The New York Herald Newspaper, November 29, 1876, Page 3

NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1876.—TRIPLE SHEET. BAYONET AGAINST BALLOT. Unavailing Throes of the ‘Prostrate State. VEDERAL ‘TROOPS IN HER STATE lOUSE. None but Republicans Admitted to the House of Representatives. HOW THE DEMOCRATS WERE KEPT OUT. A Decision of the Supreme Court Reviewed by a Corporal of the Guard. SHUFFLING COURSE OF GEN. RUGER. A Dual Organization Com- pleted. TILDEN AHEAD IN THE FLORIDA COUNT. Delay in Forwarding the Returns in E Louisidna. SOUTH CAROLINA. MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURN UNDER THE AEGIS OF FEDERAL BAYONETS—TROOPS OCCU- PYING THE STATE HOUSE—DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS REFUSED ACCESS TO THE HALI— ACTION AND PROTEST OF THE DEMOCRATS— ORGANIZATION BY THE REPUBLICAN MEM- BERS—HOW GENERAL RUGER'S ORDERS WERE EVADED. (BX TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Cotumaia, Nov. 28, 1876 To-day has been a stirring day in Columbia. Yester- day the democrats were in caucus and adjourned about one o’clock, aubjoct to the call of their Chairman. The republicans algo caucussed in one of tho rooms of the Capitol. Atdark the democrats reassembled in the hall of the House of Representatives and proceeded to agree upon a Speaker, Clerk and other officers of the House. By nine o’clock they adjourned, The House was shrouded in darkness, and there was an unusual quiet in the streets, the tremor of expectation await- Ing (or the morrow. TROOPS MOVING TO THE STATE HOUSE. At midnight two companies of United States troops Jeft their camp anu took possession of the State House, which was opened for them by oraer of Governor Chamberlain, and this morning the city awoke to the shock of tho legislative halls of the State garrisoned by armed men, all wearing the United States uniform, ander the orders of Governor Chamberlain, * THE EFFECT was prodigious, thougn it has becn expected by the flemocratic leaders. The Board of State Canvassers @efiea the Supreme Court, and were released by Judge Bond, and although the public generally believed it ‘about to happen, the reality was so much moro terri- ble than the anticipation that men asked with bated breath, ““What next? Are there any laws? Does the constitution of the United States exist?” REFUSED ADMISSION. Soon after nine o’clock Generals Gordon and John- son, with Messrs. Peek and Jefirics, members of the Legislature from Union, proceeded to the Capitol, where they found all the doors closed and barred ex- bept a side door on the north end. They entered there and found tke rotunda filled with troops, their arms Stacked around the statuo of Washington and two sen- ‘inels with fixed bayonets pacing to and fro by the floor of the Supreme Court. They demanded admis- sion, and the corporal ef the guard stated they would not be admitted unless by pass from Mr. Jones or Gen- tral Dennis, The corporal was then requested to gring General Dennis, which he did, and he also refused io admit any of them. Tho members exhibited their Jertificates of eloction signed by the Clerk of the Supreme Court, with its seal affixed, but wero told that they could not passon it, In answer to General Gordou’s questions the corporal said he was under the orders of General Dennis, who was a citizen. Mr. Tones is the Clerk of the old House, and General Ocnnis a warm supporter of Governor Chamberlain. ACTION OF TOE DEMOCKATS. ‘The democrats met in caucus at ten o’clock, and as Weven proceeded ina body to the State House to demand admission, The orders appear to have been changed, and they were admitted after the officer of the guard Bad examined their credentials. If they were found Satisfactory to that functionary he demanded whether dhe democrats applying had ony arms, and required them to be delivered up. There had been a general | understanding that all were to go there unarmed, and tonsequently only one or two, who did not understand it, bad any arms atall. They g: them to friends and passed the cordon. This process took probably an hour and a half, for tho officer was slow to read some ofthe papers, Judge Mackay says that the ofieer was revising tho decision of the Supremo Court of the Biate and he saw the reason for everything in the manner ho read the certificate, He had read the constitution upside down, and thus had learned to construe i+ that the civil should always be subordinate to the military authority. The fepublican memvors passed freely, without question as to arms and no delay as to examination of credentials. ‘When the democrats had thus got within the first line of defences they waited until all wore in and then moved in a body up stairs to the hall of the House, BORNE FOR AN AMERICAN. As soon as they entered the rotunda they were con- fronted by a company standing at ordored arms, guns loaded and bayonets fixed. When they approached the door of the Houso more significant and mmpres- Bive sight presented itself to them. On each sido of the door of the House in the corridor stood six soldiers; with muskets shoulderod and dayo- mets gleaming. Between them siood two United Btates officers. One order would bring the guns down on the unarmed men who stood before them; one motion of the soldier and tho Legislature of the State was transfixed on the bayonets before them. The democrats pressed on, however, headed by the members from Edgefield and Laurens, and de- Manded admission. The Doorkoepor, backed by the military force, declared their certificates null and void, Qua refused them admittance. 