Rensselaer Union, Volume 11, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 January 1879 — THE INVESTIGATION BY THE POT. TER COMMITTEE. [ARTICLE]

THE INVESTIGATION BY THE POT. TER COMMITTEE.

The proceedings before the commitmittoc were resumed on the 14th. J. Henri Birch, Presidential Elector-at-Large of Louisiana, testified that he signed the second set of certificates, having been informed that the first set were informal; knew nothing personally of the forgery of signatures. Mr. Kelly was recalled, and testified, after much Eresaure, that tbe name of Jeffrion was forged, but e uas not so sure as to tbe name of LevUsee. He said Jeffriou's name was forged by D. P. Blanchard. a clerk In Gov. Kellogg s office. None but witness and Blanchard were present at the time. On cross-examination, witness stated that he had been approached by Maddox, who introduced him to George W. Carter, who said he came in the interest of the committee. In conversation, the latter had told witness, as an inducement for him to testify, that no questions should be asked him which would Injure him or his friends. Carter said the object of tpe committee was to make political capital for Tilden, against Thurman, and suggested that witness might go to California so that when he was called fie might profit by the mileage. Blanchard who committed the forgery noted above, was, the witnesa said, dead. On being asked to write the name of" Jeffrion, tbe witness declined. At the request of Gen. Butler he gave the committee bis own signatures—one fur letters to friends and another for business. Being asked why he used two signatures, witness replied that it suited him to have different signatures. Mr. Potter, the Chairman, stated that he had never authorized Maddox, Col. Carter or any body ■-•lse, to speak to the witness Kelly, in regard to ais evidence or otherwise. Adjourned until the 10th. The Chairman was absent when the committee convened on the morning of the 16th, being detained in New York on account of illness in bis family. Mr. Morrison took the chair, and mentioned that St. Martin was present, and could be called if the committee dgsired. At the suggestion of Mr. Cox, it was decided to wait and hear what Mr. Shellabargcr had to say before calling St. Martin. Some discussion took place about placing the latter’s affidavit on record. Without taking action, the committee adjourned. '■ ———