The New York Herald Newspaper, December 19, 1876, Page 3

TIE PIVOTAL STATES, Struggles of the Rival Governments in South Carolina. LETTERS FROM THE TWO GOVERNORS. Hampton's Policy of Peace and Chamberlain's Programme of Force. FLORIDA’S POLL LISTS. ‘ Secret Session of the Senate Investi- gating Committee. BULL-DOZING LOUISIANA. SOUTH CAROLINA. HAMPTON DEMANDS THE GREAT SEAL AND IS REFUSED BY CHAMBERLAIN—THE REPUBLI- CAN LEGISLATURE FRAMING LAWS TO SUP- PRESS THE DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATION—A PLAN THAT LOOKS TOWARD VIOLENCE AND BLOODSHED. (Bx TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ] Couummta, Dee. 18, 1376, The democratic programme of memor:alizing Con- gress for its recognition of the Hampton government and of otherwise arriving at a peaceful solutjon of the present complications, indicated in the Hxxatp de- spatches yesterday, is being carried out, Governor Hampton and his advisers were engaged to-day framing tho memorial, which, when completed, will be promptly forwarded and presented to both houses of Congress. In further pursuance of the plan, Governor Hampton to-day made a formal demand upon Chamberlain tor tho possession of the Executive De- partment of the government. Hampton hasestablished the present temporary Executive Department at the rooms on Richardson sirect formerly occupied by tho Democratic State Committee, Chamberlain bolds forthin the Executive Chamber at the State House, guarded by United States soldiers and his special constabulary, who admit no one but republi- cans, members of the press and a few other privileged persons, including the members of the House and Senate and the committees of Congress when properly identified by some wel! known republican, Hampton’s letter to-day was taken to the State House by a distinguished democrat, who was denied admittance at the front door, and was finally com- pelled to send the letter in by a negro wearing the badge of o sergeant of the special constabulary. Hampton’s representative was obliged to witharaw ; and ‘an hour afterward Chamberiain’s reply was conveyed to Hampton by his negro usher, who said bo was instructed to deliver the precious missive into no Other but Hampton’s hands. The dusky messenger found Governor Hampton seated at dinner tn Pollock’s saloon. He handed the letter, with this brief ad- dress:—‘‘General Hampton, Governor, Chamberlain told me to give this letter to yourself.”” Tho following aro exact capies of this interesting correspondence between the two Governors:— GOVERNOR HAMPTON’S DEMAND. State or Sovur# CaRrouina, Exxcotive Cuauper, Cotumpia, Deo, 18, 1876. fir—As Govornor of South Carolina, chosen by the people thereof, 1 have quailfed in accordance with the constitution. 1 hereby call upon you, as my predecessor in the offiec, to deliver up to ‘me tho Great Seal of Stat2, together with the possession of the State House, the public records and all other mat- ters and things appertaining to sald offlee, Respect- funy your obedieht servant = WADE HAMPTON, Governor, D. H. Cnamperuaty, Esq. CHAMUERLAIN’S REPLY. To this the other Governor replica:— State or Sourm Canouina, Exacurive Cuaupem, Concaaia, Deo. 18, 1876, f Sin—I have received the communication in which you call upon me to deliver up to you the great seal ot the State, &o., &e. Ido not recognize in you any right to make the foregoing demand, and I hereby refuse compliance therewith. Iam, sir, your obedient ser- vant, D, H. CHAMBERLALN, Wane Hamptox, Esq. Governor Suuth Carolina, GOVERNOR MAMPTON’S PLANS. The letters place the dual Governors on resord as to the respective positions they occupy, Regardless of Chamberlain’s refusal to deliver up tho great seal, records, &c., Hampton is slowly proceeding to establish his government, Hoe 1s determined tbat it shall not end in a fizzle, as McEnery’s did in Louisiana, The methods he adopts are thoso of peace, appealing in all cases te the courts for their protection in the exercise of the legal and consututionat rights, He has ample assurance from the property holders in the State and from the banks that all the tunds he requires to carry on the government will be forthcoming to be here- after paid whon tho legai Legislature passes a tax bil. A significant fact as to tho stability of Hamptou’s government is found in the receipt of letters hore from Northern bondholders of tho State, who are anxious that Hampton should be recognized, ng they would then be sure of the intereston their bonas, while they are satisfed of the inability of | Chamberiain’s government to collect taxes, and conse- quently their bonds would become worthless, CIRCULAR TO PRosUNENT crtfzeNs. Asan inaication of Hampton’s purpuse to proceed steadily and systematically to establish a perfect gov- erutnt throughout the State the following circular letter ty being sent to tho democratic Senators and Representatives and other leading democrats in every county in the State:— State or Sovrm Carouina, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Conunmia, Dec 18, 1876. Sim—I will thank you to give me, at your earlient opportunity, the full names of the persons in your county now filling the following offices:—County Treasurer, County Auditor, County Clerk of Court County Sheriff, County Probate Judge, School Comm sioners, Jury Commissioner, Eloction Commissiouer, County’ Commissioners, Trial Justices. Should any ot the above offices be filled by an incompetent person or by any one refusing to acknowledge tho lawful govern- ment, you are requested to suggest the name vl the citizen best fitted to fili the office, As these appoint- ments are of vital importanee to tho welfare of the State, I urge upon you to submit the names of none but those possessing undoubted ability end iniegrity, prepared to actively support and ener- getically carry out all the much needed reforms to which we are solemnly pledged. In the performance of this task success depends upon the support of the opie, and I confidently appeal to their patriotiam to fev bo personal feelings cause them to swerve from the line of pubie duty whieh they have nitherto so faith. tully pursued. Very respecifully, WADE HAMPTON, Governor. A COLLISION EXPECTED. It fs anticipated that the first clash or conflict be- tween the two governments will probably originate with tho county officials appointed by the respective Governors, Chamberlain hus already attempted to re- move certain Trial Justices and has appouited others in their places, but the incumbents persistently retuse to acknowleuge their pretended successors, in this way a clash is possible at any moment, PROCKEDINGS IN THE REPCBLICAN HOCSK, The proceedings inthe Mackey house to-day wero important in so faras they indicate the purpose of the Chamberlain government to push matters, and, if pos- | sible, to provoke a conflict that will bring in the United States troops. Tne bill to prevent and punish any person or persons forsetiing up a government in oppo- ition te the legitimate government, as they claim Chamberlain’s to be, passed to its third reading and was sept to the Senate, It is as follows: A BILL TO PUNISH SEDITIO: Be it enacted by the Seuate and House of Represen- satives of the State of South Caroliua, now met and sitting in General Assembly, and by authority of the same >— a Section 1.