The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-03-17

! dence." / feel 1t IL best that the informa-
ton should be furnished you in writing,
that may not be misunderstood On the
10th OF January reached Richmond; the
following day l called at the Auditors
office and had an interview Of about IN
hour with Mr.. Kirker. He stated In brief
that the plan was first to secure continu-
ance OF the joint order, which could give
time to procure q sufficient number Of
members to defeat the election OF the caucus
nominee. He gave the name OF member
Of the House who he said was purchase
Bile. and requested me to see and secure
mm at once. L was amazed at this mode OF
procedure, but concealed my feelings that
| might have an opportunity Of better in
forming myself, and then expose and de-
feat this treacherous attempt to break up
oir party. / didn't know and made no
attempt to purchase the member, as re-
quested by him. The morning following
this interview | called in the Auditors
office and was informed by Walter Massey
that they had secured twelve members.
All OF which Is ut your disposal, to be- used
as you see proper and fit.
Respectfully submitted.
JOHN ALEXANDER.
I'm his testimony Walter Massey denied
tlll- StslEtHtni.l
ST.. JAMES HOTEL,
RICHMOND, January 90, 1882.
Dear Sir,-I make this communication
through you TO the caucus representing the
people of the ReaIjuster party.
am citizen Of Albemarle county, and
have long been friend Of the Hon. John
Il. Massey. But am Readjuster. My
.,1i t. % tha .,,f.. -
and my concern for the success OF these and
the preservation Of the party rise far above
my devotion TO the fortunes OF any man. l
came to Richmond TO help, as honestly and
fairly might. his election to the auditor
ship rs candidate before the party for that
office. What have seen and heard since
my arrival is so revolving TO my sense Of
duty TO the cause and party TO which be-
long that feel called upon to make this for
nal communication TO its representatives.
could not really comprehend the spirit
and deyilish purposes Of the enclosed letter
until | had seen with my own eyes and
heard with my own ears, as l have. more
than sufficient 10 convince me OF the treason
which underlies the spirit that prompted
the letter here enclose.
No man shall impticate me in any such
scheme as that winch this letter discloscs
under any restriction OF confidence or OF
personal friendship.
! 1t would be to concern and involve me
in a conspiracy as against my own house
hold. Aud now that [ have further and
additional evidence, il possible, in charac-
ter more damnable-eyidence which j am
prepared to state TO the caucus in person
when called on-duty impels me 20 make
this communication, and to ask that II and
the enclosed letter be read 10 the caucus.
| iorbear to give it to the press only be
cause / would confine the subject 10 the
consideration OF the party. Before this
letter can he read in the caucus Mr.. kirker
shall be duly informed OF my action in the
premises. Mr.. Kirker's reference to the
Superintendent OF schools would impl.
that bad been seeking his OF Mr.. Massey's
influence to obtain that position, when the
truth is | had never asked Mr.. Kirker OF
Mr.. Massey's help for this or any other
office, and have never In any conversation
appeared as candidate for the superin-
tendent Of schools OF Albemarle.
Respectfuly, JOIN ALEXANDER.
I'm his examination before the commit
tee. Major Kirker emphatically declared
that lie had "no knowledge OF any cor
rupt influences being used by any one"t
view: that il never came within his know
ledge that Wing controlled any "cam
paign funds He admitted that he told
Alexander in general conversation
! "that there was a man named Sandy tha
money could be laid on" but never hat
: any idea Of reaching him that way; ncye
} knew Massey to use money or imprope
: means to secure his eeetion.l
RICHMOND. Va, February 2S, 1882.
Hon. Taylor Berry, Esq, Chairman Sendt
Ip,res,igoting Committee:
. Dear Sir,-Upon seeing in the paper
/. that had been mentioned as witness be
fore the Riddleberger investigating com
mittoe. wrote TO q friend 10 let me know
/ il / was wanted, and would come at once
Almost Immediately upon receipt OF tele
gram came. | have been mere on expense
and in neglect OF business for fourteen
, days for the purpose OF going before th'
q committee, and 20 notified your Honor a
! soon rs reached the city; but. although
: was summoned by the sergeant-at-Arm
! OF the Senate very soon after my arrival
II have never been called before
:. said committee. As my business de
!, ynands my attention at home, and AZ ther
seems no prospect Of my being called be
q fore said committee, | have decided e
: leave. Before doing so, wish to say
!, have heard 1t intimated that efforts hav
. been made TO create the impression tina
. Hon, John T.. Massey had authorized IN
= 10 use money or other improper means t
= secure his election TO the United State
: Senate, and that | was wanted to prov
that fact. There il 10 truth whatever 4
4 any such statement. l never knew o
!. heard Of Mr.. Massey using money in tina
) or any other election. | have known hlI
!, for twenty-five years. i was candidat
q for county treasurer on the same tick'
"a with him in his first election to the Legi'
lature from Albemarle, and have been int
4 mately acquainted with every canvass h
- has made since, and know he always pre-
tested against using money, treating, &c.
4 to Influence votes. have heard hiin sa.
;. both publicly and privately that he woui,
~ not give a man two cents 10 influence al
. vote il his election depended upon II.
i 4. j. FARRIsI.
:, One or two witnesses testified that ate
- the investigation was started DR.. wing eN
=. pressed wish for Massey 10 withdraw an
and the trouble. number OF member
whose names were brought into the inves
ication were asked II they had been al
preached. Mr.. Newberry said nobody IA
ever approached him. III he had b
would have got his mouth mashed.
IN Kirker and Alexander are both from Alp'
re marie.
,c views Of the Committee.
III 10 the Senate;
III The undersigned, acting under authori'
:, of the senate resolution Of the 25th day I
OI I....-....-- f.So aud nlnonncl on the "a da