The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-26
SENATOR PAYNE.
The Retribution He Is Suffering for the
Acts OF His Foolish Friends.

The Retribution He Is Suffering for the
Acts of His Foolish Friends.
Columbus Special to Cincinnati Commercial Gazette
An Indiana Democrat, who has been spending
part of the winter in Washington. and was here
for two or three days, made some rather start
ling statements to me concerning Senator Payne
and puts his condition in a serious not to say
| pitiable, light
'sYou might as WE'LL said he, shave mummy
from the catacombs of Egypt for Senator
essentials are concerned"
"Why?' inquired
He is simply a mummifed corpse" was the
reply, "and is SO regarded by everybody. His
position speaks for him in way, but the in
cumbent himself has more moral force in
Washington than the remains of orc of Cheops's
civil ENGINEERS
SIS he not treated with respect27 inquired.
HE is regarded with pity. Were he a bust
ling, vigorous man, aggressive and persistent
and enshrouded as he is with the unmistakablA
pail of corrupt associations, he would be regard
ed with contempt But in the childhood of old
age, it would take very heartless man to in
dulge in that feeling toward him. His helpless
ness is powerful pleader. Why, / witnessed a
scene some time ago that was enough to wiring
tears from the eyes of a stole. Some gentleman
from Ohio, stranger to me. but apparently
cultivated person. called to see the Senator,
either In q friendly way or on business hap
pened to be present and witnessed the interview.
saw at a glance that the gentleman was
touched and panied with Mr.. Payne's appear
ance. as he sat trembling with the palsy of over
wrought mental strain, mumbling almost in
coherently a studied note that he would gladly
serve mis- friend in any way he could
"If the gentleman had any business with Mr..
Payne ne forbore to press it, but seated himself
beside him, and in pleasant. soothing tone
said:
go, many thanks, Senator; I am not here to
trouble you by soliciting any favors I called to
pay my respects, and say that the Democratic
people of Ohio have high opinion of you, not
withstanding the attacks of your enemies
up to that moment there was neither passion
nor emotion visible in the Senator's face Sud
denly he became livid with rage and shook like
an aspen leaf Waving his friend off with both
his thin hands, he exclaimed with great bitter
ness:
Don't speak to me on that subject, sir.
Don't mention it. do not want to hear what
the people think of me. 1t is distastefuI to hear
anything on that subject
1.-THE gentleman arose with startled look
upon his face, and as soon as politeness would
allow. he withdrew. leave you to draw your
| inference. I drew mine"
What inference did you draws"
THAT Senator Payne is suffering the torments
of the damned while filling the seat of Senator.
would not be in his place for all his millions
MY impression is that his foolish friends with
infinitely more wealth than brains or filial af-
lection, secured him the senatorship by oues-
tionable means, and without either his knowl-
cage or assent but L Lllnk LndC ne now real
ICES what has been DONE and knows that upon
his aged head W fall the curse, and upon his
bent shoulders will come the burden for the
misdeeds of others who thought. they were
browning him with honors"
''Do you think that the terrible fire of invest-
CATION which is now being kindled affects Mr.
PayneW
ut certainly does. It is drying up his blood
and his brain. Mark my words; his life will be
blank insidea twelve-month. A giant in the
prime of life could not stand the strain. It is an
awful lesson that is being exemplifed in this
poor old man, who ought to be living in peace
The present younger generation ought to profit
by its teachings. There is no escape from the
retribution that follows corruption il politics
The honor that blooms from corruption is an
exotic that withers the moment the sun shines
No man, even if he is innocent of the least par
ticipation. afford to take an Office obtained
| by fraud. The moment he does an implacable
| Nemesis draws his sword and marks him for
vengeance. Nor can he escape. He may evade
| the blow for time, but it strikes him down at
| last. / am filed with commiseration for Mr..
PAYNE The Democratic party of Ohio is en-
titled to pity when man like Payne fills chair
in the Senate, and the voice of the great Thur
man is shut OFT of the White House by padded
doors When you stamp out the corrupt men
who have placed you in this position, you will
be entitled to respectful consideration, and not
before"
There was nothing to be said in answer to the
Indianian