The New York Herald Newspaper, December 1, 1876, Page 2

2 THE NATIONS PERIL. NEW YORK Carolina Hall since its organization, this moruing re- | The respective Serzeants-at-arms oloved together up solved upon a bold movement, which was successfully | the main aisle to the stand, whicn they danked on executed, The republican House at the State House, | either side, and ascended and stood behind ther re- spective chiefs, At the same time eral representa- tives of both parties followed and backed up the Ser- after seating five republicans claiming to be elected in Barnwell county, merely on their own statement to | HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1876.--WITH SUPPLEMENT. hard-headed old darkey showed a@ direct common sense thut impressed everybody. He swore point ; Diank and indignantly that bis name, or mark, rather, was orged to the counter aftidavit presented on yes- terday. He swore farther that he was offered $25 by | Walls and Belton to sign it, His testimony wee un- know whether it was filed or not; he did not see the box or ballots atter this; he trie! to get m Black's house where they were and they would not let bim; be says that he signed two affidavits that were read to him; he meant to swear in those affida- vite what he bas sworn above The counter affidavit iy. 1 know nothing of tt of my ows knowledge, but think you will have witnesses here who heard it; { bad a conversation with Mrs. Pit as to the inurder of ber husvand and she, pit we there were five or six avgroes, who ‘woat to her ik ton out and killed bim J ber and the enild: sho was in wy house when she made this state | perporting to 4ave been signed by him was read and | ment; she came about five o'clock and waked ine up geants-at- Arms. A Coup d’Etat by the South Caro- lina Democrats. ENTRANCE TO THE STATE HOUSE EFFECTED. A Fareical Scene of Noise, Confusion, Tlard Words and Laughter. General Ruger Undertakes to Settle the Question of Disputed Seats. SPIRITED PROTEST OF THE DEMOCKATS Forgery and Perjury Charged by the Demo- crats in Florida and Proven. —_-_—— S OF THE COUNT LN LOUISIANA PROGKES SOUTH CAROLINA, AN UNEXPECTED ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GEN- ERAL RUGER--A SPIRITED RESPONSE FROM Tue DEMOCRATS, [BX TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.1 CoLumbta, Noy. 30, 1876. Today while the Mouse of Representatives was in session, both democratic und republican mem- that efect, adjourned until twelve noon to day. aT THY A, a the democrats met and at once went tnto secret ses- sion, No one suspected what the resuit of that ses- sion would be, At about the sane hour the members of one imto the hall of the House of Representatives the Chamberiain House were dropping one by until eleven o'clock, where nearly forty of the negro members were quietly seated, stuoking, writing and indulging in pleasant conversation, They suspected nothing of a startling nature, and since the seating of the Barnwell delegation, which gave them a quorum that would stand the test of law, they considered themselves masters of the situation, The garrison, commanded by Major Kellogg, of the Bi nth in. fantry, still Leld possession of the lower portion of the State House. Governor Cha:mberlain was tn bis office; General Ruger was also within easy call, 80 that there | was nothing to disturb the serenity of the situation In bers being in the hall, General Kuger sent a stall | OMcer to the Speaker's stand and notified Mr. Wallace that to-morrow the democratic members from E on the floor of the House. Whereupon the follow- (ng spirited letter was sent to General Ruger:— LEITER TO GENERAL RUGER, COLUMBIA, 8, C., Noy, 30, 1876, General T. H. Rucer, commanding United States troops in South Carolina:— Deak Sin—We have just heard through Major McGinnis, of your statf, your order communicated to William Wallace, Speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives, that at twelve o’clock to-morrow the Members-elect from Edgefield would not be alowed npon the floor of the House. To say that we are surprised at such an order, af- ter the explanations and pledges made by you to each one ofus, is to use very mild language. When She outrage of Tuesday last was committed by the ‘lacing of armed sentinels at the door of the House of Representatives, who decided upon the admission of members to their seats, and when the provisions of the constitation and the decision of the Supreme Court were brought to your attention, you distinct- ly and warmly asserted again and again that your orders were misunderstood; that you did not intend Yo have sentinels at the door of the hall, and that you had not, and did not intend to assume to decide upon the legality of any man’s seat or upon his right to enter the hall. You were then reminded by us that your guard received instruc- tions from one Demis, a citizen and partisan of Governor Chamberlain, to admit parties upop his Own gass or that of one Jones, and had, through armed forces, excluded all democrats from the hall ontil the republican organization was completed. Youassured us again that such were not your or- fers, and were told by us that notwithstanding sue perpetration of this inexpressible shame upon pur free institutions and the rights of the people, | the evils could still be remedied without violence or bloodshed by a simple withdrawal of your guard from the doors of the hall, and that a majority of votes decides all questions, in accordance with law and the usage of legislative bodies, Stated that no troops should be at the and that under no circumstances would you in- there You door, should terfere, except disturbance of occur a serious the peace. You affirmed your determination to exercise no supervisory control whatever over the to be ‘the House of Representatives. All this oc- curred on yesterday. Last night, in a later Interview with Senator Gordon, you made the same assurances, and this morning, after both bodies were assembled in the hall, you assured General Hampton that under no circumstances would you Interfere, except to keep the peace. What now