The New York Herald Newspaper, February 2, 1877, Page 3

y’ COUNTING THE VOTE The Senate and House Acting in Peaceful Accord. SUPREMACY OF THE LAW. Interesting Scene in the Hall of Representatives. NOTABLES IN ATTENDANCE. The Objections Interposed to the Florida Certificates, PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION Settling of Preliminary Matters Prior to Earnest Work. THE RULES AND THE COUNSEL. Wassixetox, Feb. 1, 1877. The joint rule restricting the issue of tickots pre- vented the crowd which had signalized previous “groat days’ at the Capitol. Fifty special policemen guarded the approaches to the House wivg, and bundreds who were excluded had to content themselves with a view from the rotunda of the Senators, the Judgos of the Supreme Court and the numerous celebrated jurists who Passed under the dome on their way to the Chamber, There all the members were in their seats by noon, A sufficent number of chaira on the south side were left vacant tor the Senate, and casy chairs were Srrarged around the rim of the toner circle in front of the Clork’s desk, NOTABLES IN ATTENDANCE, Theso were prosently occupied by Justices Field and Miller, of the Supreme Court; Secretaries Cameron and Chandler, William M. Evarts and Jere Black, of toansel for the opposite sides during the controversy; General Sherman, Montgomery Blair, Secretary Don Cameron and Simon Cameron. The floor beyond was sprinkled with notable personages, besides those in- tluded in the list of members of the House. Socretary Robeson and Mr. E, W. Stoughton sat together tu one part of the hall; Judge Trumbull, of Iiinots, and Charles O’Conor tn another. Postmaster General Tyner, District Attorney Phelps, of Now. York; ex- Governor Vonnison, George Bancroft, Commodore Shofeidt and ex-Governor Kellogg, of Louisiana, were distinguished also on the floor. THE GALLERIES, Tho surrounding gallerics looked loss like a thunder- cloud than when half filled, as it usually is, by loung- Ing colored peopla Thoy were occupted by ladies, Whose costumes lent color to the tedious scone. In tho front seat of the members’ gallery, which had been Feserved for the President’s family, appeared Mr. and Mrs. Fred Grant. The diplomatic gallery was only partially filled, Among tho occupants were Mrs. Soc- rotary Fish, Sir Edward Thornton and his daughter and @ number of other diplomats, ENTRY OF THE SENATE. At noon, after a brief season of tumult on tho floor, tho Senate of the United States was announced by the doorkeeper at the middle entrance, and the Senators énered by twos, tho entire House, including the fp aker, rising. Both houses remained standing until Presidont Ferry took his place at the right of Speaker Randall, when tho buainess of the day began. POSITION OF OFFICERS. The tellers scated themseives at the Clerk’s desk; the Sergeant-at-Arms ot the Senate flanked President Ferry on the right; the Sorgeant-at-Arms of the House ‘was ported on tho lett of the Speaker. Isaac Bassett, the veteran assistant doorkeeper of the Senate, boro the mahogany box in which the certificates were placed and guarded it on the step close to Mr. Ferry's chi From this box the latter drew one after one the Certificates In alphabetical order. THK FLORIDA VOTE. The reading of the returns was, ou the whole, a tedi- ous business, and overybody was very impatient to get on to Florida, and, as it happened, whon that State was at last reached, to get through with the three cer- titicates and returns, All these papers of all the States are of course caretully drawn Icgal documents, with endless reiteration, When the Florida certificates wore read camo the objections, aud then came, what ‘was yory welcome to the galleries and evidently to the two houses also, the tomporary separation of tho Joint Convention, and everybody wont home reeling that a momentuous, but, on tho whole, a weary day had gone by. THK PROCEKDINGS. The President of tho Scnate took tho chair, having tho Speaker on bis left, and theo, when the Sonators and Representatives were all seated, tho President of the Senate rose, and, using the gavel to enforce order and silence, said:— im SENATE. « of Congress for ico Presideut will Then, wh: the President of the Senate said:— portect silence reigned in the Chamber, In obedience to the constitution, the Senate and House of Representatives have met to be present at the opening of ‘the certificates and the counting and die’aring of the re- its of the electoral votss for the offices of resident aud tee President of the United States fur the term of four years, commencing on the 4th day of March next In compliance with the law, the President ot the Senate Il now proceed, in tho prevenco of the two houses, to 0 all of Certificates of the several States, and in Iphabetical order, beginning with the State’ of Ala- the! bam ALABAMA, Then the strong box in which th carried in by Mr. Bassett, the Assistant Doorkeepor of ‘he Seuate, having been placed on the desk velore him, the President of the Senate opened it, and, taking from itthe certificate irom the State of Alabaina, banded it to the tellers who were seated just below him at the Clerk’s desk, and Senator Allison, one of the teliers, proceeded 10 read the document in exfenso; tho resultol it ail being that Samuel J, Tilden, of New York, and Thotas A. Hendricks, of Indinna, had re- Ceivod the electorai votes of Alabama, The Vice President thon id that the certificate from Alabama by messenger having been read the du- plicate certificate which had been received by mall would now be read. ‘ Mr. Stone, of Missouri, proceeded to read the duplt- fate certiticate, but the reading was interrupted by Benator Conkling, of New York, who suggested that it was bardly necessary to read the duplicate certificates, but that when tho first certiticute was read by ono teller the other tellers sbould look over the duplicate in Order that the comparison might be mad dent of the Senate asked whether there objection to the proposition, and there being none he stated that that course would be pursued. Mr. Stone having then resumed and completed the Teading of the duplicate certificate, the presiding offi- cor said:— here any objections to the certificate from the State ama? (After a pause)—The Choir bears none, The votes of the Stato of Alabama will bo counted. One of the tellers will annonnee the votes, so that there may be no mistake. The result was announced by Mr. Cook, of Georgia. ARKANSAS. The same ceremony was observed in reference to the ext State, Arkansas, except that tho rending of the duplicate cortificate was omitted, The result was au. nounced that the six votes of the State of Arkansas were given for Tiiden and Hendricks, ‘The next State was Calitornia, and the result was an- Bounced as six votes for Hayes and Wheeler. Then followed in succession Colorado, with three votes tor Hayes and Wheeler; Connecticut, with six votes for Tilden and Hendricks, and Delaware, with three votes for Tilden and Hendricks, Ww ding of the Delawure certificates was presiding olticor asked (inadvertently; ny objection to counting the votes 0} Florida, but he immediately corrected ware, amid suppressed because on Florida the first se- certificates wero the State of id PLONIDa. Then Florida was reached and Mr. Stone, the teller, proceeded to read the certificate, The reading of the first certificate showed the tour votes of Viorida for Hayes and Wheeler, Then