New-York tribune., 1879-05-05

IL
in behalf of his silver bill and an amend
ment which he has offered thereto. A bene-
fit has been held in some private parlOrs for
the purpose Of raising money for the Chisolm
monument. 1t was a successful affair.
A NOTABLE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
THE FACTS ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH Mr.. SHELL
LEY GOT INTO CONGRESS, AND HOW HE KEEPS
HIMSELF IN.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE.l
WASHINGTON, May 4.-The following statement,
which Will be brought to the attention of the
House of Representatives in day or two will serve
to emphasize, and at the time illustrate, the
strong determination of the white Democracy of
Alabama to have free elections and preserve the
purity of tho ballot-boxi
In the IVth Congressional District Of Alabama
the registered white vote is 0,80O and the regis
tered colored vote is 49, 000 At the Congressional
election in 1876 the Republicans cast about $4,000
votes and the Democrats 9,6S5 votes Last July,
the Hon. jeremiah Haralson, colored Republican,
who had served in Congress. announced himself as
a Republican candidate for Representative at the
election ensuing In November. The Democratic
candidate General G. NJ Shelley. and his friends.
at once sought to drive Haralson from the field by
intimidation. The leading Democratic newspaper,
published at Selma, III editorial addressed to
him personally. sadi
Now while will not advise one TO shoot you,
free to say that If you continue In your present
mise. We understand that you were supplied by the
Radical Executive Committee with funds 10 return TO
tnis district and whoop em up IN the style we hayea
luded to. II this s you mad better use your uneI
pended balance IN getting away from this county and
section.
Mr.. Haralson's only offence was that of being the
Republican candidate for Congress in district
which. in fair election, would have given an over
whelming Republican majority. When the vote
was canvassed il was declared that Shelley, Demo-
crat, had received S.514 votes. and Haralson 6.540
Haralson served q notice of contest, and began to
make list Of his witnesses At this point ne met
with unexpected trouble. No notary public or
other officer authorized to administer oaths could
be found for a long time who would take the deposi
tions of the witnesses. Tho officers were all Demo
Gratis. and urged that If they were to perform this
duty their business would suffer- At length a
circuit Judge. a Republican. was found who con-
sented to act, and large number of witnesses were
summoned. As soon as they had appeared and the
examination had been begun, Shelley and his Demo-
cratic friends procured indictments against all Of
them ON charges trumped-up for the occasion, and
they were arrested and thrown into JAIL where they
remained until the time within which their depos-
tions could be of service In tho election contest had
expired, when they were released. Haralson's at
torney was also indicted on o false charge and
driven from the State. A mob Of white Democrats
assailed Haralson and compelled him also to leave
the State.
In Lowndes County, where there is q largo Repub-
lican majority, 1t Is charged that the election Off
GERS in a number Of precincts were bribed by Shell
lev to send In the election returns unsigned, which
they did and the returns were of course rejected by
the County Canvassers. In other precincts, where
1,vk xul,1 rnfar md tan
times as many colored voters, the polls were not
opened at ALL Mr.. Harason complains that although
large number Of the inspectors Of election were
indicted in the United States Court, the District
Attorney refused to allow him to examine the
papers but he AYERS that a number of these in
dicted officials were members of the Grand Jury
which indicted his attorney and witnesses on fai
charges.
This case cannot be investigated by the Commit
tce on Elections because, as Mr. Haralson will
claim all his lawful means of establishing his right
to a seat In the House have been overthrown and
rendered nugatory by the action OF General Shell
ley the sitting member, and his friends because 1t
is impossible under existing law to take depostions
in the case "by reason of the fixed and ayowed pur-
nose of the political and personal friends of General
Shelley in the district to deny to the freedmen all
civil and political rights, and to set at defiance all
laws which provide any remedy for such conduct
on their part and because of the charge of bribery
against General Shelley which If proved will dis
qualify him from holding his seat a Representa-
five Mr. HARRISON will therefore ask the House TO
investigate the matter.
Mr. She ley. the sitting member, was brigadier-
general in the Confederate Army, and in the present
Congress Is a staunch supporter OF the revolution
ary schemes of the Democrats although SO Tar IA he
Is himself concerned, he appears to have found 1t
easv to evade and practically to ennul the laws for
the protection of the ballOt-b0X.
THE MONUMENT TO CHISOLM.