Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-06-13
Ia rod aud reviewed. tho Ln,trell and Tarbox

He read and reviewed the Luttrell and IarOoS
resolutions to investigate the railroads. he ciai
cd that they were both AIMED at him ana not NJ
the railroads. He complained That the lnyesl,sa.
tions had been prosecutions lie accused froctoi
Knott Chairman of the judiciary Committee, Oh
having appointed two rebel Gencfals anu no
Northern Democrats on the subcommittee 10 l9-
vestigate him, out of u spirit OF revenge Tor MS
amnesty speech during the early part OF the SEES
sion. At last he came to the Fisher letteIs' anu
both House and galleries changed IN momeut
from listless inattention TO intense attention.
Blaine suddenly grew dramatic, His defense
of his right to the letters and his announccu nc
sire 10 take issue on the question Great q pro-
found sensation and elected applause IRON MS
side of the House. Then he announced ll'll ne
was now determined to read them and puillng tue
bundle from his pocket shook them dramiilcai'E
at the Democratic side. The effect was eltctIlc;
The whole Republican side OF the House cheercu
aud applaudr,l. The galleries shouted. Inc
Speakers gavel had no effect aud order was oniy
partially restored when Mr.. Cox, who was III the
chair, threatened to clear tho galleries anu lhs
hoOr. Then Blaine began 10 read them IN rapld
but clear tone of voice, stopping occasionally 10
make brief explanation As each lelter va
read and made light OF by Blaine, the Repuo!can'
seemed TO breathe easier and cheercd repeatedly
When the last one was read and the dreadful sus
picions which Blaine's ineNplcable action IN re
gard 10 these letters had created were ulspeueu
II seemed as though his party friends were beside
themselves. His claquers upon tue noors anu IN
thcigaleries gave the signal and Moor ana gailct
les CheCred Blaine yociferously for presumlng 10
take the investigation ont OF the nanls OF INC Nu
mtiee and attempting 10 bully the House.
Tor some minutes after Blaine concluded con-
fusion reigned supreme again. The Speaker Or
dered strict enforcement of the rule eNcludlhg
all but privileged persons, aud ordered Tie rolice
to assist the doorkeepers But the climax aitel
that came suddenly. When Blaine wheeled To-
ward the Democratic side and charged Proctor
Knott with having suppressed evidence favorable
To him, the House became silent in an instant
Knott denied the charge. Blaine demanded 10
know whether Knott knew Caldwell's address
Knott, trapped for the minute, made the evaslve
answer that he had been trying To get CaldwelIs
address for some time, but had thus far failed
Dashng down the aisle In his most impetuous
manner. with all the dramatic power which ne
possesses, Blaiue with head thrust forward. win
shaking finger, and in his most defiant tones,
charged that Knott last Thursday received de-
spatch IRON Caldwell, completely generating hIm
(Blainc) and Offering TO make IN AFFIDAVIT that
Blaine never received any railroad bonds from
him Caldwell The effect was like touching
lighted match TO a barrel of gunpowder
\ storm Of mingled cheers aud hisses followed
The galleries checred and stamped, and ;he ponce
had 10 be called IN again, Mr.. Cox declares that
IL was the most tcmpcsluOus scene nc has VIII
messed in the House 10 twenty years. IL was u
field day for Blaine BY his sublime hudlcltv he
had again placed the majority on the defensive.
and when Gen. Ilunton rose 10 defend The sub.
judiciary Committee there was general ieeling
That hc hal 4 herCulean task.