New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-03-25
SENATOR CLAYTONS CASE.
REPORTS OF THE COAMiTTEE-rHE CHARGES
AGAINST HIM-THE ATTEMPT TO DISPOSE OF
THE MATTER IN TWO DAYS FARCE.


THE MATTER IN TWO DAYS FARCE
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
WAsuNGToN March 24.-If the present temper OF
the Senate remains unchanged, the Clayton case -
not likely 10 receive one-han the consideration ID
deserves The report of the Committee which with
the testimony makes volume OF more than 40
pages was laid on the tables Of Senators about
month ago, the Committee having required nlIo
months after the testimony was closed IN Its exam
inaton before they yentured to make their bnsi
report
The past month has been very busy one, and 1t Ia
doubtful if a single Senator, except those who COM
posed tie Committee and Mr.. Clayton himself have
read any of the evidence and it was all taken in
secret Senators are not acquainted with it's details
through the newspaper press and yet it is proposed
To vote ON the resolution Of the Committee tomorrow
or Wednesday, and to exOnerate Clayton, while thu
testimony shows that he was almost If not quite 40
guilty as Caldwell. who has been sacrificed.
The first thing TO consider in the report Of tho
majority of the Special Committee is the form of tho
resolution they have reported. 1t is:
Resolved That the charges made and referred 70 tbe
Select Committee for Investigation affecting the official
character and conduct OF the Hon Powell Clayton ara
not sustained.
The word to be emphasized in this resolution 10
" official" and the Committee have confined them
selves in their report almost entirely TO the cOnsid
ator leaving out of the question when they come TO
report resolution the whole scandal attending Bis
election.
The charges against Clayton are well summed NJ
by Mr.. Norwood in his minority report as follows:
The general charge made against Senator Clayton 10
that he used corrupt his election TO the
United States Senate. This general charge embraced
several specifications, TO wit:
First That he corruptly used his EIecutiyepower az
Governor Of Arkansas, in 1870 in appointing regisrsrd
Of election register for members OF the General
Assembly by which he elected United States
Senator who, his friends and in his interest would
register with view elect candidates in OF him
for the Senate.
Second: That when primary meetings being held
In the counties 10 nominate candidates for that Legsa
ture he about the State and in and by biz
friends and agents manipulated these nominations ia
his own interest and effect this end used his Execu
tive patronage in inumdating candidates opposed TO bs
election to the Senate.
Third That he either in person or through his friends
and supporters for the Senate made corrupt engage
ment, expressed understood by which his influence
be given in favor Of the election OF Gen John
Edwards, the Democratic candidate for Congress- ia
sideraton Of the support 70 him Of Edwards and hid
supporters for the Senate.
Fourth: That in pursuance OF this understanding he
issued Edwards the certificate OF election In the face
of clear majority, according TO the Official election
turns, in his, the Executive, Office IN favor OF Judge
Boles, the Republican candidate, opposing Edwards
FIN: That being under pledge, publicly and pTi.
vately made to his political friends that he, il elected
United States Senator, would leave the Governor
ship in the hands OF Leut.-Goy. J. N. johnson,
Conservative. he corruptly instituted through his
friends and supporters proceeding by quo parrd,to
depose johnson from office, in order 10 the way
TO the Senate.
Sirn That being elected Senator while the quo ,ear-
raD was W hen Ar ided i'm fuxn
Johnson he resigned the seDatorship and afterwards
secured his reelection by inducing r. j. T. White
tary Of State in consideration Of large Of money,
to resign, and inducing johnson to take Whites place.
Serenh: That he corruptly procured the votes OF
many members OF the Legislature in support OF himself
for the Senate by paying money, by appointments Of
themselves and friends to lucrative Offices ,by granting
and their friends State aid railroads In which
they and their friends were interested.
In regard to this charge and specifications the ma
jority have very little to say directly but devote
their report principally to discussion Of how far
Clayton was responsible for this irregularity and
corruption which they are forced to admit Ii is
necessary therefore, to look to Norwoods report for
a summary of the facts as well Of the charges and
a careful reading Of the testimony proves that he
has stated these fairly.
The first two specifications are proved by abun-
dant evidence. Men were appointed Registrars who
were not residents of the State. Registrars were
removed after enrolment was complete, and others
appointed who lost the registration books or changed
them and many other irregularities and frauds
were committed. For the proof Of the third and
fourth specifications it not necessary to look to
the testimony taken before this Committee. The
House Election Committee passed upon them year
ago, and tho House sustained the report Of the Com
mittee by an overwhelming vote.
OF the fifth and sixth specifications the majority
say; a
That which spproximstes nearest 10 any improper
action On the part Of Senator Clayton this
relates 70 tho steps induce white 70 ressn tho
ONCE Of secretArycf State. 1s gill be that Clayton
was Governor and johnson Lcutesanf Governor. when
the former rst esessd 20 the Senate johnson vss