Year: 1872

case presented, but he did not propose to
interfere with the local affairs in that
State by putting one set of officers or
another in power although numerous tele-
grams, letters and papers say he had done
so. No action was taken by the adminis-
tration until the decree of the United
States Court was attempted to be set aside
or resisted by the last Governor of 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 II
necessary to support the Federal authority.
He would not feel at liberty to make re-
quest that Judge Bradley go to New Or
leans, particularly as he is wanted here
while the court lis in session-although If
the court should make the request would
meet with his appreciation.


Judge Campbell said there was no
authority under the Constitution and laws
of the United States for Federal court to
interfere with the affairs ola State such as
had taken place in Louisiana, and he
briefly alluded to the decree of the court
and its effect in seating and unseating per-
SONS elected to office.


The President, during a cOlloquy with
Judge Campbell, said his understanding of
the subject was, the court had merely de-
eided who were the legal canyassers, and
even if, as stated in this case, the court
exceeded its authority, its decision will
shall be set aside by q superior court. 1t
would be dangerous for the President to
set the precedent OF interfering with the
decisions of courts.


Judge Campbell remarked that if Judge
Cartier, Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of the District of Columbia, should
under take to count the votes for President
and Vice President and declare who We're
elected to these offices, with the power of
the Government to support him, the act
would be no more legal than the course
pursued in Louisiana under the opinion
of the Courts, supported by Federal power.
The committee did not ask the President
to decide anything. They only asked him
to investigate the matter and to cOmmuni-
cate to Congress the report of three honest
men selected by him for the purpose.


The President said he could not without
the action of Congress employ and dcompen-
safe such mem. F


Judge Campbell said that there was so
much patriotism involved that the gentle
men would trust to Congress for compen-
Sation.


The President repeated that without
Congressional authority such committee
could not administer oaths or compel the
attendance of witnesses.


Judge Campbell said the committee
would communicate with those acquainted
with all the circumstances, and learning
the facts report the truth. What they
wanted was a responsible inquiry, by men
whom every one knew would tell the truth.


The President repeated that such COM
mittee should have authofity by law to
send for persons and papers and examine
witnesses on oath.


Judge Campbell asked whether the Pres
dent would receive from the committee the
law and the facts in the case. They did
not wish to go outside of them.


The President replied that they would
be examined by the Attorney Genera, if it
was thought proper to do SO.


The Committee will hold another meet
ing tomorrow morning. The probable
is, that a subcommittee of
five members will remain here in charge
of the subject and that the remainder of
the Committee will visit the great centres
of trade where they have business rela-
ti0nC