4 RECONNOISSANCR, ‘The members then withdrew down the corridor and sent one of their number in, armed with the proper papers. He found that the Hoyse had organized, elected Mr. E. William Mackty, of Charleston, Speaker, and be was them transacting business. The Door- keeper retused to let him out until he was threatened with prosecution tor false imprisonment, when he was allowed to withdraw. Then alt the members with- drew to the space in frontof the Capitol, where the following protest was read to the military ip the presence and hearing of the vast concourse of citizens there assembled :— PROTEST OF THE DEMOCRATS. We, » majority of the members of the House of Rop- resentatives elect, protest against the refusal to admit us to the Hall of Representatives. We protest against the military power of the United States barring the passage tnto the State House of members elect of the Legisiature. We protest against the legality of the proceedings, and especialty against the army of the United States being placed for the purpose of this ex- clusion under the command of one Joba B. Dennis, a partisan of Governor Chamberlain. We protest against the said Dennis’ instruction to the guard to admit 20 one to the State House except upon his own pass or a pass of A. U. Jones, the former Clerk of the House, who may thus exclude ail except his own partisans, and who, by the republican programme, is to organize the said House. * We have presented ourselves with the judgment ofthe highest court of South Carolina, certified to by its clerk, with the great seal of the Court atiached, as to our right to partictpate in the organization of the said Hose, We are refused by the orders of tue said Dennis aamission to said hall, except upon bis pass, the pass of’ said Jones, or the certificate of H. E. Hayne, Secretary of State, who is now under condem- nation of said Court for refusing to issue certificates in accordance with its judgment and mandate. 1n protesting against this barefaced usurpation, this trampling on the laws and the constitution of the State, this deflance of tho highest tribuna: of the State, it is our purpose to offer no resistance to this armed jntervention, but to make our solemn appeal to the American people, without distinction of party. Our venerution for law, our respect for the Supreme Court and the usages of all legislative assemblages forbid our participation in such unprecedented and revolutionary proceedings. AN ADVANCE BY TUE CITIZENS. When it spread through the crowd—and it spread like lightning—that their members were excluded by United States troops, it surged and swayed like a hugo monster. There were few cries, no shouts nor noise but a subdued groan, as through clinched teeth, and by one common impulse it precipitated itself on the open door bofore which were the crossed muskets of two soldiers, and behind which the tull company of soldicrsa were now standing at attention. silently, surely, swiftly the pressure of the enormous mass forced tho sentinels from the posts. No word was spoken, nota blow struck, but in a second the sentinels would have been pushed aside and the infuriated people would have been precipitated on the soldiers, GENERAL HAMPTON CALLED oy, The officer in charge called on General Hampton to stop this. Hampton at once pushed his way from the inside and stepped out. Raising his hand ho motioned his people back until step by step he reached tho front steps, whero he could see and be seen by the whole multitude. It was an impressive sight, as bronzed and bearded, with tho silver threads just shining in his locks, with a voice that rang like a bugle, he said:— SPEECH OP GENERAL HAMPTON. My Friexps—! am traly doing what I have done earnestly during this whole exciting contest—pouring oil on the troubled waters, Itts of the greatest im- portance to us all as citizens of South Carolina that peace should be preserved. I appeal to you all, white men and colored, as Carolinians, to use every eflort to keep down violence or turbulence. One act of vio- lence may precipitate bloodsbed and desolation. I im- plore you, then, to. preserve the peace, I beg all of my friends to disperse, to leave the grounds of the Capi- tol, and I advise allthe colored men to do the same. Keep perfectly quisy; ieee the streets, and do nothing to provoke a riot. We trust to the law and tho cqasti- tution, and we have perfect faith in the justice of our cause, | THE STORM ALLAYED, The effect was magical; the storm was quelled and the lashing waves of passion stilled. The white men and many of the colored men left the square, and all danger of @ collision was then averted, GENERAL RUGER WAITED ox. The democrats procecded to their hall, and soon General Gordon received a message by a staff officer trom General Ruger. The caucus appointed Generals Hampton, Gordon, Johnson and Judge Cook a commit- tee to wait on General Ruger and protest against the armed intervention with the Legislature of the State; to show him that the action of his troops was contrary to the laws cf the Stato and of the United States, and demand that they be withdrawn. It then adjourned until three o’clock to hear the report of this committee. ‘THY CONFERENCE WITH RUGER, The conference of the committee with General Ruger amounted to nothing. They found Hampton with him, and he reported to the caucus substantially what had taken place betwoen them, I have, how- ever, the secrot history of all the interviows between General Rugor and the democratic authorities, which 1 will give as necossary toa full understanding of the situation, As soon as the orders of the troops holding the Capitol were developed, this morning about ten o’clock, General Hampton and Colonel Has- kell, Chairman of the Domocratic State Com- mittee, sought General Ruger, him in the city Colonel Haskell proceeded to the Capitol in quest of him. Being refused admission by the eontinols at the door of the Suprome Court, hé went to the main entrance, which by this time had one-half of a door open, and gave his card for General Ruger to une of the two sentinels on post there alsa, Ina short timo General Ruger and Colonel Black ap- proached, and, raising his hat, Colonel Black very courteously invited Coloncl Haskell to enter. The latter returned the salute and said:— “I beg you to excuse me, Colonel. 