The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-07-02
Majority Report in the Case of Chal
mers VS.. Manning.

At the regular election for Represen
tative in this Congress, in the seconC
district of Mississippi, James R. Chal
mers received a majority of the vote
cast.
The certificate of election or commits
sion, however, was given to the contestee
Van II. Manning. The facts and cir
cumstances under which this was don,
fully appear in the report and proceed
ings on the question of prinad fdcie righ
heretofore had.
In the contest on the merits Mr.. Man
ming took the burden of the issue anG
sought to show that there was sucf
interference in the election and canvas.
leading to it by the Executive Depart
ments at Washington and Federal au
thorities in the district as to at least
make the election void.
1t appears that Mr.. Chalmers, a shorl
time before the election, was declared
not elected to seat which he occupied
as a Democrat in the Forty-seventh
Congress. Up 70 this time he had for
years acted with the Democrats. Imme.
diately after this he conferred with
leading Republicans at Washington, and
members of the administration, arrang-
ing with them to aid him in securing the
support Of the Republicans of this district
in which he did not then reside. 1t is
fairly proved that he had the active aid
of the Departments at Washington and
their subordinates in the district in the
work of securing the support of the Re
publican party organization in his can
Tass, and the votes of its adherents-
the great mass of whom are of the color,
ed race.
While the evidence is not clear yet, it
fairly shows facts that are a reproach to
the civil service of the country.
Not only was much time for which
some of the Federal officials were paid
blythe Government devoted to canvass
ing for the contestant, but their accounts
for expenses incurred in the canvass
we're rendered to the Departments at
Washington as incurred on account of
the Government, although it does not
appear that they were paid.
The committee appreciate the gravity
Of the issue thus presented; elections
should be free from all corrupting inhu-
ence.
The use of large sums of money in
election in many parts of the country is
element an of danger, even though it be
not used directly upon the voters.
That the Federal patronage and the
influence of superiors may produce
strong and corrapting effect among
Toting population such as this district |
contains must be admitted. The direct |
bribery Of voters and corrupt use of
money could not be much more baneful. |
Again. it is Of the highest importance
hat Congress should be body free.
s far IS may be, from Executive inter-
erence OF dominance. No member
hould feel that he is in any degree in
ebted to the Executive departments for
be seat which he holds.
The use Of the Executive patrona0a
nd power is a growing evil, the force. ana
feet Of which all good citizens realize
My to regret and condemn: nor can ne
lose our eyes to the fact that this IN.
uence may be exercised with greater
feet and more perniciously Il one 49,
Ion OF the country than another.
Believing Il is the duty Sc the Hausa
iheneTer Il Is shown that the election 81
member IS the result of this influence.
declare the election void and heliev.
g luther, that the testimony ii q CASE
70 be taken In connection with con-
.mpoEaneous historical facts, your com-
Iittee has given careful attention e fIa
cord and evidence In this case. We
include that IL cannot fairly Be said
st the election Of Mr.. Chaliners -
cured BY such undue influence. tl,at {