMONY,
Statement by W1l'iams-.A Remsrk
ABBY gDse~. sting Accuunt-.A laOOl
Liar, Doubtless
! New ORLEANs, November l8.-Befor,
the senate's subcommittee to-day, Ber
nard Williams, an Israelite, native O
Poland, testified that he was employed
by Jim Lewis, naval officer At New Or
leans, to 90 to Washington in the interes
of Kellogg. When he reached Wash
ington he reported to Kellogg, who sen1
him with others to watch the depot fol
the arrival of Spoftord witnesses. Kel
logg received dispatch from Lewis
saying "witnesses all right" Wher
De Lacy, Blackstone, johnson, and two
others whose names witness could not re-
call arrived in Washington, witness, a II
O'Clock at night, took them to Gov. Kel
loggs room. kellogg said he wanted
them to go back on their affidavits and
give testimony for him instead of Spof-
ford. They stated that the affidavits
made in New Orleans were true and
feared they would be punished if they
testified differently in Washington. Kel.
logg took up law book and read, show
ing them that they could not be harmed
If they vent back on the afidavits
After much drinking and smoking,
witnesses agreed to testify as Kellogg
desi1ed. Present in the room at the
tiesses -pvlGfr Menoonrdi S,1Yuesv
Clarke and two others. Before
the bargain was made Governor
Kellogg told the negroes if he
was turned out of the senate, none Of
them, no Republican, could live in
Louisiana; that they would all be assas-
sinated. If they went back on the
affidayits they would be protected in
every way, get $500 each and places in
the custom house at $50 per month. Big
promises were also made to witness, but
not fulfilled. Before We left Kellogg's
room that night in Washington he took
a large envelope from his pocket and
counted out to each of the Sp0ford
witnesses $500 as consideration for
testimony to be given before the Kellogg.
Spoford committee, then in session.
It was nearly daylight before this
meeting broke up. Witness produced
memorandum made by Kellogg,
directing him to the room of
the senate committee on privileges
and elections. Charles Cavagnac came
to Wa >hington with the Spoford Wit
nesses. In conclusion of his direct testi-
mony, witness said he had been hiding
out all day to prevent them from bring
ing him before the committee. When
asked by Senator Hill his reason he said
he had been informed if he came before
the committee and testified against
Kellogg he would not get his pension; !;
that he was an ex-federal soldier, had
been wounded, and as there was several
years pension he wanted the money.
Cross examined by Senator Cameron: {:
Am peddler by occupation; during the
war>was in Gen. Banks command; later
was a private detective here for Gen.
Butler. To the question chow often
have you been in prison" witness be-
came furious; he didn't want to be
ipsulted. The fact was finally elected
that he had been arrested several times
for misdemeanors. He told several
persons this story before. Hid myself
to-day because Morris Marks told me if
1 came before the committee / would
not get my pension. There is now
about fourteen years due me. Went to
the state house about ten days ago.
Made affidavit substantially a. l have
testified tonight. Some time ago
asked for a place in the custom
house. If 1 had got it would not
have testified. Wrote Gov. Kellogg that
they wouldn't give me place. As
got no answer went and told Cavagnac
everything. Saw Gov. Kellogg yester.
day and again last night. Promised not
to come before the committee, but when
I went home at 8 O'Clock, after hiding al
day, the sergeant.at-arms was waiting
there and brought me here.
1t being half-past five, the committed
decided to adjourn till morning. Befor'
doing 80, Gov. Kellogg, by permission
made 4 statement, saying:
"The statement of this witness, o
course, affects me personally, and l thinl
as brother senator. Mr.. Chairman, yo'
will allow me to say at this time that
; shall ask the committee to give me q,
early opportunity 10 call before yol
whatever witnesses may be sccessibl
now to disprove the testimony of thi
, witness. This matter 10 not covered b.
your resolution, and may be unable t
meet the case as.fully a. I desire, but
not, I shall, as it is q personal matter
ask the senate at the earliest opportunit
after it convenes, to institute an investi
CATION which may be both thorough an
/ complete, to the end that the truth ma
be known" - ;. :,.....,. i ...,.,.>I l.
In reply the chairman stated tha
every opportunity would be given fo
testimony in rebuttal. -. 4 %:,- -.
A. PARTY of gentlemen were playin
} poker in Louisville when, 1 sterrif
, storm arose, the: lightning played ;.
= familiarly about the house Is : due
paddles in q frog pond, and crash aft.
: fcrash of thunder rent the air. 1nmetl
: ately after = terrific. crash, Colonel (
> arose, threw down his hand, put on h
! overcoat, and, said: ~! - can't stand thi
. gentlemen; u mnst leayesJ Jous" "Wh'
;. fort" "1f the lightning strikes th
= building and kills us all, I'm darned
. / want the angel Gabriel to find me vii
. 9 bob. tail fush."