As the result of a number of conferences between Republican Senators and representative Mississippi Republicans, this course was decided upon as the one to be pursued.

But, in order to do this, the Senate must have something upon which to base its contemplated action.

It could not be expected to take official notice of rumors or newspaper reports of what had taken place.

It was therefore decided that a memorial should be drawn up and signed by a number of reputable and well-known citizens of the State, making specific allegations with reference to that election, and concluding with a request that a thorough investigation be made before the Senator, chosen by the Legislature that had been brought into existence by that election, could be admitted to the Senate.
In support of this contemplated action there had been a number of precedents,--the recent case of Mr.Pinchback, of Louisiana, being one of them.

It fell to my lot to draw up the memorial.