can justiy measure our astonishment At the issuance of such an order as the one just sent | by you? There is no breach of the peace and no Prospect of its disturbance. You had it officially brought to your knowledge that absolute good bumor prevails in that hall. We cannot refrain from expressing the apprehension that the fact that a number of leading republicans are taking issue with the legality of the proceedings by the republican House, has changed your views as to your line of duty. It is proper that we should body or bodies claiming | gefield and Laurens would not be permitted | tay, in conclusion, that we relied upon your honor | is & man and your character as a soldier to main- hain your pledged position of non-intervention, The democratic members from Laurens are entitled to their seats by the judgment df the Supreme Court of this State, and we have advised them to remain in that hall until removed by your troops, that the issue may be made in this centennial year of American independence whether | mission here, Edgefleld and | the hal! of the House. A coup d’état was then imm|- nent, of which they had not the slightest suspicion or conception, ‘Tho whole matter had beeu arranged the aight previous, aud rumor says with the consent aud approval of Genoral Ituger, c MOVEMENT OF TUK DRMOCRATS. The promptitude with which the democrats as- sembled was the first thing that attracted attention, ‘They bad not been in sessiva long when, to the aston- isument of the few spectators that wero on hund, the doors of Carolina Hall were thrown open and the democratic members emerged im two and threes and parties ranging up to ten in! number, ‘To the astonishment of those who witnessed their exit they all bent their steps in the direction of the State House, This was a little before half-past ten o’clook, At once it flashed across the minds of those were witnesses that some decided action little crowds ef who bad been tuken, Tho crats soon reached the northern part or main entrance of the Stato Mouse, where their number demo- was mussed and formidab:e, troops at the dvor admitted them without question, Singular to say tho and ie solid body they proceeded up tho stairway leading to the hall uf the House of Representatives, James L. Orr, son of the distinguished statesman of that name, and Colonel A. ©. Haskell, headed the body. Upon reaching the door it was found guarded by a United States deputy marshal and the Arms of the House. colored republican Sergeant The democratic visitors tn front asked for admission and were rotused, on the ground that none but mem. | bers could goin. Promptly the members who wore in front drew their certificates of election trom the Secretary of State and presented The by surprise, not suspecting the crisis at hand, the doors were doorkeeper was taken and, opened to pasa the few with papers in their hands. As soon as somo Lalf dozen had croased the threshold they turned, flung open the doors, placed their backs against them, and in walked the entiro democratic body and took their seats, Tho doorkeepers made a desperate strdggle to keep them out, and at one timo it seemed as if blood would.be shed, but the work was quick and decisive, ASTONISUMENT OF THE REPUBLICANB, The blank astonishment of tho negro legislators ated in the hall can hardly be pictured When they turned in their seats and saw such a steady and irro- sistible influx of whites they {maginod that something terrible was about to happen and did not utter a word. Speaker W. H. Wallace (dem.) walked directly to the stand and seated himself In the chair of that officer. Ho was followed by the democratic Clerk, who also took us position on tho stand, The democratic Sergeant-at-Arms remained at the door with a colored diguitary of the same offico, who flourished the mace triamphantly. For nearly five minutes matters remained at a standstill, HAMPTON REFUSED ENTRANCE, General Hampton then presented himself at tho door and asked for admittance. He was insoleutly re- fused by the republican doorkeepors and surrounded | by a mob of negroes on the outstde. ‘Thon came several white mombers to the door and a scuflle took place, which would have resulted seriously had not Hampton withdrawn and declined to enter, ENTER THE REPUBLICAN SPEAKER, Another lull pow eusued, and the hour was about cloven A. M., when all eyes were attracted to the door | of the House by tho entrance of E. W. M. Mackey, who was accompained by the colored Clerk of the House, A, M. S Marshall and Detective Hubbard, of the State* constabulary, Mackey’s face turned ghastly white with rage when he took in He proceeded to the stand, trembling with exgitement as he went, and ranning up tho steps, followed by the clerk, sald to Speaker Wallace, demo- crat:— tho situation, ‘ou will please vacate this seat”? REMARKS OF MR, WALLACE, Wailace, remaining seated, replied:—“T have been elected by a majority of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, duly sworn in Carolina Hall on Tuosday, 28th inst, The constitution pro- vides that the Legislature shall meet in Colum- bia on the fourth Tuesday in November. nO provision that the House ot Representatives shall be organized tn this hall On Tuesday last a majority of the embers of the Huuse of Represent- ativ They then retired to Carolina Hall, and organized witha membership ot sixty-six, who, | according to the constitution, were duly sworn and we have a government of law as construed by | courts, or a centralized despotism whose only law | is force. Let the American people behold the spec- tacle of a brigadier general of the army seated by | the side of Governor Chamberlain in a room in the State House and Issuing his orders to a legislative body peacefully assembled in one of the original commonwealths of this Union. Resp (tuily yours, J. B. GORDON, WADE HAMPTON, A. C. HASKELL. These three gentlemen had been in conterence ‘with General Ruger yesterday and to-day. “Whethe, ..caarism is to be the next issue or not is a | Gerious question.” & BOLD STROKE BY THE DEMOCRATS—AN ENTRANCE TO THE HOUSE OF RYPRESENTA- } TIVES