The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-23
Chairman Crisp Says the Claims of the Con-
testant Are Without Merit, aud Republic
ans Are Satisfied with the Record Made.
Results of Mr.. Benedict's Alleged Econ
omy in the Public Printing Office.
Continuation of the Effort to Secure the Gust
ing of Congressman White-Dark-L Lam
tern Method of Reforming the Tariff.
CARLISLE'S SEAT.

The House Democrats VIII Not Consent Co
Reopening of the Thoebe Contest.
Special to the Indianapolis Jcurnal.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22.-Yesterday afternoon
contestant Thoebe asserted that Monday
Speaker Carlisle would ask his friends in the
House to reopen the case for the purpose of tax
ing additional testimony. The contestants in.
formation was subsequently found to be errone-
GUS, and when the story reached the ears of Mr..
Carlisie's friends it was quickly denied. Under
these circumstances the fight in the House will
be continued until the Democrats secure the at
tendance of absentees sufficient to make quo
rum. Republican members OF the House say
they we'll pleased with the situation, and glad
for political effect. that the case will not be
re-opened. The controversy appears to have
narrowed down to purely political wrangle
Friends of the Speaker say that when the case
was pending before the elections committee up
wards of sixty Republican members called upon
the contestee voluntarily, and assured him that
they intended TO vote in his favor. Had they
done so, the House would have been left
without quorum. Judge Crisp, chairman of
the House elections committee. in interview
about the tactics of the Republicans in the
House aud their opposition to q settlement of
the case. said: "Their action in that regard is
inexplicable to me, unless it is based wholly
upon desire to make some political capital
among people who do not will not
slider the facts in the MIR. Thoebe
has been offered two opportunities to submit
his proofs-frst in Kentucky, last February,
and second, before the committee on elections,
on the 9th of this month. The evidence pre-
sented to the committee consists OF certain aff-
davits-all that he asked TO fls After they
were filed Mr. Carlisle was allowed one week in
which to file affidavits in denial of Mr.. Thoebes.
He was not permitted to make any counter
charges, and filed afidavts directly in rebuttal
Wits % of Mr E Carlisle we're filed, Mr.. syphsr. the
counsel for Mr.. Thoebe, was permitted to argue
the case before the COMMITTEES. He asked no
further time. The case was tEen closed by
sent of Mr.. Thoebe and Mr.. Carlisle. The
committee considered and passed upon it.
Nine Democrats and two Republicans-Messrs.
Rowell and Cooper-united in the majority re-
port. The other mem oers OF the committee al
though fling q minority report, concede that
the made by the afidavits of Mr.. Thoebe
was completely rebutted by the afidavits offered
by Mr.. Carlisle They so state in their report.
The House is asked to reopen the case when
the whole COMMITTEES agree that there is evl-
would in any degree impeach the fairness of the
election. The very able arguments of Mr..
Cooper and Mr.. Rowel leading Republican
members of the committee on elections. gentle
men who are thoroughly familiar with the
whole evidence in the case. ought
to - satisfy yo,u, any a;. reasonable be man man
If there is doubt of this in the mind of any
member of the House, it must arise from the
fact that he has not carefully considered the ev-
idence in the case If the House should reopen
the case it would, think, establish dangerous
precedent, which would return to torment as.
No member would feel secure in his seat
Every defeated candidate would be encouraged
to contest the seat of his successful opponent,
and much useless expense would be entailed
upon the people. Most men who have
in court or before legs-
lative body, have to be satisfied with an
opportunity to present their Mr.. Thoebe
has twice been accorded this privilege, and
neither he nor his friends have any cause for
complaint at the House refusing him q third
hearing"
WHEELING, W. Va. Jan. 22-The Ohio VAL
ley Trade aud Labor Assembly to day adopted a
resolution requesting West Virginia and Ohio
representatives in Congress to support the pro-
posal to re open the Thoebe- Carlisle contested
election case and to 20 te for the postal telegraph
hill.