Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-09-02
Blaine a bribe-takeP.

WHY HE WAS NOT NOMINATED IN 1876.
The Richmond State says, why Blaine
was defeated for the presidency in 1876 ii
well known to have been because Pennsyl
vania, his native State, refused to cast hel
vote for him. Why her delegates refused
has now been make known. It was husheC
up so we'll that it was not brought against
him in the last convention, and with rusl
he was hurried to q nomination. But the
story has now come to light, and it is suf
fcient in itself to defeat the candidate Of
the Republican party.
In Harrisburg the capital of the State in
which Mr.. Blaine was born, is found a trust
worthy and honorable witness against his
candidacy. This witness adds no little
weight to the testimony which has beer
given already against the private honesty O
Blaine in public affairs. The fol
lowing letter from the Harrisburg cores
pondent of the Warren Pa.) Ledger por-
trays the character of this bribe- taker with
force SO great that no true citizen, be he
Democrat OF be he Republican, can fail to
feel it; for such man as Blaine is unfit tc
fill the presidential chair:
"Charles II. Bergner, Esq, surprised CIV.
cry one by indicating that he is not inclin-
ed to vote for Blaine. Mr.. Bergner is a
lawyer. His father was the postmaster for
many years, the public printer, and editor
and publisher of the Harrisburg EoeninG
Telegraph, the central party organ of the
State. Dying few years ago, his son sue
ceeded to the ownership of the paper, and
in 1876 was its editor in chief.
Everybody wanted an explanation.
"1t is commonly believed said Mr.
ergner, that Blaine was defeated for the
nomination in 1876 because he was obnox
ious to the Cameron ring. There is nothing
further from the truth, and the only color fol
the statement lies in the fact that Senator
Cameron was opposed to him. His defeat was
accomplished by q disclosure made by VIII
liam II. Kemble, who was delegate from
the Fouth district, Philadelphia, and hac
no reference, direct or indirect, to the rela-
lions between Senator Cameron and Mr.
Blaine.
"sAfter the sixth ballot had been com.
pleted,' continued Mr.. Bergner, it became
evident that the Issue would be decided or
the next. The Pennsylvania delegates haC
been voting for John L. Hartranft in obedi
ence to the resolution of the State conven
ton In order that the State might make
itself felt in the succeeding ballot the dele
gates withdrew for consultation. While
they were engaged thus the late Morton Nc
Michael and Gen. Bingham addressed them
selves earnestly to the delegates in advocacy
of voting for Blaine. At the conclusion O
Mr.. McMichaels remarks, it was evident :
deep impression had boon made. Just q,
the votes were about to be taken Mr.. KEN
bic arose. He asked the delegates to paus,
in the matter, and gave his opinion that the
nomination of Blaine would bring defeat tt
the party. He referred to the damaging
stories that would be told and to the doubt
full record Mr.. Blaine had made during his
public life. He drew from his pocket two
cancelled checks, and continued: II nevel
had any legitimate business transaction
with Mr.. Blaine. They are signed by me
made payable to his order and endorsed ant
returned to me through the ordinary chan
nelS of such things. When Mr.. Blaine wa
Speaker of the House of Congress [ was in
terested in some pending legislation.
asked his assistance in way Of a favorable
ruling. He agreed to rule as l asked fo
To;UOOs pebleA I'M llOlGy WIFI Jill
check exhibiting the $4,000 cheek Sub
sequently Blaine came to me and demand
ed 50, 1000 more, and was obliged to yi9lc
and made the second payment with thi,
check exhibiting the 50, 500 check. Now
said bIr. Kemble, 81 defy any man to sa.
that ever had any other business transac
ton with Blaine, and I defy any man t.
dispute the genuineness of this endorsement
in Blaine's handwriting If he is nominal
ed by this convention will give these fact
to the public, and his defeat is certain t.
follow. | have no objection to a man being
bought if he will stay bought, but protes
against his demanding the pay twice"
"SThe effect of this speech was electrical,
continued Mr.. Bergner. When Kemblt
sat down he handed the cancelled check
around among the delegates and they wer,
examined carefully, critically. l had then
in my hand and am satisfied that they were
genuine. Immediately after the vote wa
taken and the delegation decided to cast it
vote for Hayes. That vote decided the ISSUE
against Blaine.
"'While the balloting in the Chicago
convention of 1880 was in progress, Gen
Simon Cameron, abiding to the same mat
ter, said to a neighbor that it was evident
that the people were for Blaine, but owing
to the evidence against him it would be
fatal to nominate him.'''