The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-05-02
Ghe @1ailg Argns.
ROCK ISLAND. rLLrrors
The Florida Frauds.


1t. is said by prominent Democrats that
resolution will soon be introduced in the
house directing the committee on judiciary
to investigate the alleged Florida frauds,
and authorizing them to send for persons
and papers. This would include the state
ments of McLin and Dennis, and other
proofs in that connection. The investiga-
ton will be made with view Of ascertain-
ing all the facts, and not to interfere with
the present position of President Hayes"
We hope such resolution will be intro.
duced and promptly adopted, and then that
the judiciary committee will Immediately
proceed to give the alleged Florida frauds a
through investigation. What the purpose
of that investigation should be is happily
set forth in the above telegram: THE
ascertainipg of all the facts" not any
interference with the present position Of
MIR. Hayes. The Democrats in the house
cannot afford to join the Republicans in
whistling the confessions of McLin and
Dennis out of sight. One of the MANY
reasons for believing these confessions es-
sentlally true is the fact that they confirm
with wonderful accuracy the charges made
by the Democracy in the Florida case
while the presidential dispute was pending.
Democrats said that certain frauds were
committed by certain men at certain times
and places. Republicans of course gave a
sweeping denial Now come McLin and
Dennis, the Republican instruments of
fraud, and fully confirm the Democratic
statements down to the minutest particu-
lars, thereby showing the Republican
denial to have been wilful and deliberate
falsehood. The Republican leaders and
organs appreciate the situation. and in
order to escape if possible from an embarr-
assiDg predicament are denounciug the r
repentant tools as utterly unworthy of
notice, much less of belief.
1t they can succeed in persuadiug the
Democracy to take the same view, they
will save their party from deadly blow
and if the Democratic majority in the
house allow themselves to be thus persuad-
ed, they are consumate fools.
Let US. then. have the investigation.
Let McLin and Dennis be summoned
before the Judiciary committee and allowed
an opportunity to repeat their confessions
and prove the facts therein set forth Let
them be vigorously cross examined by the
Republican mem bers of the committee,
and confronted with opposing witnesses, In
short, let no stone be left unturned to get
at the truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth. The occupation of the
executive chair by the present incumbent
until 1881 is of comparatively little
consequence. The exposure of the means
by which he was placed in that chair is of
incalculable consequence. If the colossal
fraud can be proved beyond possibility Of
doubt, it will then be pilloried in history
aud DO repetition of it is possible. While
it remains in slightest doubt, history will
ignore it, and repetition is not only
possible but probable. Now is the time
for the Democracy to vindicate their course
in the Observation-Disclosures by dragging
into the light of day the wrong theS suffer
ed. Let Hayes remain undisturbed, but
let the party whose scoundrelism put him
where he is be branded with iuefaceable
infamy.-St. Louis Rep.