The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1880-03-08
THE HE1DENnA1N INVESTIGATION.

When the statement Was first made public
concerning The charge Of corruption against
Mr. Heidehhain the DEMOCRAT was Inclined
10 regard IL az one of the many Idle runners
that almost always prevail during \ session
VI the Legislature. and WAS loAth 10 believe
that even Radical member of the General
Assembly even Mr.. Haidenhaln had
baen guilty og the shameful crime imputed to
h,m-the attempt TO levy blackhlail upon tho
city administrators.
When the charge Wac formally made by the
Mayor Of the city. upon Information received
from the Administrator VI Commerce, and the
House appointed = committee TO investigate
the matter. We wers still led 70 hope that the
accused member would be able % show that
hls language had been misunderstood, and
that he had not really made the infamous
proposition os which he was accused.
We regret 10 sAy that our hopes and ex-
peceations have not been sustained. that We
have been much TOO lenient Ii our View of the
case, and that the facts thus far elieited In
tho investigation leave no room for doubt
that The charge against MIR. Heldenhaln IL
true. He has not only been guilty 81 en-
deavuring 10 extort money In his capacity ~
but he has expressed hls perfect willingness
10 attempt 10 corrupt other members Of the
Legislature BY the use Of money. lie has not
only done these things, but he has exhibited
IN unblusbinx eifrontery about tho whole
matter which proves him 70 be destitute q
every sentiment Of honor and AZ lost 10
decency ~ devoid u shame.
Confronted with his Acolisers his actions
and methods IRE all those Of guilty man.
and instead oil seeking full, fair and honest
investigation, he pleads for secrecy. makes
frivolous and captlous objections TO tho testl-
mony, and then finding that tho facts are too
slArlns 70 be covered Up, adopts the favorite
policy of Ill roaiae, and attempts by vile In
situations and by reckless charges To smirch
the characters Of gentlemen whose reputa-
tions- unlike his own-hAve stood unsoathed
1.-THE fierce light that beats upon all men Ia
public station. He adopts the trick OF the
artful cutie tish that frequently manages to
elude its pursuers by darkenlng tho water
around II, but fortunately tho spear of truth
transflxed him before he bethouRht himself
Of that weak and lespioAble strataxem. What
ever sympathy might have been entertained
for this corrupt but weak minded man has
been changed TO contempt ana scorn by his
cowartily attempts To blacken tho characters
os others by making charges against them
which were entirely Irrelevant to the subject
At iesue.
since he has been permitted to make
those charges. however, In what purport.
ed 10 be \ secret meeting, and the press
has given them wide publicity. We think
the committee owes II to those who have
been assAiled b fully investigate the mat
ter. The result can In no way affect Mt.
Heidenhain's guilt or Innocence. but the
charge II grave one, seriously affecting tho
reputation 81 gentlemen who have hitherto
lived blameless lives In the community. and
In their behalf should be examined into IN
order that they may have full and fair op-
portunity to establish their innocence. and to
prove their Acctser to be ~ malicious = Sian.
derer a. 10 appears 10 be corrupt and shame
lcss legislator.