Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-08-20
LEW WALLACE ON ORTIZ.

The Reasons FOR the Formation of -1nti-
Orth Republican Clubs in Indiana.
A reporter of the Cincinnati Enquirer has
interviewed Gen. Lew Wallace as to the rea-
sons for the formation of Anti-Orth Re-
publican clubs. Gen. Wallace states his
views as follows:
"We will make no charges against
Mr.. Orth until we have examined all the
documents and evidence connecting him
with the Venezuela affair, and if, upon in
vestigaiion, we find that the charges are not
sustained, we will promptly report that we
exonerate him from them. If, on the other
hand, we think they are sustained, we will
give our reasons to the public.''
GAS you seem to be hunting for proofs
against Mr.. Orth, allow me to ask upon
what you base your objections to him as the
nominee of your party?''
"Our objections are based upon his re-
ported connection with the Venezuela affair,
as stated in his own testimony in regard to
that matter, in which we think we discern
conduct on his part not consistent with COM
mon official honesty. Speaking for myself
personally, l will say that if, upon a fair and
impartial investigation of all the documents
and proofs pertaining to this business, my
conclusion should be that he is to blame or
| in fault, mean to say so. If he is found in
fault, as We think he is, then we will say
that and fasten it upon him, and for that
purpose we will delay the issue Of the ad-
| dress until we can examine these proofs
s'But, General, as you seem not to have
| any of these proofs at hand, allow me to ask
| why you have taken any steps to organize
| this society in advance of knowing whether
| you will decide him innocent or guilty?''
1--WE base our action upon the printed re-
port of his own testimony, given in the In
dianapolis Journal a few days previous to
his withdrawal from the State ticket two
years ago, IN connection with the Venezuela
affair. which were given in connection with
the published statements of other persons
touching the same affair. l also base it upon
| information derive from Mr.. White, who,
in answer to question of mine, said that a
night or two before the end of the last ses-
sion of Congress the committee made
formal report to the House on the Venezuela
affair, which report stated that the whole
business was fraud. These are the reasons
which form the basis of our action.''
did Mr.. White say that this report made
to the House connected Mr., Orth with the
| fraud?''
| Gle did not, for did not ask him that
connected with the affair, and the commit
tee said it was fraud. shall use no in
formation which is not official or base upon
Mr.. Orth's sworn statement, and if I find
that have been mistaken will be swift to
so declare. But | understand and believe
that his declination was referable directly to
| the Venezuela affair; and the circumstances
| at the time, all taken together, construe
| into an admission of the truth of the charges
made against him.
"Mr. Orth was abroad, holding a high
official place as the representative of our
government, which he resigned, and came
home to accept the nomination rendered
him by the Republican party of this State,
| for the Office of governor. He came home,
accepted the nomination, and proceeded to
make speeches and take an active part in the
canvass. Then these charges were made
against him, and they occasioned great
solicitude among Republicans all over the
State, because they felt they could not carry
| him if they were true. When it was told
him that these charges were made, am in
formed, an appointment was published by
him for meeting at Masonic Hall, in In
dianapolis, its special object being to give
him an opportunity to explain the charges
and exculpate himself. Shortly before this
| appointed time the public were informed
that Mr.. Ortiz had resigned his candidacy,
letting the meeting go by default. This ac-
ton left the belief upon my mind and upon
that of every intelligent man in the State,
| that his declination was the direct conse-
quence of his participation in the affair, and
that 1t would admit of no explanation which
would be consistent with common honestly
"Our position in this matter may be stated
thus: Are there furnished by the case, adj
NIT ing the charges to be true, sufficient
reasons for dropping his name in voting the
ticket? The rule which have adopted for
I.my own government in such cases does not
extend to the private morals, though think
it ought to. recognize the fact that an inn
moral man may faithfully serve his country,
for we have all known of such instances
Without inquiring into Mr.. Orth's conduct
in the manner of his political appointments;
without inquiring into the alleged instances