the presiaing officer banded HN ther certiticate received from the same State, which, on being read by Mr. Stone, showed the tour votes of Florida for Tilden and Hendricks. The farmer certificate authenticated by the jate Govoruor Stearns, the jatter by Attorney General Cocke, A THIRD CRRTIPICATR. Then the presiding officer handed down to the tellers till another certificate trom the State of Florida, re- ceived through a messenger on the 3ist of Janunry, and a corresponding one received by mail on the 30tu 01 January, This third i¢ ap authentication of the act @ the electors who voted for Tilden and Hendricks, and is made by the present Governor, Drew. After some fal! bour had h speut ip reading the fone Lie met Raed certiOcate, Senator ‘onkiing pi od it the reading be regarded compleied that the result be announced, as under vo ali tne would be referred auvansl raised to xamine such there were ob- Jections to couuting the vote of the State of Florida, Mr. Pu of New York, rose and sent to the Clerk's Gesk a written objection to the first certilicate (for Hayes and Wheeler), signed by Senators Jones, of pergny parr of Tennessee; McDonald, and by Ropresentatives Field, of Now Yor! of Virgil Jenks, of Pennsylvania, and Spi Ditnow. im Further objections being called for, Sei G@xxt sent up to the Clerk’s desk, on behalf and Senators Conover and Sperm: and se act of Co: Repre- sentatives Woodburn, Dunnell, Kasson and McCrary, three several sets i. tions to the votes cast by ullock and the authenticated as required by the constitution and laws, Senator Joxrs, of Florida, made objection specially to Mr, Remmaens, as holding an office of truss and Profit under the United States, Dir. Kasson, of Iowa, made an additional objection to the third set of certificates because they wore not authenticated by a person who held the office of Gov- ernor at the time that the functions of the electors were exercised. Tue Presipixe Opricen—Are there further objections to the counting of che votes of the Stato of Florida (After a pause)—If tnere be pone the certificates and papers, logether with other papers accompanying the I bs the objects presented, will now be Electoral College Commission Judgment and decision, The Senate will now w draw to its chamber, so that the House may separately detertaine the objections. (A bugz of dissent as to the closing part of the sentence pervaded tbe chamber, but the Lhe d officer made no change.) The Senate thea retires for be : OBJECTIONS TO FLORIDA. The following are the object presented tn the louse of Representatives in the Florida case:— The firat by Mr, Field, ‘Tho undersigned, Charles W. Jones, Senator of the United Brutes trom tho State of Florida; Heury Cooper, Senator of the United States from the *tate of Tennessee: J. i. MoDonald, Henator ot the United Biates 1 indiana; David Dudley Field, Repre: State of New York: J. Randolph 1 from thy of Virginia; Ge A. at trom the State of Pounsylv: Ropresentative from tho Sta conntivg of the votes of Cha Hampbroyy, William Li, Molded jomas W. Long as Prosident and Vice President of the United | 4n, for and on behalf of ‘the State of Florida, and to er purporting to be a certificate of M. 1. sv as Governor of the said state, that the said Charies Il. Humphreys.” William th. appointed as in, lor ‘and to the papers purporting to be th Yotes cast’ by the suid Charles H. Pearce, Frederick 0, Humphreys, mand Thomas W. Lo froealten jee President vf the United states the vot followin; Pira— ‘sai Humphreys, Wiliiam H. Holden aud Thomas pat appointed b; Logislature ba tors of President and Vice President of the Unit Serond—For that Wilkinson Call, James EF. Youn B. Hiltua and Kobert Bullock were appointed by the said State, in such a munuer as its Legimature hud directed electors of President and Vice Frosident of the Unit unor of appointing electors of Prexident of the United States in, for or on behalf of the State of Florida wus by the wots uf the qualified loctors, ata general lection held in sald State ou tne 76h Gay of November, 1876, und the qualnfied electors of the ania Stute did, on'the said 7th day of Nevember, 1876, exe- ente the power by appointing Wilkinson Call,” Jamey E. Younge, Kobert B. Hilton and Robert Bullock ‘to electors, which appointment gave to the appoint irrevocable titte that could not Le changed or set aside or conferred on any other person, Fourth—That the pretented certificate on paper, purport- Ing to be a certificate signed by M. is. Stearns, a rot of said State, of the xpp»inimont of the anid Chi Pearce, Frederick C. Humphreys, William 1. Holden ai Thomas W. Long to be Biectors, was and is in all respects untrue, aud was corruptly procured and made of @conspiency between the said M. L, . Loug were the State of Florida in such manner as its directed or in any manner whatever elec: Pource, Frederick C. Humphre, on and Thomas W. Long amd other persons to these objectors un- known, with intent to deprive the people of the sald stute of ¢ to appoint Klectory, and to deprive Wilkinson Oail, james E. Younge, Robert #1. Hilton and Robert Bullock of thotr right to oflice. and to assert and sot up flesttf and anroal votes for Pr therepy te decstye the pro ities —For that the suid papers, falsely pu the votes for Presidont and’ Vice-President of th Florida, which aro fictitious and unreal, and do not truly represent any votes or lawful acts, and are now here ob- Jectod to, were made out und executed in pursuance of tho jont conspiracy by the sald persons purporting ‘anid voter. tht the said pretended certifea lootors connected therow!th, rng it the said certificates ity, which — these wore deny, annulled and declared void by & wfal certificate xecutive Jawfal of the &: duly and lawfully made, in which the satd Wilk- inson Call, Robert Bullock, James &. Young and Robert B. Hilton ate truly and in due torm declared to have been suid Stato, in the mauner directed by its of the Pogslesure of the ‘ilkinson Cal duly appointed b; titution, and atso by an ‘a id Stute, in which tho title of the said James E. Young, Robert B. Hilton such electors, 1s declured to be good an Wy the judgmont of the Cireuit Court of 10 0 for the Second Judicin! Cirewt—that +of gun wearranto wrought on the Gth day of Deceinber, og ‘ent. Jurisdiction, upon information in the before said pretended electors in any form, ‘voted for President or Vice President as uforesuld, the State of Fiorida, on the relation of suid Wilkinson Call, "Robert Bullock, James Young and Kobert B. Hilton, against the said Uburle Feurco, Frederick mpbries, William H. Molten ‘Thomas W, Long, whereby the defendants, after having peured, pieaded’ and put in fssue the question their own right and title and that of ‘act as such electors, and after full hearing fully adjudged by suid court that the ree, Frederick C, Humphries, Willta mias W. Long were not, nor wax any one of them, ed, choson or appointed, or entitled to be declared elected, chosen or appointed, ns sach electors or elector, oF to receive certificates or certiticate ot election or ap- pointment as such electors or elector, andi that the sald respondents were not, upon “th, duy ot ib entitied tors, Kobert m Cail, and James E. ert B. all and singular Young, were ut said clection duly elected, chosen and appointed electors of _Presi- dent ‘and Vico | Presiacnt of the United States, ereon the sald 6th day of December, 1876, entitle red