The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1884-09-03
BLAINE'S CORRUPTION.
The Story OF Kemble's Checks-Paid
$500 When Speaker.
Evidence That the Speaker Was Bought to
Make Personal Ruling-One Reason
why Blaine Was Beaten for the
Nomination IN 1876.
Harrisburg Letter. /

Charles H. Bergner was leaning back in a
comfortable chair in his favorite club in this
city the other evening discussing the politi-
cal situation, and surprised every ont by in
dicating that he is not inclined to vote for
Blaine. Mr.. Bergner is a lawyer of this
city. His father was the Postmt ster for
many years, the public printer an6 editor
and publisher OF the Harrisburg Evening
Telegram. the central party organ of the
State. Dying a few years ago, his soD sue
ceeded to the ownership of the paper and in
1876 was its editor-in-chief
Everybody wanted an explanation.
1T is commonly believed, said Mr.. Berg
ner, "that Blaine was defeated for the nomi.
nation in 1876 because he was obnoxious to
the Cameron ring. There is nothing further
from the truth, and the only color for the
ron was opposed to him. His defeat was
accomplished by disclosure made by Will
liam H. Kemble, VINO was a delegate from
the Fourth District, Philadelphia, and had
no reference direct or indirect to the rela-
tons between Senator Cameron and Mr..
Blaine.
after the sixth ballot had been COM
pleted," continued Mr.. Bergner, cit became
evident that the issue would be decided on
the next. The Pennsylvania delegates had
been voting for John f. Hartranft in obedi-
ence 10 the resolutions Of the State Conven-
ton. In order that the State might make
itself IN the succeeding ballot the delega-
ton withdrew for consultation. While
they were engaged thus the late Morton
McMichael and General Bingham addressed
themselves earnestly to the delegates in
advocacy Of voting for Blaine. At the con-
clusion of Mr.. McMichaePs remarks it was
evident deep impression had been made.
Ire h. Nof-o
Kemble arose. He asked the delegates to
pause in the matter and gave his opinion
that the nomination 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
during his public life. He drew from his
pocket two Cancelled checks, and continued
Il never had any legitimate business trans
actions with Mr. Blame. They are signed by
me, made payable to his order and Endorsed
and returned to me. When Mr.. Blaine was
Speaker of the House of Congress l was in
terested in some pending legislation. Iasked
his assistance in the way of favorable rul-
ing. He agreed to rule as | asked for s., 000
| paid him the money with this check lex
hibiting s. COO. Subsequently Blaine came
to me and demanded s., 500 more, and l was
obliged to yield and make the second paw
ment with this check exhibiting the 81, 500
check Now said Mr.. Kemble, Il DEFY any
man 10 say that had any other business
transaction with Blaine, and l defy any
man to dispute the genuineness of this in
doTsement in Blaines handwriting. If he
is nominated by this convention | will give
these facts to the public an his defeat is GER
tain to follow. 1 have no objection to a
man being bought, if he will stay bought,
but l protest against him demanding the
pay twice
THE effect of this speech was electrical, "
continued Mr.. Bergner. When Kemble
sat down he handed the Cancelled checks
around ameng the delegates and they were
examined carefully, critically. ] had them
in my hand and am satisfied that they were
genuine. Immediately after the vote was
taken and the delegation decided to cast its
vote for Hayes. That vote decided the issue
against Blaine.
while the balloting in the Chicago Con
vention of 1850 was in progress, General
Simon Cameron, abiding to the same mat
ter, said to a neighbor that it was evident
that the people were for Blaine, but owing tC
the evidence against him it would be fatal
to nominate him."