The New York Herald Newspaper, January 31, 1877, Page 3

ee. - WASHINGTON. Appointment of Members of the Electoral Commission, by ALORIDA THE FIRST TO COME UP, | the nstar The Case To Be Presented by the Democrats. THE RECENT RECANVASS OF THE STATE Interesting Testimony in the Loui- siana Investigation. POPULAR APPROVAL OF THE ELECTORAL BILL, ‘The President in Defence of His High. Prerogatives. FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasuinetos, Jan. 30, 1877. POPULAR APPROVAL OF THE ELECTORAL LAW AND THE ACTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE, Tfany doubt remained as to the popular and universal ‘@pproval of the Electoral Law and of the action of Sena- tors Edmunds and Conkling and the other members of the joint committee who united to frame the law, it is resolved by the letvers of commendation which are pouring in upon these gentlemen. The three repre- sentatives from Vermont voted against the bill, and this was boastfully spoken of by the enemies of the bill as showing disapproval of Sen- mtor Edmunds’ course; but Mr. Edmunds has received since Saturday letters from the most promment republicans in every part of Vermont, concurring in approval of the bill and in Praiso of Mr. Edmunds’ course. Ho has the beat reason toknow that he ig warmly sustained by the best public sentiment of his State. Senator Conkling has received since Saturday over 400 letters approving of tho bill and earnestly prais- ing his course and his speech. While some of theso letters are from distant States most of them are from New York, and many from the mosteminent jurists, Judgos and citizens of the city and State. He is ata Joss for time to answer all the letters which are pour- ing in upon him. i Mr. Hoar basin the same way the best reasons to Delieve that his course satisiied and gratified, not only Massachusetts, but the whole of New England. FLORIDA THE FIRST DISPUTED STATE TO COME BEFORE THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION—THE CASE AS II’ WILL BE PRESENTED, As the Florida caso will be the first to come up before the commission it assumes here the most im- mediate importance, and both sides are busy prepar- ing their statements, The following facts are, it is ‘believed, undisputed, and will have an important bear- ing upon the case, The stearns Returning Board counted in both Stearns as Governor and the ‘Hayes electors, Being ordered by the Supreme Court to make 9 recount of certain counties, they assumed power to recanvass the whole | Vote, and, knowing by that time that their first count could not stand an investigation by the State courts, they concluded to fling out Stearns; but, by manipula- tion of the whole vote, still insisted on the election of the Hayes electors, Thereupon Stearns gave his cer- ,tiflcates to the Hayes electors. The canvass was com. Pleted at half-past three A. M., December 6, tho day when the electors were to meet. Stearos gave his certificates immediately to the Hayes electors, but before they met to cast the vote of the State an information in the nature of a writ of quo warranto ‘was filed in the Circuit Court in Tallahaseco, where. they were to meet. This was eerved upon the Hayes electors before they began to exercise their functions, and it will be asserted by the democratic side thas | the Haycs clectors wero thus amenable to | the Court from tho time ‘of tne service of the writ. They wont on to avi, of cour: bat ‘the case came up in tho Circuit Court in due time and counsel for the Hayes electors appeared and demurred Ne the pleadings on the grounds that the office of the electors had expired by limitation, and that they were United States officers, and as such not within tne Jurisdiction of the Court. Tho Court overruled the demurrer and rendered judgment on the 25th day of December against the Hayes cloctors. Next the democratic Governor was inaugurated; the Legislature met and ordered a legal canvass of the State to be made. Here it must be said that the legal Keturoing Board of Florida consists of certain of the State officers, and is therefore always in existence, The new canvass was reported to the Legislature, and shows eighty-seven majority for the Tilden electors, the republican canvass having shown forty-six tor the Hayes electors, To-day arrived here Mr. Parris, of New York, and Colonet W. Call, one of the Tilden electors from Florida, who bring with them certified copies of the record of the Supreme Court of the State in the man- | damus case and the qao warranto case, of ¢he action of the Legislature aud of that of the new Returning Board, together with a memorial from the Governor and Legislature of the State to =the two houses of Congress, setting lorth these and other facts, and asking that the vote bt the State be justly counted, and that fraudulent and Mlegal proceedings shall not be allowed. The following 18 the substance of the democratic side of the story of the republican recaovass in Florida, and this story, certitied to be correct by sworn evi- deuce and given more in detail, will be laid before the | Elcctoral Commission for its judgment, together with the history of the legal and iegisiative proceedings | above recounted :— Florida has thirty-nine counties, When the Return- ing Board met they began by an attempt to ascertain | ‘ote stood un the Jace of the returns, But | from which two returns came up, one of which ga the State to Hayes, the other to Tilden. Under the H Fiorida law the county canvassers ure required to | Meet at the office of the County Clerk, within six days | alter Lhe election, to cauvass the vote and complete | the oficial returns. The Board of Canvassers are the | County Clerk, the County Judge and justice of the peace or Sheriff, Iu the case of Baker county the | Judge (a republican) refused to meet the clerk, and, alter waiting for him, tue clerk calied in a justice of the peace and proceeded publicly to canvass the official precinct returns, aud sevt the resuit thus made by two of the three persous designated by law to the Secrotary | of Staic, This return gave the State to Tilden by 103 | majority, The County Judge, who bad retused to meet the other two, at the same time called in a person who | bad been appomied Justice of the Peace after the | election bad been heid, and thes two canvassed, not the official returns, but duplicates that covered only two of the four preciucts, aud seat their returns to the Secretary of State, which gave (he State to Hayes by 42 ‘The Retarming Board decided, as was propery that the clerk's return Was tue correct one, and this was therelore allowed and counted, Next comes jay county. Here the county canvass- ers, also republicans, jeit out one precinct, on the Found that it std not appear that the inspectors took the oath preseribed by law. But they made a state- lent With their returns showing Uhat tnis precinct | gave 24 democratic majority, and the Returning Board | held that the objection was hot good, aud, therciore, counted the precinct, But, having gone so far, the Board began to throw out votes. in Monroe county they threw out a demo. | Gratic precinct on the ground that the cunvass tere ‘was pot completed un the night of the election, as the Jaw damunus, The tors completed the count at one o'clock, but one of their number, a republican, fell ill, and