National Republican., 1876-01-05
Senator spsncer's Case.
From the Alabama State Journal. J

lFrom the ALABAMA siate JournAJ
The moTe we examine the extraordinary report
of the Senatorial investigating committee the
more are we convinced that It was prepared by
these who know nothing Of law, but who were ac-
tusted selely by desire to defame Republicans
1t sets forth many acts which are not respectable
in character nor brilliant in design. 1t details
instances where certain ignorant negroes exposed
hundred dollar bills and tho like, and bossted
that they were Spencer money" It details the
druggiDK of Mr.. Stribblins by Democrat aud
so-caIled Republican. 1t sets forth a letter from
Senator Spencer to one Putnam, and also to W.
V. Turner, informing the latter Of his appoint
nent to q Federal position 10 Mobile. Other
matters are named and quite an array of testimony
is given-all Of which produce the impression
unusual amount of cigarsmoking was INDUCED
pending the Senatorial election of 1872. But the
main point has not yet been exposed Where Is
the briberyG Where is all that corruption prom
ised by this committee, which was to shock the
moral sense Of the world and furnish grounds for
En immediate expulsion Of Senator Spencer
frcm the United States Senate? II the commit
tee discovered any such evidence they either
failed to Incorporate IL in their report, or wore
10 70
of Federal officials in Alabama will not satisfy
the country. If the General Assembly commits
Senate, asking its serious consideration by thst
body Of learned statesmen, there must be some
evidence behind which we have not seen. Per-
something really wonderful IN the line Of bribery
and fraud. II may be that they have kept back
the damaging portion Of their evidence. so as to
prevent Is from examining into IL. There must
be something Of this sort, or else 1t Is all Joke
about asking the Senate Of the United States to
eNpel General Spencer.
When this wonderful report reaches Washing.
ton, and that long list Of Federal officials who
were members Of the Legislature Of 1872, and
authorities, a broad grin will be about the extent
fits surprise. The President will be greatly sur
pIised TO lind that he appointed Judge Bruce to
be United States judge because he voted for
Senator Spencer in 1872. The ether cases are
about as ridiculous. Then the whole report will
become matter lor jest and laughter. The Sem
ate Of the United States will not permit suspi-
cions Of Democratic politicians in Alabama to
iud their way into that body. These soured and
and tpiure and perpeirate ali manner oftoiustiee
upon Republicans here, but when they ask the
Senate OF tire United States to become their
will DO quickly satisfied that they have gone to
But It msy be we'll for US. in order TO prevent
any miscoDceptiOn or misc0nstruc.ion OF our posi-
tlOn in this matter, to say that do not approve
OF the acts committed by those who appear to
1s have directed the n, undereurrent Of affairs In
not here during this state Of things. He did not
reach this city until some days after the organ
Acts of corruption perpetrated BY men claiming
TO be his friends arc set forth by the committee.
No man is resposble for the acts OF others unless
Dg ule eduSllOu AAcIo 70 loI Ouo iilc VI ctiucHVo
that General Spencer authorized a single per-
son to do any one Of the acts which this commit
tee seem to regard with such Indignant scorn
anu outraged virtue. There was as much cor
rUptiOn In the last municipal election In this city
ever oisgraced any enlightened community.
Certificates Of registration were bought by the
dozen by Democratic politicians. Every vote
thus bought was n shame on tho party-yet We
have beard no oUtoursts Of injured Innocence
from that quarter where all the honor, virtue
and morality OF this Commonwealth is claimed.
Why make such an outcry now in this particular
case? Why attempt to make the world believe
you are shocked and outraged simply because
you were Cutwitted by political opponentT