—That if any persou or persohs shallset | i oring when the eount was finished ; that the count was made publicly and the bt err in bearing | up, or attempt to Set Op, or malntaia, or attempt to maintain, a government for the State ct South Carolina, within the limits of the ead State, in opposition to tho legitimate and lawiul government theroof, he or they shall be deemed guilty of a telovy, and on con- viciion thereot sball be punished by imprisonment in the Penitentwry fora term of not less than ten nor more thar forty years, or pay a tine of ot less than $10,000 nor more than $100,000, one or both, within the discretion of the Court. THY GOVERNOR'S POWER, Sxc, 2. That it any person or persons shall set up, or. Altempt to set Up, OF Maintain, or attempt to maintain, 1b Witbia the limits of the State uf South NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECHMBER 19, 1876.—WITH SUPPLEMENT. Carolina, in opposition to the legitimate and !awtul gov- ernment of the Stute of South Carolina, it shall be the duty of the Governor of the Stat the legitimate and lawful Governor of the Sta bjs proclamation commanding said person or per: to desist forthwith from setting up or pretending to set up such government, oF maiDtaining or attempting to maintain gach government, and to submit to the Jawtul and legitimate government of the State; and on failure of said person or sons to obey said proclamation, it shall be t! duty of the said Governor to call on any sheriff or constable, or any member or members of the constabulary force of the State, or any militia of the State, and if in his judgment the necessity requires it, the President ot the United St to aid him in forthwith suppress- ing any such government or pretended government of the State. PENALTY FOR TAKING OFFICE UNLAWFULLY. Src. 3. That it any person sha)! accept and attempt to hold any office under or by virtue of any appoint. ment or commission under such government ho shall be punished by imprisoument at hard: labor in the Peuttentiary for not jess than one nor more than ten or pay 2 fine of $3,009; one or both, within the son of the Court, SPECIAL CONSTABULARY LAW. In addition to this another was introduced, author- izing Chamberlain to employ as many special con- stables, the number of 500 being suggested, as in his judgment may be necessary for the protection of the witnesses from Aikec and other counties now in at- tendance upon the Senate committee. A PROGRAMME OF VIOLENCE. It is understood that the appointment of these spe- cial constables is the beginning of Chamberlain's plan to inaugurate disturbances and causo bloodshed, and then to proclaim martial law, A$ soon as the bill to puaish persons for setting up @ government in opposition tothe legitimate govern- ment passes the Senato it ts understood to be the pur- pose of Chamberlain to issue a prociamation requiring Hampton’s government and the democratic House to disperse. If this is not complied with the specia, constabulary are to attempt to arrest the parties, which will be resisted, The troops will then be culled in, martial jaw proclaimed and Chamberlain will be appointed Military Governor of South Carolina. WORK OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE. The House committee break up to-morrow into sub- committees, fwoof them will Jeave tor Coarieston to-morrow night, each consisting of two democrats and one republican. Thoother three will remain here, Hon, A. G. Cochrane, of Pounsylvania, and Hon. J. F. Phillips, of Missourt, are the chairmen of the two committees that leave, They will at first hold sessions in the city of Charleston, and will then visit Beaufort and other counties where negro mtimidation by ne- groes was extensively practised. WORK OF THR CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTERS. The sesston of the House Committee was devoted to repnblican testimony as to the Kobdins precinct in Barnwell county, This is the place where the repub- Neans left the regular precinct and went toa placea mile off and cast their votes, which is known as the Robbins or Leshio box, Thirteen hundred and seventeen votes were cast at this box between the hours of one P. M. and six P. M., and the republicans allege that thoy were driven away by tiring upon tho negroes at the regular place by the democrats. The point established was that it was an impossibility for the managers to admin- ister 1,300 oaths to the voters in 300 minutcs, the time between one and six P, M. This box was not counted by the Secretary of State and the Board of State Can- vassers in the count of the electoral vote, Tho Senate committee’s sessions are secret, and the pressure on the part of the republicans on the members of that party on the committeo, is so strung that no democrat, even a member of the press, can be admitted. FLORIDA, FURTHER EVIDENCE OF REPUBLICAN FRAUDS IN LEON COUNTY—GROUNDS OF THE RE- JECTION OF JASPER PRKCINCT—SESSION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE IN SECRET, [By TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] TALLANASSER, Dec. 18, 1876. Tho House committee got into deeper water to-day and produced somb racy developments, They reopened tho case of preciuct No. 13, in Leon county, for the pur. pose of introducing certain voters whose names were weitten on the poll list as having voted at that pre- cinct. ‘They introduced eighteen negro witnesses, who swore point blank that they had not voted at this precinct, When shown their names on the hist they still denied it, and cach named the precinct at which he did voto. Upon reter- ring to the poll lists of ‘those precincts the names were found, Mr, Parkhill was introduced, who swore that the names of six negroes working on his plantation were registered on the poll list of precinct No. 13, and that to his positive knowledge they all voted at precinct No. 7 and did not leave the farm during tho day. There is no longer any possible doubt that the poll list of this precinct (No. 13) was absolutely stuffed with false entries to cover