moved to defer the declaration of the return until the uext morning. There was bo pretence of fraud. In Hamilton county the Hoard flung out Jasper pre- cinet, on the ground that during the election two of the inspectors, both republicans, desertod the polls. One Of Lhes? deserting inspectors—a republican, be it ree membered—bimeself ade the aflidavit of the irregular: iy on which the Board Hung out the vou. There was no attempt tv Impeach the rectitude of the vou In Jackson county the Board threw out votes on the ground that the bullot boxes were placed so nigh wat the culured voters could got see into them. Butall the election vilicers Were republicans and the boxes were all atike, In Mapatee county the whole vote was flung out on the groaud that there was no County Clerk to atuend fo the registration and other duties, The circumstances —— ar | clamor made about his position, | and the other of a similar import in relation to con- | im bim the origination of negotiations and the recep- Joimed or untrusted to him by the President of the NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1877.-TRIPLE SHEET. before the olection. The ‘uhabitants appealed to him to resume bis duties, but be <ofused. They asked the | } | | Governer to Int another, bet the now apt Lee rel to 1y. Hence no new registrati voters could 0@ made, and the law requires. that every voter shall previously aod in the same year have been regis- tered, After cobsultation twas ‘determined to ope Reseg ent jo accept the votes of all who bad regi terea re the previous election, each voter appei ingan affidavit that he had so registered, The co! missioners, inspectors and County Judge did their duty. The counpy is strongly democratic and the dem- ocrats claim that they lost between 200 and 300 vores the ment of their voters and the imnpos- register new voters. However that muy be, Board flung out the whole county. By these ions the State was counted not only for Hayes bot also for Stearns, the republican Gov- ernor, candidate for re-election. But Drow, the uem- vcratic candidate for Governor, appegied to the Su- Court; and the Court, on the evidence beiore it, which is above briefly recited und was not dis- puted, ordered the Returning Board to recanvass the whole State, mentiouing particulurly four counties, ‘The Boatd complied literally with the order of the Court; when they came to Baker county they ac- ed thé returns which before they had reji ise, and they flung oat the whole ot Clay, to which on tho first count they had made no objection aud where no frand was charged. Thus they gave the State on the second count to Drew and the democratic State officers, but still maintained it for Hayes. THE LOUISIANA MATTER—A BAD LOOK FOR THE REPUBLICANS—-EPFECT OF THE TESTIMONY 4 OF LIPTLEFIELD, CLERK OF THE RETURNING OARD, ‘The Louisiana matter looks bad {or the republican: Littlefield, the clerk to the Returning Board, confessed to-day that he altered the figures of the Vernon precinct returns at the bidding of Wells, tho chairman of the Board, This bas produced a disagreeable impression among the republicans, aud the more so as it hi became known | that Littlefield is not a more ignorant and characterless person, Lat a graduate of Yale College, It ig not- known whether the coinmittee have possession of any other of the original returns, but, of course, this proof of fraud and forgery casts juat suspicions upon all returns which Wells and the other members of the Board have so desperately coucealed. i The slippery character of Wells is not in his tavor, It is remembered that in 1874 be caused tho Returning Board to fling | out the parish ia which be lived on an affidavit of his own that there had been intimidation, but during the investigation of the Foster-Hoar committee the certificate of Wolls’ son was produced, who swore, as supervisor of elections, that the election had been full, free and peaceable, whereupon Wells himself, being questioned, was forced to confess that be wus not in the parish on election day nor for some time betore, and that be knew none of the things to be true to which be bad sworn in bis affidavit, General Grant wrote in Novomber:. No man worthy the office of President should be will- ing to hold it, if counted in or placed there by fraud. Eithor party can aftord to be disappointed in the resuit, but the country cannot aiford to by the suspicion of tllegal or fala: And these words aro remembered here to-day by many people who do not velieve that the Electora; Commission will overlook so disgraceful an incident as this confessed alteration of returns in Louisiana, } It is reported to-night, on what seems good | authority, that the Electoral Commission will not | hear counsel because they have not time to listen to long arguments. The republican and democratic cases will be submitted in brieis to the commission, and no doubt all the facts in every disputed State will be brought out by each side, FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Wasutxatoy, Jan, $0, 1877. ME. GARFIELD IN EXPLANATION OF HIS POSI- TION AS A MEMBER OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION. General Garfield, when asked to-day bow he recon- ciled his service in the commission with the declara- tions he bad made both in connection with the visit to New Orleans and more recently on, the floor of the House, when ho sald the bill was unconstitutional, he replied that he recognized in the will of the majority of Congress his right to accept position, and, without changing opinion in the slightest manner, both Senator Morten and him- self could as conscientiously serve, just as the minor- ity of judges in appelate courts, who, frst denying ju- risdiewon ina certain case, would subsequently act with tho ‘Court in passing an opinion upon the merits of tie case. Ho saw no occasion for the jd hoped his ser- vices would be as valuable to the country as those of any momb¢. of af Bm mission, OBJECTIONS OF JUSTICES SWAYNE AND DAVIS TO BEING PLACED ON THE ELECTORAL coM- MISSION. Justice Swayne, it is said, objected strenuously to the use of bis name in the selection of the fifth mem- ber from the Supreme Court. He has gone to New York for a few days, and thence will go to his home in Obio until the Court convenes again for basiness. It is also said shat Judgo Davis insisted that his name should not be taken into consideration. THE ALLEGED INELIGIBILITY OF MICHIGAN ELECTORS, There yet remains for the House Committee on Pow- ers and Priviloges to asvertain if Mr, Von Hurder, ono of the members of the Michigan Electoral College, is ® naturalized citizen, Congressman Williams, trom Detroit, bas turned over to the committee affidavits and statements to the effect thas Von Hurder was never naturalized, although he voted, with the other mom- bers of the college, for Hayes and Wheelor. Mr, Crossman, Clerk of the Michigan Legislature, who was summoned nero to testify in regard to Han- cbett, another member of the college al: been a United States Commissiouer, said to-day that | be had never heard of Von Hurder’s eligibility bemg questioned before. The court where the record of his naturalization 1s sald to have been made has nothing to show that such papers were ever issued. —— GENERAL WASHINGTON OESPATCHES Wasutnotox, Jan. 30, 1877. A VETO BY THE