The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-03-19

this election, because IL was found that
FoRNEY could not afford it much better
than CAMERON.
In 1860 Mr.. CAMERON managed to got him
self named by tho Pennsylvania Rcpub-
Leans rs their choice for President. This
was dono to enable him to trade with the
successful candidate. Accordingly, Mt the
nick Of time, the friends of Mr.. LINCOLN
were approached, and a bargain was made
with DAVID DAVIS. LEONARD SWEET, and
Judge LOGAN. that II CAMERoN's men would
go for LINCOLN, CAMERON should have a
Cabinet Office. Mr. LINCOLN know nothing
Of this questionable bargain, and when the
penalty came 10 be oXactcd he struggled
hard to escape But CAMERON was APP
pointed, and within a year Congress d-
rected committee. under tho chairmanship
Of HENRY l.. DAWES, to inquire into the
wholesale charges Of corruption In the War
Department. After n thorough investi-
cation, the committee made such re-
port as induced the Republican House
Of Representatives TO pass solemn
resolution OF ccnsure upon the Secretary.
Thcrcupon Mr. LINCOLN unccrcmonously
turned him out. CAMERON was In Col
ScOrr's room when he received the curt
note Of dismissal, where his supplica-
tions moved even Col MCCLURE to pity for
his fallen enemy; and these gentlemen, with
the assistance of Mr.. CHASE, got Mr. LIN
COLIN to agree to I'm ante-da:ed resignation
and "a kind letter Of acceptance" BY way
OF consolation Mr.. CAMERON was sent 20
Russia for n few months, but soon returned
TO look after the Legislature Mt Harrisburg.
In 1863 the Democrats had Il majority Of one
only In the Legislature and Mr. CAMERON
thought he saw his opportunity. lIc con-
veyed bride to THOMAS JEFFERSON BOYER.
member from Clearfeld and got the Rcpub-
llcan nomination upon assurances that he
could obtain Democratic vote, which
nobody else could He felt sure OF his
game. BOYER had his price in his pocket,
but when the baloting camc on, indignant
Democrats with clubs In their hands and
pistols about them, crowded the hall, and
BOYER voted for BUCKALEw. An invostga-
ting committee went to the Bottom OF this
transaction and unoarthed one BRoBsr and
JOHN J. PATTERSON. now a Republican Sena-
tor from South Carolina, as CAMERoN's prln-
cipal agents. Upon the records Of that Log
islaturc stands yet the following, passed on
the 1ith of April. 1868: Resolved That The
Governor be instructed TO direct the Attor-
ney-Gencrnl to institute criminal proceed
i'gs against SIMON CAMERON, JouN ]. PAT
rERsON, WILLIAM BRoBsr, and HENlN
THOMAS
In his later elections Mr.. CAMERON had
little trouble and is not supposed to have
used great deal Of money. The famous
Treasury Ring was organized. IL doml-
mated the Republican party moro abso-
lutelv than TWEED over dominated his party
in this city, and kept its chief in place without
appreclable opposition, while It paid cx-
penses with money taken from the
State Treasury. II IL 10 the power
Of this corrupt combination OF pub
lie plunlerers that SIMON CAMERoN's
dcspotic sway is to be attributed.
When his order came to have his son
chosen to succeed him in the Senate, the
banditti swarmed into Harrisburg under
KEMBLE, MAcKEy. RUrAN. Quay, MAGEE.
HAErRANFT. and SrokLEy aud tho Legs-
lature was awed into instant obedience
They admit. however, that If but single
day had interviewed in which to hear from
the press and people. even the Ring Lcgisla-
ture would have hestatcd over this last and
most impudent of CAMERoN's demands
But the thing Is done, and the people who
have allowed IL request from tho grand
inquest OF the State for the criminal
prosecution OF SIMON CAMERON for one
Of his manifold offences TO pass UNDECIDED
by the Governor, must be content 10 put
up with his son until some great Ring
breaker like SAMUEL J. TILDRS shall arise
in Pennsylvania TO deliver them.