1 will nevor enter tho Capitol of my Stato under the bayonets of ‘the army unless necessary in tho performance of auty. I respectfully request that General Rugor will give mo an interview out here.” THE INTERVIEW, General Ruger then came out and walked up the streot, when he, Hampton and Haskell had a long conversation. They showed him the situation and how he had been imposed upon by the falselcod and misrepresentations of Governor Chamberlain, Haskell saying:— “You know, General, that over since you have beon in command here Chamberiain has been deceiving you, Laat night, when you got off the cars, ho met you at the depot, took your arm and poured into your ears falsehood without measure’ against our people. He told you that we were holding the State House by force, when fully an hour before your arrival our poople nad concluded their caucus, adjournea and gone home, and the Capitol was empty, dark and deserted. There was not an jota of truth in it’? General Rager admitted that he had been informed on bis arrival that the democrats were actually holding the Capitol by force, and that was the reason he had occupied it, He subsequently explained that he moant that this fact had been reported to him by ono of bis officers, Hampton showed him thas his troops ‘then in the Capitol were excluding members of tho Legislature and admitting shem according to the will and not finding” and order of Dennis, late Superintendent of the Peni- tentiary, and General Ruger said it was witbout bis authority and sbould be corrected. GENERAL RUGER'S ORDERS. They then urged him to say that all claiming to be members, whether boiding certificates from the Su- Preme Court or from the Board of Canvassers, should equally be admitted. Colonel Haskell asked permission to reduce this order to writing; but Ruger retused, saying bis oficers would understand it. He then seut Major Maginnis, of his staff, to Colonel Kellogg, the officer in command of tho troops in the Capitol, to convey theso orders to him. Haskell in a car- Tiago preceded Major Maginnis, who walked, and {ound the General Assembly, headed by the Edgefield and Laurens delegations had been refused admission, be- cause their credentials were not satisfactory, and were proceeding to read their protest, Haskell stopped this, explaining that all would be mght “In a few minutes, and then Maginnis came up, took Colonel Kellogg aside and gave him the orders from Ruger. Colonel Kellogg stepped up to the door and Mr. Shep- pard, representative trom Edgefeid, showed bis cer- tiflcate from the Supreme Court, and was at once ad- mitted, The next was also an Edgefield man, with a similar certificate. Colonel Kellogg told him to pass. ORDERS DIsoRRYRD. Dennis here stepped up and asked Colonel Kellogg to stop amoment, The two then stepped aside, bad sume conversation, and Kellogg began carefully to read and examine each paper as- it was handed to him. Dennis slipped up stairs to the House of Representa- tives, to which most of the republicans hud already been admitted and not one democrat, and in a few minutes a doorkeeper came down with the message to Kellogg that he could not keep the door unless he had aguard, Kellogg then ordered to the door of tho House the detachment of officers and men before do- scribed. Lot it be recotlected that at this time not soul was in the building unless by permission of tne military. Almost all of the repubiicans were in tho hall of tho House of Representatives; oply two or three demo- crats had been admitted at the lower door. Tho nificance of this application for a guard suggested by Dennis, atter his private consultation with Kellogg, will be understood. If ali the democrats were ad- mitted at the front door they certainly would go into tho House unlesg a guard prevented them, hence the guard. Meantime Kellogg was slowly reading and ex- amining the seals on the certificates, taking two or tree minutes to each. As each democrat came up he was askea it he was armed and required to leave his arms outside, 4 SHARP TRICK. The democrats formed an extended line stretching from the front door down the steps, way out on the’) plateau belore the Capitol. They were slowly making their way ip, There wero seventy-nine of them of both houses and it will be perceived at the rate admis- sions were proceeding it would take them several hours to get’ in. They began about half-past eleven but, owing to the various delays, not half a dozen were in at twelve o'clock. That hour is fixed by custom for tho organization of the General Assembly. When the hour struck the republicans were 1m their places, the democrats standing in a line waiting Kellogg’s some- what critical and certainly slow examination, The consequence of course was what must have been ex- pected, THE REPUBLICANS ORGANIZE, Tho republicans organized the House, declaring that they had a quorum, elocied a Speaker and went into business before the demovrats could pass the lino of bayonets at the front door, I have already described what occurred at the door of the hall of the House, As soon as the democrats withdrew General Hampton and Colonel Haskell imme- diately saw Goneral Ruger again and showed bim what he haddone. He had puta guard in the Capitol and kent out members of the Legislature on false informa- tion, and when he had ordered the admission of mom- bers bis orders had been rendered nugatorvy by evasion and a@ trick, His bayonets had kept out the democrats, while the republicang got possession of the House and had organized it against law, for their body was without @ quorum, Hampton pressed upon bim that the people who had been tor. tured and oppressed for the last eight years as no civilized people ever were oppressed and who had won the right to control their own government at the ballot-box peaceably and lawfully had now lost every- thing thoy had won ly bia illegal