The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-04-16
SHERMAN'S COMMITTEE.
ANOTHER Days IEVESTIGATION.
The Last or the Batch OF Witnesses Exam
ined-Not Known whether Others will be
subpenaed or Not.

10y ttleRrApu 10 tue
WASHINGTON, April 15.-Inomas Il.
Blakey, OF Tappahannock, va, was the
first witness examined by the sherman sub
committee to-day. He described the ap-
proach OF the company OF Coalitlon voters,
numbering about 100 men, marsnailed by
men who were armed with saDres. They
were organized IN parties OF ten, and they
had possession Of the polls Tor an hour.
While they were voting there was no VIC
lence. He described at great length the
experience OF colored Democrat who
was assaulted on his way to the polls and
threatened as he left after voting.
Recess was taken till 1:3O Z. NJ, and
upon reassembling Congressman John 5.
Wise appeared, and, addressing the Chair,
said he represented Colonel william L.
Sims. Colonel Sims had received notice
that witnesses were about TO be examined
with respect 10 his personal character.
Mr.. Wise read letter from Sims to Sena-
tor Sherman, stating that he knew not the
nature Of the threatened attacks upon HIM,
nor did he care, II he was allowed to show
the animus which prompted them. He
had reason TO believe that the attempt was
not for the purpose Of throwing any light
on the subject before the committee, but to
blacken bis character by innuendo. He de-
sired, il the committee saw fit, to 90 out
side OF his character for veracity; to be
allowed to summon witnesses touch
ing the moral character OF all the
parties, including Senator Vance and
Representatives George &. Cabell and
George ID. Wise, who were. he was in
formed, engaged in IN attempt TO blacken
his character. After reading the letter,
Mr.. Wise said that since the investigation
began he had 10 some extent represented
the affirmative. proposition that there was
murder and massacre and outlawry in
Danvile, and he honestly believed Ii. He
therefore wished TO say that Sims had been
examined here as to certain statements.
II true il mattered not what the private
character OF Sims was, except rs to his
reputation for veracity. He gave notice
that he should object to the investigation
extending beyond Sims's general reputation
for veracity unless the investigation was
opened up, in which case he should assail
the reputation for truth Of w. n. Ruffin,
and should produce the records OF some OF
the signers Of the Danville circular.
Senator Vance: dwell, Mr.. Chairman,
so far as the notice is an intImation that
my character is to be assailed. SIR
Senator Sherman: 81 think myself,
Governor, that that ought not 10 enter
upon the records, and | shall certainly re-
commend y
Senator Vance: I" 1t is unusual, sir, and
Il is damnable, and | DEFY the whole hell
fired crowd to assall my character here or
anywhere else. | never heard OF such q
proposition as carrying war into a COM
mittee, and making war against member
OF a committee who is simply doing
his duty, as appointed, and required
OF him by the Senate, Of which he is a
member. II is threat, sir, which | de-
spiSe and defy and contemn.
Mr.. Sherman said there was no further
necessity for argument. When questions
were raised by the Offering OF testimony 1t
would then be time enough to discuss aud
decide them. So far as the threat to in
volve a member OF the committee person
ally rs TO bis character and conduct was
concerned, il was entirely improper.
Mr.. Sims My character is as precious to
me as that OF any member Of Congress. 1t
has been reported as having been said be-
fore the committee that was dishonest
man. Now, il he merely attempts to prove
that, | have no objection at all.
Senator Vance ~ said it OF you with
reference to the proof l had"
Mr.. Sims, who is partially deaf. was pro-
ceeding, when Senator Sherman persua-
ded him TO stop.
Mr.. Berkeley, one OF the Democratic
counsel. from Danyille. wished to address
the committee, but Senator Hoar, who
temporarily occupied the place OF Senator
Lapham. objected. and moved that the
~. - hn pocnrnoI
Mrs. G. b. Rawlins, OF Baltimore. was
sworn and took the stand.
Mr.. Vance asked Il she was acquainted
with Sims.
She replied that she had known him for
about seven years.
She was asked to state what was his rep
utation for truth and veracity.
Mr.. Sherman said that he would not con-
sent TO turning the investigation into the
channel proposed nor TO open up the OPP
portunity for bringing in personal quar-
rels without the direction OF the full COM
mittee. II there was any desire to cOntro-
vert any OF SIms's statements as a witness,
he would have no objection.
Mr.. Vance said that 1t had been put in
evidence that Colonel Sims was man Of
good character, and that his defeat in the
election was due to intimidation and vio-
lence. II propose to prove" he contin-
ued, "that this man is thief; that he stole
bonds OF this witness on the stand here,
and that he Is utterly unworthy OF BELIEF.
He has backened the character OF reputa-
bic citizens Of Danyile, and we propose
TO show who he is"
Mr.. Wise: 81 think it is due to Sims
that the proposition to show that this man
is a thief, that he stole bonds OF this lady,
and that he is unworthy Of belief, should
not be allowed TO 90 unanswered; also.
that Sims hurls back the insinuation into
the teeth Of its authors, and at the proper
time and proper place will prove that it Is
falsehood in the whole CLOTH"
Mr.. Vance: /" ! make this, OF course, not
OF my own knowledge. but make it with
witnesses here ready to prove it."
Congressman Cabell and George ID. Wise
had now arrived in the committeeman,
and in their turn stated with much earn
estness their willingness to submit to any
investigation which might be proposed re-
speeding their personal records.
Mr.. Sherman still Directing to the intro
duction OF the testimony proposed, Mrs.
Rawlins was excused.
At 3 O'Clock, after comparison OF views
between the members OF the sub-commit-
tee, all the witnesses in attendance were
discharged and an adjournment, subject to
the call OK the chairman. was reached.