EYFECTED—1WO HOUSES IN SESSION IN ONE HALL—A SCENE UPROAR—UNAVAILABLE EFFORTS AT COM- PROMISE. (bx TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD. ] Corvunta, 8. C., Nov. 30, 1876, ‘The members of the democratic House, numbering wicty-sit, whieh has been holding secret sessions in OF CONFUSION AND | rights on this door, oficers elected. We are nore in pursuance of our | rights under the constitution of the State. We de- sire to oppress no man, to deprive no man of bis We a to claim only tho rights that belong to us and those rights we intend to have.” . This speech produced a profound sensation, and the excitement amung the members was tjatense. Nearly every mau arose to his feet. POSITION OF MR. MACKEY, Speaker Mackey, republican, eaid:—I clalm that 1 was elected Speaker of this House by a legal members legally We do recognize that any tho: sworn in hore on Tuesday last are members of this House, and these men who are visiting this hall with- quoram of sworn in. not otber than out consent must keep order." The clamor and confusion at this time was deafening. “1 must again demand,” continued Mr. Mackey, that you, General Wallace, leave this chair,’” Speaker Wattack (dem.)—1 have already declared | that Iam the legally elected Speaker and must request yoo to retire. More noise, confusion and laughter, Speaker Macksgy (rep.)—The Sergeant-at-Arms will please step forward and enforce my order, Renewed excitement and confusion, Speaker Wattack (dem.)—The Sergeant-at-Arms ‘will please step forward and enforce my order, This caused some laughter and great excitement, them. | It makes | with certificates of election were refused ad- | | | } A THREATENING SITUATION, | Neither Wallace nor Mackey movod, and then there and, and the was a general rush made toward the situation was eeriously thi ening. No troops were nearer than the !ower floor of the State House. Hap” pily no collision took place, both parties held irm and the Sergeantsat-Arms stood glaring at each other like two tigers. At this juncture one of the democratic members moved that a comimnit- tee of six be appointed to adjust the difficulty. Speaker Wallace (dem.) appointed the proposed six, calling them by name. Speaker Mackey called to bis cohorts to take Do Botic: of the democratic Speaker’s commands, sud ordered Jones (colored), Clerk, to eall the roll of tho House. CALLING THB ROLL, This produced a temporary lull, but when Jones proceeded to call the roll the democrats began ad- | dressing Wallace as Speaker, causing great interrup- When the republican roll was tion and confusion, calied Speaker Mackey said:— “A majority of members being present the proceed- ings will be opened with prayer, ™ Mr. Thomas (col- ored), chairman of the Committee on Privileges and Elections, then came forward and made a prayer. | Mr. Gray (dem.) moved that the Chair appoint | Acommittes of six to inform the proper authorities that the House of Representatives was disturbed by a band of insurgents, Speaker Wallaco appointed the committee. Mackey (rep.) then’ called upon all the members who had not been sWorn to come for- ward and be sworn, Speaker Wallace (dem.) ma ment, but none camo forward. then arose and were recognized by Wallace, several republicans by Mackey, and both began to deliver Spceches, each addressing himsolf to his respectivo speaker. While this scene of confusion and disorder was going forward Mackey had a conference with General Denis, ; ex-republican Superintendent of the Penitentiary, who | commanded the troops on Tuesday, and Mackey sent a | message by him to Chamberlain, stating that the House | was disturbed by men not mombers, and cailing The demo- Speaker the same announce- Several democrats | upon him to send troops to eject them. crats set off smiling, and Mackey said, triumphantly, “Order will bo restored ina very short time, and the iMogal members will be ejected.” Singular to say, | however, the so-called illegal members were not ejected. No soldiers put in an appearance, and the republican -negroes became despondent, Reed (colored rep.), of Beaufort, made a speech in | which he said no ono desired peace more than he did, and wound up by hoping the democrats would go out and be admitted by the certiticates of tho Secretary of State recognizing Mackey as Speaker. Mr. Gray (dem.) got up to speak and was called to order by Muckey. Gibson (rep.) made a speech at the same time and was called to order by Wallace, Noithor came to or der, and when they had Onished Shepherd (dem.y and Minort (colored rep.) took the floor. Mackey called on the republican Sergeant-at-Arms to compel Shepherd | to go outside of the railing and stop disturbing (bo | peace of the House. Wallace called on the democratic Sergeant-at-Arms | to compel Minort to come to order, Both officials attempted to execute their orders and both signally | failed, the double speaking continuing. “The attributes of the Presidential office, its preroga- tives and possibilities, its ever increasing power and | splendor, the yearnings of a cultivated and wealthy society for court honors, and the attractions of a court | life, the desire of those in office to retdin power and re- ward; the question, in fact, whether a strong Executive does not weaken the Republic must become the most im- portant in our politics,” | FLORIDA. } AN EXCITING DAY BEFORE THE CANVASSING BOARD—CHARGES OF YRAUD AND PERJURY | IN REGARD TO THE BAKER COUNTY RE- ‘TURNS—TESTIMONY OF MOORE AND DUKES— A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE CREATED BY THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN A BOGUS RETURN. [BY TELEGRAPH 10 THE HERALD.1 TALLAUASsEE, Nov, 30, 1576, When the Boara met this morning it was plainly evident that the peace, amity ana good will of this | biessed Thunksgiving Day would not be preserved in the session of the Board, There was evidently trouble brewing. The demo- crats were confident to a point that bubbled into open exultation in the younger members and lit the fircs of the eyes of even the oldest stagers, The republicans were quiet, and even