Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1884-05-28
copIAH COUNTY.
THE MINORITY REPORT.

THE MINORITY REPORT.
WAsHISeToN, May 27.--The senate
minority report on the Copiah inyesti-
CATION dissents entirely from the state
ments and conclusions contained In
the report of the majority, and repre-.
sents their own view of
affairs formed from the
testimony of reputable and credi.
BILE witnesses examined by the com
mittee. They express the opinion
that investigation was originated
and conducted for the purpose of aid
ing the Republicans in the approach
Ing presidential canvass by reviving
the stories of outrage and crime which
were SO effectual In former political
campaigns, and perhaps to furnish an
excuse. II necessary, for rejecting the
vote OF Mississippi in the electoral col
lege and thereby defeating, as was
done In 1876, the clearly expressed will
of the American people in the choice
of president. They refer to Eliza
Pinkston story, and ask who believes
1t to-day, this and other tales having
lost their potency since the Danville
and Copiah Investigations were con.
ceived and brought fort1. They say
the majority report evidently ignored
and purposely disregarded the sworn
testimony of the most intelligent,
trustworthy and reliable citizens of
Copiah county, and gave full credence
and belief to statements of persons,
some of whom were shown to be desti-
tute of character for veracity,
and Others apparently too ig-
nOrant to understand and regard
the obligation of the oaths taken
by them. The report states that the
people of Copiah county are law-abid-
ing, and that the number of crimes
and violations of law committed by
the white people in that county are
less in number and less aggravated in
character than in many portions of
New England and other Northern
states that boast their educational adj
vantages and superior civilization.
They analyze the testimony before the
committee to show that the crimes in
vestigated were not political crimes.
With regard to the killing of Mathews,
the minority quote from the testimony
to show that 1t resulted from a
personal quarrel between Mathews
and Wheel0ck about politics, and that
the latter was acquitted on the plea of
self-defense. OF Mathews, they say he
carried arms, and was regarded by
many as ready, even eager for fray.
He was just such a person as would be
likely to come into a collision with
others sooner or later that would end
seriously, if not fatally. In regard to
the investigation proposed by the ma
iority in the next election in MISSISSIPPI
ri, the minority say 1t is a threat to
disfranchise the people of the state OF
Mississippi in the coming presidential
election, made with view to
lettering citizens of that state
from casting its electoral vote
and that more fragrant attempt to
bulldoze an entire state by threaten
ing to disfranchise its people and de-
stroy its autonomy cannot be found In
the annals of constitutional govern
ment. In conclusion, the minority
say; "The duty of the undersigned Is
perhaps discharged by exposing the
animus of the recommendation, but
they feel justified in saying they little
understand the spirit or temper OF the
American people who suppose they
will again submit 10 defeat OF theii
will in the choice of president. as was
the case in 1877. Neither
AN electoral commission nor
armed soldiers around this capital
will prevent the installation In tht
presidential office of the man eievate !.
10 that position by the votes OF M
conntrymen. The reproach brought
ON our system of government by tns
occurrences which placed In the chie
executive office of the government
man who had been defeated at ths
polls is too keenly felt by w
people of the country to JUSTIFY
the belief that they VII
tole rate for a moment the digestion
of their repetition, and the minority
can but express their surprise at In'
temerity that volunteers, howeve
covertly, to avow purpose so des.r nc
tive to the hopes and honor Of IN
country. 1.-The report is signed .:
Vance, Salisbury, Pugh ana Jonas
e~~