the false votes placed fraudu- Jontly in the ballot box. SILENCE OF MR, DUNNELI. Mr. Dunnell, the republican member of the commit- tee, did not say a word, as the witnesses, one after the othor, sworo to the falsity of the poll list which ho had been defending for three days, It 18 easy to seo that under the liberal policy of investigation adopted: by the committee the truth will be reuched much more surely than under the repressive ex parte method pursued by the Canvassing Board. ARGUMENT IN THE MANDAMUS CASE, The Supreme Court hus been iu session all day and adjourned to-night, pending the argument of Mr. Campbell for the democrats, The argument will bo concluded to-morrow, and it is said the decision will be rendered in a very short time, A DEMOCRATIC MISTAKE, The opinion grows stronger daily that the demo- cratic managers mado a mistake in pleading to the merits of the case of the electors beiore tho Board, rather than pleading agaist the jurisdiction ot the Board. It is believed that the Supreme Court would have ordered the Board to canvass the face of the returns, which would nave givon the State to Tilden by 129 votes. ACTION OF THK SENATE COMMITTEE. The Senate committee changed its intention of going to Jackson county this morning, as several witnesses from that county were on the way to this point upon the summons of the House fommittee. The Senate committee consequently met in the State Treasurer’s office. No newspaper representatives were admitted to the session, Their excthsion was without the knowledge or assent of Senatbr Cooper, Mr, Pasco, Chairman of the State Democratic Com- mittee, has prepared a letter tb the committee request- ing that the investigation be made in pubiic, Comp- troller Cowgill was noticed in the room with the com _ mittee pretty fnuch all day, The day-was spent in ex- amining the republican members of tho Canvassing | Board and other witnesses, THROWING STONES AT THE MOCSE SUB-COMMITTEE. As the House sub-committee left the depot yesterday in the train for Monticello two large rocks were thrown through the glass windows of the car, This is supposed to havo been done by two negroes who wero secn hurrying into the woods, WHY JASPER PRECINCT WAS REIKCTED, Your correspondent has looked over the papers in the caso of Jasper precinct, in Hamilton county, thrown out by the Returning Board, In the Orst place there js uo attack made won the truth and cor- reciness of the official return. It is signed by the two democratic and one republictn inspector, heing the whole Board, The return says that the yote was 323 democratic and 185 republican, The truth of this re- sult is not attacked or denied. ‘The precinct was thrown out on purely technical grounds The républican in- Spector who witnessed the courm and éigned the return giving the above result swours io the following irregu- yarities:—First, that the Boat adjourned alter the count was concluded without making up the certifi- cate, as the law requires they) shall do, and (hat the certiticate was not made out till nine o’clock the next morning; second, thatthe names during the count were called out by ai a the head inspector holding the list; third, at intervals one or otuer of the inspectors was absent {rom theroom. These are the total charges, | REPLY OP THE DEMOCRITIC LEADERS. The democrats reply as, bollows:—To the first charge, that the adjournment was had before the cer, liflentes were made because it was four o'clock in tho ol a pumber of witnesses; that t in accordance with (his result, fying to its correctness; that pe: physical necessity and made b, To the second charge, that thp head inspector bad bad eyesight, and for this reasog asked an outsider to call the names as he hela the yhper; and to the third charge, that all Ue inspectors fever left the room as time, and that the republ inspector was absecn certidcate was made @ republican certi- adjournment wasa unanimous consent) asoften as any ofthem. This is the whole case. There is no charge of fraud, or incorrectiress; but simply of irregularity. NO IDEA IT COULD BE RBJECTED. Your correspondent asked Mr. Paseoe why the case was not put more prominently before the Board He replied:—** Because we had uo idea that it would be touched; we did not think it was really in contest and dismissed it with a single paragraph, You see wo thought the only trouble would be over Manatee, Jack- son and Monroe. We had no idea they would throw out Hamilton. You remember our surprise when we heard of it, It was done simply to give Bisbee a majority im his Congressional race. There was no charge of fraud, but simply of techoical irregularity. The only charge of fraud vrought against the demo- crats was in Jackson county.” THE TRUTH TO HE KNOWN, Mr. Thompson, chairman of the House Committee, says:—‘*You can say that we have positively fixed a case of fraud to-day in Precinct 13 of Leon county in- volving 178 republican majority. That would balance Hamilton county, anyhow, We shall, however, inves- tigate the Hamilton county matger very thoroughly and report the truth to the country.’’ The reception of a despatch giving General Barlow’s views creates great rejoiciag among the democrats. General Lew Wailace arrived to-night, LOUISIANA, TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE TENDING TO SHOW REPUBLICAN FRAUDS AND INTIMLDATION—ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE IN- VESTIGATION BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE, : ‘ New Ontmaye, Dec. 18, 1876. George Johnson (colored), who testiled a few days ago before the House. of Representatives’ committee, was recalied and stated that he had been assaulted by colored republicans since he testified before the com- mittee; knows other witnesses who fear violence if they testify. REFUSAL TO PRODUCE DESPATCHES. E, W. Barnes, manager of the Western Union Telo- graph Company, who had been subpenaed to produce despatches sent and received by’ Messrs. Kellogg, Packard, Dibble, Warmoth, Carter and General Augur trom and after tho 15th of August, 1876, was called before the committee. In answbr to questions Mr, Barnes stated that he had not bfought any messages with him, and that he had been instructed by General Superintendent Van Horne not to deliver nor produce apy messages, consequently he must, under his in- structions, refuse to deliver tho telegrams called for by the subpana, The committee, atter consultation, adopted the fol- lowing resolution, which the Chairman was instructed to communicate to tne House of Representatives by telegraph:— i Resolved, That for the efficient prosecution of the inquiry ordered vy tho House, this committer communicate to the House for its