Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-04-16
SENATOR VANCE INDIGNANT.

S. Wise appeared, and, addressing the chair,
said he represented Colonel VIM +. Sims.
Col. Sims had received notice that witnesses
were about to be examined with respect to
his personal character.
Mr.. Wise read a letter from Col. Sims TO
Senator Sherman stating he knew not the
nature of the threatened attacks upon him,
nor did he care if 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
his character by innuendo. He desired, if
the committee saw tit to go outside for his
character for veracity to be allowed to sum-
mon witnesses touching the moral character
of all the parties, including Senator Vance
and Representatives George G. Cabell and
George d. Wise, who were, he was Informed,
engaged in the attempt to blacken his
character.
After reading the letter Mr.. Wise said
that since the investigation began he had to
some extent represented the Affirmative
the proposition that there was murder and
massacre and outlawry in Danville, and he
honestly believed it. He therefore wished
to say that Mr.. Sims had been examined
here az 10 certain statements. If true, it
mattered not what the private charac
ter of Mr.. Sims was except as to
his reputation for yeracity. He gave
notice that he should object to the in
vestigation extending beyond Mr.. Sims
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 re-
cords of some of the signers Of the Dapville
circular.
Senator Vance-"Well, Mr.. Chairman, 80
far as the notice is an intimation that my
character is to be assailed, sir''--
Senator Sherman.-"I think myself, Gov
ernor, that that ought not to enter upon
the records, and | shall certainly recon-
mend"---
Senator Vance.-"It is unusual, sir, and it
is damuable, and defy the whole hell-fred
crowd 10 assail my character here or any
where else | never heard Of such propo-
sition as carrying the war into the commit
tee, and making a war against member Of
the committee who is simply doing his duty
as appointed and required of him by the
Senate Of which he is member. 1t is
threat, sir, which | despise and defy and
contemn."
Senator Sherman said there was no further
necessity for argument. When questions
were raised by the offering of testimony it
would then be time enough to discuss and
decide them. So far rs the threat to involve
il member of the committee personally az to
his character aud conduct was concerned it
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 before
| Il. IL,
Now, if he merely attempts to prove that /
have no objection at ALL"
Senator Fance.-"I said it Of you with ref
erence to the proof / had"
Mrs. G.. B. Rawlins, of Baltimore, was then
sworn and took the stand.
Governor Vance asked ifshe was acquaint-
ed with Col Sims. She replied that she had
known him for about seven years. She was
asked to state what his reputation was for
| truth and veracity
Senator Sherman said that he would not
consent to turning the investigation into the
channel proposed now, to open up the OPP
portunity for bringing in personal quarrels,
without the direction of the full committee.
If there was any desire to controvert any of
| Col. Sims statements as Il witness he would
have no objection,
Senator Vance said that it had been put
| IN evidence that Col. Sims was man OF
gooG character and that his defeat in the
election was due to intimidation and vio-
lence. II propose to prove" he continued,
that this man is a thief; that he stole the
| bonds of this witness on the stand here, and
that be 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 that it is due to 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 Mr.. Sims hurls back the insinua-
ton into the teeth of it's author, and at the
proper time and proper place will prove
that it is falsehood out of the whole cloth.
| Senator Eance.-"I mako this of course. not
of my own knowledge, but make it with wit
ncsses here ready to prove it,"
| Congressman Cabel and George D. Wise had
| now arrived in the committee room, aud in their
| turn stated with much carnestncss their willing
| ness to submit to any investigation which might
| be proposed respecting their personal records.
| Senator Sherman still Directing to tho introduce
| ton OF the testimony proposed, Mrs. Rawns
excused. At three o'clock, after comparison of
views between members Of the sub committee all
| witnesses in attendance were discharged and an
adjournment, subject to the call of the chairman,
was reached 1t is not yet decided whether any
more witnesses will be subppnaed