Mr. Chandier’s smile was short of its amplitude, and puckered itself into something that looked much like a smile. STEARNS’ PROULIAR TACTICS, When Baker county was called the democrats } clinched the points they made yesterday and made a new one that goes very far toward fixing an ugly fraud upon the republican managers of tis State. lt was sbown that the bogus return from that county, which | was mage by the judge after the regular canvass had | | teen made and the returns forwarded, was sigued by a justice of the peace who isnot known as a justice in the county und was appointed after the election. Tho luw requires the return shall bo signed by a justice of tho peace, There beg no justice in the county that could be trusted to purticipato in this secret anu fraudulent canvass, although all wero the Governor's appointees, it appears that be made a new one just for that purpose, The most discouraging thing about this | Baker mater, however, is the uuwarrantavie and audacious manner which Chairman McLin secretly suppressed the return that was prima facie regular and | correct and road another return that is both tech- nically and jontially incorrect. This raises tbe s' | picion, a very grave suspicion, as to his fairness, and | discourages those who had hoped that ho would act impartially FORGERY AND PERJURY. But the great sensation of the day, or of the whole Florida campaign, tor that matter, was the troduction | of the Alachua county witoesses, Moore and Dukes, When it was shown that the counter affidavit of | Moore, dared on the 20th, retracted au affidavit that | was not made till three days afterward, an increau- | lous smile rose around the room. When Mr, Pasco, in a voice tremulous with excitement, said there had been forgery and perjury committed, and that they would prove tt by (the introduction of Moore and Dukes, there was genuine and profound sensa- tion, Litto Dennis, the alleged manipulator of the fraud, who is a fazed out, cotorless little person, who looks as it he could not possibly possess even the energy of wickedness with which he js credited, jumped up aad burried out of the room, The repub- | eans held @ short consultation and in about five | miuvutes the witnesses who were supposed to be 200 miles off were at the door. THE TESTIMONY OF MUOKE, The testimony of Moure was listened to breathlessly when hetold how he had received the bribe from Sherif Barnes to sign a paper thut he need not swear | to. The fall of a pin could havo been beard, While his taking the bribe and signing the counter affidavit invalidated bis first testimony, he produced the im- | pression that his recital of the vote and manner of | counting, &c., was true, It corroborated precisely the | testimony of other witnesses,” } KVIDENCE OF DUKES. The highest excitement however was reaohed by the ' appearance and testimony of Dukes. This stubvorn, | | meant to “ress a tun.” | He swore that, in L. G. Dennis’ office, D. I. A. Barnes, | swore to then, sincere, and delivered under much indignation, It appears that he is quite a character, AN ECCENTRIC CHARACTRR, He has been suspicious about signing papers ever since he was approached with the counter affidavit, and the other day when he bad sold a piece of land refused to sign the titles until he had heard them read by three or four men in whom he has coulidence, Ho wag alraid they were “affaldavits,” he said. Wh asked what ‘duress’? meant be said he ‘spose it | DEMOCRATS ENCOURAGED. Altogether it has been a field day for the democrats. | They are in fine shape and feel quite coniident of getting a verdict trom the Board in accordance with | the facts, They are very mach encouraged by the news of the position tuken by the Mukatp, Post and otber | leading papers on the South Carolina maiter. Colonel | C. W. Woolley, of Cincinnati, one of the most capable | and sagucious of the democratic managers here, said | to your correspondent to day :— “1 drmly believe that If the democratic party should not suy a word or doa thing we covld present such a | cgae of fraud im the three Southern States as would | make Mr. Hayes? mauguration, an tmpogsibility. The | better class of repuviicaus would prevent it, Mr. Hayes bimself could not permit it You seo | the republican press is already awaking to | the trues of things. Look at the Hrraup that represents unpartisan sentiment; sce | whero tt bas drifted to; they will all have to come. | Astounding as the development mace to-day is, there | are others as Lad, if not worse, yet to come. Thére 1s going to be a revolation in less than tep days, too. It | is even wow in progress, Not a revolution of arms, but a revolution 1a pu entiment, ‘There will be no | fight when our cage goes to the country; the men who will contest it are not the men who do the fighting or pay for it either,” ‘THE INTIMIDATION CRY. It is evident that the republicans here will fall back on the old recourse of intimidation. Their charge that thore was a rifle club in Alachua gives evidence of (his fact, As there was nota singie man killed, wounded or shot ut in the whole Stute on election day they will find it hard to make a case. FROCKKDINGS OF THE BOARD, The Board*met at ten o'clock. Whon Alachua county was called the democrats asked that Baker be calted first. Mr. Pasco then read an affidavit showing that the bogus return from Baker county was signed by a justice of peace who was appointed to his office | atter the etection was held, The proof was thon offered in reference to Baker county to the effect that the first return giving the democrats a majority of 195 votes was the only return on file in the Clerk’s office; the only return certified to by the Clerk; the only retura forwarded by the Clerk; that it was the only return signed by the Clerk and justice of the peace, who acted In the election; that it was the only re- turn canvassed in the presonce of the Clerk as the law requires all canvasses shall be made; the only canvass to which he (the Clerk) bad been invited; that it was the only return that aggregated the number o¢ yotes contained in the regularly