St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-09-02
JIM BLAINE'S CORRUPTION.
The Story Of Kemble's Checks Told
at Cincinnati.

Harrisburg Letter to Walret, Pa, Ledger
Charles IL. Bergner, Esq, was leaning
back in a comfortable chair in his favorite
club in this city the other evening discussing
the political situation and surprised every
one by indicating that he is not inclined to
vote for Blaine. Mr.. Bergner IS a LAWYER of
this city, His father was the postmaster for
many years, the public printer and editor
and publisher of the Harrisburg Kge,ei,sg Tele-
graph, the central party organ of the state
Dying few years ago, his son succeeded to
the ownership of the paper and in 1875 was
its editor-in-chief.
Everybody wanted an explanation.
1T is commonly believed,' said Mr..
Bergner ''that Blaine was defeated for the
nomination in 1876 because he was obnox-
ious 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 disclosure made by
William IL. Kemhle, who was q delegate from
the Fourth District, Philadelphia, and had no
reference direct or indirect to the relations
between Senator Cameron and Mr.. Blaine.
AFTER the sixth ballot had been COM
pleted," continued Mr.. Bergner, sit became
evideNt that the issue would be decided on
the next. The Pennsylvania delegates had
been voting for John T. Hartranft in obedi-
ence to the resolutions OF the state conven-
ton. In order that the state might make it.
self felt in the succeeding ballot the Ge,cra-
ton withdrew for consultation. While they
were engaged thus the late Morton MeMiehaei
and General Bingham addressed themselves
earnestly to the delegates in advo-
caey of voting for Blaine. AT the conclusion
of Mr.. MichaePs remarks it was evident q
deep impression had been made just as
the votes were about TO be taken, Mr. KEN
pie arose. He asked the delegates so pause
in the matter, and gave bis 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 ioubt-
full record Mr. Blaine had made during his
public life. He drew from his pocket two
cancelled checks. and continued; l never
had any Legitimate business transactions
with Mr.. Blaine. They are signed by me,
made payable to his order and Endorsed and
returned to me through the ordidarv chan
nels of such things. When Mr., Blaine was
speaker Of the house OF congress I was in
terested in some pending Legislation |
asked his assistance in a way of favorable
ruling. He agreed to rule as l asked for
IS, 600. l paid him the money with this
check Exhibiting the So, 900 check Subse-
quentlv Blaine came to me and demanded
$500 more, and was obliged to yield and
make the second payment with this check.
exhibiting the 81, 500 check) Now said Mr..
Kemble, Il defy any man to say that ever
had any other business transaction with
Blaine, and / defy any man to dispute the
genuiDcness of this endorsement in Blaine's
handwriting. If he is nominated by this
convention will give these facts to the pub
lie, and his defeat is certain to follow have
no objection to mau being bought, If he
will stay bought but protest against him
demanding the pay twice"
1.-THE effect of this speech was electrical -
continued Mr.. Bergner when KEN
bic sat down he handed the cancelled check
around among 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 1880 was in progress, Gen. Simon
Cameron, abiding to the same matter, said
to a neighbor that it was evident that the
people were for Blaine, but owing to the evil
dence against him it would be fatal to nomin
ate him.