PRESIDENT—ELABORATE DE- PENCE OF HIS CONSTITUTIONAL PREBOGA- TIVES. The President sent to the House to-day a message | vetoing two joint resolutions of Congress, ono direct- ing the Secrotary of State to communicate to the Re- public of Pretoria the bigh appreciation by | tho Congress of the United States of the | complimentary terms in which said Republic | has referred to the iirst centennial of our national in- dependence in their resolutions to Congress in May last, gratulations of the Argentine Republic. + In bis message the Presiaemt says to allow cor- respondence of interchange between States to ve considered by or with more than one such cy would necessarily ‘ead to confusion and pos- sibly tO contradictory presentation of views and to internal complications. The consti- tution of the United States following the established usage of nations has indicated the President as the agent to represent the national sov- | ereignty in its intercourse with foreign powers and to | Feceive all official communications from them, It gives bim the power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties | and appoint ambassadors and other puplic min- | jeters. It entrusts to him soiely the reception of | Atbassasors and other public sMiniste: ) thus vesting tion and conduet of ail correspondence with foreign States, making bim, in the language of one of the most eminent Writers on constitutional law, “the constitu- onal organ of communication with foreign States,” THR PRESIDENT CONTINCKS, No copy of the addresses which 1 is proposed to acknowledge ts furnished. I haye no knowledge of their tone, language or purport, From tho teu two joims resolutions it os communications are probably pureiy congratulatory, Friendly aud kindly totended as they muy ve, the entation by & foreign State of any communication, to a branch of the government not contemplated by the constitution for the reception of communications from foreign States might, if aliowed to puss without notice, become & precedent ‘or the address bp foreign States of communications .of * a difficult nature und with wicked designs, If Congress can direct the correspondence of the Secretary of State with toreign governments, a case very different from that onder consideration might arise, when that oficer might directed to present to some foreign goverument entirely ditlerent and an. oe views Or sta’ ents. ‘ By the act of Congress establishing what is now tho tment of State, then Kuown as the Department of Foreign Aifwirs, the Secretary is to “pertorm aud execute such dutics as ehaii trom time to time be en- United St greeabie ty the coustisution, relative to were these:—The Clerk of the county wasa republican, egrewted by Governor Stearns; be resigued shortly 00} w commissions oF instructions to, or fe OF consuls irom the Unived States, or to negotiations with public minfsters from foreign States or princes, or to memorials or other ap- plications trom foreign public ministe?s or otver for- elgners, or toguch other matters pecting foreign affairs us the Fresident of | d States shail assign to such department, and furthermore that the 8aiG principal officer—the Secretary of State—shall co: duct the business of said department in such a manner as the President of the United States shall from time to time order or instruct,” This ‘hich remains substantially unchanged, confirms the view that the whole oorpemonsiae ot the goverument with and from foreign States is tn- trusted to the President; that the Secretary of Stute conduets such correspondence exclusively under tho orders and instractions of the President, aud that bo communication or correspondence from a foreign State can properly be addressed to any branch or de- partinent of the government except that to which such correspondence bas been committed by the constitu- tion and law, I therefore feel it my duty to return the two joint resolutions without my approval to the House of Rep- Fesentatives, in which they origi ted, In addition to the reasons already stated for with- oolding my constitutional approval from these reso- lutions is the fact that no information 13 furnished as to the terms or purport of the communications to which acknowledgments are desired; no copy of the commu- Bicutions accompany the resolutions, nor is the name even ot an officer or of a body to whom an acknowledg- ment could be addressed given. it is not known whether the: addresses proceed from the bead of State or from legisiative bodies, and as re- cc the resolution relating to the **Republic of Pre- 01 I cannot learn that any State or government of that name exists. U. 8, GRANT, SECRETARY ROBESON BEFORE THE COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING TH" LATE BOARD OF POLICE— HE DENIUS ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE WHIT- THORNE CONSPIRACY. The special committee of the House to inquire into the official acts of the late Board of Police Commis- sioners of the District of Columbia continued their investigation to-day. Secretary George M. Robeson was sworn, and testi- fled that he had-read the report of the investigation of Ms. Murtagh, as it was published in the newspapers, ‘The Chairman read Mr. Murtagh’s testimony regard- ing his interview with the witness in relation to Mr. Whitthorne, Witness did not remember that interview; ho saw Murtagh frequently during the Whitthorne tn Yon, but nO convorsatioa with bim Whitthorne; Murtagh = did-_—snothing ut the Whitthorne Jair at witness’ req ib or with his knowledge; witness _ talked about the Whitthorne business with various persons as to Mr, Whitthorne’s personal habits, but had noth- ing to do with the police iorce; bad understood that Whitthorne’s habits were bad, ana so may have amiled when Murtagh asked witness about Lim. He thought that Whitthorue was opening kimselt to exposure, and thinking some subordinate would take advantage Of the opportunity communicated with a member of Congress who should use hig influonce in warning Mr. Whitthorne to be caretul if there was any necessity; did this not for any fecling toward r. Whitthorne, but out of espect for him. self; witness had no knowledge that Di wai being shadowed by policemen while here, aud had no conversation with Mr. Murtagh about it at the time, as be scarcoly knew him then; be heard after Dana’s arrest that he had been watched; {| was ru- mored in the Navy Department that Whitthorne would be exposed, or that he was being watched, or some- thing of the kind; it was among the possibilities thas he (witness) had bad such & conversation with Sr. Murtagh as was given in his testimony about not ex- posing Whitthorne while be was in office, but witness could recollect nothing of it, MR. STEPHENS’ DEATH ANTICIPATED, Mr, Stephens became much worse during the even- fog and at midnight was very low. Aithough his death is not apprehended immediately it is feared be cannot recover. At one o’clock this morning there was no change in Mr. Stephens’ condition, PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. bers of the commission om the Presidential electoral count, Adopted. Mr. Lamax, (dem,) of Miss,, rose and put in pomina- tion Messrs, Payne, of Ohi Hunton, of Virginia Abbott, of Massachusetts; Garfleid, of Ohio, and Hoar, of Massachusetts and he moved that’ instead of taking five