The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-03-20
Charges Asain.. senator spencer.

Charges Against senator Spencer.
WAsHINGros, March lS.-The Senate
Committee on Privileges and Elections
this afternoon continued its investiga.
tions of charges concerning Senator
Spencer's election by the Alabama legis-
lature.. Robert Barber, clerk of the
House of Delegates Of the so-csllsd court
house Legislature, which elected
Spencer testified that the latter
promised to have him appointed
marshal when General Healey's term
should expire. This promise was made
long after he had began to labor for
Spencer's interests, and was voluntary
offer. The night before Spencer's elec-
ton the witness kept guard over two
eolored Republican members named Car
son and Maur, who were feared to be dis
affected and not unlikely to
go over to the (so-called) Capital Demo
cratic) Legislature and break the quorum.
at the court house He stayed al their
boarding house all night, and in
the morning took them TO Spencers
room at the hotel, where, in Spencer's
presence he told them that Spencer hsd
made up his mind to give them an office.
Spencer said he cou d not make direct
promise, but there was i route agency
vacant ON the Western railroad and
they should be provided for.
: Question-Ws anything said about
how they should voter
Answer-There was no conversation
on that point rhey subsequently went
to the court house and voted tor Spencer,
but they had been instructed
to do this by the convention which nom-
mated them. Witness had understood
they had been offered 81, 500 to absndon
the Court House Legislature and go to
the Capital. Witness WAS asked if Spen-
Ger gave him any morey to use on the
Journey he took to Lowndes county.
To this question ex Senator Carpenter
CornseI Tor Spencer Objected,
taking the ground that no preoi can be
given before the Committee showing that
any one had been bribed. That bribery
was punishable by the State. The wit
ness was directed by the chairman
+ Morton to answer the question, and ne
did so by stating that Senator Spencer
furnished one Of the party three hun
dred dollars Tor expenses. The reason
they went there WIS ~ defeat IEan
samed Stanwood, who was an enemy of
Spencer's. Moore, the cUlOred man who
Wa. elected IN his place, was also en-
trusted 10 20 into other counties and III
ducc other persons 10 run as independent
candidates The expenses OF the canvass
was to be paid by Spencer, or the State
committee he lorGc:s which. lie renieR-
bors that Spencer told him to go.
\ uumbcr Of letters written by Spencer
aud Kinds, in relation 20 the office men
toned, were then identified by the wit
ness. and MI offer was made 10 put them
in the evidence.
Mr. Carpenter objected TO the letters.
arguing that no conspiracy has as yet
been shown between Spencer and Kinds.
Senator Morton said the committee
had decided t. allow the letters to 20 into
the evidence.
After reading the letters Mr. Carpenter
said be would make
Auother objection.
that the letters were irrelevant The
frs! letter from Kinds TO Barber, dated
May 9th, 1873, set forth that he would
take care of his friends first, aud that
matters looked "cheerful for all expecting
appointments, and | think il in my power
to put out Hesleyn The next letter
was similar in import adding
he would like to get the full name and
address OF every Republican, member OF
the legislature, NJ lie desired 10 oend
them sOmc important documents, &c.
The next letter enclosed a temporary ap-
pointment for Barber in the Custom
House in Mobile and telling him the
Republicans were sure To carry the State
and that they were gong to realize
big role.
Mr.. Carpenter. Again Objected
to the letter. Gen Morgan said he
would show that this temporary appoint
ment WIS given to Barber 10 support MIN
until ho received better one, and that
It VII. understood that be WAS 10 render
no services to the government Whatever.
Seat a!or Morton -aid for the present the
letters received would lay on the table,
and if they were connected in any WAY
taev would be admitted.
Ges. Morgan " wtness-Tell u:
whether YOU afterwards asked Sea-
a;ur Spencer for til office which he
promised.
Mr.. Carpcnter-To that
object.
Senator Morton, after some argument,
SAID the committee would allow the que
tion TO be asked.
Question by Mr.. Morgan-After the
election of Spencer did you ask him for
Marshalship.or any other Office. Answer
-Ie-. Mr.. Spencer wrote me that
should have il. | have letter from
him stating that | should have the Mar
shslship. Witness produced the
letter. They We're received oy
me year alter mis- election. have
tlieI to forget ali about this matter, aud
sn here against my will. /! II very
unpleasant for me TO give tins testimony,
ana. although | was not ordered 70
bring the letters here, have brough
them for the purpose OF sustaining my
testimony. rs | understood tina: an at
tempt would De made 10 break II down.
One of them from spencer, dated No
yember 1. was read. saying: "Hesl~y
time will soon expire, and you
shall have tie place, aud that
office would be worth 5000 year.
The letter adds that III case the United
Stats has war with Spain the AIabs-
INA claims will come for good share OF
patror age, as he lSpenccrl was Oh the
Military Committee Of the Senate, and
lie committee would thus get many V!-
ices, aud telling Barber tha- he could
get Elm a good place il the army, i be
wanted one.
senstor Morton said ;Gat for
the present this letter would also lie 90
the table temporarily.
SIR Carpenter Objected
To the letters going at all. The witness
said ne va, appointed as inspector 0!
customs al Mobile, at salary $3.50 per
hundred weight, although he never ap-
nlied for IL; thinks Senator Spencer