elected, chosen and appoluted as such sleet, he waid day and date, and at all thmes d perform nll and singntar the power and to have and enjoy th my bamed did, as four voten Mr. Hendricks as Vice I’resident, and aswell in that respect as in all others, acting in entire and perfect conformity with the conatitntion of the United States, certified the same votes to the President of the Senate they did everything toward tho authentication of such votes reqvired by the coustitu- tion of the United States or by any act of Congress, oxcept section 135 of the Revised Statutes: and, in conformity with the aforesaid jndument of the Florida Court, the Gov- ernor of Florida, who had been uly inducted into office subyequent to December 6 1876, did, on the 26tn day , 1877, give to the last named four electors the id vet of Congress (Revised ection 184), which they for- et of Con, me: Port ofsaid objections and claims, the undersigned beg leave to refer to the reasons and documents submitted herewith, aners and evidence ns may and such petitions, deposition be hereatior produced, and nent in const ring the saa Fira—So much of the official Comgrenrtonal Record of F ruary 1, 1877, as contains the report of the House Commit- toe on the recent clection in Florida. j—The original report of ! committee. Third—A certified copy ot the act of the Legislature of Florida proved Januury 17, 1877, entitled “An act to rocttre @ legal canvass of the electoral vote of the State of Florida as cast at the olection held on the 7th of:November, Fourth—A cortifiente of the State Canvassers of the elee- tion held in November, 1876, Fisth—A cortitied copy of State of Florida, approv act to declare and ertablie! (Pre 7th day of November, | Seventh—The certiticate of Witkinton Coll, J. K, Younge, B, Iiilton and Rovers tuilock, elected and appointed by the Blate of Florida of tho vote’ cust for President and Vice Prosidemt by them, bearing date Jaunary 28, 1677, Zighth—The record of the proceedings aid Judcment ot the Cirenit Court of Leon county, the second ju cnit of the State of Florida, on inform & quo warranty in the name of the 5 ex rel. F.C. Hnmphreys, Charles 1. Pearce, Willi is. Holde T. W. Lorn: also « cortived copy of the | act of th ture of the State ot Florida, approv annary rtiftente of the Stal vassers esnid, and the proceedings and Judgment tho Information aforeraid, transuiltted to avd. recotved by the House of Representatives on the Sims day of January, 1877. fi CHARLES W. JANES, RY CooPiti, MeDON ALD, DUDLEY FIELD, J. K, TUCK: GA JENCK: WILLIAM SPRINGER, REPUBLICAS’ OBJECTIONS. Senator Sargent presented the following objection :— ‘An objection Is tnterposed to th uirporting to be certifientes of she elect tate of Floridy as having beon cast by Wilkins Call, Je ng. KB. Hilton and Robert Bullock, apon ‘the oF papers a thenti- ent of the € | senetora Members of tho House of Representatives. OF read as the votes ati therem, or connted in the election of President and 8. B, CONOVER, A. 8 SARGENT, ZOUS SHRM AN, WM. WOODBURN. O7 MARK H. DUNNELL,( Mempers of she JOUN A. KASSON GEO, W. McCRARY, On tho same behalf Senator Sargent presented the following :— jection ts inte to be certiBent rida as bavi Robert B, Hilton fallock, upon tho ground that said cettificaten or papers do nov include oF clown companied by (In tl y were received and thority said olectors, or any of them, id certificntes or ‘use 0 Representatives. to the certifientes or papers i the elect eae t vy J Anol perro Yor tare of Flor or Yonge, Gull, Hilton and Balloe, te counted in the election of the Ps tot the United states or of the Vice Presidems bakes Oe, States, 4 v3 B OVER, A, A SARGENT, Senators, JOUN SHERMAN, WILLIAM WOODBURN, embers i} GORGE Wo MCORAVY, of the RK it. DUNN BL Hone of A. KASSON, ntarives, And on the same behalf Senator Sargent presented the further objection as follows :— An om is interposed to the certificate, or papers Barron certificates of the electoral votes of the Late of A aehaving been cust by 4.0, Young, Wil- a Robert Be Wiliton aud, Robert Bu ‘hat dye cortifiente ef the of respec! and ande 8! the ol he mt v1 of named rlectors did duly a] the votes, and did oy certify and did transmit the said electoral voto of the State of Fiorida to the it of the Senate. by reason whereot the said certificates or Ds eh gv geben d ‘to be certificates objected to are now en- 0 re be recetved or rend, nor are the votes therein, any of them, entitled to be counted in the election of 1 Ident of the United States or of Vioe Presidens of she Uni 8. B. CONOVER, SARUEN’ A. ., JOHN SHERMAN, {Senators. wikttai Woobsunn, JOHN A. KASSON," ) Repreventatives. Senator Jones, of Florida, jection, namoly:— Presented a further ob- uunly from the last named day until and November, 1876, and thereafter until day ot 1876, whereupon and remises the said F.C. Humphreys held ae ged Appointment ns an elector of snid the time of ensting 6 un elector co of tru) hi hereof, wn of nd profit under the Unitea States, and could not be constitutionally ofnted an elector as rosaid, C, W. JAMES. . ReNALor, ©. G, THOMPSON, Member of the Houso of Representatives, Mr. Kasson read an objection for the preceding ob- jection, as follows :— Kknod object to the Mat paper read, purporting ‘ate of electors and of the electoral vote of the jorida and to the Ing of the votes numed in the saiue Is not certified as required by the con- cert Fh and laws of the United states, the cer. by an officer not holding the office other State, me of the action of said lawful college and duly trans- to the resident of the Senate as required by law. ‘Seomd—Beeauxe the proceedings as recited the tifying the qualifications of the persons therein el. be electors aro rg the inw us certifying any right . Young, ttl- ton_and Bullock to east the clectoral vote of the said State of Florida, Tird— Because thi id proceeding and certificates aro wall and vold of effect na reiroactive procoedinus. A. DAL JoitN’Silieieat aby, | Senators. JOUN A. KASSON, ) ,Membors of ’ the House of S.A HUKLBUT, § popresentatives, ‘THE QUESTION OF ADJOURNMENT. Speakor Randall and President pro tempore Ferry had a confereuce thi: fternoon in regard to the em- electoral votes shall be completed and the result do- clared.”” This provision of the act is closely fotlowed by othors which authorize either house to take a re- cess from the afternoon of ope day until an hour not later than ten o’clock next morning m= the event of fogetiens having arisen in regard to the. counting of any electoral votes, and also to proceed with its ordinary business while any question is being corsidered by the commission. The etlect of the first described provision will be, however, to keep doth houses techaioally in continuous session, 80 that all proceedings in either one of them. until the completion of tho count, must bear the date of to- day. This will greatly tmpede legislative business, as under the rules a single objection is auMcient in mavy cases ta:prevont the consideration of cortain classes of business until the next legislative day after it is pro- sented. Difficulties might aiso arise concerning bills gent totho President for bis approval pendivg the completion of the count, as they would all bear the legislative date of to-day, T sper and Mr, Wilson, of lowa, who 1s alsoa member of the House Committee on Rules, called on Mr. Ferry as eoon as the House took its recess, and ho invited Senators Blaine, Hamlin and Conkling to par- Ucipate In tho conterenco on this subject, as t! result, of which it was agreed to be necessary 10 Immediately repeal so much of tho electoral act as prohibits ad- journments from day to day while questions remain under consideration by the commission, Mr. Wilson will vo-morrow offer a bill in the House for this pur- Te and it will doubtless be promptly passed by both te8, ‘rhe subject was also discussed iniormally in the executive session of the Senato this afternoon. THK TELLERS. Speaker Randall having been criticised for appoint- ing both of the teliers on the part of the House from among the members of bis own party, it is proper to State that this course was adopyed in pursuance of the determination of the democratic caucus, it being understood, however, at the same time that the pre- siding officer of the Senate should be notified of tho rangement so that he might appoint two republican tellers on the part of the Senate, and thus “make things oven.’ PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION: Wanurnaton, Feb, 1, 1877, The tripartite Commission appointed under the pro- visions of the Electoral act to hear and decide all mat- ters in dispute affecting the vote for President an¢ Vice President met at three o'clock to-day in the room of the Supreme Coart at the Capitol ‘he journal of the preceding session was read, corrected and approved, TRE FLORIDA VOTE, Acommunication from tho two houses of Congress in jormt session was presented by Mr. Gorham, Sccre- tary of tho Senate, and read as follows:— Haut or tux Lobsx or Keruxsentarives, Fev. 1, 187%. § ‘To rns Parsipent or THe Commission More thun one roturn oF paper, purporting to oF cortificuto of of the state of Fic ing been receive y apened in the pi the two and objections th with nil aceo eto of are herewit! the commission rd to us provided THOS, W. FERRY, President of the Senate. The Presipixe Justicn—It is suggested, and I think very properly, that the doors may now be openca and that proper persons bo admitted, Justice Brapuey—I understand there are three cer- tificates from the State of Florida that have been sent to us, 1 should think that the proper course would be to have those three certificates read, and then «a each | ig read let the parties bo called upon to state whether they are objected to and who are the objectors. Until wo read those cortificates or bear them read we do not know what we have before us After that it will bo time to take such other order ip regard to proceedings as may be necessary. Tho Prxsiving Justicr—I will adopt that suggestion without a vote, Mr, Justice Minnex—I had the pleasure, sir, if it was | a pleasure, of listening to the reading of these doc- uments in the House of Representatives, If the papers about the State of Floriaa are read tt will take an hour to read them. The objectors’ names are to tho papers making toe objections, | presume they will be ted. y certainly ought to be printed, and then everybody can read thom without consuming an hour of time im doing that why Yy Man bere will want | todo tor hinself more curetully. T think it Brother | Bradley had known, as | k the length of these papers, he would, perhups, withdraw his motion. ‘The Paxstoine Justick—Does Justice Bradley with. draw his motion? Mr. Justico Brapusy. merely made & suggestio Representative Payxk—I move that the certificates, With the papers, be printed at as earty on hour a: possible, The Paestmxo Jestick—The motion betore the com- mission is that the three certiticatos in the case of Fiorida be printed, with the objectiuns thereto, If that 1 your pleasure you wil say “Yeu" (puiting the question), It 1 agreed w. How soon can they de printed? Mo. Justice Fimuo—Sbould wo not havo copies of the papers presented? ho Prasine Justica.—l sapposo the certificates and objections may be printed in a very short tine he secretary will understand that the motion is tn- | tended to inclade the certificates, the objections aud the papers that accompany the certiticates aud nowt. ing el Je is desirable wl they should be printed with as little delay as possible, That matter being disposed of, | am requested to inquire if there are counsel present who will take purt atter tho managers of objectors have stated the cuge on the one side and the other. Mr. Kvarts—Mr, come in, and will by law. Ldid not make « motion 1 President, Senator Sargent has aie What he has to say in that | siviNG JusTiCR—I will withdraw the Inquiry say to Mr. Sargent that inquiries have been | je as to the odjectora, | Senator Sancent—Ibe objectors—the persons woose names are signed to the ‘paper—are Senators Conover, Sargent and Sherman, and Messrs. McCrary, Kasson, Woodburn and Dunveli, members of the House. Thore has been no opportuunty up to this moment of consulting with those gentlemen to ascertain which of them will state to the commission their oojectiona. By PREsIDING JUSTICR—Two objectors may repre- gent the case tn this tribunal, Senator SaRosxt—So we understand by the rulga ‘Tho Presiving Justice—W ho are the two? : Senator SanGext—There bas been no opportunity | for consultation to ascertain which of the objectors would pre-ent the matter to the Court, The Presivixo Jcstick— Please make them known to the commission as soon as is convenient Senator Sanount—We will do 60, The Prasivixa Justicn—Will Mr, Dames of the objectors on the other side Representative Fiktb--The objectors to the first re- Senator Jones, of Florida; and Kepresentutives Thompson Representative Aunott—Mr. President, | desire to inquire whether the motion made in reference to print- ‘hg covers the printing of all papers that aro seut here with the objections, because i seomsto me that we are to consider all papers sent, with the objections, and it js Jost as material for us to have those pavers Printed, so that we can consider them, as itis to bave Field state the tae? NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1877.-W1TH the objections themecives. Tho Prusipixd Justice do not understand the | ‘vote in that way at present. 18 1m that the certificates, ‘with the objections ana the papers which accompany the certiticates, shall be printed, aot all the papers that may have been sent Representative Ansort—I suggest then that, if we are 10 consider the papers Lay on: pd the objec- Hons, they may at some point of tim made part of the cause, The objections themeel! would bardly ‘be understood without the papers, and we should bave those papers printed or put 1 such form as will enable us to act on them, The Presivixa Justice—There is no motion ou that subject, Representative Aprort—! move then that the papers accompanying the objections be also printed, Senator Epuuxps—Mr. President, | submit that it 46 possible under the statute under which we are act- ing that there may be no papers lawiully and within the Mra pe age an objection, The statute provides fur papers that accompany certificates; but, asi remember at this moment (I speak sudject, of eourse, to eorrection), it does not provide for papers accompanying the objections, so that | think it will be a matter lor the consideration of comm |s- S100 in consultation how far in printing the testimony i} may be offered, whether by objectors or anybody 1c, ght go. It may be a question tor con- ration whether time would warrant us in receiving and printing everything that may be proposed