National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-02-01
HUNT0N- LEXANDER.
The Grand Jury Asked to Consider
the Case.
Threatened Indictment of a congressman.

Threatened Indictment of a Congressman.
1t was supposed by many persons that the
famous Hunton- Alexander controversy which
waxcd SO warm and personal last SUMMER, and
was finally carried iuto the campaign in Nir-
gnia against Mr.. Hunton to defeat his re.clec-
ton to Congress, had been buried 50 deep since
the victory Of the latter that resurrection was
beyond possibility. But IL seems Mr. Alex.
sndcr has been simply abiding his time, and
during the waiting employed himself in coll
Letting and accumulating evidence to support
his next movement. The opportune moment
seems to have arrived. A few days since he
notified the foreman Of the grand jury that he
had n matter justly entitled to their consider
alton, and that he must claim his right, as a
law.abiding citizen, to come before the in
quisitorial body and make known his griev.
ance. Tho foreman acceded TO bis request, and
yesterday was fixed upon rs the time.
1t was near midday when Mr.. Alexander,
with II bundle Of papers passed upstairs to the
grand jury room, and n few minutes later was
admitted to their presence.
The object Of this visit was to have Hon
Eppa Hunton, of Virginia, indicted for sending
him challenge to fight duel
He called the attention of the grand jury tc
law governing the sending Of challenges, &c.
eepting them, and fighting of duels in this dis
trct and the punishment for such an oiiense
He subsequently, pulled out from his bundle
documentary evidence, rendering to show what
he could prove to substantiato the charge that
Hon. Eppa Hunton had sent u challenge IA
him with that object The letter to him from
Mr.. Hunton, dated June 10, 1873, was present.
ed and read. This'wls the missive carried by
Mr.. Shepherd, clerk. In which Mr.. Alexander
was called q falsiicr, scoundrel, and other
hard names, aud satisfaction Immediately do
manded for the insult put upon the writer
The bearer was instructed to await an answer
and Mr.. Alexander informed in the letter that
he had been so instructed.
Mr.. Alexander also proposed to prove by
number of witnesses that when he declined the
meeting Mr.. Hunton posted him as coward
ly scoundrel, and printed bills had been pre-
| pared aud were to have been circulated
| throughout the city, publishing him to that
| effect, but for some reason the programme wa;
never carried out.
He declared his ability TO prove by direct
| testimony what had been the utterances o.
| Mr.. lIuntou in regard to the letter and HIM
| self, aud thus show that tho letter was an invi.
| tation to mortal combat Later Mr.. AleXan
der recounted his visits to Virginia. and the
publications made at his instance in the Alex
| andria GG:ette to encompass the defeat of Mr.
| Hunton to Congress. He promised TO briuS
before the grand jury his son, Mr.. Shepherd
| the bearer Of tho challenge, Mr.. j. NJ. Steuart
| Postmaster of tho House OF Representatives
ald several Others whose evidence would sus
tain the charge aud warrant the grand jury il
presenting Mr.. Hunton for violation of the
law governing dueling in the District of Co
| lumbia. =.
| AT the conclusion of Mr.. Alcxander's exam
| ination further consideration of the case wa!
postponed until Monday next until which
time the grand jury adjourned.