New-York tribune., 1873-01-20
SENATORIAL BRIBERY.
THE CALDWELL INVESTIGATION.

SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLAR ELECTIoN--THE
TRICKS AND MANNERS OF CALDWELLs RE-
TAINERs.
FROM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THR TRTBUYHl
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19.-The Caldwell investigation
was continued yesterday morning by the Senate
Committee on Privileges and Elections. Senator
Caldwell informed the Committee that as he was
sick, he desired this meeting to be postponed until
Monday. Senator Morton said that the Committee
had so much business before it that it would be i'm
possible to do Judge CrOzier, Senator Cald-
wells counsel was, however, present. and the
investigation proceeded by the examina-
tion of ex-Gov. Carney of Leavenworth,
Kansas Before beginning his testimony,
Gov. Carney said that there were certain trans
actions between men that ought to be regarded as
secret and he sorry that some things OF such
character which took place between himself, Mr..
Caldwell, and Len L. Smith bad already been re-
vealed by Smith and Caldwell. Gov. Carney added
that he had avoided goine TO Topeka when the
Legislative investigation took place there on ac-
count of the secrecy of the arrangements referred to-
Senator Merton remarked that Gov. Carney was not
present as voluntary witness, but was bound to
tell all he knew about the matter under investga-
tion. His testimony was substantially as follows:
Some time before the meeting Of the Legislature, per-
haps week ten days, the witness told by Mr..
Scott. banker at Leavenworth that Mr. Caldwell and
Mr.. Smith would like TO see him. He met them at the
First National Bank, and at that interview Mr. Caldwell
said that he candidate for the United States SEN
atorshp and wished TO know witness intended also to
be candidate. Carney replied, expressing some sur
prise at the question: that he should not Caldwell then
asked for his support. Carney said that he
could not promise that He had long been
before the people OF Kansas, and he
owed political service to anybody it was 10 those who
had given him support in times past On some accounts
he would prefer the election OF EClarke TO Caldwell (;
there some respectable people in Kansas who de-
sired Carkes election. but he knew of one who de-
sired to see Caldwell succeed. Caldwell replied that the
witness was mistaken; he had been talking around
among the members elect OF the Legislature, and was
convinced that TIE time had come for Leavenworth TO
secure Senator. II a LeavenwOrth went
into the canvass with money and means, he
could be elected, and he Caldwell, was prepared to
win inthe coming contest He continued TO press wit
for his support Offering him political patronage and
other considerations Carney said that there only
one consideration which he could support Caldwell.
His political expenses during many years past had been
heavy and his support would now be simply matter Of
dollars and cents he would do ii for $4,000 Caldwell
said that be would give him $4,000 when he was elected
That Carney would not to- and so the matter ended
for the time.
When the Legislature met Carney did not go to Topeka
for days. During the latter part of the week
when he did 90, and the evening Of his arrival Len.
Smith called upon him, and said that the canvass
was proceeding favorably that witnesses assistance
the only thing necessary TO insure success. The
next day Carney called together the Leavenworth dele
CATION for consultation Three members of that dele
CATION were in favor of Mr.. CadwelPs election and
they were the only members Of the Legislature whom
Carney knew OF who his supporters Some OF the
delegation pressed Carney to allow his name 70 be used
This he refused to do saying that If he was candidate
both he and Caldwell would be defeated. 1t was cur
renty reported that Caldwell would spend s25OoOo and
he Carney, would have chance. Carney afterward
called together of his other friends IN the Legsa-
turo and similar consultations took place number OF
these latter gentlemen then called upon Mr. Caldwell,
and on told Gov Carney that they had come
TO the same conclusion that he had and that he had
better not stand as candidate. Soon after this Carney
told Smith that he would accept his offer OF
$4,000. The bargain concluded, and Smith
asked as a favor that Carney would take his note
at 30 days for $4,000 and his dueb for $5OOthe latter
to be paid when Caldwell was elected. The 10000 note
was paid at maturity the S. 900 not paid until
some time last Spring These negotiations took place
Smith and Carney alone but the witness knew
that Caldwell party 10 them, because he had asked
Smith TO pay the dueb and Smith replied that Cad-
we'll was to pay ii. Carney afterward had several con-
yersations with Caldwell about this 5000 On one
occasion Caldwell said that the Kansas Pacific Railroad
owed him some money part of his election expenses
hut that they had not paid it, and that the railroad
would get any gaton as far as he was concerned,
until they did pay II.
Gov Carney denied positively Len Smiths statement
that Smith had paid him $1,000. The circumstances in
connection with that $1,000 check according to Gov
Carney were as folows About the 23d OF January Mr.
T. j. Anderson came into the room when was USED Ior
the meetings Of Caldwelps Campaign Committee, and
said 10 Len Smith n wness's presence, that he must
have 81 900 that evening Smith replied that he did not
have It, Anderson said that check would do out that
he at all events have the money Smith then gave
Anderson paper which witness supposed was checK'
Anderson went away and in about 10 minutes returned
and said that the persons for whom the money was
attained would no willing enough to take the cheek at
ordinary times but these political times, and they
would prefer the money Len. Smith then became very
angry, tore up the check, and sald that they might
20 the ID Anderson and Smith then had cohVer-
sation apart after which Smith asked carney II NC
would indorse his check on scott * 90 ior S'oV" ne
did so. Anderson went out and soon after returned
with small package done up in newspaper and look
ing very much Ike money This package Anderson left
ON table in priyate room, and several hours after
remarked that somebody had taken that package
Smith replied that no fuss had better oe made ABOUT u
until after the election. Witness had an uea that the
package contained money and that was intended Tor
somebody.
Caldwell has told the witness that his election had
cost him more than soO and that he owed his election
10 him and his friends When the canvass was in pro-
gress Caldwell told the witness that H. after his cleo
ton any Of his frendsdesired anything he hoped they
would upon him. Some OF Carneys friends did write
TO Caldwell and sent the letters through Carney VINO
indorsed the requests they obtained Al one uhe Oad
well called ON Gov Carney at his store and taking out
OF his pocket memorandumbook, after examining II,
remarked that he did not owe certain men, whom he
Named anything for he had paid them for their votes
To one member Of the Legislature, Byers by name, Cad
well said he had paid 25oo. AT one tme some one re-
marked that Legate an expensive member Caid-
well replied that he was not and that he only cost so
Gov Carney was then questioned by various members