The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-06-20
KEMBIE VS.. BLAINE.

One of the hardest things that has
been said of Blaine is the statement
which William II. Kcmble is said to
have made at the Cincinnati Convcn-
ton in 1876. This statement is given
on the authority of Charles II. Bergner,
owner of the Harrisburg Telegraph.
The Patriot gives the following report
of what Mr.. Bergner said:
at is commonly believed" said Mr..
Bergner, "that Blaine was defeated for
the nomination in 1876, because he was
obnoxious to the Cameron ring There
is nothing further from the truth, and
tho only color for the statement lies in
the fact that Senator Cameron was OPP
posed to him. His defeat was accom-
plished by disclosure made by Will
liam III. Kemble, who was delegate
from the Fourth district, Philadelphia,
and bad no reference direct or indirect
to the relations between Senator Cam
eron and Mr.. Blaine. H Hl0d NJ.
"After the sixth ballot had been COM
pleted,' continued Mr.. Bergner, 'it be-
came evident that the issue would be
decided on the next. The Pennsylvania
delegates had been voting for John +.
Hartranft in obedience to the resolu-
tions of the state convention. In order
that the state might make itself felt in
the succeeding ballot, the delegation
withdrew for consultation. While they
were engaged thus the late Morton Nc
Michael and General Bingham address.
ed themselves earnestly to the delegates
in advocacy of voting for Blaine. AT
the conclusion of Mr.. McMichael's re-
marks it was evident deep impression
had been made. just as the vote was
about to be taken Mr. kemble arose.
He asked the delegates to pause in the
matter, and gave his opinion that tho
nomination of Blaine would bring de-
feat to the party. He referred to the
damaging stories that would be told
and to the doubtful record Mr. Blaine
had made during his public life. He
drew from his pocket two cancelled
checks, and continued: 81 never had
any legitimate business transactions
with Mr.. Blaine. The only relations
we have ever had are represented by
these two checks. They are signed by
Inc, made payable. to his order and en-
dorsed and returned to me through the
ordinary channels of such things.
When Mr.. Blaine was speaker of the
house of congress, l was interested in
some pending legislation. l asked his
assistance in the way of a favorable
ruling. He agreed to rule as / asked
for $4,000. paid him the money
with this check, exhibiting the $4,000
check. Subsequently Blaine came to
me aud demanded 50, 500 more, and /
was obliged to yield and make the sec.
oud payment with this check, exhibit
ing the S2,500 check. Now, said Mr..
Kemble, l defy any man to say that |
ever had any other business transaction
with Blaine, and l defy any man to say
that / ever had any other business
with Blaine, and / defy any man to
dispute the genuineness of this endorse
ment in Blaine's handwriting. If he
is nominated by this convention will
give these facts to the public, and his
defeat is certain to follow. III have no
objection to man being bought, if he
will stay bought, but / protest against
him demanding the pay twice. let
"The effect of this speech was elec-
trical,' continued Mr.. Bergner. "When
Kemble sat down he handed the can
celed checks around among the dele
gates and they were examined careful
| ly and critically. l had them in my
hand and am satisfied that they were
genuine. Immediately after the vote
was taken and the delegation decided
to cast its vote for Hayes. That vote
decided the issue against Blaine" e.
| One portion of this statement will
hardly be questioned, and that is as to
the ability of Kemble as briber. A
man who attempted to buy up the leg
islature would scarcely hesitate at
bribing the Speaker of the House, if it
suited his purpose. If Blaine cannot
successfully condradict the charge he
is as bad as Kemble. If it is false
Blaines friends can convince the peo.
| pie that such is the case, only by deal
ing with Kemble as forger. uiil.
Since the above was put in type, the
report is denied by Bergner and Kem
BILE, and the Patriot reporter reiterates
that his statement was made on tht
authority of several gentlemen who
heard Berguer use the language ascrib
ed to him. 1t has become question
of veracity between the parties con
cerned. s. 4ama. sd. 'o s'