New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-10-05
CAMERONS POWER.

CAMERONS POWER.
THE SECRET OF HIS CONTROL OVER THE STATE
MONEY DOES 1T ALL-WHY THE BANKERS
AND MERCHANTS SUPPORT HARTRANFr AND
CORRUPTION.
IRON THR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE ]
HARRISBURG, Oct. A." Pray tell me-" said
TO gentleman of this city, yesterday what is the Sc
cret Of Simon CamerOns immense influence in this State
and particularly here in Harrisburg, where 1t hardly
as though anybody if we except few Liberals
and Democrats dares think Of his soul as his own
Every frequenter OF Washington knows that SEN
ator Cameron does not cut much Of fig
ure there. He is rarely in his seat and
when he is, takes little part in the pro-
ceedngs of the Senate unless great poration
to Congress asking for lands bonds or some other
favor Since he succeeded Senator Sumner as the head
Of the Committee Foreign Relations he has been little
more than puppet moved by Morton. Why, he hardly
makes motion proceed to the consideration Of Exec
utive business without Moron's help Cameron has the
reputation in Washington of being great power in
Pennsylvania and to this reputation he owes his power
there. He is great on patronage; If Senator Cam
eron sets his heart on having man turned out or
another put INTO Office, he generally makes Grant come
down. Now, how does he do -"
Money!" was the terse reply. "oh, yes" said !, 81
know all about that; know that he went to the
Senate by purchasing the votes OF three members Of the
Legislature and have heard romantic story about
one Of those men becoming second Blennerhassett-
himself and family ostracized and Stunned by those
who had been their former associates how one misfor
tune followed another until he went down 10 the grave
leaving q broken-hearted wife and dishonored
daughter think that must have been in the last gem
Grafton; as Dundreary would say, "A man would MT
make such an ass Of himself nowadays, especially
the fee was large. And then know too, all about his
defeat in 1868, I think IL was, when he
polled the Legislature and found that he only
needed one vote to elect him; how he
bought up Democrat, but, before the election took
place. the constituents Of the man heard OF It'll and went
to Harrisburg masse, and threatened TO kill him II he
sold out Cameron wanted Gov Curtin to call out the
troops and declare martial law but that was before
the time Of military rule and Gov Curtin could find no
legal authority for such action, and so refused know
that be buys voters and election officers like sheep in
the market or at least his friends do for him, and that
be never wants for corruption fund.- but all that don't
explain the of his power. Men bought and paid
for to-day, must be bought again tomorrow the infu-
ence thus gain ed is only temporary Senator Cameron
seems have permanent hold upon the people OF this
State that cannot be explained in that way"
"That IS So" said my friend but it money all the
same Simon Cameron and his friends control
the banks only of Harrisburg but In various ways
have many Of those throughout the State under their
thumbs Now let me explain it to you ntte and I'll
first illustrate by example Of which am personally
cognzant Ten 10 ago four gentlemen residing
in small interior town of this State started private
hank There was then no institution Of the kind there,
and its establishment favorably received by tho
people Three Of the owners were in business ana they
left the management the institution to the fourth
partner The state had at that time some surplus FUNDS
and the Treasurer deposited in this bank $1,000 and kept
at least amount there for several years or course
as he was drawing upon II from time 10 time and making
new deposits the amount varied, but as the bankers
made outside arrangements TO get money, should they
be suddenly called upon to cash an unusually large draft
thew could use the most OF this 5000 In discounng
notes In short although the bankers themselves never
nut any money into the concern, 1t had in few years,
created u cash capital of 100000 When the National
Ranking act passed, this bank got circulation IN
the way provided by law it bought bonds, deposited
them with the Controller and received notes suppose
these men Just let out their notes at the customary
rate Of interest they might have done no otner business
never made But they still continued TO have some or
the state deposit and, being thrifty business
men have made annual dividends. Last years was $50
per cent, and this years was 40 per cent. ,., 49,,
Now as told you before, Cameron he relatives ana
friends control many OF the banks OF the state
There has during the past six years from 100000
10 SO the State Treasury This - on deposit III
Camerons banks and those OF his friends. Suppose
merchant In Harrisburg desires TO get note discounted
don't you see that Cameron can say yes or mo-
Or propose TO open bank IN any small
town where there is none don't you see that Cameron II
have offended him, can senu Won rival deposit
with him $4,000 Of the State funds and drive you who
have not that advantage out Then the bulk OF the
funds being deposited in the Cameron banks don't you
Money as well as matter OF political control with
Cameron in the present fight. IL BuckaleW Is elected,
the Cameron banks will have 10 suffer- and the corrup
tions OF the Ring will be exposed Perhaps you see now
why certain bankers support dartranit III spte vi te
| proof OF his dishonesty"
began 10 see andtto understand better than before
how II Is that Cameron Is able TO make 50 strong nght
| Tor 80 weak cause