consideration the refusal of 4s. W. Burnes to produce betore the committeo telegrams referred to in the served upou him December 13, 1876, us contempt of the House of Representa: ver. General Hurlbut moved that the'last clause, “His refusal being in contempt,’’ &c., be struck out, as the House itself was the best judge of the contempt, if there was any. The Chairman put the question on General Huribut’s amendment and it was lost, the re. publicans voting for and the domocrats against it. The resolution was then voted for and carried by a party vote. NICHOLAS TO BE COUNTED OUT. John Young, of Do Soto, was the next witness, who testified as follows :—Heard State Senator Dave Young, @ republican, gay before the election that Nicbols would be counted out, even if he was elected; knew of intimidation by republicans of negroes who in- tended to vote the democratic ticket; they were threatened, and in somo cascs had to have protection from the gonservatives; colored people were airaid to vote the democratic ticket, Cross examined—To Genera! Hurlbut:—Young is the holding over State Senator; know of one instance where, on the Tensas River, a white man, democrat, from Chicago, was maltreated and whipped by negroes; we pledged ourselves to protect negroes who desire to Vote the democratic ticket even with our lives; ha no organization or society organized for that purpose; witness is an attorney; practises in the parishes of Coucordia, Tensas, Cstahoula and othe is a con- servative democrat; at Vidalia about 100 negroes votea for ‘filden and 150 fur the democratic State ticket; the colored men were alraid to vote the dem- ocratic ticket unloss guaranteed the protection of the demoora colored men in many deterred, through fear, from votng ticket, as the general talk among the negroes was that every colored democrat ought to be killed; his wifo should maltreat and leave bim, and many other threats; colored republicans and the republi- can party are largely in the majority in Concordia; has known no violence to colored democrats, only toreatening talk; Dave Young and soveral other ropublican ollice-holders aro under indictment tor sicaling $31,000 of the public school money; they obtat: possession of the money as trustees, &c,; no violence was offered to any colored democrat, but attempts were made to prevent them from voting the democratic ticket by forcing republican tickets upon them and tearing up thelr democratic tuckets; the supervisor of registration made but two returns, one inciuding all polis and tho second without polls Nos, 2, 3and 4, where protests were made; witness made out some of these protests; these polis were largely republican. DEMOCRATS RESTRAINED BY 7RAR OP BEING KILLED. J. Fioyd King testifica:—Is a resident oi Concordia parish; was-at the polls im Vidalia on the day of election; saw no violence or intimidation except threatening remarks and one colored democrat having arepablican ticket forced upoL him; is ip charge, as agent, of four planta Tensas, Madison and Concordia parishes and travels a great deal through the country; in,every place the colored men desired to vote'the democratic ticket, but were restrained through fear of being killed; on the Morgan plantation a colored democratic cluv was organized, all the mem- bers of which voted the democratic ticket; under tho circumstances he thought it was heroic for colored men to vote the democratic ticket; he had not coerced any of his hands to voio for democrats. COLORED DEMOCRATS PROTECTED AT 1HE POLLS BY WHITES. Thomas Dawson (colored), a resident of Concordia parish, testitied that he hud worked on the Morgan place tor about eignt years; J. Floyd Kingis now munager of that piantation, and was president of a democratic club containing thirty-five or forty mem- bers, imade up of banfs on tho plantation; he voted the democratic ticket becayse ne wanted to; heard many threats made by colored republican agaipst colored democrate ; aoes not believe he would have voted the democratic ticket on tho day of the election it had not been attended by white men as & protection; no violence was done to colered demo- crats. ANDERSON WOULD MAKE EXPOSURES FOR A CONSIDERA- TION. E. C. Whitney, residing in New Orleans, testified that be called upon James Anderson, Supervisor of Registration for the purish of East Feliciana, to inter- view him, as I learned Anderson desired to make an cx- oxure of certain matters regarding the election jn Kast Feliciana; Anderson said he knew all about East Felj- ciana, and if the democrats would guarantee him a position he would expose everything, and intimated that such an exposure would be favorable to the demo- cratic party; Anderson said he wanted a living, and produced a large envelope, with a seal, directed to “Jaines Andersou”’ and indorsed, “To be openod when the Returning Board promulgates the vote; Ander- son said that he was badly treated by Kellogg and his party, for, as they said, having gone back on tho party, NO VIOLENCE, BUT MANY THREATS, Charles T. Wade (colored), of Concordia parish, voted the republican national teket and the democratic Slate ticket; did so partly because b Ment with Senator Dave Young thought the democrats would give the State a better government; knows Uf no violence to colored demo- crats, but heard a great many threats. Cross-cxuamined—Knew of no violence; but knew one man who told hin be wanted to vote the demo- cratic ticket, but was afraid of violence, A DEMOCRAT SHOT AT. Ex-Governor Wickiifle testified—Resides in tho parish of West Foliciana; did nothing to prevent tho Organization of republicans in the parish; over 1,600 Negroes in democratic clabs Voted tne democratic ticket; they were enthustastic and acted voluntarily; the relations between the whites and colored people ‘were conc latory; he promised tne colored people that if tho democrais were successful in the contest and did not curry ont their promises he would join the re- publicans th the next campaign with the negroes against the democrats; anefort was made to kili bin nd is partner, Mr. Nisher; they were shot at one ight; the candidate for sheriff was Killed a few nights belore the election; some colored men did not want it known that they voted the democratic ticket; especially did not want their wivesto know it; he thinks more negroes would have voted the demoert ticket if they had been jeit entirely free of improper intiuences; the negroes take more interest in schools than In any other questior ; almost every man in the parish, colored and white, goes armed, i DEMOCRATIC KPFORT PUR A QUIRT CAMPAIGN, Judge Kennard testified:—Is a uemocrat; was one of the cuinpaign committee and inade speeches