separate votes, which would consume so much time, tue whole fv: Mr. Buckyer, (dem.) of Mo., objected, and demanded bat be taken on each came The Sreakke ruled that the matter was in the power of the House. He submitted the question, and the ee decided, 210 to 20, to vote on all five at the same time. The CLERx then proceeded to call the roll, and each member responded, repeating the five names in their order. Some of the republicans changed the order, commencing with the republican candidates, Tuk vorE. The voto as finally summed up was as follows :— serene tose + 21 ere given for McCrary, of Louisiana, by Messrs. Buckner, Candler and Smith, of Georgia; four for Mr. Foster, of Ouio, by Messrs. Cook, Hartridge, Hereford and Roberts; one each for Messrs, Mills, Sin- weton and Blackburn, by dir. Hoge; one for Mr. ude, by Mr, Magoon; two tor Mr. Willard, by Mr. John Keilly, of Pennsylvanta, and Mr, Henkle; one tor Mr. Townsend, of New York, by Mr. Ferry, and one for Mr, Wood, of New York, by Mr, Weils, of Missis- sippl. THR APPOINTEES. The SpeaKER thereupon annouued the appointment of Messrs, Payne, Hunton, Abbott, Garfield and Hour, Ou motion of Mr. Payxx, the Speaker was author- ized to appoint the two tellers who are to count the Presidential vote on the part of the House. THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION, The following 1s a briet sketch of the members of the Electoral Commission from the Senate and the House, and of the jour Judges appointed by the terms ol thoact. The latter met yesterday in seeret con- clave, but the fifth Judge to be elected by them was not determined ou. It 18 generally undorstood that the election of Judge Bradley will take place to-day :— SENATOR EDMUNDS. George F. Edmunds, of burlington, Vt., was born at Richmond, Vt., February 1, 1528, and $a prace ticiug lawyer. He was a member of the State Leg- islature in 1854, 1855, 1857, 1858 and 1859, ana aft ward State Sepator. He was uppointed to the United States Senate as a republican, to Hill the vucancy caused by the death of Solomon Foot, taxing his seat April 5, 1866; was electod to Hil the remainder of the term and re-elected (or the term ending in 1875 and 1831, His vorin of service will expire in 1881. SENATOR MORTON. Oliver P, Morton, of Indiapolis, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, August 4, 1823; graduated at tho Miami’ University; studied ‘and practised law; was elected Circuit Judge of the Fifth Judicial Cir. cuit Court ot Indiana in 1852; was elected Lieutenant 1861, when Governor Lane was el Btates Senate ; \ ed to the United i was elected Governor iu 1864; was 8. Lane, and took nis seat ' elected in 1872. 1879. arch 4, 1867, and was ro- His term of office will expire March 3, SENATOR PRELINGHUYSEN, Frederick ‘T. Frelinghuysen, of Newark, N. J., was born at Millstown, Somerset county, N. J-, August 4, 1817; was graduated at Rutgers College tn 1836; was admitted to the Bar in 1839; was appointed Attorney General of the Stato in 1361, and reuppuinted im 1866; was temporarily appointed United Statos Senator in 1866, in place ot William Wright, deceased, and was elected in 1867 to fll the unexpired term, which ter- minatod in 1869; was elected to the United States Senate a8 a republican, so succeed A. G, Cattell, and took his seat Mureh 4, Li His term of service will expire March 3, 1877, SENATOR THURMAN, Alten G. Thurman, of Columbus, Ohio, was born at Lynchburg, Va., November 13, 1813; removed to Ohio in 1819; was adinitted to the Bar tn 1835; was a Repr SENATE. sentative from Ohio in the Twenty-ointh Congres , | was eleeted Judge of the Supreme Court ip Ohio in Waantwazon, Jan. 80, 1677. | 1) wus Chief Justice of that Cours from 1864 to In the Senate to-day Mr. Wuiaur, of Jowa, submitied | 1¢54! was the democratic candidate for Governor of @ resolution that the Senate do now proceed, in ac- cordance with the act to provide tor and regulate the counting of the votes for President aud Vice President, &c,, to appoint by viva voce vote ive Senators to be members of the commission in sald act provided tor. . He sad he would not ask a vote on the resolution now, but gave notice that ho would do so at half-past threo o'clock P, M. to-day. At the hour mentioned Mr. Wriaut, of lowa, called up the resolution submitted by him above referred to, and it was adopted, Mr, Cxaaiy, (rep.) of N, H., moved that all of the Ove Senators be voted for at the axme time; that each | Sevator, as bis name shall be called, shall rise in his | place and name the five Senators ot his choice, THE MANNER OF VOTING. Mr. ConKLa, (rep.) of N. Y., said the statute woula be executed if some Senator would offer « resolution naming the five Senators to be voted for, then let the roll be called and each Senator could answer aye or no as he desired, Mr. Wricut said that several plans ot making the selection hag been suggested, ud alter considerauon it had been determined by a bumber of Senators that the plan suggested by the Senator from New Hamp- shire (Mr. Cragin) woeld be the best, He thought himself that euch Senator should rige in bis place upon the call of bis name, and name the five Sen- ators of nis choice, Mr. Stevenson, of Kentucky, inquired how it would be if # Senator did pot wish to vote for all five, Mr. CONKLING replied that was another question, and if a Senator did not desire to vote for any one he could vote against him, Mr. Wuicur spoke of the plan of selecting Senators practised in most of the State Legislatures, uua ia- sisted that the stutute would be executed by following she suggestion of the Senator trom New Hainpshire, The motion of Mr. Cragin was then agroed 10. THX NOMINATIONS, Mr. Craaiy nominated as memvers of the commis. sion George F, Kdmunds, of Vermont; Oliver P, Mor- tou, ot indians, und Frederick {. Frelinghuysen, of Now Jersey, and said be expected his triend trom | Kentucky (Mr, stevenson) would nominate the other two members of the commission, would be unanimously elected, Mr. Olio, and Thowas F. Bayard, of Vemware, and said he joined with the senator trom New Hamyshire in ex- pressing the bope that they would receive tho unani- mous vote of the Senate, Mr. Cockxxut, of Missouri, sald ho andersiood that theso uames had been selected vy the respective pares lu caucus, With that understanding be would cheeriuily vote tor them. The roii was then called, and each Senator rose in his piace upon the call of nis namo and auswered :—*Sr. Presideut, 1 vote tor Messrs, Edmunds, Mort Hre- Iugbaysen, Thurman and Bayaru."” When the name of Mr Coukling, which succeeds thut of Mr, Cockrell, was called, be responded :— “| vote for the same tive Senators oamed by the Benator from Missourt,”” Wuen ihe name of Mr. Cooper wus called, just afver- ward, be answered :— “1 vote ior tue ive Senaters named.” VOTRS OF THE CANDIDATES, Mr. Bayano voted for Messrs, Edmunds, Morton, Frelinghuysen and Thurman. Mr. kvxUNDS Voved tor Messrs. Morton, Kolinghuy- seu, Thurinan and Bayard, and said the olber nawe proposed he did not yore for. (Laughter. ) Mr. Montoy voted for Messrs, Adumunds, Frelingbuy- seu, Thurman aod Kayard, Mr. TuuxMan Voted jor M Frelinghuysen and Bayard, ABSENT AND NOT VOTING, The only Sevaiors absont and not voting were Messrs, Dennis, Katon, Hamiiton, Harvey, Howe, Nor- woud and Price. At the conciusion