Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-06-13
WASHINGTON.
A Republican Subterfuge to
Unseat Senator Gibson.
BILL STEWARDS ANTICS.
Benefits of the Interstate Commerce
Act Reviewed-The Proposed
Amendments.

Associated Press Dispatches to the HERALD,
WASHINGTON, June 12.-Chandler in
the Senate offered resolution referring
the credentials of Senator Gibson, Of
Louisiana (for his new term), to the
Committee on Privileges and Elections
and instructing the Committee to inquire
into all the facts as to the Senatorial
election, and ascertain and report
whether or not at the recent State elec-
ton in Louisiana, which included the
election OF the State Legislature, the
1856, ,746 votes returnud for the candidate
of the Democratic party for Governor,
were actually cast, in view of the fact
that at no previous election had the
votes for the candidate Of the Democratic
party exceeded 1894; and why in the
Parish of Madison 35, 900 votes were cast
Tor one party and none for the
other. In East Feliciana 1926 to g.,
with similar returns from other parishes |;
also to ascertain and report whether or
not at the State election there was any
violence, intimidation or fraud that pre-
vented fair election, and whether false
returns were made and counted,
and whether the State of Louis
lana had, on the 22d of May, 1888 (the
day of the election), Republican form
of government, including Legislature
entitled to choose United States Senator'S
Laid over until tomorrow.
The resolution OF yesterday by Stewart
calling on the Secretary of the Treasury
for statement of the offers and pur-
chases of bonds since April, 1888, with
the names, etc., was taken up and dis
cussed.
Cockrell having moved to amend by
striking out the names, Stewart argued
against the amendment. He expressed
the belief that some persons had secret
advantage in the matter.
Beck thought the amendment to strike
out the names was eminently proper.
The statement called for without giving
the names) would show whether the
bids are made at any lower rates than
are usually paid for bonds.
Stewart asked whether Beck supposed
that the Treasury books would not show
everything to be regular? Did he not
know it to be possible to have the word
passed around that some individual had
the ear of the Secretary, and that the
bonds should be offered through him
The people had right to know with
whom the Government was dealing.
Beck said the Senator would not rise
and say he believed, or had any reason
to believe, that the Secretary OF
the Treasury had refused any bid
that was one-eighth or one-tenth
or one-one-hundredth of one per cent
lower than he had actually paid. The
Senator would not avow that. 1t was
not true. Therefore, no good could come
of publishing the names. Nothing bat
evil would come Of it; because persons
would be deferred from making offers Of
bonds in their own names, and would
have recourse to brokers, thus adding to
the cost.
Stewart said he did not want to expose
anybody's hand, but he wanted to know
whether there existed money trust
with the government.
Cockrell modified his amendment SO
as to (after "names') insert the words
"other than private persons"
George asked Stewart whether he had
any information ON which he relied that
any lower bid had been rejected and any
higher bid accepted.
Stewart-None whatever.
"That is the information / want, said
Cockrell, 'the Senator from Nevada
would not dare to charge misconduct on
the part Of the. Secretary Of the Treas
ury."
Stewart will say this, that the last
campaign was run on the issue Of the
books, and now that they are open,
want to keep them open.
Cockrell-That is a very pitiful subter-
fuge in answer to direct question. The
Senator from Nevada has been attempt
ing, by indirect means, means unworthy
OF Senator, to cast reflections without
having the matter or courage to make a
direct charge. Every bit OF information
the resolution calls for is published in the
newspapers every day, and he knows it..
1t is nothing but morbid curiosity that
would ask for the publication of names.
1t seems TO me that the whole process is
in the interest OF corporations and trusts,
and that the whole object of. the resolution
is to bring before the bondholders the
names and address of great corporations
and trusts that are offering bonds to the
Government, SO that individuals may
send their bonds to them. 1t is cheap
way Of advertising them at the public's
expense through the Associated Press.
i should think they could afford to pay a
round sum Of money for the passage Of
this resolution, and doubtless if they were
called upon they would contribute good
round sum to the campaign fund.
Stewart said when he offered the reso-
luton he had no suspicion that there was
anything TO be covered up, but his faith
had been shaken by the vehemence with
which the Senator from Missouri was
attempting to conceal the facts. Where
there was SO much smoke there must be
some fire.
Call argued that the resolution was an
indirect reflection on the high character
of the Secretary Of the Treasury, and OF
no practical use.
German deprecated the introduction oi
party politics on such subject, and
complimented Senator Sherman for his
remarks yesterday, and for his having
aided in legislation authorizing the pur-
chase of bonds. He regretted that the
subject had been brought in as a foot.
ball TO be kicked around with desire 10
embarrass the Treasury Department and
to bring about financial disaster before
the Presidential election. II any investi.
cation were required in the matter. II
should be made by Committee of the
Senate, although it is a body organized
in opposition to the Administration. He
therefore moved reference of the resolu.
tion to the Committee on Finance.
Stewart said he did not want 1t referred
to the committee because he did moi
want the resolution to be killed.
The resolution went over without