d selected five gentlemen, Charles B. Lawrence,
Joseph R. Hawley, John M. Harlan, John C. Brown and Wayne MacVeagh,
each of whom was a man of marked distinction in the community in
which he lived. They were sent to Louisiana to inquire and report
upon the existing condition of affairs bordering on a state of
civil war between the opposing factions. They were instructed to
promote, as far as possible, the organization of a legislature, so
that it might pass upon the question of who was governor of the
state. The result of their inquiry led to the organization of the
legislature, and when so organized it recognized Nichols as Governor
of Louisiana, as it clearly had the right to do. The returning
board had the unquestioned right to pass upon the election of
electors for President, but it was equally clear that the legislature
was invested with the sole power of passing upon the election of
the governor. The returning board certified to the election of
the Hayes electors, and the legislature determined that Nichols
was elected governor. Although these decisions were inconsistent
with each other yet each was legal and binding. I took occasion
in this speech to defend the action of the returning board, and
especially the two leading members, J. Madison Wells and Thomas A.
Anderson, both of whom were men of high character and standing in
that state.

In the course of this debate Vest and Butler charged me with
inconsistency in my speeches at Nashville and Springfield. This
allegation had been frequently made in the newspapers of the time.
In reply I said:

"I am much obliged to my friend from Missouri for his kindness in
reading extracts from my speeches. They sound much better to me
read by him than when spoken by myself. The speeches speak for
themselves, particularly the one at Nashville. Every word I uttered
on that night I utter now. If I could repeat it over, I would add
emphasis to give force and effect to it, and so I feel about the
south. I have not the slightest feeling of hostility against the
south, and no desire in regard to it, except to preserve and protect
the rights of all the people of the south.

"Now, in regard to my speech at Springfield, every word of that is
true. Why does not the Senator dispute some fact stated in that
speech? That was a review made to a legislature--indeed, both
speeches were made to legislative assemblies, dignified and honorable
men. I was speaking in sight of