of the roll call the President pro tem. uunounced that sixty-eight voles had Leen cust, of which thirty live were necessary to # cho: ad thas Messrs. Eamunds, Mortou, Frelinghuysen, Thurman and Bayurd had received the unaniinous vote of the Senate, und had thereiore been chosen us members of the Electoral Com! Hon, ADMISSION OF THR PUBLIC. Mr. Haury, (rep.) of Me, from the Committee on *. Edmunds, Morton, | Buos, said the committee Bad met with the House Commitice on Rules in regurd to some ruie governing Adioissious to the Capitol during the count of the toral vote, ane he had been directed to report a con- He hoped they | SrkvexsoN nomniuated Allen G. Thurman, of | as a democrat in place of Benjamin F, Wade, republi- ican; took his seat March 4, 1869, and was re-olectod io 1874, His term of service will expire March 3, 1881. SRNATOR BAYARD. Thomas Francis Bayard, of Wilmington, Del., was born in that city October 29, 1825; was admitted to the Bar in 1851, in 1853 bho was appointed United States Senator as a democrat, to succced his tather, James A, Bayard; took his seat March 4, 1869, and was re-elected In 1575, His term of service will expire Mareh 3, 1881. REPRESENTATIVE HOAR. George F. Hoar, of Worcester, Muss, born at Concord, Mass., August 29, 1826; was graduated at Harvard in 1846, and graduated atthe Law School of that university; was a member of the Stato Assembly in 1852 and of the State Senate in 1857; was elected to the Forty-tirst, Forty-second, Forty-third and Forty. | fourth Congresses as a republican, and but a few days Faerie by the Massachusetts Legislaiure to the pi ted States Senate. KESKENTATIVE GARPIELD, dames A. Garticld, of Hiram, Obio, was born in Orange, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, November 19, 1831; was graduated (rom Willimins College aud was ad: migetite the Bar, was a member of the Statos Senate of Ohio 1n 1859 and 1860; entered the Union Army as colone! of the Forty-second Ubio volunteers; was promoted to be brigadier genoral January 10, 1802, and to be major general and chief of staff of the Army of the Cumberland September 20, 1863; was elected to the Thirty-eighth Congress and re-elected to all sub- sequent Congresses. REPRESENTATIVE PAYNE, Henry B. Payne, of Cleveland, Ohio, wi Madison county, New York, November, graduated ut Hamilton College, New York; commenced practice at the Bur at Cleveland in 1834; wasa memn- ber of the Ohio State Senate in 1549 and 1850; was de- fouted ina contest for the United States Senatorsnip Ju 1851 and for Governor in 1857; was delegate to the Cimeinvati Convention in 1854, the Charleston Conven- tion tn 1660 aud the Baltimore Convention tn 1872, and was elected to the Forty-iourth Congress by the demo rats and liberal republicans. REPRRSENTATIVEFABBOTT. Josiah B. Abbott, of Boston, was bern at Chelmsford, Mass., November 1, 1814; was graduated at Harvard in was admitted to the Bar in 1835; was a member Of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1836, | and of the State Senate in 1841 aod 1842; was Judge of the Superior Court of Massachusetts in 1459, and was elected to the Forty-tourth Congress as a democrat, REPRESENTATIVE HANTON, Eppa Hanton, of Warrenton, Ya,, was born in Fau- quier countr, Virginia, September 23, 1423; was elected to the State Convention in Virginia which assembled at Richmond in February, 1461, served throagh its first session and then entered the service of the con- federacy as colonel of the Kighth Virginia try. Alter the battle of Gettysburg be was promoted to be brigadior general, was elected to the Forty-third Con. gress und re-elected to the Forty-fourth, NATHAN CLIVFORD. Judge Nathan Clifford is an old wan, colossal in etzo and weight and entirely devoted to the jaw. He was born iu New Hampshire in 1803, began the practice of jaw in Maine just Ufty years ago, aud bas pas: the ‘3 of his life on the Supreme Bench of His political vicissitudes were the ordinary experiences uf country lawyers who take an active interes} in public affairs. He was firsta mem. ver of the Legisiature of his State, then Attorney Gen- eral of Maiue; subsequently a Representative in Congress, und ‘then Attorney General of the United States in Presideat Polk’s Cabinet. Ln all of taese posi tions be won a worthy reputation torindustry, skilland | whon the war with Mexico wus drawing to a close, and the complications of General Scott, Mr. ‘Trist’ and Governor Marcy threatened to destroy » part of the fruits of our victories in the field, he was sent to con. ciude a treaty which should secure us the substantial rewards of our arms. It was through his negotiations that California became an integral part of tue United States, aud he not ouly concluded the treaty of Guada- Jupe ‘Hidalgo bat wus mainly imstrumental in cementing the new peace and securing the full and cordial execution of the articles of the treaty, When the Mexicun question was no longer the interesting problem of our foreign relations he resigned bis post- tion as Minister to Mexico and resumed the practice of bis profession in Portland. During tne nex years te was regarded the most capable members of the New Eng ud when Judge Curus resigned bis place ou the supreme Bench in 1858 Mr, Clifford wat nominated vy Presi- went Buchanan to Oli the vacau He was the first member of the Cabinet ever ken trom Maine, and is the only representative that State has ever hud in the current resolubou directing the Sergeant-at-Arms of | 31), _ “ | Supreme Court. At the time of bis appointment the Eee ee ae ae Fexpectively, | seiection was onsidered u goud one, aud time has betel « steed foe vauinias fi gre bet eerr 46 | ouly proved the truth of that opinion. He then . "ha Viee? Presein ” “4 3 ote “4 Fes | arty-wix years old, tall and robust in figure, agreeable e. os ks to oe rm gp Ss 5 a | and courteous in and capable of the yreatest nary, the expense, to, be paid equally irom the | sudurance of imu and physical labor, His contingent fund uf each house In explanation of the resolution, Mr. Hamtin said t was woll kuown | to ali that the police force of this city was demoralized, aud the object of appointing these special policemen | was to have them look after the light-Gagered gentry who would be here. Mr, THUKMAS said there w: matifesied in the counting of the vote, and there al- ways would be in any matter of importance, He Uhought there was a genera) feeling of peace and good 4 good deal of euriosity will, atid Unless some good reason cuuld be ussigned be | could see no use in appointing special policemen, moved (hat the resolution be laid over. Mr. HAMLIN said there was actually uo police force within this city avon which any reliance could be placed, it He 0; Whom fi arrived ia the city and others were on ¢. Mr, THURMAN Said that that explanation was satis- over. The resolution was then agreed to, On motion of Sir, Wiiaut the Secretary of the Senate was directed to advise the House of Ropresentats of the action of the Senate in selecting members of the commission under the Electoral Count bill, THY PRILERS, Mr. Epmunps submitted a resolution that the Presi- dont of the Senate be anu he is hereby wathorized and directed to appoint two tellers on the part of the Sen- | ale to perform the duties required by the act to pro- vide for and regulate the counting