New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-03-20
ASSAILING SENATOR INGALLS,.
HOW THE CHARGES oRIGINATED-THE SENATOR
ACQUITTED IN KANSAS.


lBY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUYE.l
WASHINGTON, March 19.-Tbere seems to be no
reason to doubt that Senator ingalls, will receive
far treatment at the hands of the Senate Commit
tee on Privileges and Elections in considering the
charges of bribery brought against him by citizens of
Kansas. The story, gathered from thoroughly
informed and it is believed, impartial sources, is to
the effect that strong combination was formed
against Senator Ingalls, and that just before the day
fixed for the election caucus of those opposed to
him was held and person selected whom
il was confidently expected would be elected. At
the same time Senator ingalls, had long been
considered the regular Republican candidate
for the Senate. When the ballot was taken
he was found to be the victor by one vote.
Charges of bribery were Immediately made, in
sp,red 1t seems more by surprise at this unexpected
result than by any direct evidence, and the
Kansas House Of Representatives ordered an inyes.
tigation. Speaker Clark, one of the foremost OF
Senator Ingalss opponents, and now one of his ac-
cusers before the Senate here, selected as commit
tee to try the charges two Republicans who had
voted for Mr.. ingalls,. two who had voted against
him, and Democrat. This committee
continued its inquest several weeks, and three of
the Republican finally reported that no evidence
had been found duplicating either Senator ingalls,
or any member of the Legislature. The other Re
publican, a prominent lawyer formerly Attorney
General of the state, and man, 1t is reported of
unmpeachable integrity, reported that there
was nothing in the evidence to warrant
the suspicion that Senator ingalls, had been
personally connected with any improper trans
mittee made report sustaining the charges
against the Senator. he House adopted the ma
1t is understood that the most damag-
ing testimony found in the written
admission Of a, member OF the Legislature.
who said he had been bribed to vote for
Senator Ingalls, This mans testimony was, how
ever. rendered worthless by his subsequent as
sertion that his signature was obtained , WINE ie
he was under the influence OF liquor, and that IT
was not true. He was moreover, VIGOROUSLY
an Ingalls, man, and had been elected to the Legs-
lature as such, and there was consequently no &C.
casiOn TO bribe him had there been disposition 10
do SO. Before this paper was USED III eVl-
dence it is asserted that 1T was carried TO
Senator Ingalls,, and an attempt made by lts means
to blackmall hun with it. One instance OF actual
money payment by a friend and supporter eff Sena-
tor Ingalls, to member of the Legislature was
proved, but the amount was only 500 or $500,
and both parties to the transaction assert that 1t
was simply loan with no conditions whatever.
except Its subsequent repayment
The friends of Senator Ingalls, also declare that
majority of the committee was VIGOROUSLY hostile
IN him. and that the fact of his acquittal under
such circumstances is the strongest possible evil
dence in his favor. Speaker Clarke, they assert,
failed to secure the Senator's influence in support
of his candidacy for the United States marshalship
last year and is in consequence sworn enemy of
the Senator His election to the Legislature, they
saw. was secured by coalition of Green hackers
and Independents over q straight Republic
can. and his election TO the speak kerr
shin by Greenbackers and Democrats, with
few Republicans. Every Kansas man. they declare,
knows that his whole mission to tho Legislature
was to compass the defeat of Mr.. ingalls,, and the
composed of men who would be the least hkeiy 10
Judge leniently of the evidence placed before them