The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1874-01-15
WILLIAM.
Me>Srs- Gibbs and Fr%nch---'Thc
Bribery Charge.

Below we publish a pointed editorial
from Col. Smith of the Pascagoula Star,
Introducing letter of Gen. N. b. Forrest,
in which it is distinctly stated that
Messrs. Gibbs, (recently elected Audi
tori French and others received $4,000
in consideration of certain bills passed
through the Legislature. After re ding
this letter, which is authorized to be used
by its distinguished author, no fair man
will say that Col. Smith has ventured the
charge of bribery unsupported by proper
authority. There is no equivocation, or
clrcumlocutlon, in the statement Of Gen.
Forrest. The case demands immediate
action. Under our laws no person j.
eligible to Office who is guilty of the crime
alleged.
1t will be observed that the fact is in
cidently elected of a deep-laid scheme to
secure the payment of the repudiated
bonds. Our surmises before the election
were not without grounds
From the Pa-cagoula STAR
We judge the time has arrived. and
that justice to ourselves, to our friends
and to the State, demands that we clinch
the correspondence which has for some
time appeared in the columns of the Stor
relating to certain charges made therein
against q. G. French and w. ii Gihhs
Although French's last letter con.
tanned the astounding request What
vas asked for, and what | still ak for
Is your authority for, and proof of vour
charge, which 1 will meet when nro.
duced," after he had been furnished with
the name OF our nformant-which WAS
calculated to mislead the public--we still
RETAINED from publishing the letter in
oar possession from motives of deIicacy
to the writer. But ON a recent visit to
Jackson-in answer TO IA summons from
the Grand Jnry-we became aware
that our motives were misunderstood and
not appreciated. The effrontery Of French
had mIslead some, and he missed no on
portunIty to create street impression
that We had no authority, or if we had
that the party would NOT sustain us in tn,
charge.
We therefore concluded to give the
letter OF the author OF the charge 10 the /
public; promising by Observing that il |
Was written after copy of the published
charge, and Frencl's first letter Of DENIAL |
and our reply had been furnished the
author
SELMA, ALA Nov. 8, 1873.
MetGncthOn Smith, Esq.
DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 2nd
instant haa been received. All that Won
have said Is correct and true. French
and Gibbs stated to me that a man bv
the name Of Kellogg had bought. AMI
paid ten thousand dollars for an interest
in the repudiate'I Mississippi bonds. and
Was then at jackson, for tie burmese of
procuring legislation looking TO the nav.
nent OF the bonds, and that they were IN
favor OF paying the same, but thought
y best 70 let the matter rest until after
the November election.
They and others did receiUe ten housand
1Oltars for certain bills passed through The
Of Mississippi.
would prefer that my name would not
pc used, but if you make the charge
again and state that for certain reasons
Inc party giving you the information
1oes not wish his named used, and thew
ieny, as before, then you are at iberty
o use this letter, or so much of Il al Won
nay think proper.
Very respectfully,
SSA6nsD y. B. EoRRHsr.