signed precinct re- turns in the county. It appears wfter the regularly certified canvass had been mado the County Judge, without giving the Clerk notice of his purpose, made another canvass, and without offering | it for certification or file in the Clerk’s office; tor- warded t imself, and that, failiag to secure the sig- nature of any existing Justice of the Peaco to his re- turn, he obtained the signature of a justice who had been appointed by the Governor several days alter the election, ‘Tho republicans asked till to-morrow to reply. Tho counsel then went into a squabble over certain minor points involving certain votes of minors and immi- grants in Alachua. THE ARCHER PRECINCT, When the now famous Archer precinct was reached it was evident that a sensation was pending. Mr. Pasce, backed snugly by Mr. Sellers, read specifica- tions showing that in the list of 219 affidavits made by | negroes to the effect that they voted at Archer all the names were signod by crossmarks, and | that eleven names appeared twice and two three times, and alleged that the whole list was a fraud and forgery. They then showed that the alleged affidavits of Green R. Moore, in which be was represented as retracting certa:n statements made in an affidavit to the democrats, was dated on the 20th of Novemver, while the affidavit itself, tiled by the demo- crats on yesterday, was dated and executed on tho 23d of November, or three days after the alleged re- traction was said to have been sworn to. They then } charged that the affidavit purporting to be trom Dukes,introduced by tho republicans on yesterday,was forgery, pure and simple, and begged leave to iptro- duce Measrs. Moore and Dukes themselves. This producea a sensation, as It was not suspected the wit- nesses were in the city, The Board agreed,vand the witnesses were sent for. a Mr. G, R, Moore was introduced, Hogave his testi- mony quietly but decisively. He swore that ho wasa precinct inspector; that he helped to count the vote and that it stood at the close 136 for Drew and 180 for Stearns, with the electoral vote varying a little. Boing asked if the face of the return, showing that 535 votes were cast, was correct, he swore that it was not correct. He said he bad sworn to only two affida- vits, both reciting that 316 votes only wore cast, On being asked fhe made either affidavit through foar, he said that he swore to both freely and through a sense of right, THE ALLEGRD COURTER AFFIDAVIT. Being asked if ne had sworn toa counter aMdavit, he swore that he had not, He said that ho had signed another paper, but was not sworn when he signed it, republicun Sheriff, offered him $100 to sign a paper. | he asked if he had to swear to it; they replied that he had not; he signed it aud took tho money; Dennis gave it to Barnes and Barnes gave it to him; he now | swears that the trae yote of the poll was what he | has since sworn to, and now swears to, namely, 316, Genoral Barlow then asked that he give the history of the counting pf votes, Mr. Malcolin Héy, of Ponn- sylvania, seconded this request. Witness swore that the count was 316; that the ballots after the count was ! made and the result announced were pur in a | box, and be kept the key and Mr. Bfack the box; be thinks that probably the return he signed as inspector was blank; he says everything was burried, and he just signed it as it was presented; he expected no questions over the vote and signed | without roading; ho swears that he voted the straight republican ticket; the box, with ballots ia it, was taken to Mr. Dennis’ house by Mr. Black, one of the republican inspectors; he swears that he saw the Clerk or Inspector give Mr, Tucker a memorandum of the vote just after it was counted, Mr, Tucker was introduced yesterday by the demo- rats and swore that be took such memorandum and produced it, showing 316 votes cast, Ih reply to a question suggested by Mr. Barlow wit- bess swore that be had been offered no money to swear to his first affidavit. Being asked to give tho history of tho first aflidavit he swore | that when he heard of 535 votes being claimed he stated publicly at the Court House that that claim was | fraudulent, He was then asked if he would swear to | it, He replied that he would do so, at atep- | ping into the Clork’s room he made the He swore He says he was asked if ho did not sign that Walls, ex-Congressman (colored), camo to his house last Saturday morning and offered him $25 to sign an affidavit changing the result at Archer, and that he refused to do *0, Being asked if he was intimidated he said ‘No,’ that nobody could frighten him'imto swearing. He says no money was offered or promised him; that a strange man told he bad signed tt. euch ao affidavit. him he could make $100 if he would come to the office, He don't kuow what office, orf who tho man was; that he came here with Dr. Carew without know!ng what hy came for at Carew has simply toid him to tell the truth; that Mr, Fleming was at the potls all aay. Mr. Fleming swore ycrtorday that he was at the polls all day and made a list of every voter that voted. Mr. Brown, of Alachua, was introduced to prove the noa-existence of rite clubs or any similar organization in Alachure county, He swore that he know of no rifle clob or similar organization, and did not believe there was any sucn thing. It was reported that Dennis was going to steal the ballot boxes on election night, and he, wih three or four other men not over two at any time, and stayed near the Court Honse during the night. Ie did not enter the House, and was not armed in any manner, COLUMBIA COUNTY. Columbia county was then called. The republicans objected to two precincts in Columbiaon the ground of fraud, violence and intimidation, ‘The first specification recited thata domocratic in- spector dexterously substituted democratic ballots for Tepublican ballots as they were handed in, Second, that eight negroes (names given) were taken a few days before election into a np by three = democrats, = and — after various indignities, a rope being put around the neck of one of them, were