in many parishes; addressed a larze meoting at Baton Rouge, 2,000 colored persons being present; a: ope speech at Concordia he was waited ‘on by colored men, some of them republicans, who r quested him to make another address; Weber, Super- visor of Registration, told witness be was satiefied tne election was fair and tree was made vy the democrat avowed from the start, to secure a lair and peaceable election throughout the State; in parishes where there was a large uegro majority they evinced considerable ion Mm voting the democratic ticket; he be- they feared violence, election the democrats car- jana by about 500 majority; it was car- by 800 tn 1874; there were subpoena duces t his refui tre heved Cross-exn ried West Fe! Fied_ by the republic claps in the parish called Regulators,” who wore organized to stop petty pilterim they pun- ished thieves by throshing them; ho did not know ayy member of such clubs; Be thinks tho organizations ceasod after the organiza- tion of political clubs; there was no collision in the parish except the assassination of West, the democratic candidate for Sheriff, seven or eight miles from Bayou bara, on bis way to a political meeting. The House sub-committee for Baton Rougo and ad- Jacent paris! leit tor Baton Rouge to-day, Sub- ‘committees for Shreveport and Monroe will leave to- morrow. Ex-Governor Wells stated in conversation this even- ing that he snould dectine to answer questions as to the réason for throwing out the votes of any poll or parish, THE SENATE COMMITTEE. Ney Oxveans, Dec. 18, 1876, The Senate Investigating Committee met to-day in the Unitea States District Court room in the Custom House, There were present Messrs. Howe, of Wisconsin (chairman); McMillan, of Minnesota; Oglesby, of Iutnois; Wardleigh, of New Hampshire; McDonald, of Indiana, and Sauisbury, of Delaware. A number of Prominent local republicans were 1 the room. The commitice having been called to order, Mr. Howe stated that in the interest of harmony there would only be acertain number of persons present— viz, five representatives of each party to act as counsel and the members of the press. He also said that counsel for the arty objecting to the action of the Returning joard desired to submit a statement of their objections in writing. Such @ statement the Chairman thought ‘would greatly lacilitate the business of the committee, He wished the document tobe brief and to be sub- mitted as early as possible, Judge Campbell desired to filea counter statement, and was accorded that privilege. ‘The Chairman said it desired to procure a tabu- Jated statement of the votes as returned to the Board, None of the democratic counsel were present. Tho committee discussed the best mode of obtaining a full statement of the votes returned. 1t was urged by the democratic members that a copy should be procured, not only of the Surervisors’ tabu- Jated statements, but also the Commissioners of Elec- tions’ returns to the Supervisors, in order that it might be clearly seon what polls were thrown out by the Board, Governor Wells, president of the Return- ing Board, was called im to give some information on the subject, Ho said he would furnish the committee with the required statement of the votes polled and *yotes excluded, but ax the Board was busy preparing its report to the Legislature the clerks would not have tume to make copivs, The Chairman said that the six stenographers of the committee would do the work, ‘The committee then adjourned until eleven A. M. to- morrow. Witnesses have beon summoned to testity in the case of Fast Baton Rouge, SLOW WORK BY THM SENATE COMMITTEE, ‘The work of the Senate committee will be necessarily slow at first as it is the object of tho cummittes to ob- tain from the Returning Board the aggregate vote of the State as returned by the Supervisors of the differ. ent parishes aud the votes of the parishes Fejected by the Board; also the vote of precincts in soveral parishes which wero rejected, It isdoubtful it the committee will be sub- Civided as was the House committee, as a large num- ber of witnesses are already here to Lestity before tho committco and others are on their way, ‘The commit. tee hope to finish their work by January 15, but it is haraly probable that it can be done by that time. Thus far the House committee have examjned no witnesses on the republican side. 70 BS RETURNED BY RAYONETS. At the night session of the House Investigating Com- mittee, William Hunter, of Concordia parish, testified as follows:—Employed from thirty to sixty colored people; heart David Young (colored) in a speech say that 8. B. Packard would be the next Governor; that it was no use for the démocrats to do anything; that the republicans were in power in this State and intended to remain 60; that if not successtul at the polls they would be counted in by the Returning Board; that democratic majori- tes had been overcome by the Returning Board heretofore and had becn sustained by bayonets, and they would be sustained in doing so again; heard Shelton make a speech saying he could cut off the head of any negro voting the democratic ticket and drink his blood; heard another colored man say that the negroes had persuaded is wife to leavo him be- cause he voted the democratic ticket; thinks about filtcen colored mon voted the domocratic ticket at bis OREGON. GOVERNOR GROYER COMING TO WASHINGTON’ TO DEFEND HIS ACTION. Sax Fraxctsco, Dee, 18, 1876. A Portland (Oregon) despatch enys that Govornor Grover leit to-day for Washington via Victoria, V. I. Ho bas prepared an elaborate argument sustaining his action in the Cronin case, with a multitude of authori. ties. It is printed in pamphiet form for cireulation in tho East, but tho printers bavo atrict orders not to allow it to be made public nere nor let any copy of it get abroad. Owing to the preparation of the document, the Goy- ernor was unable to leave on Saturday with the other witnesses, ELECTION FRAUDS. ORGANIZATION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL IX- VESTIGATING COMMITTEE. The committee appointed last week by the House of Representatives to inquire into tho ‘‘ways that are | @ark,”” alleged to have beon adopted by some of the politicians in New York, Philadelpbia and Jersey City at the late November election, met at tho St. Nicholas Hotel yesterday morning, and organized with Hon. Samuel 8, Cox as chairman. + The committeo then ad journed until eleven o'clock this morning, when the first working session will be held. Sergeant. at-Arms Thompson, of the House of Represontatives, is attuched 1o the committee, snd will retain with it throughout the investigation. As yet no documents have been