Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-04-19
SPRINGER'S SCRAPE.
Inside History of the Committee Action In
Ordering an Investigation of the Author

Inside History of the Committee Action In
Ordering an Investigation of tho Author
ship of the Anonymous Letter.
The following Washington correspondence of
the Chicago Tribune, though written previous
to the passage of the investigating resolutions,
will be found of interest
The Springer Manning controversy as to the
authorship of the anonymous letter and the
alleged attempt to bribe Mr.. Springer, is likely
to take new lease of life. At the meeting of
the House committee on elections to-day, q
resolution was introduced by Democratic
member friend of Mr.. Manning-reciting
that whereas Mr.. Springer had made certain
grave accusations touching the honor and in
togrity of Mr.. Ignatius Donnelly, tO-wit: That
he had inspired certain anonymous letter,
that subcommittee should be appointed to
examine into the case with view to sscer-
tanning the truth or fslsity of the charge.
The resolution was advocated by Democrats.
Mr. Armfeld made a strong speech, in which
he said the reputation of Mr.. DOnnelly
had been violently assailed in the
House of Representatives,, where he
had no opportunity OF re-
plying. The charge was of such character
that, 30 long as it remains unrefuted, his repe-
tatiOn as man of honor must suffer. 1t was
was but just that an impartial exami-
nation should be made by a competent
tribunal, and upon the result of that examina-
tiOn Mr.. Donnelly must rest his case. Mr..
Springer was much annoyed by
THE REVIVAL OF THE AFFAIR,
and tried to persuade the mover to withdraw
it. He said he was sick of controversy which
involved the name of his wife. To this appeal
Mr.. Manning said, with warmth, that no mem
Der of the committe had used Mrs. Springer's
name, nor would anyone think of doing SO.
IL is believed to be the intention of the COM
mittee tOpush this inquiry to its logical result.
no matter who is to be hurt. Some think
they will be able to catch Mr.. Springer, and
if 30, their deliberate purpose is to depose him
from the craftsmanship of the committee.
They say they will not submit to the leader
ship of a man who in critical moment will
desert his party. They say if Springer were
once deprived of his craftsmanship he would
not be able to WELD any influence in the House.
1t will be remembered that on the day of the per-
sonal explanations by Springer and Manning,
the former called on the members of the COM
mittee siDgly for their understanding as to his
attitude on the Washburn case, and that they
testified in such way as to
LEAVE TIE IMPRESSION
that they backed Mr., Springer. These Demo-
Gratis, with the single exception of Mr.. Speer,
are said to be united now in the determination
to force Mr. Springer from the committee if
he cannot satisfactorily explain the charges he
made against Donnelly. 1t is possible that
Mr.. Springer, with the aid of Mr.. Speer and the
Republicans of the committee, will be able to
vote down the resolution; in which
case Mr.. Manning publicly declares
he will bring it up in the House
and force Gtion there. The feeling
among the Manning faction is intense, and
they seem determined to push matters to q
crisis. Speaker Randall comes in for a share
of hard names, because he organized the COM
mittee with two Democrats in it who cannot
be depended upon. Mr.. Speer is cordially
disliked for his want of partisanship. MIR.
Manning moved to have the sessions held with
open doors, on the ground that, no matter
what precautions were taken, garbied accounts
would gain currency; but his motion was voted
down. He is very angry at what no considers
the animus of the newspaper correspondents
in misrepresenting him. He seems to think
it q case of premeditated nalignancy, and he
speaks of the profession as ''a band of assas-
sins.' 1t is the belief of some of the mem
bers of the committee that the fight thus be-
gun will not be allowed to flag until the
charges against Donnelly are thoroughly
proved or until Mr.. Springer has been forced
tn