ou either side. Senator [uuRMaN—Mr, President, it 1s true that the statute requires papers accompanying ‘certificates to be laid beiore the commission; but it also authorizes the commission to take into view ail documents, depositions and other papers that may be | competent aod pertinent to this inquiry, and if we pave received papers from either of the houses which, in the estimation of the houses, it ia proper .o send to us, it seems to me that we must look at them and see whether they are competent and pertinent, I think, therefore, 4 the motion to print ought to be adopted, t Will Dot delay us in having by to-mor. | as early as we see fit to meet, | ped copies Of the certificates and the objections, | e cun give directions that they shall be sent to us mediately, and the printing of these other Papers can go on. Knowing the great rapidity with | which work is done at the government printing oQce, | I do not think we should have to wait very long to get them all, Representative Aunort—Mr, President, 1 think io Jooking at (he law the objections only are to be sent here; und {fancy tbat those papers, if they are cent here at all, must coma as part of the oojections, so that perhaps the motion to print the objections would curry with wom ily the printing of those papers. Ldo not seo how they get here, except as papers accompanying the certificates or as part ot the | Objections. V1 course I have ao wesire to impede the printing ot the objections or certificates, but wish to got them us soon As possible. Senator Epauxps—Mr, President, in order that wo may consider that topic, I move that the motion of Judge Abbott be for the time being laid upon the tuble, #0 that we way consider about it a little afier- ward, ‘The Presiwixc Justicz—The motion 18 to lay the motion o1 Judge Abvott upon the tuble, Representative Aunorr—1 withdraw the motion for the time, to be renewed uta subsequent time. The Paxsipine Juvas—The motion is withdrawn. {A pause.) I am requested now to call for the names Of counsel who appear in the cuae on each side. Representative Kixip—We have several counsel on our side. Wo have Mr, O’Conor, of New York; Judgo Bluck, of Pennsylvania; Judge Trumbull, of Lilinors; Mr, Merrick, of Washington, und Mr. Green, of New Jor: The PasstpixG Jusricr--Counrel not exceeding two in number on cach side are allowed to participate in argument, Representative Fir.p—We have unt aclected thotre two. I only mentioned the names to you in answer to the question, how many there are who aro concerned in the cave. We shall arrange that matter In course af the evening. Tho PResipiING Justick—Thut will answer. counsel on the other side? Mr, Evarts—As represonting objectors to certit- cates other than those tat have been represented in the enumeration by Mr Field, I will state that Messrs, Stoughton, Stanley Matthews, Shellavarger and mysoil are expected to represent objectors/in some of tho cases which will appear ‘ask tho instruction Gf the Court—it 18 pertinent to make the inquiry—us what 18 included in the phrase ‘ton the of case presented to it; whether that mm joined on objections to any particular certiticate, or whother it includes ail which arise in the case of a particular State? Tho PresinxG Jusricx—I think the counsel will have to judge of that matter for themselves, Uniess they have some question to submit to the commission, it is hardly within tho province of the Presiding Jua- tice to determine that, Mr, Evarts—We understand, then, 1f the commission please, that the designation of two counsel will be sufliciently early made when tie case 16 up ? Senator Eomuxps—That is werely for the Onal argu- ment. The Prxsipixa Justicux—After the objectors have opened the orse, Mr. Evarts-—So wo understand. Mr. Justice Brapiey—I suggest to Mr. Evarts that probably tho construction of that would be .'the caso ‘on its merits,’’ The principal question would be oluded in that term, and all interlocutory or other m tions would pot bo included in that phrase, Senator Eosuxps—1t covers the whole subject of a particular state. Senator Sarasnt—In reply to tho question of the commission as to which of the objectors wuuld pre- sent the caso, aside from counsel on the couierence, it termined that Mr. MoCrary and Mr. Kasson will Who aro 10 ay Teeoator Epucxps—I move that the puvlic sitting of the Commission be now adjourned until half- ten i tho morning, unless counsel or objectors havo something further to say at this time, Represontative Ganriztp—I think there was one ob- jection filed regarding which no action has been taken; an ojection, | believe, from Senator Jones. | have beard the President of the Commission make no allu- sion to it> 1 inquire whether there is any spe- ctal hearing to had on that — objec. tion. IT think it was diferent ‘from the other objections which have been filed. Docause it makes a distinct case and is a diferent ob- Jection in its character from either of the other two ‘that havo been reterred to, The Pres.pinG Justice—My improseion is, although Ido not make that decwion in bebalt of the Commis. sion, that the several objections to the returns irom a State constitute one case, and two objectors wilt be heard upon one side and two on the other, and after they sball have been heard two counsel will be heard upon one side and two upon the ott Uniess oth: wise advised by the Commission that will be the ruling. Representative Frutup—Will you allow me to say that perhaps there may be some misunderstanding tn = to that rule unless | state to you previscly the facts, Tho PresioinG Josticr— Proceed, sir. Representative Fi8inv—There are objections to the four votes of Florida on cach side; that ia to say—we object to the four votes mentioned in the first revurns, Senator Komunps—W hich are they? Representative Fi wie! re, it T may use the names of the candidates, the Hayes electors. We ov- Ject on our part to those votes, certificates and lists, Mr. Epwuxps—And the other gentlemen object to the others? Representative Fietp—Mr. Sargent, Mr, Kasson and ‘the gentleman on the othor side specifically object to Then there ts the additional objection made by r Jones, of Florida, and otkers, to one of the electors as weligivble under the constitution, ‘That is a distinct matter, and we supposed it woald be taken up quite distwetly. It 1s a minor affair and should pot encumber the principal one, and if the Commission will allow us we wil! designaie as objectors Mr. Thompson and Mr. Jenks. I suppose the discus. sion of that matter will not take up much of the time of the Commission. At all events, as a matter of form, if you will allow us we will suggest that Mr. Thompson and Mr. Jenks be the objectors, and as to counsel we will advise to-night and inform the Com- Mission to-tnorrow who will represent us, ‘The Presipixa Jostice—When you arc advised what you desire you will submit a motion to the Comm sion and L wil have it deter At present | a hot prepared to rule otherwise than I bave. It thei be no further suggestion to bo presented | wijl put the question to the Commission that when this Commis. sion adjourn it adjourn to mect at bali-past ten o'clock to-morrow morning. Senator Kouuxps—l1 will move, so that we shall not keep waiting gentlemen who wish to pores their matters for the Commigston, that the publ the Commission be now adjourned until hatf-past ten o'clock to-morrow morning Senator Tauxmay—But the Commission to