Year: 1872

kilograms, letters, and papars say he
| had done SO. No action was taken
by the Administration until the decree of
the United States Court was attempted TO be
set aside or resisted by the last Governor Ct
the State. Then the United States marshal


was simply instructed to see that the decree
of the Federal Court was sustained, and the
military forces were to be used If necessary
to support the Federal authority. He would
not feel at liberty to make request that
Judge Bradley 60 to New Orleans-particr-
larly as he Is wanted here while the court is
in seSsion-athough if the court sheuld
make the request it would meet with his ap-
probation.


Judge Campbell said there was no au-
thority under the Constitution and laws Of
the United States for Federal court to in.
terfere with the affairs of State such as
had taken place in Louisiana =; and he briefly
alluded to the decree of the court and its
effect in seating and unseatiug persons
elected to office.


The President, during q colloquy with
Judge Campbell, said his understanding Of
the subject was the court had merely decided
who were the legal canvaSSers. And even
If, as stated in the case, the court exceeded
its authority, its decision will have to be re-
spected until the decision shall lie set aside
by superior court. 1t would be dangerous
for the President to set the precedent of in
terfering with the decisions of courts.


Judge Campbell remarked if Judge Cart
ter, Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court Of
the District Of Columbia, should undertake
to count the votes fer President and Vice
President, and declare who were elected to
these offices, with the power OF the Govern
ment to support him, the act would be no
more legal than the course pursued in Lou.
isiana under the opinion of the court, sup
ported by the Federal power. The commit
tee did not ask the President to decide any
thing. They only asked him to investigate
the matter and to communicate to Congress
the report Of three honest men selected by
him for the purpose.


The President said he could net, without
the action Of Congress, employ and compcn-
safe such men.


Judge Campbell said where there was so
much patriotism involved the gentlemen
would trust to Congress for compensation.
The President repeated that W ithout con-
gressional authority such committee could
not administer oaths or compel the attend
ance Of witnesses.


Judge Campbell said the committee could
communicate with those acquainted with all
the circumstances, and, learning the facts, re-
port the truth. What they wanted was re-
sponslble inquiry by men whom everybody
knew would tell the truth.
The President repeated that such CON-


mttcc should have authority by law to send
for persons and papers and examue wit
nesses on oath.


Judge Campbell asked whether the Prcsi-
dent would receive from the committee the


law and the facts in the case. They did not
wishto go outside of them.
The President replied they would be eX-


amined by the Acknowledgement If 1t was


thought proper to do so.


The committee will hold another meeting
| tomorrow morning. The probable pro.
grammc is that subcommittee Of five men,


berS will remain here in charge of the sub
ject, and that the remainder of the commit
tee will visit the great centres Of trade where


they hive business relations.
Another Contradiction.
WAsHlHGTom, December l9.-Mr. ColIaX
has not accepted the editorship OF the New


York Tribune.


Confirmation.
WASHINGTON, December 19.-H. FL. Wells,


Jr., was to-day confirmed by the Senate rs


United States Attorney for The Eastern Dis


trict Of Virginia.