made ta get on their knees and swear that they would work and vote for the dem- ocratic Licket and nominees, that if they did not they would’ then and there be killed, and that {nu fear of their lives they did work and vote for tho dernveratic pnominecs, The allidavits wero offered, Mr. Sellers calling atten- tion to the fact that they we Hi written in the same handwriting, and all signed, except four, by @ cross mark, the signers being unable to read what was written in the affidavits, A debate ensued after this as tothe best manner of “hastening the work of the Board. It was moved by Mr, Pasco that counsel on each side furnish the opposite counsel with a copy of their specifications ineach contested county, and that all testimony be filed by Saturday evening. Mr. Bisbee, for the republicans, objected. Mr, Sellers insisted that the matter must be closed at the same time, so that general written arguments on each side might be prepared, and an intelligent opinion arrived at, Mr. Chandler contended that the republicans might wish to introduce testimony on the very last day, and protested against being shut out. The Board then decided that no testimony should bo reccived after Saturday evening, urfess the Board saw fit to admit it on Monday, “Whenever any man, however eminent or pa- triotic or gifted, becomes necessary to our govern- mens, then are we no longer capable of se- government.”” LOUISIANA, PROTEST OF THE DEFEATED CANDIDATES IN NEW ORLEANS—PROGRESS OF THE COUNT— THE DEMOCRATS IN HIGH SPIRITS—RUMORED DEFECTION OF ONE OF THE REETUBNING BOARD. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] New Onieans, Nov, 30, 1876, Tho Returning Board proccedings were opened with the reading of a protest, signed by all the defeated candidates of the parish of Orleans. It emvodied the principle that naturalized citizens were not entitied to vote unless resident of the State one year. An argu- nent of one hour on caeh side ensued. POWERS OF THE SUPKRVISORS. Afterward the question of counting the boxes of East Baton Rouge came up. The Board decided against opening tho box that they were governed only by the returns of the supervisors, and stated that In case a supervisor returned at will only one precinct in a purish bis returns would be regarded as conclu- ive. Mr. Wickliffe called atteution to the fact that this ruling placed it in the individaal power of the Super- visor to disfranchise at will an entire parish. Mr. Wella replied that the remedy was through the courts, A similar raling took place tn the case of Tan- gipahoa, the next parish considered; after which the Board adjourned. APPROACHING THE XD, To-morrow the cases of East Baton Rouge and East and West Feliciaua will be considered, after which the secret sessions will commence, Tho proceedings wero quiet, except several sharp passages between Wells and the democratic counsel THE COUNT. Judge Ditple, counsel for the republicans, stated this morning that the repvblican count made Tilden 8,600 ahead and Nicholls 2,500 as far as they had pro- grossed. Tho Gling of the protest of tho defeated candidates ot Orleans parish is supposed to indicate an intention parishes, after canvassing, do not entirely effect the end aimed at. THE TILDEN MAJORITY, . ‘The count as figured up according to returns at the close of the session to-day gives the lowest Tilden elector 8,980 over tho highest Hayes, A statement spirits, and express, for the first time, eonfidence in the result, They say that it is impossible, under the | eviaence produced, to count Tilden out; the majority 18 too large, The republicans are evidently in receipt | of some dopressing news and exhibit signs of it plainly. ALLEGED DEFECTION IN THE BOARD. been discovered in the Returning Board. Ono of its colored members, being a property bolaer and an old resident, ‘without also counting in Tilden is the problem to be met. Therois quite a flutter among the republicans to night, who exhibit signs of auxiety, Otherwise everything 1s quiet, “If this question of Carsarism continues to dssume amenacing aspect we shall have an issue more difficult to decide and more emential in its proper determination to the national liberties than any thas has goue Uefore.” PROCEEDINGS OF THE RETURNING BOARD—RE- BUTTaL O¥ THE PINESTON TESTIMONY—CAN- VASSING THE RETURNS, New Ortraxs, La, Nov. 30, 1876, The following were the proceedings betore the Ro- turning Board yesterday :— Charles Tidwell, of Ouachita, a witness in rebuttal to the testimony of Mrs. Kiiza Pinkston, was introduced by the Democratic Cunservative Committee, tHe was lows :— on the Ouachita Kiver, aboat twenty miles from aildavit, He swore that he bad not signed any return showing that 535 — vol were cast unless the return he signed just after clec- tion was blank, and had been filed up fraudulantly; that be paid his own /are here, and bis own expenses; ‘that he came because he thought he had to come; that be had not received or been promised any money for coming or swearing; that ho used his influence for the republicans in the eiection, Mr. Moore swears that he ‘was not sworn when he made the affidavit of the 20th filed by the republicans, A SOLID LOCKING XRGRO, Floyd Dukes, a solid looking pogro, was then in, troduced. precinct; that 136 votes were cagt tor Drew and 180 for Stearns; 316 in all was present when polls were closed; that he saw the Clerk give Mr. Tucker the memorandum already referred to, He said he signed the lection certificate, but could not read it and did not hear it read. He supposed it was all right and signed when the others signed; ho don’t He swore he was an inspector at Archer | | twenty years; her character is very bad; knew her in | Alabaina; she belonged to my family, | knew Henry | Pinkston; did not know mach of bim; ‘han for about two years in’ a genersl | he was a very quiet negro; wife came to my house | avout five o’eiock Sunday morning and told me tour | or five negro ad husband and Beat her nearly to death, and also killed her child; after it got daylight I went down there avd | suw the dead body of ber husband; 1 