New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-08-06
ARKANSAS CORRUPTION.

CLOSING SCENES OF THE CONGRESSIONAL INVEsT1-
GATIoN-GOv. BAXTER's sTATEMENT-HIs DIS
GUST WITH THE REPUBLICAN POLITICIANS.
rpRoM AN occ AsIoNAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIRUNE
LITTLE Rock, Ark, July 29.-The Con-
gressional into the governmental affairs
Of this State closed yesterday, and the members ana
officers OF the Committee left here to-day. The last
davis session was in every respect the most remarka
HE Gov Baxter Who lad for the first week appeared
10 take tho least possible interest in the proceedings
leaving his part in them to the care OF MS counse
Messrs Wiltshire and Howard, now conducted the ex-
animation Of witnesses in person, and finally gave his
own testimony He started out by showing that after
his nomination for Governor in 1872 up to the day OF
election, he was actively engaged in the canvass
trayersng the State in all directions, and meeting his
oppopept Mr. Brooks Joint debate; and that for two
or three weeks Immediately after the election ne was
at his home in Batesville. where he held court as
circuit Judge. The purport OF this statement was 10
preclude idea of his having any personal parcipa-
ton III the frauds by which his election is now alleged
to have been secured He further testified In regard to
this point TO his having several active
PARTICIPANTS in the election frauds who suDse-
Quently became known TO him, ana 10 MS nav
ing made 1t a condition In the appointment OF
sheriff that certain individual who had been cheating
I'm the registration voters in that county, should not
be made deputy He reviewed the history OF the contest
for the Governorshp between Brooks and himself, and
ayoyed that decision OF the Supreme Court OF the
state had adverse to him. no was prepared to de-
clare martial and dispense the Court He DENIED
that martial law had been declared In any part OF the
State except Pulaski County, Of which Little Rock Is the
capital but admitted that while he 80 sick as to be
una Die to attend the duties OF his Office procama-
ton of martial law had through misrepresentation, been
made by Brig Gen King while IN Jefferson County and
had revoked by himself as soon as he became aware
OF IT, He admitted, in reply to direct questions from
Senator that the Senator had never personally
made any dshonorable proposals to him but he added
that such proposals made TO him by Mr. Hodges,
in Congress- behalf OF Senators Clay
ton and Dorsey. He also exOneraed Senator Clayton
from any lmputation in connection with what Is deslg
mated the railroad steal" BILL and admitted that their
policy in opposition to that measure was Identical
Mr. Asa Hodges took the stand and testified that
I'm the interview with Gov Baxter be had not represented
himself as the agent OF Senators Clayton and Dorsey
He stated that that interview Baxter said that he had
become sick and tired of being Governor. and that
proposition had been made to him to accept Federal
judgeshp and competency. and to resign the Cover
norship he had thought OF doing So but that 1t
had necessary for him. In order to yndcate him
SELF TO decline the offer and to serve out his term as Gov
ernor Hodges told him that he Baxter) could still get
that iudgeshp If there vacancy but he had never
made him the proposition of judgeship and compe
tency Oh condition OF his resignation Baxter told him
that he had objection TO making money n he could
do so in such way as not to criminate himself or
not 10 be found our, OF Something 20 lhdt eHecl'
This statement OF Hodges was denounced by Bax-
ter as utterly false. but persisted in by Hodges
Raxter again proceeded with his testimony and gave
his version OF the conversation with Hodges He repro
sented himself having said that he was as anxious as
ANYBODY to make money II be could do so honorably.
Tie said on another occasion. Hodges proposed TO
him that he would blackmai Senator Dorsey $4,000 for
snpportng him as o. g. Senator. Hodges denounced
the statement lie; and Baxter declared that
Hodges was liar After the two had banded those
and similar epthets several times in quick succession.
the unseemy episode was interrupted by the Chairman
Of the Committee and Baxter proceeded with his state
ment He declared that on another occasion Hodges.
who was then member Of the Legislature proposed TO
sell to the his Hodgess house In Little Rock as an
executive mansion that he would take $4,000 Tor ~
hui would get appropriation OF $4,000 or $4,000.
aud that Baxter might pocket the difference
A great many incidents OF that KIND, Gov. Baxter
| said had taken place, but these were the more
nromnent ones He described himself having been
utterly disgusted with the Republican members Of the
T"Ssjaure OF 1873 and mentioned the fact OF two OF
them having told him that IL members OF the House had
combined prevent the passage OF any measure winch
meaning any measures for which they were not paid
His Acting Gov Hadley, In complaining TO
Ia, notics If ne would only "et the boys make money"
and Judge Mcclure in speaking OF the railroad steal
MI said that they had pool OF S3e0 900 in bonds made
up for the purpose OF carrying that measure and that
| they intended To do IT, -, ~ ",
| have thus skinned over the surface OF GOV Bax,
ters statement which occupied some four hours, and
which was given with much feeling but with very little
exhibition OF anger OF excitement All the prominent
| Republicans OF the state were present, including
R,9oks the claimant OF the office OF Governor Chief
Justice Mcclure, and Justices Stephenson Bennett, and
Seare OF a1g Hodges and mes The
teyel0pments made throughout tue investigation are
not character TO reflect credit on tne hepupicnn
Marty or 10 induce the National Government 10 Iend ts
aid any further in perpetuating the rule Oh the Arkan
| sas olgarchy.