continue In sexsion to-day t Senator Enmusps—Yes, for consultation. The Prestoine Jostick—Under the circumstances I wili put the motion, with the consent of the mover, that when the Commission aajoarn it adjourn antil to- Morrow At balf-pust ten o'ciock, ‘The motion was agreed to. The Presivive Justice—L will notty all who a prosent that there will be no more public bosine: transacted by the Commission to-day. Senator FReLixoneys: was about to suggest that 1t would be weil to understand from the dvjectors and counsel whether they wiil be prepared to go on to morrow morning. Representative BixLv—On our part we are prepared to goon atany moment. We are prepared to go on now if you wish, The Prusipixo Justiox—The gentl.men present may understand that tbere willbe no further public busi tees transacted by the Commission to-day. The Com- mission will rematn for private consuitation. The room having been cleared the Commi on | Mained for consultation, and after some timo spent in deliberation the Commission adjourned tili to-morrow (Friday) morning, at ten o'clock. THE ROLES ADOPTED, Tho Electoral Commission to-day promulgated the following rules, adopted by them Inst ov the authority of the recent act of Congres: Ruiet, The Commission shall appoint a secretary, two aesistant sveretarion, a marshal and two deputy marshals, be needful, to the Commission 1, not exceeding two in number on each by ths Commission on the any not longer than two mires being ® longer time and additional anthorized by the Commission. ns but one coun: ard on euch side, and he not longer than niess the Commission allo . un counsel shail ve specially in the hearing of the interlocutory fol shall be hi eso presented to allowed to euch sid ich they to any other certificate may sel t a like purpose, bat under thit more than foar persons shall speak, and neither oceupy more than two hon vin. Applientions for process to compel the attond ance of witneatos of the production of written or document- ary testimony may be made by counsel on either side, And ail process shall be served and executed by Marshal of the Commasion oF his deputies. | Deposivions hereafter taken for uso bofere the Commission shall be ciently authenticated if taken before any commission | | | dent and Secretary Cameron the two letters addressed st | I reter to 1 | re sittings of | | state House, requiring him to d SUPPLEMENT, the ctrenit courts of t ubiic sittings of th manner as the Pi sion shall be regulated in w: jhe Commission shall direct tute 7, The Commission will si dered, in the room of the ¥i Btates and with tion, unless othe THE SALE OF LOUISIANA, THE WITNESS MADDOX TELLS HIS sTORY— WELLS DISPOKBED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HI8 LAST CHANCE—A MILLION WANTED, BUT TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND WOULD Do— MONEY PROM REPUBLICAN SOURCES IF POS- SIDLE, BUT MONEY. unless otherwise or- Court of the United ise directed. Wasuryeros, Feb, 1, 187 The Committee on the Powers, Privileges and Duties of the House in Counting the Electoral Voto to-day recalled Mr, Maddox. Mr. Field asked him whether he was now prepared to answer the questions propounded yesterday, and Mr. Maddox caused to be read an explanation of his refusal to respond. It was because of bis disinelina- tion to commit breach of faith. He had asked for delay io order that Governor Wells might make a full statement, but as Governor Wel's had not done so the witness was now ready to answer. MADDOX’S sTORY, Mi The witness said that the night before Governor Wells wrote the letter to him he had @ conversation with Governor Wells with re- gard to tho political situation and the dif. ulties with the Returning Board; Governor Wells Proposed that the witness should go to Washington and explain the situation; he concluded that he would write a general letter to the witness as confidential, and he also wrote unother letter to a friend of bis in Washington; when the witness arrived at Governor Wells’ office the next morning one of the letters was finished and he was writing the other; the witness brought away tho letter to hin open; the other was sealed; the latter was addressed to Senator W: bus had never been delivered, WHAT WRLLS SAID, Governor Wells said his life was in danger, as he bad a very difficult job on hand, and that he did not see how he could get through with it; Mr Wells stated that he would like to serve his party in making a return in favor of Hayes, gut be would not take the risk unless be was paid lor it; Me. Wells said the ma- jority was very heavy and too much for him to handle, ana that ho did not Know whore to commence to throw out; be said the probability was that be would have to throw out the vote of New Orleans, on the ground, witness thought he meant, of necessity; Mr. Wells asked him to go to Washington, see in- Guential men and obtain protection for him, and also to seo whether ho could not get the required money to satisty him; Mr, Wells said he ought to have $1,000,000; the witness showed to the Presi- to hin by Governor Wells; he told the Secrotary that Governor Wells wanted money, but the Secretary do- clined to have anything to do with the matter; the inoney Governor Wells required was to protect bitn. THE PROGRAMME was that the vacancy on the Returning Board should be Alled and that Governor Wolls should resign in anger Ou that account; the witness did not know there was any special arrangement between bim and Gover- nor Wolla about details, but the witness was required to mit a plan which would be acceptable, ho witness, baving been interrogated relativo tothe telogram sent by him to C, M. Calvert, said it was un- derstood between him and Governor Wells that, if the representations at Washington failed to bring the moucy, then the witness was to use his own judgment in a negotiation to give the retarns as they were made in Now Orleans and that be saould commence a second gotiation. The word hold,” tn the telegram to Governor Wells, signidod that he was to hold the returns in such ‘uation as to make them avatlable at will, The first negotiation failed, WELLS? PRU Governor W. stated to witness that he wanted for himself and General Anderson at least $200,000 aptece, and a smaller sum for the darkies or negroes of the Returning Board; when the witness retamed to New Orleans he bad a conversation with Governor Wells about the failure of the negotiation; tho witness re- ceived a despatch trom Colonel Pickett, saying the negotiation had tailed, when Governor Wells suggested that the witness should endoavor to make s rangement with the democrats; the witness offort in that direction, but did not succeed; the ide of witness was, (rom what Governor Wells said, t he would throw out votes to the best advantage in order to produce cortain results, which would depend on circumstances, CROBS-EXAMINATION. Mr. Lawrence cross-examined the witness, who said in bis interview with Secretary Cameron he told the latter that Governor Wells wanted $1,000,000, but the | Secretary declined to have anything to do with the proposition. Mr, Field remarked that he saw Governor Wolls present making private observations. Governor Wells replied that he only wanted to near the truth, and then re'ired, Q Did Governor Wells say anything to you about going to Now York? A. No. Q wid he tell you to seo Colonel Pickett? A. No. Q. Or to see any leading democrats? A, No; that was not