acts and the disobe- dienee, blundors, tricks or worse of bis subordinates, RUGER ANNOYED, Ruger was greatly exercised at the situation and ac- knowledged that it was very unfortunate, and was anxieus to see a mode by whieh he could repair the injary done, Hampton and Haskell urged upon bin that as he and he alone had forced those intruders il- legally into the House of Reprosentatives it was bis duty to clear them out and restore the situation to what it was before he intervened. Ruger said he would think about it, and late this evening informed those gentlemen that he could do nothing, and inno- cently suggested a quo warranto as their remody, ‘TOR REPUBLICAN HOUSE. The republican House, as it organized, consisted of fifty-four negroes and five whites. Tho sixticth, Red- ish, a white republican from Orangeburg county, felt outraged at the presence of the military , and after de- claring that he would not pass through a file of sol- diors on bis way to the House of Reprosentatives, withdrew and is now acting with the democrats. Their theory that only 116 members wore elected gave them this quorum of fifty-uine, and on it they organized by the olection of E. W. M Mackey, of Charleston, as Speaker. The yoto as abnounced was—Mackey, 57; Myers, 2, But it turns out that a negro named Lee, of Chester, who was included in the vote for Mackey, says he did not vote at all, which would invalidate the election of Speaker. WHAT COXSTITUTES & QUORUM, The House is composed of 124 members, of which sixty-four are democrats, and the latter claim that any Organization without a quorum of that number is illegal and unconstitutional, Alter the eloction of the regular officers and the members having been sworn in, this intensely biack republican body appointed, a committ of sevea on Priv- ileges and Elections, the number usuaily being eleven, allowing room for four democrats, should they rolent and como in. Tho only proceedings of interest that occurred was @ motion of a member who wishod to know whether the counties of Edgofleld and Laurens were to bave any ropresentation in the Legislature, either by republican or democrat repre. sentatives, and that he did not think a Legislature constitutional in which tho entire people of the State did not havea voice. Some debate on the question ensued, but the matter was laid over. THR RETURNS FOR GOVERNOR. A concurrent resolution was adopted appointing Wednesday, the 29th, as the day on whieh the retur! for Governor and Lieutenant Governor should be canvassed by the Sonate and House in joint session, and the persons ascertained to have received the highest umber of votes declared elected to those offices, This operation, of course, elects Chamberlain. In the Senate, the senators from Edgefield, Laurens and Ab- deville counties presented themselves and were sdmit- ted on certificates of the Supreme Court, but = were refused seats. The standing committees were appointed and the credentials of the above mentioned Senators wero taken in charge by the Committee on Privileges and Elections, and would be acted upon in due ume, The Senate is composed of thirty-three members, these being excluded left thirty only. Of that number three of eighteen were republicans and twelve democrats. Three of the republicans will vote with the democrats, which makes a deadlock im that body. The three excluded are ail democrats, who have the best pros- pects of being admitied. THK REPUBLICAN SITUATION isnot atall cheering. With a deadlock in the Senate and a bare quorum in the House, some of the members o€ which may be bought over, their case looks bad, and after all the presence of the military may prove the bane of tho republicaps, The outrage was so flagrant that leading republicans are ashamed of it, and it is conceded here now that the sham government set up with Chamberlain will not last any ionger than the soldiers are here propping it up with thoir bay- oncts, ORGANIZATION BY THE DEMOCRATIO MEM- BERS—TWO REPUBLICANS ACTING WITH THEM—THE REPUBLICAN HOUSE LEFT WITH- OUT A QuoRUM. - Convama, 8 C., Nov, 28, 1876. ‘The democratic members elect to the House of Rop- resentatives POM. Hall, and licans participated and wero Cook. The recognition met at seven in Curolina Sixty-foar democrats two repab- sworn by and Judge House organized will claim This fifty-eight members in tho repudlicaa House or one less than the to-morrow, leaves quorum claimod by them, and five less than the nu: ber which the democrats clam is necessary for a quorum. Each House will demand of the Secretary Of State the roturns of the vote for Governor. All is quiet to-night. The Supreme Coart has not yet decided the question of counting the electoral vote, GLoom AND DESPONDENCY IN CHARLESTON, CaanrLesron, Nov, 28, 1876. The events of to-day in Columbia have caused a feeling of profound depression in all business circk bere, Capitalists and tradesmen say they must con- tract their operations within the narrowest limite Goneral gloom and despondency as to the future pre- vail, GENERAL THE LOUISIANA COUP D’ETAT IN 1875, The events which took place in New Orleans op the 4th of January, 1875, aro deserving at this moment of serious consideration by the people of the United States in view of what is now transpiring in the capi- tal of South Carolina, They will long live in the annals of tho country 48 an instauce of tho exercise of arbitrary force, by which the rights of a sovereign State were trampled under foot. In the carly part of November, 1874, an clection was held in Louisiana, It was the year of the tidal wave, and there was no more reason to be surprised at a conservative succors in that State than the similar victory in Massachusotts andthe overwhelming majority in New York. The people of Louisiana had long suffered from the worst kind of misrule, and it would bo strange indeed Mt the political revolution that was accomplished in every part of the Union failed