asked what had | been done with the child; she suid she had Iaid in the | eradie, but the child was not there; | don’t know any- thing about any threats baving been made by Henry Pinkston, only what the negroes vaid and what sho suid; mny Megroes 1o"d me there bad been sach a con- Versution in the fleld, but I did not hear tt; when I leit Alabama Mr. Pinksion was there in jail; I don’t know whether for steahng of fighting; that | was the cause of my leaving there without her; ; oe L understood this matter from the negroes Pinks- | ton bad @ bad fight with jearo called Alexander | Brooks; I did not seo the ht, bat have been told Unat it was a very bad one—at least that it terminated badty for Brooks; from whas the ‘008 say Pinkston stated that he wanted to renew it; Brooks stated that he had fought bim tue last time with fis Oats, and toat he had his time and place Oxed tor bin; tbut is all will be despatched to-night to this effect over the sig- | natures of the democratic committeo, who are in bigh | Held; for the demourata, Mesara. Palen, ull, It {s reported on good authority that a defection has | willing, if not anxious,’ that | | Nicholls should bo counted in, but how to do this interrogated by General Anderson, and testilied as fol- | My name js Charios Tidwell; Lam afarmer and live | Monroe; Lave known Biiza Pinkston for eighteen or | Thad known | way; | ine to her house and killed hee | | eonthdently b she was bleeding pretty sin: I suppose it was abow two hours irom the Orst tu the secoud couversat) she thea tod me if 1¢ was hot Brooks’ Iriends from Ouucbita she bop it Was Parks’ or Posey’s negroes; that they were radicals and that she was a rabid demo. erat, and ihouglt they came there for tue parpo-e of killing ber; (hat was the tea she wanted to give 1 sent for a doctor, who came and waited oo her, witer dinver Levi Parks aud a maa named Armat came to my Louse, alierdinuer we Weut up to sve ber, and asked ber tu the preseuce of them 1! she knew whe kilted Pingston and who shot hor, and she suid there were about fit of twealy white men wuo came there and attempicd to kill olin; she went to other plices aud told a different story; | up. derstood she sad William Parker Was one ot the = killer nd be bas been dead ior three mouths; she attempted va one occasion to geb rid of her she had been toa neighbor's house and was coming home when she threw ber child ia the coruer of a lence where there were some briet in Was missed, and eowe of the Begroes went to bunt for at; this ui! happened since she gained ber freedom; it was a neighbor's pegro that lound the child; she re lubed togive it up; | sappose Ble Usrew it there; she Says She did not, Yul that a nigger woman had stoles t; the last 1 know bgt little abcat, only what my. wite said; she said that Eliza had destroyed it; ebe might have done so, but I don’t kaow; we all attended a republican iweeting at St. Jaimes’ chapel, and she was, there; a mulatto man was” there speaking trom a wagon and said a good deal about the demo- cruis; she wanied to be in good tavor with the democrats, and she remarked to some gentlemen thas if they would give her a pistul she would shoot the heart out of the damned radical; I beard her say #o myself; Mr. Pinkston took very little part in polities and stood very well with the waile peopio; he some- times got drunk, but I never saw him intoxicated te such an extent as to make him impudeat; | never heard him mention politi in my lite, nor I never to him; 1] took very little pars ties mysel! er she received the wounds she three-quarters of a mile to my bouse, and afver ‘Suat the doctor attended ber; Mr. Parks and I and the other man went up to see ber in the cvening; she was Sitbg On a Mat that sue nad been laying on, with someihing spread over her bead; sho said she waa pretty weil, aud the next day sho was down to my jouse; 1 don’t think she was over contined a day; 1 saw her sitting in the kitchen and [ saw ber walking down the road; Ihave seen her have burk in ber arms at least two or three days after sbe was hurt; the body of the child was found, but I saw no marks of uny kind on it except one or two little pla on its cheek, which louked though tho biack part had been cut off; the spots were notas big as ‘ul but po meat nor anything of that surt wae sek he body was found about 200 yards irom the 8 svon as I atiended to Eliza, rise, | went down bout the o house, m the lake some time between dayiight and s to her house and tound Henry Pinkston lying twenty sieps {rom the door; he was naked, exco; had op bis undershirt, but it was about bie back; found he through the side of his the thigh, one in the stomach and two ia the Jegs and ono in the forchead; be was dead; ho was not mutilated; there was not tho slightest scratch upos him except the marks; I bad a cloth tnrown over him to sce st we could not get somebody to go and see something ubout it; of course I’ bad him buried, President. Wells—Was the Coroner notilied of his death, A. I don’t know, sir; I aon’t kuow that there were uny attempts to ferret out the murderers; there were a jew white men came to my house and asked me about it; they went around the neighborhood and made inquiries, but nobody knew anything about 1; there wus no action taken about the corpse that t know of; I don’t know whether Eliza Pinkston knows John Logan or not; but { think she does not, for he was pever at my house but once, and she was not there then; sbo never went to Monroe where ho lives; her reputation for truth and veracity, is abous ag bad as it can be; I don’t kuow that she would tell the trath if sho knew it; she is a perfect tigress when she gets mad; she could no more comroi her- self than anything you might imagine; sne would fight a buzz saw, and it in motion; she would fight a dozen o# quick as she would one; she would never fight me, but I could not stop her using bad language; she looked like she was crazy. ‘The crovs-examination was continued at great Jength, and the democrats offered a large number of aitiduvits in rebattal “t the Pinkston (estimony. TESTIMONY OF