received from tho representatives of cither political party. In conversation with a reporter yesterday General Rice, one of the committee, stated thi Now York would, in all probability, he understood tho election here to have been con- ducted with entire fairness on voth sides, ERRATUM, GENERAL BARLOWS LETTER. Owing toa typographical error in the Hrraup of yesterday a sentence in the iast paragraph bat one of General Francis C. Barlow's letter was mado to read:— “I certainly have bad my doubts a8 to what my Own Opinion was except as to this precinct.” It should read:—'l never had any doubts as to what my own opinion was,” &c, The importance of the mistake is apparent IS PLYMOUTH CHURCH SAFE? Mr. Samuel B. Duryea, one of tho trustees of Ply. mouth church, has addressed tho following letter to the Bourd of Trustees of the church :— Brookzys, Dec. 18, 1876, “To THe Boarp or Trostexs or Puymouta CacKcy — GuNTLEMEN—Tho great loss of iife occasioned by the madequate means of escape from the Brooklyn Thea- tre directed my attention to Plymouth church. | have examined the same with great care, and am convinced that the aisle seats should be removed. 1 have also examined the doors and do not believe they are prop- erly constructed. Thiyre is no apparatus for the estinguishing of fire, There should be suiticient con- nection with the water pipes and an ample supply of bose distributed in several places that are iy of ace cess, 1 bave obtained the written opinion of porsons whom I have consuitou and herewith present to you their reports, [f there should arise in your minds sufficient grounds of objection to these alterations and you should desire further information I shail be glad to appear betore you and furnish you with such lactis ag are within my power. 1 am confident that You wili give it the consideration which the gravity of | the question requires, remembering that the lives of 8 are in your hands, and should any acct 1 and the loss of{life which must inevitably re: Hoping you will give this matter your earlicat atten- tion Lam, yours very truly, SAMUEL B. DURYEA. Tho opinion of Mr, Duryea as to the dangerous con- dition of the church is concurred in by R. M. Upjohn, G. L. Morse, 0. K. Buckloy and M. J. Morrill, architect id builders, who have addressed to him, after making a thorough examination of | the building, a series of recommendavons as to tho alterations to be made in the church to render it safe, In their opinion a crowded audience would have little chance of escape in case of a panic as the interior of the cbarch is now constructed. The recommendations, if adopted, wiil Recessitate an almost entire overhauling of the build- ing from the cetling to the ground floor. CARING FOR ‘HE LITTLE ONES. Ata meoting of the Society for the Relief of Halt Orphans and Destitute Children held tast evening the annual report was read. It showed that the entire re. ceipts were $14,140 91; the expenditures, $17,697 38; balance in treasury, $442 54. Kighty-one ehildren bad been admitted during the year, and that eighty- two had left. Of these iiity-cight were returned to their parents or (riends ; twenty-one had secured aitua- oy 1 The following Board of Trustecs were elected:—Mr. ee Butler, Joba N. Bradley, Rovert L. Stuart, K. Jesup, John W. Quincey, James H. Banxer, Lord, George Bliss and F. A. Tallmadge. Mrs. G, D. Pheipe, Mra. Wiiltam G. Bull, Mrs. John SN, Bradley, Mrs, Daniel D. Lord, NEWARK’S POOR. The Overseer of Poor of Newark complains bitterly of the parsimony of the City Fathers. He has 2,200 families to support or assist and was allotted by Coun, cti only $2,000 for the month, or less that twonty-five cents per week por family. Before the month is over 1,000 more naines will probably be on the books tor a nce, The number of respectable mechanics who seek aid is very great and far in excess of that of ormer winter, BELLICOSE UTTERANCES. Shelby Will. Sustain Grant's Decision, General HAYES OR TILDEN? He Distrnsts the Northern Democracy— Mutterings of a Storm. Sentiment Divided on the Presi- dential Issue. pt SEL EEC ED (SY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERAUD.] Sr, Loci, Mo., Dec. 18, 1876, Tho declaration of General Jo Shelby, the ex-confed- erate cavalryman, that he will support President Grant in any decision ho may make with reference tothe contest between Hayes and Tilden, has created a ae- cided sensation here, his past ani present promi- nenco giving much significance to what he may say on that subject, Your correspondent cailed on him again this evening at his hotel and found him considerably excited over tho severe criticism which he had encountered during the day while mix- ng with his friends, BHELRY’S DECIDED POSITION. He sald that he had beon to the Merchants’ Ex- change and other public places and ho had been told by many prom!nent democrats that he had committed & grout error in taking such a position, nevertheless General Shelby said bo had made up bis mind, atter great deliberation, and ho was satisfied the best fighting element of the Confederates, if not al ready with him, would be with him when the tug came, Iv MAYES 18 COUNTED IN, In speaking of the crisis likely to at the counting of tho Presidential vote, ho sald If tho President of tbe senate after opening and count. ing tho electoral votes declares Hayes elected and tho House should pronounce in favor of Tilden, the course of the Executive branch of the government should and will undoubtedly be decisive. If the Senate declares Hayes elected and Presidoat Grant conducts him into the Capitol, insuring his inauguration by an intervention of the army and navy power, thore ts nothing left but for the people to submit, Atall events, 1 will say this— that if President Grant concludes to sustain Mr, Til. den 1am with him; if he upholds Hayes, 1am with him, I consider that in the event ol a disagreement between the two houses of Congress on this subject be is the decisive authority, and that to oppose Executivo action will bo rebellion, I was for rebellion once, but am not now, occur ° THE NORTHERN DEMOCRACY. I, in common with other confederates, was induced to go into one contest for what we conceived to be constitu- tional tiberty, with the assurance that we would re- ceive the support of the Northern democracy; but said Northern democrats, instead of joming with us in our struggles, colluded with the enomy and shot bullets at us Jor four years with an effectiveness that decided the chances of war in favor of thoso who op- posed us, I have little faith in the Northern demoo- racy; never had. | A HOPELESS COMMATANT. I was satisfled in 1861, when I joined the fortunes of thoConfederacy, that