to have been telt in that State. The reports published immediately following the eleetion showed that the conservatives had elected their ticket, The Returning Board met, and alter a dolay of six or seven weeks, which they spent in secret conclave, they declared a result which contradicted all the public information on a subject open to general in- spection, as election results always have boen in the United States. There was authentic evidence of whole. sale for, in the official roturns, It was proved that = ot the Board its clerks opened th velopes, altered the returns and resealed the | velopes. It was proved that returns from strong conservative parishes were thrown out, and that radical candidates for the Legislature wore declared lected in such fiagrant violation of truth that the candidates benefited refused to take the offices, It was the general opinion of the country that tho action of the Returning Board was delib- erately fraudulent, and that the purpose of their se. cret labors was to nullify the wiiJ of the pcople as de- clared by their votes. PRESIDENT GRANT'S ACTION. While the Returning Board wore engaged in this at- tempt President Grant made a pyblic declaration that he would support their action whatever might be the result, and in order to make his word good sent Gen- eral Sheridan and a large military force to New Or- Jeaus, It so happened that the radical majority of two in the lower house of the Legislature, which the dis- honest Returning Board had counted in, was destroyed at the last moment by the ar- rest Of @ member for a telony aud tho honorable reiusal of two ogbers to take ollices to which they knew they had not been elected, The consequence was an unexpected conservative majority when the Legiwiatare assembled. The lattor strengthened themselves by admitting to seats tive members whose claims were not passed upon by the Returning Board, but referred to the House for deci- sion. In the meantimo a committee appointed by the House of Representatives, for the purpose of inquir- ing nto the condition of affairs in the State, were in New Oricans, A tow weeks boiore the ciection in November the Kellogg government had been, by popu- lar uprising, overthrowo with general acquiescence, and reinstated by the federal authority agaist the wish {the people. The Legisluiure met Jacuary 4, es % Occurred om tbat day 1s briefly told as fol- Jow :8— Ti TROOPS ON MAND. The troops stationed in New Orleans on that day cousisted of the whole ten companies of the Thirteenth infantry, four companies ol the Third infantry, seven companies of the ‘'wenty-second infantry, ono com- pany of the First artillery and one company of the Seventh cavairy—in all about 1,200 men. This | force was under the immediate command of De Trobriana, xpd General Emory had bis headquacters at the Custom House, General Sheridan was at the St Charles Hotel and all the military movements of the day were directed by that officer, acting under iustructions from Washington. Tue White League were ander arms, but it was weil understood that their object was only to preserve peace, and there was no apprehension whatever that wny conllict would take place with the federal troops. Such an ovent was deemed impossible. The exterior of the State House wore a warlike appearance, Tho streets were crowded with people who seemed full of anxiety and indignation at the course of the Returning Bourd, who, 1 was rumored, were again in session and Intended to issue turther certiticutes so as to make cer- tain of the control of the House. The conservative members, numbering fifty, and about twenty vontes- tants were in caucus early in the day, in & room adjoin- ing the Hall ot Kupresentativer. ‘The jatter were admitted to the floor of the House. Only forty-two radical members were reported preseut. in cure of a conservative triumph in the election of officers it was apprehended that a riot would be instigated in the House by the radicals, or else the retirement of all the radical members, who would then organize separately aud be recognized by Kellogg. THK NOUS" ORGANIZES, Shortly before noun the work of organization of the House commenced, Wiltz, conservative, was chosen Speaker, having received filty-three votes; Hahn, radi- cal, only obtained two votes, The Senute organized formally, without holding a session, Its President and the Governor refused to recogni; Witte as They claimea that the | of Representa- in the hands of a mov and not a Legislature. to caucus with the inteution ot or jure which Kellogg would recognize. ito House was fiiiod with radical poli ogg was in consultation with General id and telegraphic communication was joing ov between the Governor and General Kmory. icKoery’s headquarters were crowded with leading conservati' all of whoin appeared confident that they were acting strictly within the limita of tho law, THE MILITARY KIKCT THK SPRAKER, Ataquarter past tureo the military moved up in front ot Stato House, completely surrounding it. General de Trobriand, accompanied by an uid, now entered the House with a military order directing bim to unseat tho Speaker and the five member it was claimed, were irregularly seated, Thit Sheridan in response for armed tederel occurrences Mcnery advised m the chair until ejected, conse- quently refused to obe, De Trobriand, who appeared on the floor, backed by about thirty men, About four o’ciock do Trobriand, who bad retired for a few moments, bad pointed out to him the five mom- bers to be removed, exch vl whow, after making a protest, was marched out between two United States soldiers, 3 or was finally expelled by the Ping and tho conservative members withdrow, Wiltz before rotiring delivered the following remarks :— ‘In the name of the people of the United States and in the pame of my bleeding State, and in the name of God of Justice, Iagain enter my solemn protest e' Genuemen of the House s renee, i %, your wre has been aded and’ taken pa: a of by the'military iorees of the United States, Under these circumstances Lo uot consider it my duty to loucer remain.’’ During the these events: Mr, progress of Lowell, one of the radical nounced bis protest 4 and said he had been e: hot wish to be sealed b THE RADIC An invitation had been presented to the Congres sioual commitice to attend the organization of whe Legisiature. Mr, Potter objected to its accepta He said that during the morning be bad tried to pass the Stato House and had been repulsed by she police, sup- ported by the military, wuo occupied’ in lorce the wur- ker, pro 1 troops, and did rounding streets, Every citizen bad as much right to be present as a committee of Congress, which body had ly uo authority whatever over the organiza. te Legislature, and he thought, therelore, the comni Lee should vot be present im its ofieval ity, The committee, howe go. ‘They were stopped as th House and only allowed to pass af per on from the olicer on duty, After entering Ube House they were admitted tot or, except Mr, Potter, who de: to { shoruy after [lett the building. The polit comple the House being changed by tne fore tien of five conservative members an o: was effected by electing Hubn permancnt and a committee was appointed to wait oa ¢ and notty him they were ready to proc The Governor then transmitted his and returned twenty-wight bills witho: app . Four members trom Red River were sworn ip and the House adjourned untii next day. The State House remajned iu occupation of the military during the night. Though there was great excitement in the city no apprehension was enterta: Ail the members slept in the buildin SHERIDAN'S BANDIT Next day (January 6) General Sheridan Informed the ry of War (eixnap) that ‘a spirit of defiance ful authority and an insecurity for life which edol any attack, “if the President would issue a proclamation deciarimg them dunditti no further action need be taken than that whieh would devolve upon me." At a meet- ing of the citizens of New Orleans these state- ments of Sheridan were denounced as posi- five untraths and a libel upon tue community, These views were indorsed the leading citizens of tho State, M tied to Prest- at Grant a solemn ction of the military, as being suby institutions. Messrs, Phelps and Forbes, of the Congressional Com- mittee, declared that they considered New Orleans Was cumparauvely as orderly as New York or any other large Northern ‘city, and that so fur from being bauditti, stated that they neyer meta more genial or decorous set of people. Both gen- tlemen (republicans) added they thought thut “if they (the inhabitants of Louisiana) had a good government, one they had confidence iu and fairly elected, there would be as much security for Ife and properiy in New Orleans as there was in older and more prosper- ous times.”? Unfortunate Louisiana hus continued until the present hour inthe grasp of the men placed in office in the first place by the fraudulent Returning Board and subsequently maintoined by the Army of the United States under the orders of President Grant, FLORIDA. COUNTING THE RETURNS BY COUNTIES—A SHARP TRICK OF THK CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD—HOW A SMALL MAJORITY FOR HAYES WAS COUNTED—THE ERROR RECTIFIED AND TILDEN AHEAD IN THE FACE OF THE RETURNS. (sy TELEGRAPH fo THE uERALD.] TatLanasgex, Nov. 28, 1876, The morning has been one of unfversal excitement, ‘The Board met atten o'clock. The room was comfort- ably filled. Gencral Brannon, commanding at this point in General Ruger’s absence, sat inside the railing with the Board and was an attentive observer, ire- quently jotting down short notes ona piece of paper. Mr. W. E. Chandler was the only Visitor who was be- hind the railing, He seemed to be the manager for his side, making continual objections and suggestions, READING THE COUNTIES. As Alachua, the first county, was read, Mr. Pasco, for the democrats, gave notice that he would contest the returns from that county at the proper time, A SENSATION, When the returns from Baker were read, giving tho republicans forty-one majority, there was a quick and sharp sensation. Many of the democrats sprang to their feet in open protest, All of them were aston- ished and startied, They consulted their notebooks and then hurriodly gathered around Colonel Read, of Philadelphia, who had the certified copics of the re- turns before him, They found that Baker was officially put down as giving u democratic majority. They then gave notice that they would contest the returns from Baker. Tho republicans, during all this exciting play, gat perfectly quict, and Mr. Chandler put on that pe- cullar smile that has become an exasperation to tho democratic circle, and glared a trifle wildly through his eyeglasses at his perturbed oppononts,’ It'was genorally {elt that tho reversal of the ma- fority that the democrats had been tearing was effected through Baker county, and the rest of the count proceeded without much excitement, the reading of the returns being usually mot with the curt announcement of proposed contest on the onc side or the other, When Clay was reached it was found that the demo- crats were twenty-tive short m the return. It ap- peared that the county canvassers had declined to count one precinct, giving twenty-three democratic majority, in the general return, as the evidence that the precinct inspectors were sworn dtd notcome up with the return. They sent the figures, however, aud the votes will be counted, probably without contest. Whea Duval was reached the democratic managor called attention to the fact that it was signed by only two members of the County Board, When Mauateo was reached Mr, Chandler and Mr, Martin both objected to its being read, subject to future contest. Tho former said he would be abio to prove that the election was authorized and regular, and the return in proper shape. After