Middletown transcript., 1878-05-18
Washington Letter.
WAsHrNaror. D. IA. MaY Is, lsTs.

WASHINGTON, u. VI May 10, 1910.
The Democratic joint caucus met
yesterday morning and decided to push
the investigation Of the frauds in Flor
ida and Louisiana in connection with
the last Presidential election. Clark
son N. Potter was deputed to present
resolution. The preamble substantial
" recites that as Maryland has com
blamed that due effect was not given
her Presidential vote because Of
frauds; and as BY affidavit and other
wise, it appears that frauds were com
mitted in Florida and Louisiana where
by the voice Of the people Of those
States was stifed, it is proper to make
inquiry to the end that the honor Of
the Nation be vindicated and the truth
be made known. Conger attempted
the rule Of Republican leader without
authority and was left to urge his alb
surd points Of order quite unsupport-
ed. Hale put himself forward in that
capacity and was coached through the
hard places by Garfield, the whole
force from the Republican side rally
ing around this Senatorial aspirant
from Maine. Of course he was preg-
nant with all sorts Of objections but
he was finally silenced on his points Of
order when he came in with his chef
PsuUre in the shape Of an amendment
whereby it was proposed to include a
large portion Of the United States in
the investigation. The allegations Of
frauds upon which it was based con
sisted chiefly Of the old products ofthe
"outrage mills" and the "bloody shirt
that formerly preceded elections il the
South. They had been revamped to
adopt to the present occasion. But he
failed. He couldn't even get permis-
sion to have them read. The feeling
appears to be that any specific charge
Of fraud, responsibly backed, should
be included. But that it would be
foreign to the purpose Of the investi-
CATION to permit the Radical leaders
to range all over the country for iso-
lated cases Of intimidation with which
to effect and belittle the frauds by
which whole States were deprived Of
their preferences and the results Of q
national election was wholly prevent
ed. Little more was done than to get
the resolution before the House yester-
day and it comes up on the expiration
Of the moving hour to-day as unfnish-
ed business. struggle is anticipated
but there are Democrats enough III
town favoring the investigation to in
sure the adoption Of the resolution,
provided they are in their seats at the
proper time.
Though delivered week ago to-
day the merits Of the speech Of Gen.
Gordan on the repeal Of the resump-
ton act are still being canvassed.-
He smote the c0ntractiohists hip and
and thigh, though never for a moment
departing from the courteous bearing
usual with him. In the estimation Of
the crowded chamber and galleries it
was mastery arraignment Of those
responsible for the financial legislation
since the close Of the war, judging
from the cheers Of approval that again
and again interrupted the speech
He denounced contraction as justly
chargeable with our prospect condi-
ton Of te-day, all the suffering, wretch
edness and misery following legiti-
mately from the unnatural methods
BY which it was sought to let Us down
from the ihated and artificial values
of the war period. Those already with
him in sentiment were confirmed, and
many heretofore inclining to the con
traction side had their views more Or
less radically modified. It must be an
ingenious pleader and one thoroughly
versed with his subject that could
make the experience Of England,
France and Italy support the contrac-
tionist's views, after Gen. Gordon's use
Of the facts to fortify his own position
and they must put their best men for
ward if they expect to neutralize the
damaging effect Of the severe punish
ment inflicted BY this dashing Georg-
ian.
| desire to say one word in behalf Of
a faithful public servant, Senator Da-
Wis, Of West Virginia, in connection
with the investigation Of the book
keeping methods. Of the Treasury De.
partment. He forced it in the face q
the ieers and gibes Of the Radical
crew which evidently hoped to make
him feel that his pertinacity must be
the result Of stupidity, thus diverting
him from his purpose by ridicule.-
But they found that he was not to be
thus intimidated. Their explanations
Of the discrepancies in the Treasury
books have always been about as clear
as mud. And if money matters are
found to be all right he will have
made public the need Of change in
the manner Of keeping their books
It is safe to say that either fraud i
covered up there, or the book-keepers
department Of the Treasury needs such
a degree Of reformation as will enable
one Of ordinary intelligence to gel
some ideas Of our financial standing By
d careful inspection Of the books.
Sitting Bulls threats are being urg
ed to influence Congress to vote Mr.
Hayes the authority to raise 75,00(
volunteers between sessions Don
do it.
Professor Henry's death is the loca
event now most discussed. He was a
the head Of the Smithsonian Institute
and his death, though not expected
is referred to by with deepest regret.
SoLoN.