The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-07-01
Adml 1t He Visited Democratic Meii
leir Homes and Sought Their
Votes for His Son.
Rush of Questionable Schemes
in the Senate and House.
Practical Failure Of the Bill Proposing to
Pay Government Employees Ten Hours
Wages for Eight Hours Work.
THE ENGLISH INvEsrrGATroN.
The Elder English Takes the Stand and
Makes Some Damaging Admissions.

- -
The Elder English Takes the Stand and
Makes Some Damaging Admissions.
Special to the indianapolis journal
WASHINGTON, June 80 - William Fl. English
appeared day before the special committee in
vestigating his conduct in lobbying for his son in
the EnglishPeelle contested election case, and
was subjected to a rigid cross examination by
Mr.. Millard, the Republican member of the com
mittee. Mr.. English's testimony was very dam
aging to himself and Mr.. Willard said to your
correspondent tonight that it was enough to
condemn any man or any Issue; and further
more, he did not believe majority of the House
could be induced to adopt report that did not
condemn such business as Mr.. English was guilty
Of. In his testimony Mr.. English frankly
admitted that he had gone to the
houses of the Democratic members
Of the committee on elections after all argu
nteiAts had been made in the case before them
and after the hearing was closed and before
report had been agreed on, and had argued and
expostulated with them and used all his iniu-
ence to change the minds of those who were not
in favor of his son; he had even told them that
II was to the interest Of the party in his dstrie
that his son should be seated; that when he was
a member of Congress the party had stood to-
gether in such matters, and it should stand TO-
gether now
Mr. Willard inquired Of the witness wheth-
or he thought after cause had
been heard in court, and the judge had in.
structed the jury and the jury had retired to its
room, it would be right for the Iitigant, or the I
litgant's friend, to 60 TO that jury-room and try
to change the minds Of the jurors or interfere
with the jury in reaching verdict This
seemed to completely dumbfound Mr.. English
who had not, he said looked at it IN tina
light He acknowledged that that would not
right
The two Democratic members Of the con
mittee seemed greatly embarrassed to find the
friend getting into such deep water. They
had been SO completely taken off their
feet when the witness Acknowledged to RaT
said to members that the party should star
together in this matter thereby making it solely
political issue, that they were unable to see
what trap the witness had been led into by his
concessions, and they offered no objection AL
together, it was bad days work for Mr.. En-
glish.
Following his own damaging testimony, came
that of Mr.. Springer, of Illinois Mr. Springer
knew all about the tricks that were sprung
which ousted Peelle and indicted English, but
he was an unwilling and reticent witness He
knew SO much that he was afraid Of his tongue
It was like squeezing blood out Of turnip to
get answers from him. A little cropped
out here and there however until his testimony
amounted to this. He sent his wife to see Mrs
Cook, wife Of Mr. Cook Of Iowa. member Of the
IL
through Mrs. Cook, arranged for Mr. Cook to
break his pair and leave town. Now it develops.
as matter Of fact, that the member who was
paired with Mr.. Cook had been argued
with, SO that he voted for English and had
not been for this fine play of Springer and wife.
and Mrs. Cook and her husband, Mr. Peelle
would have been in his seat to-day. There was
great nervousness displayed in the committee
while Mr.. Springer was being examined, as it was
feared he might break loose and tell all he knew
but had statement which he made at last been
known at first there would have been none Of
that uneasiness He said his wife was raised al
Indianapolis, had known Mr.. English all her
life, valued him as very dear friend and felt
as much interest in his sons being seated as he
did himself
Mr.. Willard says he win be ready not later
than Thursday to make his report to the House,
and that unless another trick is sprung, his fe.
port, which win condemn Mr.. English's conduct
in unmeasured terms, win be adopted,
as he has assurance from leading Democratic
members that they win stand by him. It win
not be surprising, however, if Mr. Millard's re.
port is defeated, as its success at the hands ~
the House might lead to the Impeachment