some pretty sharp discussion, in which the democrats called attention to the fact that Mr. Chandler displayed remarkable fatniliarity with the face of the returns, 1t was ordered that the Manatee returns be read, When Jefferson was reached Mr, Pasco handed ina bill of exceptions, which were filed with the returns. Tue reading of the counties was suspended after Washington with the anvouncement that the returns from Dade had not been received. Notice of contest had been given by one side or the other in every county except six. THE FIGURING. As coon as tho reading was stopped every head in the room, except Chandler’s, which was ornamented im front with the aggravating smile, was bowed over a line of tgures, working out the result. THK RESULT, It was announced in a fow moments that Hayes was anywhere from thirty-five to forty-eight ahead. Tho result was finally settled with forty-two for the highest Hayes elector and thirty-shx for the lowost, It secmed to bo pretty well agreed that the twenty-three votes of the omitted precinct in Clay county would be admitted without contest. This would reduco Hayes’ majority to thirteen, Then there are twelvo votes ciuimed by the democrats on a miscount in Jefferson county, which would cut Hayes’ lowest figure down to one, These claims are prima facie claims and do not imvolve any discasaion. INORRASRD EXCITEMENT, When the Board adjourned for dincer there was in tense excitement. The republicans were in a sort of Uneasy oxultation, while the democrats were very indig- nant and rather noisy, Tho telegraph office was filled to jamming, and the nows was flashed to every county of prominence in the Union that Hayes had carried Florida by thirty-six votes on the face of the returns, 4 DEMOCRATIC vicTORY, The ning session, howe gave the democrats the most brilliant victory that either side has yet scored, and put the republican managers ina very bad light. As soon as the sossion opened Mr. Pasco arose and inquired of the Secretary of State, the chairman of the Board, if he had not received another return from Baker county besides tho one he had read. Tho Chairman objected to the question and would not reply: Mr. Pasco then charged opeply and positively that such a return bad been sent to the Board. He de- scribed this return —a certified copy of which he had in his hand—as being older in date thap the one read by tho Secretary; as having been legally attested, and ay having been signed by the clerk and Justice of the Peace, ag the law juires. He then demanded to know why it had bee: pressed, and insisted on its being produced at ouce. The Chairman, though much confused, still refused to say whether be had re- ceived any such return or not, Mr, Chandler camo to his dofonco with his numerous objections and techni- cal points, and all flavored smartly with bluster, Mr. Pasco retused to be pat off, however, and called aiten- tion to the rules, which said that all returns should be presented to the Board, and that the Board should decide which were the reguiar and proper returns— first, by o look at their faco and after. ward upon s consideration of their merits He then charged that, in utter violation of these plaig rules, the Secretary of State, having received two ree turus {rom one county, wad decided the question be- tweea them braself by suppressing one and presenting the other. He then renewed bis demand forthe pre sentation of the suppressed return. THR SUPPRESSHD RETURN, The Chairman then confessed that he had recelvod another retura, and, going to his desk, produced It, It wasareturn dated three days before the other, figned as described, by Mr, Pasco, aud gave the dewo crats 95 majority. MUFEC? OF THE RETURN, Itthis return is adiitted Mr. Tilden’s majority is over 100, With both returus before tho Board under contest Mr. Tildop has threo clectors aud dir, Hayes one, THE IMPRESSION CREATED. There ig no doubt that the republicans will suffer seriously for the outrageous assumption of autnority on the part of tho Secreiary of State. The suppression by one member of the Board of a paper that the Board alone could reject or alter is suspicious, to say the best of it, Itas denounced soundly by all con. Servative men, and will recoil upon the party, Itu considered a piece of doubtful trickery, resorted te simply for the purpose of giving Hayes an apparent majority oa the face of the returns and evading the indignation that would have been aroused had the managers been forced to reverse a majority in the place of throwing out intimidated counties, The democrats fave never had any intimation oF any srouble in Baker, It has never been claimed by the republicans, It has never been printed in a list of possible republican counties, It was never adoubtful county, The republicans kept their designe on it secret! and when & new return trom that county was made to-day the democrats were thoroughly and heurtily astonished. REPUBLICAN RUVICENCE EXPLAINED, The secreey with which this game has been con- ducted explains why the republicans havo not been willing for the past two weeks to give any figures, Without Baker they could not have figured a majority, To have claimed Baker would have given the democrate notice. TUE SITUATION IN BAKER, It appears that in Baker county the Jadge refused to canvass with tho clerk and the justice, These two olllcers then canvassed on the loth, and sent up @ certified return, In Duval county, where the republl- cans have 930 majority, exactly the same thing was done; the Judge refused to canvass, the return is now here signed by only the clerk and justice I the republicans throw out Baker, with ite 95 democratic majority, Duval must follow with its 930 republican majority. They are sigued by precisely the same ollicers and made up in exactly the same manner; butit appears that in Baker county the Judgo met on tho 13th with tho Sherif and another justice and made another