Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-08-25
JIM BnAINEs CORRUPTION.

The Story of KembIe's Checks Told at
Observation-Disclosures that the Speak
er was Bought to Make a Personal
RuIing-One Reason why Blaine was
Beaten for the Nomination in 1915.
Charles Fl. Bergner, Esq, was leaning
pack in a comfortable chair in his tavorite
club in this city the other evening, says
a Harrisburg, Pa, letter to the Warren
Ledoer, discussing the political situation
and surprised every one by indicating that
he is not inclined to vote for Blaine. Mr..
Rergner is a LAWYER Of this city. His
father was Postmaster for many years,
the public printer, and the editor and
publisher of the Harrisburg EUeRiRg Tel
eqrdph. the central party organ OF the
State. Dying few years ago, ms son
succeeded to the ownership OF the paper,
and in 1876 was its editOr-in-chief.
Everybody wanted an exploration.
est is commonly believed" said Mr..
Bergner, sfthat Blaine was defeated for
the nomination in 1876 because he was
obnoxious to the Cameron ring. There is
nothing further from the truth, and the
only color for the statement lies In the
fact that Senator Cameron was opposed
to him. His defeat was accomplished by
a disclosure made by William I'll. kem-
BILE, who was delegate from the Fourth
district, Philadelphia, and had no re-
ference direct or indirect to the relations
between Senator Cameron aud Mr.. Blaine.
after the sixth ballot had been COM
pleted,D continued Mr.. Bergner, cit be-
came evident that the issue would be de-
cided on the next. The pennsylvania
delegates had been voting for John Il.
Hartrantt in obedience to the resolutions
of the STATE Convention. In order that
the State might make itself felt in the sue
ceeding ballot the delegation withdrew
for consultation. While they were en-
gagged thus the late Morton McMichael
and Gen. Bingham addressed themselves
earnestly to the delegates in advocacy Of
voting for Blaine. At the conclusion
of Mr.. McMichae's remarks 1t
was evident deep impression
were about to be taken, Mr.. Kemble arose.
He asked the delegates to pause in the
matter, and gave his opinion that the NOM
nation of Blaine would bring defeat to
the party. He referred to the damaging
stories that would be told, and TO the
doubtful record Mr.. Blaine had made dur
ing his public life. He drew from his
pocket two cancelled checks, and con-
tinued: Il never had any legitimate bust
ness transactions with Mr.. Blaine. They
are signed by me, made payable to his Or
der and Endorsed 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 i'll a way of favorable
ruling. He agreed to rule as l asked
for $4,000. l paid him the money with
this check exhibiting the $4,000 check
Subsequently Blaine came to me and de-
mand ed $1,000 more, and 1 was Obliged TO
yield and make the second payment with
this check exhibiting the $1,000 check).
Now said Mr.. Kemble, 4 defy any man
to say that ever had any other business
transaction with Blaine, and l defy any
man to dispute the genuineness OF this In
dorsement in Blaine's handwriting. II
he is nominated by this convention l will
give these facts to the public, and his de-
feat is certain to follow. l have no 0b.
lection to a man being bought, if he VIII
stay bought, but l protest against HIM
demanding the pay twice.
The effect of thia speech WIS electri-
cal," continued Mr., Be gner. "When
Kemble sat down be handed the cancelled
checK ar0uh'. among the delegates and
tney We're examined carefully, critically.
L had them in my hand and am satlshed
that they were genuine. Immediately
after the vote was taken and the delega-
cation decided to cast its vote for Hayes.
That vote decided the issue against
Blaine.
While the balloting in the Chicago Con-
ventiOn of 1880 was in progress, Gen.
Simon Cameron, abiding to the same
matter, said to a neighbor that 1t was
evident the people were for Blaine, but
owing to the evidence against him 1t
would be fatal to nominate him.