The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-05-18
HOW STATESMEN ARE MADE.

In July, 1868, George Z. Spencer APP
peared in Washington as a senator of the
United States from Alabama. AT the time.
he was unknown to fame but the congress
sional directory made haste TO inform an
anxious people that jefferson county, New
birthplace that his infant mind budded
in Canada and fully blossomed in Iowa /;
from whence, as a staff officer, he fol-
lowed the advancing army into Alabama /;
became register in bankruptcy there, and
thence became full fledged statesman.
Again, on the fourth Of March, 1878, he
appeared in the senate chamber, claiming
to have been reelected an United States
senator. Although his seat was contested,
although the validity of his election was
questioned, he essayed to be sworn in, with
out inquiry as to his right, by placing him
self in line with other senators, and hold
ing up his hand to take the OATH His
trick was discovered, and he was COM
PEELED, temporarily, to take back seat
'N''N ohA OpJCNtioii1 hONONNig Mtlt Dul
trifing distractions to him in the path to
senatorial glory, and, by aid of report
from the committee on privileges and cleo
tions, made without investigation or in
qury, he was received and recognized as
senator AMI as such remains even unto this
day,
The manner of his election, or pretended
election, shows how statesmen are made in
these latter days, and explains why he
deemed 1t necessary to resort to trick
that he might, If possible, secure a seat
without inquiry as to his right. 4 com.
nittee OF the legislature of Alabama are
cow investigating the mode and manner of
his election, and the testimony thus far
taken reveals one of the most disgraceful
chapters in American political history--a
chapter that dims the exploits of Caldwell
and PomeIoy, and In comparison with
which Kansas presents a fair record. The
chapter is furnished us by republican wit
nesscs, each of whom was participator in
the conspiracy which he discloses
The scene opens with visit of Spencer
10 Louisville, to see the commanding gene
raj and to urge upon him the necessity of
sending troops into Alabama to be station
ed at different points before and during the
election. 1t is to be hoped that General
Terry, in furnishing troops, did not know
to what use they were to be put, for it is
certain that they were used for the purpose
of ntimidating voters and insurlng the re-
election of Spencer This is evident from
letter written by Spencer, under date of
October 22d, 1879, and addressed to Rob
ert Barber, subsequently clerk of the
courtroom legislature and, also, of the
legislature as consolidated under the COM
promise proposed by Attorney General
Williams. In this letter, after stating
what troops had been ordered to Alabama,
and where stationed, Spencer goes on to
say 81 wish Randolph, deputy United
States marshal, would use the company
" at Opelika in making arrests in Talla-
"poosa, Randolph and Cleburne counties.
~ wish you would go to Taledega and
block the game. must not, however,
be known in the matter
In explanation of this, and other letters
from Spencer, the same witness says, that
pending the campaign, Mayer, an internal