of the votes for President aud Vice President, kc, Agreed to, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Wasurxotox, Jan, 30, 1877. ‘Mr, Paynn, (dem,) of Ohio, offered a resolution that utterly demorulized and this extra po- | hee force was to provwet citizens trom ptilerers, many | tory ang withdrew big motion that the resolution | many years on the Bench have been years of siera de- ption to judicial duty. Altwough aX active politician the earher part of bis career and a democrat of | the most aniinching faith he has been rarely heard (0 reter Lo political questions tu the many years ho bas occupied bis present position, The quabiti accorded him in the beginning—integrity and capa- degree, and now, even m than it was then, ib is a matier of congratuiation that he has another requisioe not only for w Justice of the Supreme Court, but for one upon whom 1s to be devolved a question of such great political moment as this Presidents ihe possession of sound constitutional opinions. Aa old mau, a sound lawyer, au upright judge and a pure | patriot, the Presidential question could not be sub- | mitted to safer bands than those of Judge Ciitord. STBYHEN 4, FIELD. Judge Field is one of four brothers, each of whom ts the House now proceed to the election of the five mem- | Governor of Indiana in 1860, and became Governor in | elected to the Senate as a republican to succeed Henry | Ohio in 1867; was clected tothe United States Senate ; ability, aud so highly were his qualities esteemed that | t few | city—have been found to belong to hit in an eminent | @equired ail those special tegai accomplishments so necessary to a lawyer on the Pucilie slope, and he is probably better acquainted with the mixed system of law—Spanish, Mexiean and American— which prevails there than any man im the country, As Chief Justice of bis State be did much to sustain the dignity of the Bench, and no decisions of any State Court havo been more universally respected than hia. No one better understood those great iand eases which have turnished so much matter ‘tor litigation, both in ‘the local courts and the Supreme Court of the United States, and so much were his ability and character respected by men of ai) parties that, when the Pacifle slope was accorded a judge on the Supreme Beach, the whole California delegation in Congress untied to’ ask bis appointment, At the time of his elevation to his present position Judge Field was forty-six years of age, and ho bas already proved himseit the peer of any member of the Court. He delivered the opinion of the Court tn the test oath 0. dissenting opinions, notably in confiscation case: law of real property in California was y solid basis while Judge Field was on the Bench oft at ‘State and principally by decisions ip which he de- livered the opinions of the Court. One of bis tate de- cistons im the Supreme Court touching these old ques- tions led to rather remarkavie consequences. lo January, 1866, he was made the recipient of an “ine Jerpal machine,” on the inside lid of which wa pasted the following words, cut from a newspaper “October 31, 1864, Jud; eid this morning deet the Paebla case in favor of the city.’ The Fuel case was one involving the virtue of titles to property given by the city of San Francisco, and which was ae- cided by Judge Field in favor of the city in 1864, thereby dixpossessing a large number of specalators aud adventurers who hai occupied the land as *‘squatters.”? WILLIAM STRONG, Judge Strong is, like Thaddeus Stevens, one of the few Yankees transplanted to Pennsylvania soil who were able to take uew root. He Was bora in Somers, Conn., in 1808, and received his elementary education at Pluintield Academy, He was graduated fram Yale College in 1828, and subsequently be taught schoo! both in his pative state aud in New Jersoy. While engaved 10 teaching he studied Jaw, and in 1832 he was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, With true courage he selected the Dutchest of the Dutch coun- hes in the State as the scene of his legal triumphs, and began the praciice of his protession in Keading, Berks kee unty, He has been all his iife a lawyer, either at tho bar or on tho bench, bis political service being two terms in ’ Congress—only this and nothing more, The books tell us that Judge Strong, after retiring trom Congress, re- sumed his profession and continued in the practice until 1857, when he was elected a judge of the Su- preme Court of Ponnsyiva The only objection to this statement of facts 1s the fact itself that the Penn sylvania lawyer who happens to be elected to Con- gress nevor suapends hjs practice, and however the Ynterests of the country may suifer by his absence from t Pitol ho is always at home during ‘court woek."’ ‘The old county of Berks was a county to de. mand just such devotion from Mr. strong, and the esteem in which he was held ts proof that he accorded it gladly, while his opinions in the State Reports bear ample testimony to the depth of his toarn- ing and the extent of bis oxperience. No opinions evince more ability or riper judgment than the opinions of Jago Strong scattered through the Pennsylvania Reports between 1857 and 186% In the latter year Juage Strong resigned his position on the Supr Bench of his State, and two years later, in 1870, ident Grant appointed him an associate Justice Supreme Court of the Unitea states’ Hers a judicial Jooking man, and his head is gencraily regarded us tho most intellectual of any of those which hold the brains of the Court Judge Strong ts never heard of either im politics or society, and the Presidential ques- tion with bim, as with Judgo Clifford, wil be only an issue of fact, to be decided according to the seitled rules of law and of eviaence, SAMUEL MILLER. Justice Miller 1s one of the justices of the Supreme Court whom peopie are apt to lorget as being on the bench atalil. He is ior all that a good lawyer, ana something wore than a fair specimen of the Western By birto be Kentuckian, and was once a a doctor, before turning bis attention to the law, In years he is @ few months older than Judge Field, and he vegan bis career in fowa about the same time that Field drove down hia stakes in California, Mr, Miller, how- ever, wus not apoliticien, though holding the strong- est possible political sentiments, and until appointed to tho Supreme Bench in 1862 by President Lincoln he uniformly declined office, and was not even tempted by offers of olfice. This is very much to his credit, ‘when it is remembered that as carly as 1843 he was io favor of cipation, and removed irom Kentucky to lowa on account of the course he had taken upon this question, In fowa be was always a leader in tho re- publican party, and un active politician, though not in politics. Ho is a mun of ready opinions, but a poil- ticlun who kept out of politics was not likely to bo- come a partisan on the bench, and Judge Miller, thoagh | & strong republican, ia free from any such. imputation THE FLORIDA VOTE, REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE—A CANVASS OF THE RETURNS EM- | BODIED THEREIN—THE NEW COUNT UNDER THE BECENT acT OF THE LEGISLATURE— TEXT OF THH LAW AND THE GOVELNOR'S CERTIVICATE. