The Van Buren press., 1872-02-13
Fulton on the Stand.

Dy the following Washington special TO the
Cinninnati Commercial. Of the 81 IL will he
seen that 4. A. Fulton has been telling some
UNIV holesome truths on Senator Clayton be-
fore the investigating committee. The state
ments he makes will be believed by every
body in this State, and particularly those
who were around the capital at the time he
mentions. We ask 4 carcfu! reading at the
hands ofthe honest people OF this State:
L. A. Fulton colored Republican member
Of the Arkansas Legislature, was sworn. In
support OF the charges that layton had man
ipulated the election and made corrupt com
biuations to secure his Senatorial election,
Fulton swore that Clsyton told him lie want
cd none but his friends in the legislature, and
referring to the then impending State else-
ton. declared that II witness wanted to be
elected he must promise To vote for him
fClavt,n) for Senator Witness promised
and wa. elected. Witness went 10 lie State
capital before the meeting OF the legislature
and called on Clayton, who had sent for him.
CLAYTON said he wanted the Republicans TO
vote for him, and particularly the colcred
Republicans; but IL they would not do 80 he
could get enough votes TO elect himself any
how. The legislature was organized IN an
unconstitutional and revolutionary manner
by the Clsytontcs, AID the latter combined
with ths Democrats to prevent anti Clayton
Republicans. who had been legally elected
from taking their seats. After the organlza-
ton, Thomas VI. Bowen, then Judge Of the
Supreme court, and Afterwards appointed
Governor Of Idaho, told witness that if he
would vote for Clayton and act with him he
Bowen would appoint witness station mas
ter on the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red Riv-
cr railroad, of which company Bowen was
Ian 81 Inn, sl.nI i,l1 arx
psr month, ard if the road was not finished
at lhe adjournment ofthe Legislature witness
should be taken on the pay rolls Of the COM
pauy ANYHOW. Bowen then told witness IL
he wanted any appointment from Clayton, he
fBowen) would get IL for him. and IL witness
did not receive IL, Bowen would bring him
the promise in writing from Clayton. VIZ
ness replied that he would think about II, ana
when Senator Alexander Mcdonald With
drew from the contest in card denonncing
Clayton's manipulation of the registration,
witness conferred with friends Of his district
who urged him to vote for Clayton. which he
did. All of the Democrats voted for Clayton
but three members.
Soon thereafter contest ensned in the
Hot springs district, where Clayton members
had been declared elected by gross fraud.
Mari. Clavtonitc, called on witness saying
that Thos, VI Bowen. since Governor Of Idaho
would give witness three thousand dollars to
vote against tho expulsion Of the Clayton
members. Witness replied that the evidence
adduced showed that they had no right 10
seats Mari then offered four thousand dol
lars, SAYING that it could be got right off If
witness would go TO the room of Bowen, who
was then Judge of the State Supreme court.
Witness declined saying not zen thousand
dollars would inducs him to vote that way.
Tho Bowen rsierred to by Fulton in his tes-
timony was present, and aided Clayton in
cross-examining the witness for three hours.
but in no respect damaged his previous state
ments. CLAYTON is also aided by John Me
Ilure, whom he appointed chief justice OF
Arkansas. Mcclure now owns the state pub
lie printing, and edits the Clayton Arkansas
organ. 1t is claimed openly by Cl.yton's
inlimates that the administration will have
him whitewashcd,