the chances were all in favor of the South getting whipped. I did not believe the Northern democracy would stand by its plodges, that the South would bayve to fight its battles alone. Convinced that the general government is supreme, and that the President is the most authoritative exponent of the wishes of the governmont I will regard his action as decisive, GRANT AS DICTATOR. He has the army and navy to back him, and to op- pose his fiat it would be necessary to ruiso an army of opposition. If he decides in favor of Hayos of course he will seo to it that Hayes is installed in the White House and that he bas too continued protection of tho army and navy, A DEMOCRATIC REBKLLION, If the democrats determine upon an active opposi- tion it will be necessary to inaugurate Tilden In somo sort of fashion, give him his Cabinet and establish a Separate scat of government, and to appointa new and distinctive list of revenue und Post Ofice officials throughout ‘the Union. Then the issue will be reduced to a question of force, I for one will go with General Grant in whatever decision be may mako under the conscientious conviction that in such a contingency he hus a right, as tne Exocutive of the nation, to determine who is elected. If actual war should occur between tho two parties, and President Grant should sind it necessary to call for volunteers to sustain bim, I should not lose two hours in responding. | speak only for myself, but I am sure that my opinion reflects that of thousands of those who followed myself and other Confederate officers, THE SOUTH DECRIVED. The Southern poople were grossly deceived in 1861 by the Northern democracy. They wero iced into a ruinous war, which ended !n théir distranchisement and impoverishment, Having beon reinvested by their conquerors with the rights of citizenship and having robuilt their fallon fortunes to a great oxtent, they are now in a state of comparative prosperity and indopendence. My opinion 18 that thero ts no desire for a new strife. While the South Js for Tilden, 1 has no desire to tight for him, though he were elected by a majority of two millfons of votes. Tho South is im no mood for arnea conflict. It hes been engaged for eleven years in rehabilitating itself, and the result ts of the most gratifying character, Being devoted to the work of material progress, it will take a most extraordinary emergency to excite a feeling for active participation in a struggle of politicians for control of the govern- ment. The prize is really not worth fighting for, DANGER AKAD, Shelby 18 convinced that thore will be trouble, and that it will take the promptest Executive action to pre- vent a sanguinary fight. There was no longer any doubt that an armed conspiracy was being organized rougbout the entire country to put Tilden in the Executivo chair by force. It is evident that at this time General Shelby does not have a very largo following in his opinions. The North. ern democrats here, almost toa man, are in favor of standing by Tilden to any extremity, and the great mass of the Coniederates, though more conservative, are disposed to follow their leadership, A COUNTER CLAMOR, Ex-Governor Reyno! one of the most prominent ex-Confederates, stated to-night that there was no doabt of Tildon’s election, and that if he was not sus- tained by those who elected him {t would be a clear surrender of constitutional liberty, If tho investiga- tion in Loutsiana showed conciusively that Tilden carried it it would be impossible to prevent his in- auguration, and that a very large army would spring up almost immediately to maintain bim. A RELLICOSE EX-REBRL. Secretary of State McGrath, an cx-Confederate offi- cer, said, in an interview with your correspondent to. night, that the people who elected Tilden would put him in the Presidential chair and keep bim there at any cost. He did not think it would be necessary, but if so, he was in favor of fighting to perpetuate tho legitimate resulis of the election. TWO MOLE OF TITEM, A. J. P, Garescho, former member of the Democratic Central Committees, and John T. Cri @ prominent politician, both ex-Confederates, held a similar opinion to McGrath. They believe Grant Is determined to in- stall Hayes a8 his successor, right ©: wrong, and that jt would bo an uopardonabie surrender to tamely sub- mit to such a revolutionary act, . A PROSPECTIVE COMMANDER-IN-CHIKP, General Marmaduke Conlederate chiottain second in fame only to General Shelby. Le is now in New York and it 1s positively alleged by respousible parties here that his mission there 1s to confer with Mr. Til. den’s trusted friends with reference to a speedy organ: ization of Missour! democrats to uid in en- forcing the successful inauguration of Tilden. It is stated on evidently good authority that before leaving he consulted with Governor-eiect Phelps and other leading democrats of the State, and that on arrange- ment was made witereby Marmaduke was to be in- vested with the leadership of the Tilden forces in Mis sourl, Governor Puelps was a colonel in yhe federal army and Lincoln's military Governor of Arkansas, but thinks Tilden should be'sustained at any cost, NORMILLE SPEAKS. Colonel J, C. Normille, an ex-Colonel of a federal regiment and an influential democrat, seid to-night that if the investigations now in progress should show that Louisiana went for Tilden it would establish bit election beyond a doubtand that the democratic party should inaugurate and sustain bim, even if it took au army to doit, and that an immonse army, ineluding Many who «id not vote for Tilden could be raised tor that purpose, AGREES WITH SHELBY. Colonel Clay King, of Lafayette county, formerly s Confederate colonel, said to your correspondent to Bight that he agreed with General Shelby and believed that President Grant's course ought to be decisive with both parties, He is one of those who hi no faith in tho sincerity or the fighting qualities of North- ern democrats. TILDEN OR WAR, A prominent citizen who returned to the city this evening from an extensive tour through northeast Missouri, says the feeling among both union and revel democrats is strong for Tilden or war, BUCKNER THINKS WAR INEVITABLE, A. H. Buckner, Congressman trom tho Thirteenth district of Missouri, has written a number of letters from Washington to his constituents saying that war seems to be inevitable. SLAYBACK SUPPORTS HAYES. Colonel A. W, Slayback, a representative demo- crat and ex-Confederate colonel, was interviewed at alato hour to-night and indorsed tho sentiment ex- pressed by Goneral Shelby. He has no conidence iv Northern democrats, and holds them responsible for the late war, TROUBLE IN CINCINNATL