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. | Wasuixcron, Jan, 30, 1877. Tho report of the special. Florida committee of the House will probably not be presented until Thursday, It wild Olt about ifty pages im printand will be a very. strong and clear document, embodying cortifled copies of every return made to the Board of State Canvassers and also the jaw applying to the case, so that tn the languago of a member of the committee, ‘+t will be possible for anybody to canvass tho returns for him- sell.” The majority as reported by the House commitice for Tilden 18 90 votes, and the caso, they say, is so clear that the majority of the committee declare it will be absulutely impossible to overthrow it, TI NEW CANVASS, * Tho President of the Senate to-day received trom the Governor of Florida ull the official papers, showing the action of the Tilden electors and the recanvass ef tho votes under the act of the new Returning Board. ‘The votes tor the electors as certified by the new Board a ‘ POR DEMOCRA TIO BLECTORS Wilkinson Call. J.B. Yonge... K. B. Hilton, Rovert Bullock FOR REPUBLICAN BL F ) Humphries.... HM, Pearce W. H. Holden. T. W. Long. 24,437 PAPERS PRESENTED, ‘The oflictal papers presented are:— First—A certitied copy of the act of the Legislature authorizing the new Returning; Board to recanvass the votes tur President and Vico of November, Second—A copy of the returns as canvassed by the new Bourd, certifled by them. Third—The Governor's certificate of the appoint ment and due authorization of the Tilden viectors, Fourth--T io declaration by the olectors themselves, duly certified, that they met and cust their vote tor Tilden, Act OF THE LEGISLATURE, The foliowing 1s a copy of the act of the new Legis- lavure, which has not been beretotore published :— An act to procure w legal canya tho State of Florida as cast at thee duy of November, A, D, 1874, The people of (he Stute of Florida, represented tn Senate and Assembly, do onact us follows SKCTION 1.--Tho Seeretary the Comptrotier of P ther with any uf the electoral vote of u held on the 7b View Prestdeut had, on the 7:h day o and determine and deciare who w pointed electors at said ele as shown by v0 file in the office of the Secretary of State. Ske, 2.—The sa Hl the suid’ returns ved duties id law ut of this relation of 6, rules Bonrd of and «on Uh nm ve, Jonathan © January, A .aud 1H the case of ele Florida om’ the relation of ¢ p Drew ve rotary of Stato, William Archer nid Clayton A. Cowl, Comp: 1 devided State of Samuel Hs, f 3 J board shali make and si mat full length ber of « i, the mur nd ther recorded State “ for such of ate stall Secretary pur the Jed copy of au ” w cartiti dat the sent of gov. of sueh y i Meer of the Avs a. This act shall take eflect from and after its pase * age. Approved Janaacy 17, 18 CERTIFICATE OF THE GOVRENOK Tho iollowing is a copy vi Ubis vertiticate of tho | Governor :— i Exxentive Orrick, | Fausanassen, Fin. $ Wherons tn puramance of au act of the Legisiature uf the titled ais aet bo pri into vl Fi distinguished in bis own chosen fieid—David Dudley oe as a leader at the Bar, Cyrus W. as the projector of tne | 9 Atlantic cable M. as # clorgyiman aud | aut He wi nuectiout in 1810 aod was graduated at Willi iy | ne read law in tht tley Field, and Hn mated | alter ne came to ¢ law part be tinge sve | per until 1848, when bi deat and Vice President of the United states for the State | this country after an extended war he joined the “Ar. | af Florida ah sald electiva held an. the ith May gonautas of 49," aud in January, 1890, be was eleeted | of November, “A” D ae shown by suid rotuem the First Aleaide of Marysville. In tne sume your he was olvcted to the State Legisiature, and exerted @ powerful influence in that body in moulding the jad. ciry of the State, In 1957 be was elected a judge of the Supreu in whieh ho wa corded the por jee, and in L868 dem Lincoln appointed him to the position he aow voids, Judge Field ts a man of lar, and ex- tengive information. When a boy le spent three years at Athens aud Sinyraa and learoed w apouk moderu | Greek like @ ative, in California be sova ediny on th tu the natu ap part of the Rtute o vation id fees, olected and all vthor it ol hon, 1 the said respondents Now, therefore, and also in pursuance of aa act ef the person but he practised medicine only a tew years | ‘resident cast ou the 7ib | tury of State, et al. | wuts ol the State of Florida, deeded | “rg ‘ ened. Lesisiatare entitled “Ap act to deciare and extsblish the anes by the of ¥ uf eleetors of ir | aud Vice Preaident of the United States,” on j 6, A. D. ITT 1, George F. Drow, Governor of cis ¢ Fish make and certily the following. lectors choses, appobutest Bullock, Kovert i. eaused the groas coal ofthe Biase io ue w at seal of Moist ‘Tatfahassco, suis, the 20 day Trait, Taehantens ie ERG THE LOUISIANA RETURNS. KELLOGG AND KENNER BEFORE THE COMMiTe TRE—THE QUESTION OF INTIMIDATION—?itxE CLERK LITTLEFIELD RECALLED—THE CHANGE OF THE VOTE IN THE VERNON PARISH UN DER GOVERNOR WELLS’ INSTRUCTIONS—IM- PORTANT WORK ACCOMPLISHED AFTER A DINER. Wasutxotox, Jan. 30, 1877, Littlefietd, Clerk of the Louisiava Returning Board, was exumined by the Morrison House Committee to- day. He testified thaton the 3d of December he al- tered the original returus from two of the pells is Vernon parish 40 a& to transpose 173 democratic votes 0 to the repub- lican candiaates. He further testified tbat he did this by the express direction of Governor Wells, and that alter making copies of the altered originals 4od substituting them for the originals, the latier were burned either by himself or Governor Wells, he did not remember whieh; but at all events with Gov- ernor Wells’ knowledge. CROSS“ BKAMUNATION. General Huriburt, of Iiimois, conducted the croam examination of this witness, aud reading certuim answers from the stenographer’s aotes of yesterday, which witness is recorded us having then made, he asked him how it wag that bis answers of yesterday and to-day did not agree, ‘The witness stated that he did not make the auswerg yesterday us claimed, bat that he retused toanswer all quustions, and he stated here, as he did at the be- ginning of his direct examination, that he made ng Such answers on his exatuinution yesterday as were reported. BRYORS THR GENERAL COMMITTEE, ‘rhe Committee on the Powers, Privileges and Dutiee of the House in Counting the Electorai Vote to-day ree called Louis M. Kenner, who testified as to the vacancy in the Louisiana Returning Board, Dr. Kennedy, whe ad been proposed to fill 1, was a democrat and of fair standing in the community; witness n heard a word agninst his character; Wells and Ander- son, of the Board, were against electing Ur, Kennedy to Hil the vacancy, bat be did not know the reagons for their doing +0; tor hitnacit he was not opposed to the Doctor; witness knew Hayes was elected oy throwmg out votes; these votes were thrown out becanse there was evidenco of intimidation, banging, men driver from the polls and (rom their crops, and therefore the Board thought they were justiiadie in doing #0. Q By Mr, Field—vo you kuow of anybody who was forced to vote aguinse bis deliberate judgment? A, £ do not remember; | rather think mot; we bad sous testimony that persons voted the democratic tucket Vhrough iear. Q, Were there half a dozen such? A. { cannot say, Mr, Field called tho attention of the witness to the