Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-05-18
concerning his first political interyi
Chalmers, testified

OnhIuefH, lcelluSCE
1t occurred some time after June p, 1852. We
discussed the general state of politics. He
stated to me that he had decided TO oppose the
Bourbon Democratic organization in Mississippi,
and that he had already announced himself ss q
candidate for Congress against Mr.. Manning.
He stated 10 me that great many. we'll
meaning Democrats were ready TO Join him.
stated TO him that in such a contest, while not
citizen of his State, he would nave my sympathy
He went somewhat into detail about Csnyasslng
his district-his intention to appeal 70 his old
army comrades Buchanan and WimbeIlyl in ia
ley and to insugurats system OF fair and peace
full elections In this conversation the ap-
pointment of A. T: Wimberly as revenue agent
WAS spoken Of by Gen. Chalmers approyingly. His
appointment had been considered by me for some
time. He had been recommended to me by the Hon.
Geo. N. Buchanan and J. D. Ross. besides had
made inquiry of Others in regard 10 his standing.
He was employed as revenue agent June D
1882, at &C per DAY and travelling expenses.
Revenue Agent McLeer, who YVES in charge of that
revenue agents division was authorized to en-
ploy f. E West to assist in the detection Of frauds
upon the revenue in Mississippi. He was employed
for period OF about month and half, begin
ming on the 18th of September and ending on the
ing expenses . . received two or three notes
from Chalmers, addressed to me in private way,
Inat were NOT a enc i4r b al e.
the re-appointment of Wimberly.
HOW SETTLES WAS SETTLED.
Hubbell, Henderson, Chandler, Hatton
| and Rsum each, when questioned, denied
having any knowledge Of J. L. Settles as q
proposed candidate Ia Republican, who,
upon Chalmers's self-Snnouncsment as 3
candidate, indignantly declared his intention
of taking the field against him, and in whose
favor the only b5nofde primary convention
held in the district unanimously declared
| ITSELF or OF having counselled his retirement
| in Chalmers's interest. Bearing this in
mind, and recollecting that Hubbell testified
| that he, 10 the beginning, was only favorable
I II y. 4 L. ~
use 1t to secure Republican success, the tssti-
mony OF Register Bruce, whs admitted that
he sent the following telegram 10 Settle
Republicans here do not think it would be wise
| to nominate Republican for Congress. Give
| Chalmers chance at the B0urbons.
| Will probably induce Mr.. Settle to cal
| upon his friend Bruce for inform alton as &c
| who were the "Republicans here" that he sc
potentially represented, as upon them rest,
the grsvum and obloquy of causing the de
feat of Mr.. HubbelPs purpose in connection
with Chalmers, which, as testified by him
was "to divide the Democrats and elect Re
publican" in that they deferred him from
accepting the nomination proffered him, By
interpreting their wishes in discouragemen
thereof through Bruce, in so ipgenuonsll
| worded q message as to cause him naturally
TO accept it az the conclusions and wist
of the authorized advisers of the part,
which, as a dutiful subject, it would b.
treason for him TO oppose. Mr.. Bruce like
| wise testified that Chalmers sought ssvera
political interviews with him, in all peril p
| alf dozen, the first about three days ate
he was turned out Of Congress, when he in
formed him that he had determined Il
become an independent candidate for Con
gress in the Second District, and believed
that he could be elected if the Republican
party would place no candidate in The field
The last witness examined was
ATTORNEY GENERAL BREWSTER,
who, answering as TO his acquaintance will
Chalmers, said;
know him very slightly. 1 believe he intro
duced himself to me as Mr.. Chalmers, OF Miss
with him since June, 1882. The purport of thes
interviews with me related 10 the elections il
Mississippi and, as near as l can remember, com
plants OF proposed frauds, that might be perDt
trated there in conducting those elections and in
9uires as to the means OF receiving aid from thi
eminent to Illustrate these frauds and secure a
honest election.
Asked iu regard to Chalmers having sine
received an appointment from the Depart
ment of Justice, ne replied:
Mr.. Chalmers was appointed Deeember9 9, 1852, t
aid in some prosecutions IN Mississi ppi. His dJ
ties were those of counsel to assist in con ductin
the prosecutions of violations of the electio
Southern districts of Mississippi H will be pal
st my discretion, according TO the amount CT SCI
/ vice he renders.
Questior-On whose recommendation was h
Z appointed? Ans.-G. G. Chandler, United State
attorney for the Northern District OF Mississippi
made the request by letter. The case, case
were represented to me as cases that would nee
to be represented with care, and such cases w0ul
require more force and time than the district q
torney could give to them.
= TIRE REVELATIONS AS TO CHALMERS
in this testimony leads me TO iOdorse Mis-
| McBride's comment upon the complain
preferred against her by Chalmers when h
requested her dismissal from the Treasury
namely: That during his Canvass last fall a
80 ,: is.c e g .; ~ - zoe ssGsad Di'
trict of Mississippi she had slandered hin
which drew from her the curt response
"Mr. Chalmers in clsiming that 'slandereC
him only exhibits his unparalleled egotism.