National Republican., 1884-01-21

Koifer mado his appearance in congress, l
have often in my public correspondence de-
fcndcd the case of McGarrahnn as that OF an
individual without means, and dospoilod OF
his property by n corporation of mtllionaires.
This has been done from first to last without
demand for or offer Of promise or acceptance
Of any consideration whatever, and without
once approaching member Of either
house during the seventeen years 1t
has been pcndiuL except in u note
To- Gen. Ecilur written toward the
close Of the last session, which he is wei
como to print ut his earliest convenience. AS
remembered, it stated request for McGarra-
han that the speaker would recognize some
member to ask for the test Of o vote 10 viii
not be found to diHcr in any respect from
hundreds of proper requests which every
speaker receives Ht the close Of session, and
the facts about 10 will not sustain his charges.
Gen keifcr knew at the time and knows
now that thcre was nothing personal IN the
request. Further than this, he, Of his own
accord, responded to it promptly saying that
il was only fair and proper. and
that he had already made a promise
in accordance with it. Everyone hero who
knows anything of this notorious case knows
that all the money in it, and plenty oi IL, TOO,
has always been on that side which the eN-
speaker now announces that he, in his official
capacity, cspoused and, by his official action,
made victorious.
"Unlcss hc had thus virtually declared
that he violated his PROMISES, and went over
TO the side of the corporation OF miliOnaires,
il would never have been suspected. as the
general supposition was that the 100 private
bills on the calendar failed because in tho
rush of the closing days it was impossible to
reach them.
"If the request made in this case was
proper Gen. kciier's use Of IL is dishonorablo
and cowardly. If it was improper in any
/. Il. L 4. LII. s.. q
Immediately rovoking his cards Of admission
to the press gallery for all correspondents
involved Instead of this he promptly re-
piled that the request was fair, and that he
had already promised compliance Now, he
says he defeated the bill, which implies that
it was improper, since for speaker to defeat
proper measure would be to prostitute has
ollce to improper interests
"There Is very short and effective way
in which Gen. Keifer can bring his whole
case with any or all correspondents TO the
test Of sworn testimony. They are amenable
e. the authority OF the house, and hold their
soats at its will. The house has heretofore,
for such cause rs Mr.. kciier's present charges
involve, denied correspondents access TO the
entire house wing of the capitol. Gen.
keifer can thus bring disgrace upon any who
are guilty as he now charges. He is the
alleged leader Of his side of the house. lie
can use tho entire machinery of congress
sional investigation. Let him, then, II he
darcs, assume the courage of his words,
rise in his place with his charges
and ask for an open committee of inquiry,
with power to send for persons and papers
Let him be made chairman and thus be given
every opportunity TO make his charges good
Let the inquiry in regard TO his removing
stenographers go to the same committee, since
the one now charged with It has no facilities
for reporting, and Is so restricted as TO make
IFS work LITTLE than n farce. ct ttNn
Eeifer stand up like man, face the RESPONSE
bility of his serious charges, and demand n
full inquiry or confess himselfto be all that his
silence will imply"