Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 August 1878 — THAT “BARGAIN.” [ARTICLE]

THAT “BARGAIN.”

History of the 'Wormley’s Hotel Conference. Maj. E. A. Burke was the last witness examined at New Orleans by the Potter sub-com-mittee. Burke testified that he was sent to Washington in January, 1877, by Gov. Nicholls to represent the interests of the Nicholls Government. His instructions were to represent to the President the state of affairs in Louisiana in the interest of the said Government, and to keep Nicholls posted in regard to matters transpiring at Washington. The witness produced a number of telegrams to Nicholls showing the state of affairs at Washington, and then the following : Wobmley’s, Feb. 17. E. A. Burke, Esq.: Mi Dear Sib : In answer to your note of this morning I beg to say that I see no objection to your conferring with Hon. Randall Gibson on the subject discussed between us. Very truly, Stanley Matthews. The witness then read the following : Willard’s, Washington, Feb. 18, 1877. Hon. Stanley Matthews: My Dear Sir : In accordance with your request 1 called seveial times to submit a “mem” of the points which, if understood, would doubtless aid in the solution of our State affairs. The notes indorsed represent the policy and determination of the Nicholle Government. As to the question heretofore discussed, every member of the Government and our people are pledged to the faithful carrying ■ out the same in case the Nicholls Government should be acquiesced in. Should the only government in the State which commands the respect and support of the people be overthrown of course Gov. Nicholls’ power to preserve peace or order ceases, and the possibility of remitting the State to anarchy and each parish thereof to tho control of local factions must rest elsewhere. Respectfully yours, E. A Burke. The following telegram was then read : Washington, Feb. 26,1877. To Gov. F. T. Nicholls: We have been one week organizing a force io compel guarantees securing your Government. We had a conference to-day and to-night with Sherman, Matthews, DennisoD, Garfield and Foster. We asBure peace, order, protection of law to white and black, no persecution for past political conduct, and no immunity for crime. On the other hand they agree by a gradual process to adopt such methods as will result in your full possession of the Government of the Sta e by the withdrawal of the troops and non-interference. As to the Senate it is so close and party lines are so tightly drawn that our friends believe that if Kellogg and a Democrat present credentials on the 4th of March there is great danger of Kellogg being seated. .Could we agree as a part of this arrangement to let the longterm Senatorship remain now and call an extra session about the 10th of March to elect the short-term Benator, deferring the long-term Senator until the extra session could elect 7 Our leading Senators assure us that Kellogg’s admission'can be prevented until the extra session of our Legislature can elect. This arrangement would not prevent the immediate lection of Eustis as the short-term Senator. There may be favorable action immediately, Gibson is sick. . E. A. Burke. John Ellis. Wm. L. Levy, The witness said he visited the House of Rep resentatives and Mr. Ellis there stated to him that he had received a letter from Lamar, stating that Matthews, Foster and friends of Hayes had made a statement in regard to what they believed to be Hayes’ views on the Southern question, and what would be his course toward Packard. He (Ellis) thought it necessary to go to Columbus, Ohio, with a view to verify the statement that had been made. Ellis stated that he had communicated the substance of the statement to Gov. Nicholls, and had telegraphed to Hayes, asking if he had been fairly represented by those claiming to be his friends. The witness disagreed with Ellis and telegraphed to Nicholls, .stating that the ultimate solution of the Louisiana question to the benefit ot his (Nicholls’) Government rested more with the strong, powerful leaders of the Republican party than with Hayes. The witness then suggested a conference of gentlemen who felt that they represented the views of Mr. Hayes with those representing Liui iana, so that there should be no misunderstanding, and, on this suggestion, the conference at WormlCy’s Hotel was held the next night, the 26th of February. There were present at this conference Messrs. Matthews, Garfield, Foster, Sherman, George Carter, Levy, Ellis and the witness, and, as there was no person actively representing South Carolina, they invited Mr. Watterson, of Kentucky, to be present in the interests of that State. The conference was held in Mr. Evarts’ room, but that gentleman was not present. The condition of affairs in Louisiana was thoroughly discussed. The Louisiana representatives read a statement of the policy of the Nicholls Government. Upon the other hand, the most positive assurances were given by Matthews, Sherman, Garfield and Foster, neither of whom, however, stated that he was authorized by Hayes to speak, but they spoke from their knowledge of his views from their past associations and from the fact that they were conversant with his views, upon that question. They assumed to guarantee that the policy indicated in the dispatch authorized by President Grant would be carried out by Mr. Hayes. A number of dispatches were hern read, in reference to the guarantees of the protection of law to white and black in Louisiana, and the understanding that no Senator be elected for the long term until the extra session. Then the following telegrams were read : Washington, D. C., Feb. 27, 1877. In an interview with the President this morning, in the course of conversation on tho subject of Louisiana affairs, he stated to me that as soon as the Presidential count was finished, and the result officially declared, it was his intention to notify Gen. Augur that the military orders issued for the purpose of preserving the status quo of the political situation were rescinded, except bo far as to simply require the use of the troops when necessary for the preservation of the public peace. He authorized me to communicate this declaration to Mr. Ellis, of the Louisiana delegation. Stanley Matthews. A true copy: Wm. L. Levy, E. A. Burke. Washington, March 1,1877. Gov. Nicholls : We have authorized ihe statement of the President concerning military orders in writing and confirmed by the President to be sent to feur different parties. We have the guarante3s of Sherman, Dennison, Matthews, and Foster, representing the views of Gov. Hayes, confirming the matters submitted to the caucus with the action of the caucus committed to writing, copies exchanged and satisfactory, and written assurances from Hayes that he is correctly represented by his A-.‘. n/ |nV«nna, Footer a Till fAuu. nLoui -v%-o have written guarantees. E. A. Burke, E. J. Ellis, William M. Levy. New Orleans, La., March 1, 1877. E. A. Burke, Washington: Fully understood. No election of Senators until the 10th. F. T. Nicholls. [Oonfidential.] Washington, D. 0., March 3, 1877. F. T. Nicholls, New Orleans : Gen Sherman, in conversation, said: “ Tell Nicholls for me, go slow,” explaining that Hayes would have great difficulties to overcome, but that your matters appeared to be working in the right direction. Gen. Sherman said that Augur would not interfere with the execution of the process of courts. E. A. Burke. Washington, March 4, 1877. Gov. Nicholls, New Orleans: We have had an interview with President Hayes. He assures us that his policy will be conciliatory, and requests that opportunity be allowed him to remove the difficulty and prepare the way. He seems anxious and earnest in the proper direction.

R. T. GIBSION. E. A. BURKE.