necessary, as what I did was of my’ owa motion, or the joint motion of Governor Wells and mysel Q. Did Wells speak to you of the pecessity of inour- ring expense: show the electoral frauds in Loutsi- ana? A. I donotthink he did; but Governor Wells Gajd he must have mone; The witness said he vad had no conversation with General Anderson on the subjeet of selling out the Retarning Board, but Governor Wolls said be wanted money, and would have money, becanse it was the last chance he would havo; the ‘matter of the sale ot the State was discussed on the 19th of November be- tween Governor Wells aod bimeseilf. In repiy to a question whether, ag he testified in bis direct examination, be was sure that Colonel Casey snid to him that Chandler wanted him to sce about the political situation in Louisiana, the wituess ro- phed in the aflirmative; this was before the witness jeft for New Orleans in bis capactt er; he was satusticd t poe! P he bad written to Colonel Zacharie, a democrat, of Now Urleans, saying that the witness was a dangerous man and to bewarcol him, The witness then testified to his continued business relations with Colonel Pickett, Mr. Lawrence, who conducted tho examina- von, saying that he had asked the questions in order to show there bad been a variety of transactions be- tween them, and this was part of a general conspiracy to raise money, regardless of the means by which it was dorie. The witness testified that during the late war he was in the Secret Service ana had frequently given infor- mation to President Lincoln and Secretary Seward and had bad conversations with persons on the Conlederate side, including Jefferson Davis, his ooject being to find out what was going on in the South, THE LETTER TO SENATOR WERT. Q Why was the letter Governor Wells wrote to Sen- ator West not aelivered by youto him? A. Because contained delicate information and I was not dis. poved to trust him; after [ had received that totter from Governor Wells I had a conversation with J. Alexander Walker and dined with bim; Walker was considered a whig-democrat; 1 ked with him about the election, but nothing was said about deelar- Ing the result; Walker was the man with wiom I oper- ated when the second negotiation was boing attempted he knew nothing about my arrangements with Gover- nor Weilg; in consequence of the conversation with Walker, and on reflection, I concluded pot to deliver the letter Governor Wells wrote to Senator West; L discussed tho contents of that lutter with the party to whom [ transferred it. r any arrangement between you and to how much money you were to A. Tdid not know how much | was to get; | es; Colonel Pickett said each got? that depenaed on citcumstan he did not care about the money oxerpt tor charitable | purposes, WELLS IN THK COMMITTER ROOM, Governor Wells returned to the committoe room dur- ing the examination of the witooss. The latter stated in reply to questions by Mr. Burchard that bo bad fre quently chatted with Governor Wells avout the parish of Rapides, in which the witness once owne | a planta. tion, and alter getting through with their private talk they bad more room for political questions; in these conversations Governor Wells spoke of the diMlculties inthe way and said thavif he served bis party he ought to be paid for it; the witness did vot know what reply he made to Governor Weils, but be recollected that be asked Governor Wells about the parishes and of the difficulties of which Governor Wells had spoken; the witness did pot think that the Governor really | wanted so much as $1,000,000; the witness agreed to represent the case. Jeremiab M. Wilton, counsel for the Returning Board, said he desired that Governor Wells and Genvral An: derson should be examined as to the matters to which the witness had testified. The committee then adjourned to attend to their du- ties in the House, and will meet again to-morrow morn- ing. COURT CONTESTS OVER THE ORIGINAL STATE | RETURNS. New Oxueans, Feb. 1, 1877, The Superior Criminal Court to-day served a writ- ten order apon Secretary of state Emile Honore atthe iver for investigation by the Grand Jury the original retarns of the late election now in his keeping. Mr, Honore replied thas the records of his office show that neither W. R. Whitaker, the Judge issuing thia order, nor John J. Finney, the District Attorney, on whose motion it ‘was made, bave been commissioned or qualified accord. ing to law, He, therefore, refu to recognize them, and says he regards the issuance of such an order, and Any aitempt to enforce it as & violation of the state nd will lay the facts beiore Governor Packard for 1s action ‘The democratic lawyers claim that Packard has ro- cognized the Nicholls government by Gling a0 answer to # suit against him in the sixth District Court The fepublican Legislature pasted a bill abolishing this pomp and the holding over and re-clecied Judge Sau- cior died, Governor Nicholis appointed the present incumbent, Judge Regis before whom the suit was brought, and whose judicial existence Packard adi if | tod by pleading betore it, THE STATE CAPITAL, . MORE LEGISLATION AS TO INSURANCE COM- PANIES—ABOLISHING THE DOCK COMMIB- SION—PETER MIICHELL AND FAIR PLAY YOR CRIMINALS, AvBayy, Feb, 1, 1877. In offering his resolution for the appointment of « specialcommittee of fve to invostigate the life in- ‘ance companies Mr, Purdy took oceasion to explain that he offered a stmilar one last weck, but withdrew it, as it pressed close on the heels of another inquiry made by Mr. Fish in the same direction, Afraid bis act of withdrawal might be miscoustrued, he renewed his resolution to-day, The committee asked for will not be appointed, for the present at least, Loading members of the Assembly, hke Goneral Husted, hold that it would be premature to appoint apy, such committee until the investigations pow on foot under the direction of the Superintendent of Ivsdrance ate concluded. The members of the “Black Horse Cavairy’? are en- Urely opposed to a special committee of imvestigation, and their reasons are characteristic enough. If there be any “bones” (Anghee, plunder) in the investigation the special committee will bave the lion's sare, but it there be no special committeee and @ stiff, strong bill instead threatening to rip thea bowels out of every tn. surance company in the State, then all the ‘boys will have a “bone! apiece, becausa ivaurance compa- nies, good and bad, for the sake of self-preservation, will club together to defeat whatever hostile legislation, mainly directed to enrich the jobby and the unscrupulous element of the Legislature, may be attempted. Some of the impetuous spirits of the Assembly who are clamoring for an immediate overhauling of the insurance com. panies forget that the credit of such interests 1s as sensitive asa woman's honor, to which suspicion 1 fatal, and that the best and strongest may be sheltered and ruined vy the malice of an unfounded hue and cry. The situation is extremely critical, and any thoughtless course of action by the Legisinturo may work widespread ruin to thousands in this and other States, A FURIOUS DENATE. A long and at times furious debate engaged tho As- sembly to-day in Committee of the Whole on a bill of Mr Peter Mitchell’s providiog that it hall not be lawful on the tral of a person charged with telony to inquire into any) previous conviction against such person uutil the jury have tn- quired into the subsequent offence and found such person guilty, Mr. Mitchell explained and expatiatea oo bis bili in an able speech, He was followed by Mr, Ecelesiue in opposition, and as the latter was blocked by the former in an inquiry be desired to make recently into the affuirs of tho District Attorney oftice in New York, his speech partvok of his feelings, and was acovert attack on the race of criminal lawyers to whitch Mitchell belongs. His grotesque sketch of the way certain well known Tombs lawyers engiueet their clients through the meshes of the law and vieed them of their money brought down the House, Mitchell replied with fervor, and went savagely for the scalp of bis nimble-tonguca opponent, He said:—“lt is a cowardly thing to strike down @ brother lawyer behind his back, but who is this person who perpetrates the outrage?’ Why, tho poity ate torney of an insurance lawyer. I have tried, Mr. Speaker, more casos, civil avd criminal, ‘han ever did the gentleman {rum the Nineteenth——” Ecclesine—1 rise vo a point of order that the gentle. mun should not make his argument an advertisement of himself, (Laughter.) Poter proceeded and gave Ecclesin jot in return before he subsided, The majority of lawyers io tbe Assembly favored the bill, and on an amendment poriane that no person convicted of crime shall be held by the provisions of the bill as bemg exempt from having his previous charactor inquired 1ate when ACLINg as o witness, the bill was recommilted to the Judiciary Committee tor further consideration, ABOLISHING THR DOCK COMMISSION. Mr. Michaci Healey has resolved to tackle that “hydra-headed monster,’’ as one of the ultra-relormers calls that gentle school of submarine engineering, the Dock Department, and tn the bili he introduced to-da: proposes to abolish the Commissioners, and substitu in their place a superintendent to be appointed by tt Mayor and confirmed by the Board of aldermen. Ho shall furnish his estimates for work to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, and by their sanction draw on the Comptrollor tor the necessary funds, KLECTION OF INSURANCE COMPANY DIRECTORS, Mr. Grady introduced a bill im relation to the elec. tion of directors of insurance companies, providin, that proxies must be executed within three months o! the dato of election, and must be acknowledged before an officer entitied to take acknowledgment of aeeda, Tho stockholders elect one-half the directors aud tho policy hoiders the other when the ussets of ihe company aro equal to double the value of the capital. Atclections one of the tellers shall be appointed by the Superintendent of Insurance. The imsuraace agi- tation has provoked a plentitul crop of rego. jutions and bills in both Senate and Assembly, Mr. Rockwell, of Chemung, sent up a bill which pro- vides that alter'a policy hus been in foreo five years the company shall not take advantage of any flaws or mistakes in the original statement of anewers to in- vaitdate the policy. STIRRING UP A FERRY COMPANY. The Committoe on Commerce and Navigation re ported Father Bradiey’s bill compelling the South Ferry Company to run their boats bewween midnight and four o’clock in the morning. LOVE'S LAUOR LOST, Last year {t was tried and fuiled, and this year the same young man, Custom House O’Brien, with an halincination that the Mayor will appoint him Commissioner of Parks, comes here and gets Hiutle — mmnocent = =Langbein to introduce. a bill taking away the contirming power from the Board of Aldermon and granung the Mayor the svle power of anpointment, O'Brien knows it isu constitutional, but he knows there ts no chance for h becoming a Park Commissioner if his appointmer has to be confirmed by the Aldermen. ‘THR NEW CAFITOL QUESTION. The Sepators whiled away the time discussing the Husted resolution instructing the Commissioners of the Capitol tostop work thereon until they hear far. ther from the Logisiature. Mr. Jacobs said that the adoption of the resolution would throw about 00 men out of employment, Mr. Emerson hoped It would be postponed for the present, The Senators from the rural districts were not fully informed iu rogard to the new Capitol m: ters, and me sbould be given them to study th: He would be sorry for Aibany, endeared to all t ators, should it lose the Capitol after ali, and the building should be set up at Rockester, or Syracuse, or Auburn, or in Brooklyn, Mr, Kenneday said that the new Capitol reminded bim of au old-fashioned freight train. It went ahead @ little, then Aga ie little, and thea it switched off on a side t The resolution was adopted GOVERNOR ROBINSON'S RECEPTION, Governor Robinson hela bis first reception this evening. It way weil attended by icading members of the Legisinture, and the time was acreeably passed for a few hours in the Governor's ample and tasteful par- lors, INSURANCK COMPANIES, To-morrow Senator Bixby intends to introduce a bill prohibiting the amalgamation of insurance companies MICHIGAN’S VOTE, HAD SHE AN INELIGIBLE ELECTOR? [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. J Detnxotr, Mich., Feb. 1, 1877, Jacob Den Herder, one of the Presidential electors from ‘Michigan, departea to-day for Washington to testify touching his qualifications as a citizen, in obedience to a summons from the House Com. mittee, Den Herder is a Hollander and came Michigan when he was thirteen yeurg ol, He has resided in Ottawa county (Vice President Ferry’s county) thirty years, and bas held the offices of Postmaster aud Supervisor, Prom nent democrats of Western Michigan, among whom 18 a brother of Vice President Ferry, have looked up Den, Horder’s qualifications, und avouch that neither in the State nor in the United States courts can any record be found of bis naturalizatian, Tho matter excites great interest here. MURDER CONFESSED. A SECRET OF EIGHT YEARS PROVES TOO HEAVY FOR A CONVICT'S CONSCIENCE. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Broomotox, TL, Feb. 1, 187%, On February 12, 1869, Hon, Murray McConnell, one of the wealthiest citizens of Jacksonville, IL, waa found lying dead in a pool of blood in the private office of his own residence, bis head crashed in apparently repeated biows from an iron poker, which was found lying on the floor beside the ghastly corpse, From that day to this no light has been shed ou the question of who was the perpetrator of the horribie deed. One Robinson, a hot of Jackson ville, was arrested and tried for the crime, bus was acquitted by the jury, the evidence proving utterly insuflicient to fix the offence upon him. To-day a prisoner in the MeLean County Jas, at Bloomington, named Jonn Pier. son, Who Was arrested for swindling and who has in Iiinote served at least five me Penitentar, confessed to the Stal that he m McConnell’s mardore ty went to McConneii’s office to ask him ior money to leave the city with; that McConnoll called him vile nares and ordered him out of the house, whereapon he picked up the fire poker and struck him several biows with It, He thon fled, and did not stop on bia travels until he had reacned Sedalia, Mo. Pierson te about filty years old and is known as @ desporase character. A SOBER SECOND THOUGHT, [bY TELRGRAPH To THE HERALD.) Newrort, R. |, Feb, 1, 1877, The voto of yestorday in the louse of Reprosent tives legalizing mtermarriage between whites and Dlacks was to-day reconsidered, the vote being 37 yeus wo Lt iy&, It te provable thas act will be re