The New Orleans Democrat. (New Orleans, La.) 1875-1876, 1876-03-25
Tue SPENCER EsTsGATs0N
Extraordinary Conduct NJ the Commit
toe.


Making q virtue Of, necessity the
Republican press raises u howl OF viz
tuous Indignation whenever Democratic
investigating committees fasteu fraud
and inramy upon any Of the Republican
shining lights. The clamors of that
well subsidized press vewing to condiEn
punishment and oblouuy tho unfortu-
mates foolish enough to be caught. are
well calculated to deceive the unwary.
but are easily exposed. The disclosures
before the various committees now un-
earthing the stupcndous frauds OF the
last decade have proved, beyond n
doubt. that the highest officials. not
even excluding the president. were cog
infant Of this mass OF infamy. years be-
fore 1t was brought TO light. The pro
tence set up by the Republicans
Of an honest desire to bring
all offenders to Justice, is therefore a
most ilimsy one, and wherever and
whenever they have the power in their
hands to suppress light. It is done In the
most unblushing manner. The Senate
Investigating Committee IN The Spencer
case Is striking instance OF this mix
ture Of impudence and hypocrisy. The
investigation from the outstart Is dcs-
tined to he farce. This committee.
with controlling Republican majority.
well knowing the utter corruption OF
Spencer. the criminal means employed
by him to secure his election to the
United States Senate. i'm the face OF all
the protestations Of reform and fair
play emanating from its party, has per
sistently refused to admit any proof
that could in any why establish the
charges preferred against Spencer OF
the doings of this committee. the New
York Herald, in its Washington CORE
spondence. says.
The Spencer lnvesiie ating COMMITTEES, after
striking out q number Of specifications before
beginning their inquiry on Saturday, struck out
another. and to-day two more. This morning
miiiee for the Stats Of Alabama. offered to prove
by Ave witnesses the poisoning Of one Htribling
u member OF the Legislature, by the administra-
ton OF narcotics during the struggle for Spen
cer'p election to prove also that n man was paid
400 to do It and that spencer knew Of and par
ticipated In the preparations for the commission
81 tllS ue"u t1e !iau HS WIsu''sS'S A''toy pu'
when he attempted to Introduce them ~ MAORI
Is of tho committee voted to strike out tho spec
iGcation which concerned this matter. General
Morgan then requested the committee to ask the
wishes Of the Senate on the question whether
they should refuse to Investigate or hear proof
on this charge. but the Republicans on the com
mittee refused to do that also.
What hopes the country can have OF
honest reform from a party that know
ipgly maintains thieves In the highest
positions OF the country. condones all
offenses, and even crimes, when COM
mitted by party friends or allies, passes
our comprehension. Our only hope lies
in the complete overthrow Of a party
now the tool Of immensely rich and
corrupt rings and monopolios, control
ling not only the whole press avowedly
Republican but in many instances jour
nails supposed to he in the interest Of the
people, but in reality used as q means
OF distorting, misrepresenting and falsi-
flying facts In order to shape public
opinion to suit the requirements OF n
close corporation, leading us with
alarming speed to an oligarchy, wherein
the fortune Of the nation shall be the
OF a few, and the balance Of
once free and proud Americans toilers
for mercilcss and unrelcnting masters.