facy shat the returns of sixty-six precincts in Louisiana wee thrown out, thus exclading 10,280 Tilden votes, and in reply to Sundry qaestious, the witness suid he thought there were ton instances in which aflidavits of intimidation, &ec,, came tn with returns, In response to further interrogatories he responded that some of the other afidavits came from persons who were atraid to make them in their respective lo calities, oWing to threats and iatimidation, Witness could not say how many aMidavits were betore the Board when they commenced counting the resarns, por could he say how many were made in New Ore leave. THR ELECTION QUIRT AND PRACRABLE, Q Ip general was uot the election in Louisiana quiet and peaceable: A. Yes, everything was quiet in New Orleans; | kuow nothing about the country, where there were one or two instances of a little disturbance; 1 believe there were somo affidavits concerning sech disturbances. Mr. Field asked witoess whether corruptinfluences were charged other than intimidation, Withers answered there were charges of bribery, such ag giving voters a suit of clothes or shoes, but he could not tell how many. Mr, Lawrence uskod who said that a great many Persons had been driven from their homes in thé country and took refuge Iu New Urieans in conse quence of threats and violence? Mr. Field having asked whether ho knew this to be | true, witness replicd that men told hin they bad bees | driven (rom their homes. Witness, in response to Str, Lawrence, said he bad no knowledge of any part of ap original rewurn havin; } doen alte sd he Xpowledge that the Boar had any consultavion on that subject or that thore wad any triud by the Board or wember thereof or under their direction or kaowledge, In response to Mr. Burchard tho witness said there was no concealinent trom the democratic committee of uny papers before the Board, and that accounts of she proceedings wore published in the newspapers. SX-OOVRENOK KELLOGG BXAMINED, Ex-Governor Kellogg Was briely examined concern. ing the electors of Louisiana, Te had no persoual Knowledge of Levisse being a Untied States Commis sioner aud Brewster Surveyor General at the time they were voted for, but he knew that they ubsented the selves trom the College, und that other tors lied the vacancies. PRIVATE MSMORANDA FRODECED, Messrs. Kenver and Casauave, bosh of tho Returuing Board, were belore the comm.ttee this afiernoon, ‘The exammation of the forwer resulted iu bis being compelled to prodaee private memoranda taken by hinself tn the Board during Whe addition, compilation and statement of returos. The memoranda showed bumerous precincts (irown out ov alleged grougds of intimidation, violence, 6. There was nothing in the memoranda sbout Vernon pariol, witness saying thas he made his notes of the proceedings ouly while be was present at the Board, LIPTLEVIELD RECALLED, Mr J. F. Littlefivid was recalled. His testimony wus, in all substantial ports, atiutlar to that just pre. viously given before Mr. Morrison's committee, Ho said that yesterday when Le appeared beiore the cou mittee be had taken no legal advice; but, since that tine be bad a conference with an aitorney, who in- formed bir that he could tell the whole truth'If be did otherwise he would lave to bear ub bardeo of suspicion in absiracting the origmal return of Vernon parish. Mr, Field asked witness to look the paper marked and he answered atter a slight inspection, that it wag the same paper which was Lelore tue Returning Board. ‘The witness in reply to certain questions, said that he was requested by Governor Wells to transpose tho returns of two polls, taking the votes trom the detmo- crats and giving them to Ui) ublicans polls andy, The numoer of vot us trausterred wi The original figures were crased, and those required wrilwn in their places, Mr. Fieid —Wbat motive did Governor Wells assign for requiring you to wake the change? A, To elect Hunter Judge, Androws District Attorney aud Kelso pator, the parishes being in the jadicial district Govervor Wells resided, Q. Was one of the porsons named James Andrews who refused tu accept the office on the ground tat be was not turly elected A. 1 presume so from the fact that Le was 4 candidate for district attorney, Mr. Field extibited the cortificates of the election of the two iriends of Weils, Hunter aud Kelso, which the witness believed to be genus: Mr. Fieid—When the e plished tn the way ge of figures was accom. 4 mention, What became of tho original papers trom Vernon. A. | was instructed by Governor Weila to briug him the two statements ace | companying the consolidated statement; | gave them to him the day after the official promulgation; he wat | about to put them into nis potket when I asked bim | Whether it was not indiscrect to do so, aud be said L | Was right ip thus reminding him; w | Stroyed them I cannot ay, butt sw | THY ORIGINAL VERNON STATRMRNTS, AS Lo the original statement of the poll of Vernon | parieh, with the alierations now before him, Goveract Wells told me to destroy or make away with It; L felt (bad done @ little too much aready, aud took tha paper howe lor ihe purpose of destroying at, bat did | Hot, T cormsmunicated these facts to Mr. Spoaring, my | uncle gave bia the paper, to be used by bio and | vthers tn whom conidence could be placed, to be used in behalt of the Nicholle governs moult, whieh Me, wring sapported and thought tbat Nicholis was «i Governor; L requested of | ti that my a shoal ver bo known in this and that lL should not be subpoenaed to aper in New Orleans; the Jase in the oftice ot Governor at Springield, 1 having been conveyed thither aring; from that tine to this he had never seen tie paper until it Was produced yeuterday belore the committee, | @ Describe the occasion or circumstances of Gov- | ernor Wells asking you to alter the returns, A. On | Sunday, the od of December, the Board and three or four of the clerks took dinner together; they sat at | dinuer three or four hours; trom there we went to the | rooms of the Keturaing Board; alter ber iy } min waw Governor Wells looking 0 | papers and tiguring; we were all feeling napp; | | was; a few ents Governor Wells engaged with, | me ins whispered conversation to aller the vote#, he asked me to have i done that night, vat L dia mot do it that might; sub. sequently Governor Wells sand it was well done. (Wite | ness hore slowed how alterations were made.) Wite nuinuing, said Governor Wells asked Hight to take & change tn "i 4 by the committee whicte terward told me he wae vs how the retaros trom Vernon parislt were received, and in ¢o quence he felt tery Uhenay: Le Ost said to me, an’t you make acopy of the original? Findoat What wili make an aggregate and we'll reject them,”” He then sard:—""We will bave the aifidariis jared,” meaning affidavits showing why three polls ot r sh Were rejected; Une affidavits wore United States ommissioues ; each afidavit was sworn vo by three persons; lect the veme of three who swore t¢ m, namoly—Jim Brown, Sam Collinge and Samuol Carver; they 3; L do not we whetber there were such persons or not he vit were dated, | delieve, November 14, is ane cam Into the office of the Board on the 18th ot. mber. Mr, Fieid—Did Governor Wells speak about forging the vame of Thomus Franklin? A, He asked me to (CONTINUED : ON TENTH PAG