MR. SWAN, J.J, Swan was the second witness offered by the Detuocratic Couservative Committee, He testified chiely in response to interrogatories read by General Anderson, and as follow! My occupation is that of a farmer; my residence is in Quachita; 1 knew Henry Pinkston for about three years; I don’t think he was engaged much in politics; never heard hun talk much about it; be once lived on the plantation adjoining ne; | knew of a fight be had about two nionths before his death with a man named Black Brooks; Pinkston whipped him and bit his finger very badiy; I saw Brooks a couple ot days after the fight and asked him bow his finger was; hoe suid his hand was very badly hart, and he remarked to me:—“I intend to kill Pinkston if I live.” - Pinkston came to mo himself and told me tbat his life was threatened by this mag Brooks alter the fight, He asked my advice Ire marked fo him at that time:— ‘Pinkston, I heard Brooks say myself that he was going to kill you, and if I had sufficient evidence I would kil him myseltbefore ho killed me. I would | not ea man kill me, kuowing he was threatening my jite, He should not Kill me.”” Brooks bad a bad character; he was not thought much of in the country; he was a bad, quarrelsoine and angry man; on the bight of tho murder 1 saw a party of colored pebple pass my house going down the \ road coming !rom Ouachita, but I don’t kaow who they were; 1 e election at Ouachita was as fulr an election as wo ever had; 1 did not sce any wrong going on; I belong to the demo- cratic party; I have lived in Ouachita parish for thirty- five years; 1t was more sociable than any clection I ever saw; I knew Mr. Parks when ho was living; he 1s dead now; he has been deau about three months. Colonel Zacnanie—As the Board retused to allow any further testimony in rebutting this woma statement, I thought it but an act of justice to these gentlemen from Ouachita, who have becn pubiuecly ac- cused by the reports of this woman, that they should ve allowed to file statements in their cases, that a cor. rection should be made, President Wetts—We have nothing to do with it. They must go before the courts and prosecute her if they seek reliet. Some discussion arose as to whether or not the Board would hold night sessiods, In answer to a question Governor Weils said, “We must have time to examine records and all the evidence beiore us, We will not have time to do that without holding night ss1008."" Mr. Gacrureavx—l think the representations mado by the Board to us on both sides was that all sessions were to be held in thetr presence, President Weius—They will be held in their presen but when it is to consult upon any action we shal! take upon various subjects,that come before us we must be alone Judges of courts do not | permit the presence of counsel when they are making to throw out a portion of that parish, as the country | up their final decision, Thereiore, wo must claim the privilege of consulting among ourselves as to any a0- tion that comes up belore us, Mr. Gautimeavx—t! understand tne Chair to admit that it Loids private sessions other than are held here daily ? President Wetts—They aro deliberative sessions, . ‘THE PROCKEDINGS YESTERDAY, Tho Board met at halt-past teu to-day, all the gem. bers being present, Thore appeared tor the republl- cans Messrs. Parker, Snermau, Clark and Gar- Smith and Julian, having been read and approved, tae fol- DE Pp , Signed by all the ublicam caudidates for city and parochial cilices in the parish of New Ure ae was read under the direction of President lis. v PROTRST OF REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES, New Oxneass, La., Nov. 27th, 1876. To Tux PRESIDENT AND MKMORRS OF THR RETURNING Boanp OF Tux State or Lovistana:— OxsTLEMEN—Tho undersigned having been candidates at wt the Iate election, res, may rely the ballots tickets: ly parteular aud scrutinizing attention given each name thereon, alterations gin the names of candidates would ‘Nearly all. candidates resorted to shps, which, after erasin; rere esenpe ‘observation. the wi ; the ticket, of printed nay prinved the “inapection. of over the names thus erased. Without close inspection could not have been ‘e whe catire ticket Cage} We Com- discovered. the joners hint wl t juspeetion of vailot from tuis cause can be Wwe respectiuily cull y scope of your wuthority, to a cast by persons naturalized only ort time belors and within « few days of the ection, We atly doubt right “to have voted at all. | Vermlts wa to attention to aaa ge Ue the constitution of Loulsiana, which atevery malo person of the ave of twenty-one ward, bora or natural in thy United states to the jurisdiet! Pacagon EI ‘ a rovide: year in that ative citizen is required to do before w the We do nut ‘think his privileges should be lowed to vote. superior to those enjoyed by the native born citizen, als thonuh we do che of ily wequiesce in any interpretation irely inudpendent of Stute law pre: ay 4 prerequisite to the exere anchise. The Stace taxes no cognizance of « oud he be cited to anew uncil he is meturalli ol au rol 3, 1 ts d. civil demand in any one of the Stato courtshe could, dowotiess would. under an nct of Congress of Mal (ptatutes at Larue, pp. 470-71), have the eanse removed the Cirenrt \ ourt ot tue United States, How, then, sho he claim the ben visi mint v ul traud on the rights of those citisens who are of uative virtn aad those who ave been waturalised Ie od faith more than one yoar previonsly to youn. # We respectiully aul, It be practial to ‘do 0, thas the votes complained of Dé rejeot ‘e invite your tive to the ureat irreumiarities prevailing ander sic} opted Uy the district courts of the Ba econd District Court for the parish of 1.50) certifieates of citizenship, witieh were issue lien forelgnors predicated upon Jud; whi appewr to have been sizned; also to pulls Nos. poils Noe Tana 9‘in she Rioventh Sura We sree js Nos 1 and 3 ia jeventh wi Informed that already prosentod jal attention to tl and vo nted in then a "irreguincisien, aud. wo further respectfully suggest that the ballots of the ty We