canvass, in which he throw out enough democratic precincts to give the republi- cans a majority in the county. This returo they for- warded three days alter the regular return from thé clerk of the court had reached tno capital. This is the return that the secretary read to the Board, illegally suppressing the first return he had received, + The Board adjourned immediately after the Cha! man had produced and read the suppressed return, having been in session only thirty minutes, It will meet at ten to-morrow, when tho democrats will at tack the Alachua frauds, General Barlow declined to-day to act as counsel for for the republicans, and sat outside of the railing a quiet spectator. i DISPOSITION OF THE BOARD, Tho work of the day goes very far toward showing that Secretary McLin cannot be depended on for im- partial justice, Judge Cocke ts firm, well posted and ready. Comptroller Cowgill is the unfixed bird of the aviary. Nv one knows yet what to make of him. He develops a degree of ability and readiness above what was expected of him. He was fair and just through to- day’s proceedings, and his friends aver thas he will con- tinue 0, LOUISIANA, FUTILE EFFORT OF THE DEMOCRATS TO HAVE THE DULAYED RETURNS PRODUCTD—HOW FIVE SUPERVISORS OF ELECTION MAY MAKE A PRESIDENT. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.} New, Ox.eans, Nov. 28, 1876, The Returning Board this morning, notwithstanding the reiterated demand of the democrats that the re taros of five pari***s known to be in this city now, shoald be sent for, «;.in refused. A PERTINENT QUESTION, Indge Spofford, addressing Governor Wells, asked whether the Board would permit the five supervisors ot these parishes to make or unmake a President, te which the President of the Board replied that he had no control over the sapervisors, and that it the return were not in they would be omitted from the count. The five parishes referred to give, by official returns over 2,000 democratic majority. This ruling bas a strong fooling here. PROCEEDINGS OF THE RETURNING BOARD, New On.eans, Nov. 28, 1876, The Keturning Board assembled this morning. All of ita members, the republican and democratic coms mittees and their counsel were present. General ANDk&RSON made another personal explana tion. Judge Srovrord suggested that the Board should issue an order to compel the supervisors of the following parishes to hand im their returns, viz. :—Franklin, Grant, Livingston, Lafayette and Frangipaboa, The Judge remarked that in these parishes there were large democratic majorities. Governor WxtLs said the Bourd was entirely inde. pendent of supervisors, Jadge Srovrronp—ls it in the wer of these re supervisors, by illegally withholding the retarns of five parishes, which give a democratic majority of 2,900, to make or uumako a President or Governor Governor Weits—It the returns are not here the ‘votes cannot be counted, Mr. GauTunimaux asked if the certified copies in the district courts could not be produced, as the law pro vided for the use of these copies when the origina returns were lost or could not be prepared? \Governor WELLS said he had already ruled on tha point, and thought it was unnecessary to say any more ‘about it, as copies would not be received. Mr. GauTukteavxand Judge Srorvorp arged the ne- cessity of ordering supervisors to make their returns, Goveraor WkLLs replied that he would order if the returns were not received by Wednesday. Colonel Zactanis fied a motion to the effect that twenty-tour hours having elapsed, the party proposing interrogatories shail fix the time and piace, and state the name of the United States Commissioner to take the testimouy, and tat he shail notify counsel om the opposite side twenty-four hours in advance, so that both parties may bo present when the testimony ia being taken, ‘The motion was immediately overruled, ‘The Board then went into Executive session, INFIMIDATION TRSTIMONY, Tho Returning Huard 1n executive session inspected the returua trom the remaining wards in the cy and from three parishes. Ali of them were laid over fot future action, Then the parish of Ouachita was takes up, much to the surprise of the democrane counse!, as East Baton Rouge was the parish tixed for to-day. Four negroes were introduced at witnesses of the republican side and were examined orally by ho Board, according to interrogatories. The Bourd ruled in the first place, that unioss the demo- crats had cross jaterrogatorios they would not be per mitted to examine the witnesses orally. Finally, after remarks by the republican and demo- cratic visiting comrittees, the Board con- sented to allow cross-examination of the wituesses by the democratic committer. The testimony ot the wie Desses Was in regard to intimidation and out and they were very diffuse in statements, The dem- ocrats will introduce rebutting testimony to-morr when the consideration of the retucos from Ouachite will be resumed, ‘ RUMORS ABOUT THE MILITIA, SENSATIONAL STORY ABOUT AN APPLICATION BY THE PRESIDENT TO GOVERNOR HARTRANFS - DENIED. (BY TELEGRAPH Tv THR HERALD.) Paivapecruta, Noy. 28, 1876, * It would appear from a Washington special toa late edition of a Philadelphia evening paper that there is @ rumor at the capital that, should tho reguler forces in South Garolina be insufliciont, the President will vall for militia, and that tho call would undoubt edly be upon Penosylvania, Governor Hartranft, it pdteanr ng recently bad @ conference with President nd the Secretary of War for this pur- pose Tho despatch further states that the Secretary of War hag received numerous communications trom officers of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, express- ing their readiness to respond to @ eall toeapprest violence, one: ‘THE STORY DENIED, Uhave just sought the Adjutant General of the State National Guard of Pennsylvania in relation to thig Teport, He pronounces it {alse im the mous positive