A DEMOCRATIC CALL FOR SOLDIERS AND SAIL ORS OF THE LATE WAR-—THE REPUBLICANS CAPTURE THE MEETING AND PASS RESOLU- TIONS IN FAVOR OF HAYES. (bY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Cixerxxati, Dec. 18, 1876, Considerable excitemont prevails here this evening over the result of a mocting called for democratic sol- diers and sailors of tho late war to adopt some expression on the present political issues, which meeting was ‘bulldozed’? and captuted by & number of republican ex-soldiers aud office. holders, and run by them to suit their own ideas of propricties, The meeting had been cailod for four o'clock, at the gentlemen’s parlor of the Barnet House, the call being made for those who had fought on the Union side in the late rebellion, and who, be- heving that Mr, Tilden had been fairly elected, were prepared to insist upon his inaugura- tion, The meeting was organized by William J. O'Neill, member of the Democratic State Committee, and Colonel Lewis D, Campbell, for twelve years Congressman from the Dayton district, was appointed President, By the time these formalities bad beon completed the Post OMce clerks, whiskey gaugers, letter carriers and like republicans came crowding into the room to the number of 100 to 150, filling it to the utmost, and extending out into the hall. REPUBLICAN DISTURERS, When Colonel Campbell began to speak they saluted him with the ery of **Down with the rebels!” “No time for traitors yet!’? “Democratic rebels!*’ tho rebel yell and such like expressions fairly drowning his woice in the hubbub, They crowded around the atand in such threatening numbers that Campbell finally jumped on tho table, and holding an address he was about to offer, said he was not to bo intimidated, and fthey could only dispose of his adaress by laying him on tho table. SUBSTANCE OF TUE ADDRESS. The addross, after reciting the loyalty and patriot- ism of those who had called the meeting and referring to tho bayonet rulo in tho Southern States, and tho at- tempts of tho republican party to perpetuate ite power by fraud, closed by calling for a meeting of con- servatives, soldiers and sailors, without distinction of party, for a council of peace, to be held at Columbus on January 8, Betoro getting through with its read- ing the disorder was so great that Campbell put tho motion for adjournment and declared tho mecting ad- Journed. THE REPUBLICAN MEETING, Therepublicans, however, remained 1n the room and organized another meting, with Colemel J. mM. Gutherie, of this city, as chairman, and appointed a committeo to report a set of resolutions, which were shortly after reported in the following language :— THE RESOLUTIONS, Resolvea, That on the election of Governor Hayet as Prosident of the United States we do not see any cause for alarm or apprehend any disturbance of ou! national atfairs. Resolved, That wo deprecate any movements ot Meetings tending toward a disturbance of the peace, «tare whoily sutisfied to leave the .conduct ot out national aflairs to the control of the logatly coustituted authorities. The report was signed by L. M. Dayton, John VY, Lewis and A. E. Heighway. These resolutions were adopted ond the moeting broko up, ANOTHER DEMOCRATIC RALLY, Afterward the democrats again rallied and returned to the field which had been abandoned and heard Campbell finish reading his address and appointed a committee to arrange lor the 8th of January meeting. FEARS OF VIOLENCE. A good deal of bitter talk is heard on the streets to. night, and it ts thought that the democratic indigna- tion meeting which is appointed for next Wednesday evening may be productive of violence betwoen the temperate leaders of both sides. A BELLIGERENT PRISONER. Georgo W. Tyson, alias ‘‘Buckshot,” said to be ono of the desperadoes composing the Tenth avonue gang, was arraigned at the Fifty-seventh Street Court yesterday on two charges, one of winich was breaking windows, and tho other of assaulting OMcer McGinn, of the Twenty-second precinct. When the officer at- tempted to arrest Tyson on the charge of malicious mischief Tyson assaulted him and called on a crowd of sympathizers who had gathered to come to his rescue. They responded by throwing stones at the officer, one of which bit him, splitting bis lip and knocking out two of his teeth, The vilicer, finding that afairs had taken a serious turn, rushed his prisoner into a liquor sture and Jocked the duors. A section of wen from the Twenty-second precinct station house finally camo to bis relief, and Tyson was lucked up. Ho was committed tor trial on the two charges. He said he was too drank to remember anything about the affair except that part of it where he had been clabbed several times on the head by Oficer MeGian, Tyson has been on the Island several times, FOUR CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH, Rurner, Ont., Dec, 18, 1876. The dweliing of R, Mcinnes, in Second Concession, Huron county, was destroyed by fire this morping, Four children perished in the flames, Mr. Meinnes was sevorely bui while attempting to rescue them, LOTOS LADIES’ DAY. The first Lotos Ladies’ Day of the present season ‘was given at the Lotos Ciab House, in Irving place, yesterday, and, despite the severe storm of snow and sleet, was attended bya large number of ladies and gentlemen, Tho musical programme was varied aud interesting and was interpreted in a careful and artis: tie manner by Mmes. Carrino-Sauret and Clara Stacy, Miss Susan Galton, and Messrs, William Castle, M. Werner, Hamm, Gautzverg, Risch and Jobo Carroil. The exhibition of paintings oxccedingly ine, EXCISE VIOLATIONS. At the Tombs Police Court yesterday Peter Allen, of No, 73 New Chambers street; Maurice Courtney, of No. 66 James stroct; Micbael Kennedy, of No. 137 Chatham street; James W. Higgins, of No. 363 Front street; Michael’ McMahon, of No. 157 Rivington street, and Otto Grover, of No. 373 Greenwich street, were all hold for trial in default of bail for violation ef the Exciso law in selling liquor on Sunday. THE BURLINGTON FIRE, OFFICIAL ESTIMATE OF THE LOSSES AND INSUR:+ ANCE. The losses by the Burlington (N, J.) fire of December 10, by which twenty-seven bai wero destroyed, are almost exactly as first reported, tio insurances being, however, in smaller proportion PI In addition to the losses, as officially hose of turnitare and smaller articles C4, the losses will probaoly be not leas than $60,000, while the avail. able insurances, allowing for those who were over-in- ured, will not probably reach more than $16,000 to 000, Tho Felie! funds amount to about $3,000, and ‘be measures proposed Or ee Council will probably obviate almost sulfering ‘she real which