The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-04-07
A Blow at Tilden.
The Developments in the Washburn-Don-
nelly Scandal-The Attempt to Bulldoze
Springer Traced Very Near to the Gra-
ENERGY Park Statesman.

Springer Traced Very Near to the Gra-
ENERGY Park Statesman.
Washington Special to the Boston Advertier)
Mr.. Springer's explanation of the Manning
charges, made in the House Monday, and the
substance and form of it, were different from
what all but Mr.. Springer's intimate personal
friends expected Manning had first obtained
the floor and in a few mealy-mouthed sentences
had stated that he made no charge that Spring
er had received money for his vote; and, after
describing many things he did not intend to
say, he disclaimed all responsibility for the
publication of the article in the Post Man.
ming would hardly have made such statement
as he did, had he known the trap that was be-
ing prepared for him. Mr.. Springer rose and
began his explanation in manner very differ
ent from that in which he generally appears in
public. Usually he is fiery, impetuous and
unrestrained; Monday he was calm and delib-
crate, and, IN the parts in which he spoke of
his wife, pathetic. Mr.. McLane of Maryland,
who boasts OF the manners of the old school,
and who is proud of having been a member of
the House quarter of century before the
war (when many of the present members were
not born), interposed stately objection to any
procedure under the pretence of personal priv
1lege. as 1T was only question between two
men that didn't concern the House: but the
Speaker and the House thought otherwise,
and the case proceeded. Springer's matter
was we'll arranged. He first presented his doc
umentary evidence, and he then called his
witnesses. The documents surprised the House
as they will amaze and surprise the country.
The witnesses, who were members of the cleo
t1ons committees, called in succession, con-
firmed in every detail Mr.. Springer's allega-
tions as to his personal relations to the case,
and left the Manning charge without a basis.
The letters from the editor of the Post showed
clearly that the sensational story proceeded in
great measure from Manning, notwithstand-
ing the denial of the latter, and Mr.. Springer
wisely left Mr.. Manning to settle the question
of veracity with the editor, as a matter in
which the public had no concern. The produc-
tion OF the genuine anonymous letter, the pub
locations already made having been incorrect,
created still more sensation, as the letter was
not signed with the thin disguise ga Republi-
cam" as the published letter is, and Mr.. Spring
er said he would prove that it was not signed
by Republican. The confidence with which
this assertion was made created the greatest
interest upon both sides of the chamber, and
from that moment the excitement was intense
until the climax was reached. Mr.. Springer
then read letter from Finley long-recog-
nlZed and well-known confidential agent of S.
j. Tilden, familiar in Washington and through
out the country fromJOregon to Florida as one
of the "coparceners'' and trusted managers of
the Gramercy-park plotter. The very mention
OF Finley's name brought CONSERVATION to the
Tilden Democracy and pleasure to Tilden's op-
ponents, as it seemed probable that, after all,
the Republican charges that the fine hand of
the sage OF Gramercy-park was visible in this
dark business would be proved to be true. As
sentences were read which, without attempted
concealment, connected Tilden with this mat
ter. honest men of all parties were shocked to
believe that Presidential candidate who
seems to hold his party in his grip could resort
to agencies like this. Mr.. Springer's recital of
his interview with Donnelly was more anus
ing, and, as he continued, the head and face of
lgnatius Donnelly could be seen peering over
the brass railing behind the members seats,
but the coat-tails of Finley were nowhere vis-
bic. The House was nearly convulsed with
laughter as, in thieves slang, Donnelly "gave
himself away" 20 Springer by describing the
quality of paper on which letter was written
that he was presumed not to have seen.
The letter which Springer read from Finley
is as follows:
(confdential)
WASHINGTON, d. c., 1917 18th street.
My Dear Mr.. iSpringer:-I have heard with
good deal of chagrin that YOU have some
doubts as to the expediency of adopting the ye-
port of the subcommittee to seat Mr.. Donnel-
ly. Not to do this will, / know, leave you
open to the severest criticism, and give color
of truth to the reports which Washburne's
friends have most unguardedly set afioat. The
importance OF the matter, as it may develop in
regard to the next election of President, makes
every Democrat anxious to see the State
saved, now that we can legally and properly do
it, to the Democracy. The whole case is before
our friends in New York. and upon the asslr-
ances which gathered from what you said to
me, have told them that the report could be
adopted, and Donnelly would be seated at
once. l cannot believe that you will now fail
to make this good. Among the hundreds of
letters which come to me, there is not one in
which the matter has not been urged to COM
pletion. when there has been any mention of
it, and 1T is as much matter of general politi-
cal interest as any of which theylwrite to me.
am convinced that neither you nor Demo-
cratic Congress can afford to disappoint our
friends in this matter. l am presumed to know
and do know how much weight ought to be
given to the paid Democratic detractors of
Donnelly, and to the mercenary quasi-Demo-
cratic defenders of Washburne's bribery. 1t is
not enough that Washburne should be de-
prived of his seat, but that the wishes of the
voters, as legally expressed should be regarded
and vindicated, and they demand that their
chosen representative should be seated To
send the matter back to the people now would
be only to invite the investment of a large
sum of radical money to be expended there,
and this would be done without stint The
worst elements of the party would be put to
work then, and the result would be disaster to
us: The high character of the member of the
subcommittee too, would seem to be impugned
should the report fail of unanimous adoption
by the Democrats, and 1 trust that such is not
the case. Pardon what may seem like inter-
ference in this matter. L still hold the closest
and most confidential relations to those who
are perhaps, personally most to be affected by
your decision in this matter, and speak in
that capacity when write this and urge upon
you prompt and decisive action in this vital
matter; and 1 may add that it reaches further
even than have intimated, and will, both i'm
mediately and remotely, affect us all beyond
which can now be apparent to you and 1. 1
beg leave to add that it still seems incredible
to me that any one should doubt your inten-
tions to carry out the wishes of our friends in
this matter.
am, with sincere respect, very sincerely
yours, HENRY III. FINLEY.
Washington, March 9th, $780,