The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-16
THE DANVILLE INQUIRY.
A Session i'll Which Profanity and Personal
Abuse Strive for Supremacy.

Session in Which Profanity and Personal
Abuse Strive for Supremacy.
WASHINGTON, April 15.-Congressman John
S. Wise appeared before the Danvlle committee
to-day, and, addressing the chair said he repre-
scented Colonel w. E. Sims. Colonel Sims had
received notice that witnesses were about to be
examined in respect to his personal character.
Mr. Wise read a letter from Colonel Sims to
Senator Sherman, stating that he knew not the
nature of the threatened attacks upon him, nor
did he care if he was allowed to show what
prompted them. He had reason to believe the
attempt was not for the purpose of throwing
any light on the subject before the committee,
but to blacken his character by innuendo. He
desired, if the committee saw fit to go outside
his character for veracity, to be allowed
to summon witnesses touching the moral
character of all parties, including Senator
Vance, and Representatives George c. A. Bell
and George D. Wise, who were, he was informed,
engaged in an attempt to blacken his character.
After the reading of the letter, Mr., Wise said
that since the investigation began he had, to
some extent. represented the affirmative of the
proposition that there was murder. and massa-
ere, and outlawry in Danville and he honestly
believed it. He therefore wished that Sims had
been examined here as to certain statements If
these were true, it mattered not what the pri-
vate character of Sims was, except as to his rep
utation for veracty. He gave notice that he
should object to the investigation extending be-
yond Simss general reputation for veracity un-
less the investigation opened up in which
case he should assail the reputation for truth
of w. n. Rufin, and should produce the records
of some of the SignerS of the Danville circular
Senator Vance-Well Mr. Chairman so far
as this notice is an intimation that my character
is to be aSsailed sir
Senator Sherman think, myself that that
ought not to go upon the records, andI shall GER
tainly recommend
Senator Vance-Gt is unusual, sir; it is damna-
BILE, and defy the whole hel-fred crowd to as
sail my character, here or anywhere else. |
never heard such propos' ton as carrying war
into the committee and making war against a
member of the committee who is simply doing
his duty as appointed and required of him by the
Senate. of which he is a member. tits threat,
sir, which [ despse, and defy, and condemn.
Senator Sherman said there was no further
necessity for argument. When the questions
were raised by Offering testimony. it would be
time enough to discuss and decide them. So far
as the threat to involve member of the com
mittee personally as to his character and con
duct was concerned, it was entirely improper.
Mr.. Sims-Ay character is as precious to me
as that of any member of Congress. 1t has been
reported as having been said before the COM
mittee that l was a dishonest man. Now if he
merely attempts to prove that, have no objec-
ton at all
Senator Vance, sadi it of you; with reference
to the proof had
Col Sims who is partially deaf was proceed
ing, when Senator Sherman persuaded him to
stop
Mrs. G. B. Rawlins, of Baltimore, was sworn
Governor Vance asked if she was acquainted
with Colonel Sims. She replied that she had
known him about seven years She was asked
to state his reputation for truth and veraeity.
Senator Sherman said he would not consent to
turning the investigation into the channel pro
posed nor to open up an opportunity for bring
ing in personal Quarrels without direction of the
full committee. If there was any desire 70
trovert any of Colonel Sims's statements
witness he would have no objection.
Senator Vance said it had been put in evidence
that Colonel Sims man of good character
and that his defeat in the district was due to in
timidation and violence. propose to prove that
this man is thief; that he stole the bonds of
this witness on the stand here and that he is
utterly unworthy of belief He has blackened
the character of reputable citizens of Danville
and we propose to show who he is.
Mr. WiSe-I think it is due Mr.. Sims that the
proposition to show that this man is thief, that
he stole the bonds of this lady, and that he is
unworthy of belief, should not be allowed to go
unanswered also, that Sims hurls back the in
situation into the teeth of its author ard at the
its falsehood in whole cloth.
Senator Vance, make these charges, of
course, not of my own knowledge, but | make
them with witnesses here ready to prove them.
Congressman Cabell and George D. Wise had
now arrived in the committee room. and in their
turn stated, with much earnestness, their will
ingness to submit to any investigation which
might be proposed respecting their personal
records.
Senator Sherman still Directing to the intro
duction of the testimony proposed, Mrs. Raw
Inns was excused.
After comparison of views between the mem
bers of the sub committee, all the witnesses in
attendance We're discharged, and an adjournment
taken subject to the call of the chairman.
1t is not yet decided whether any more wit
nesses will be subp9naed.
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.