The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-17
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
Mr.. Bynum and DIR. Thoebs.

Mr.. George H. Thobe is a working man,
living in Ccvincton, Ky. In the election OF No
vember, 1886. he was nominated as the candidate
of the United Labor party for Congress in the
Sixth congressional district of Kentucky, run
against Hon. John G.. Carlisle. Mr.. Thebes
election was clearly indicated in the result but
Mr.. Carlisle was counted in. Mr.. Thabe con-
tested the election, and in his address to Con-
cress, asserted the basis of his contest:
That gross frauds perDetrated and committed
by the supporters and partisans of John g. Carlisle,
in his interest and for his benefit in the counties OF
Irim6ie, Grant, GaDatin, Campbell Carroll, Boon,
That the returned majority of 325 votes, which It
was alleged was received By Mr. Carlisle in said con-
gressions election, is false and fraudulent.
In many election precincts IN the counties the Pos
we're not opened until after the hour of q o'clock,
and were closed before O'Clock: TINS preventing
many persons from voting for said III oebe
In consequence of the outrageous frauds perperateo
at the election and in the district aforesaid. John G
Carlisle was falsely and wrongfully returned as ga
Congressional Record. 2. 63l.
The COMMITTEES on elections brought in two re-
ports. When the majority report was made
Mr. Thebe protested that his evidence was sup
pressed by the committee: that he was treated
very unfairly by them. The minority made the
following report:
A strong exparte showing was made by afhdavits
and otherwise, which showing, in the views OF the
the following facts. to-wit:
/. That great snd iuexusable frauds were commit
ted in the conduct of the congressional election in
the Sixth ngressonal district of Kentucky whore
by the apparent defeat of Thebe accomplished
2 That when It was discovered that by the vote of
the people of that district that Thoebe elected
there evinced a determination the part of the
friends of Carlisle to prevent such result being
nounced and the certificates OF election being given
to Th9be
3. That forgery was actually committed for the
purpose, whereby Thebe was deprived OF said GER
ti6cate.
A. That election returns were tempered with and
changed for such purpose and with such results.
>. That kilograms had been sent the night Of
election TO have the returns withheld for the purpose
Of altering them in behalf Of Carlisle See Congress
Bional Record, page 623.
The discussion on these two reports
lengthy and occupies several pages OF :he Con-
rressional Record Not one word, however,
was uttered by Mr.. Bynum in favor or Mr.
fhGbss claim 10 his seat. The majority re-
port was 20 the effect that Mr.. Thoebe was not
elected and that Dir. Carlisle was. On the first
ballot Mr. Bynum, for some cause notexplained,
5id not vote. This vote showed no QUORUM.
Another vote was taken the next day and Mr..
Bypum voted sousrely against Mr. Thebe, and
Ia favor OF Mr. Carlisle This vote showed no
quorum On the third ballot Mr.. Bynum again
voted against Mr.. Thebe. giving Mr.. Carlisle
the seat-Congressional Record, pages GIL aud
Sol, Fiftieth Congress.
The following will explain itself as to what
Mr.. Thebs thinks Of Mr.. Bynum's action in
this matter:
NJ W. H. Hobbs:
Dear sir--Your letter embodying inquiry con-
eerning Hon. ". ID. Bynums vote cast in the ntest
Ease between Hon. John G.. Carlisle and myself has
been received In reply regret exceedingly TO say
that his final vote to suppress testimony and
seat Mr.. Carlisle though in justice to his natural i'm
pulse TO be just At the beginning he favored reopen
ing the case. and voted. On the second call he
failed to vote aud on the third surrendered to tho
rs be did also the final cal the Monday morning
the question was ended OF course know not what
Influences were brought to bear upon
him in the interim TO change his judgment, but 1
do believe that his first motives were just
and honorable TO himself and to his high
position, however tricky and treacherous became
his policy the finale. However. the records wiz
show these things. and the actionsi win explain
them.
In conclusion hone YOU viii pardon me for an al
parent egostistic sentiment when say that / would
not exchange the true friendship and cordial recogni
ton OF one noble man woman for all the policy
builders combined who entered the American
Congress feel that again will be candidate.
My working comrades have for ten years past urged
that have remedy by the ballot and tyvit-
ted me during the election and ever since the begin
hing of the contest with ali manner of jokes, and with
even earnest counsel. that mechanic would never be
allowed . seat in Congress- matter how many votes
he might get refused 10 believe il for awhile but
must confess that my iudgment on the subject has
w. ID. Bynum, whether from the same or in
fuenee spprehend makes but little difference in
Very respectfully. GEORGE Fl. 'THGBE.
II Mr. Bynum is the friend OF the laborug
man, why did he rot show his friendship to Mr..
Thoebei Why did not he sustain his causel On
the contrary, he voted for Mr. Carlisle and is re-
wardsd with re-appointment al = member OF the
COMMITTEES OF ways and means. He deserted Mr..
Thebs, and. in fact, the cause of every laboring
man In this congressional district insist that In
voting in the way be did be showed concluslvely
that he has real friendship for the laboring
man, and will do nothing for him in Congress.
To use ar. ThGbe's language, his policy ID
tricky and treacherous," and he has no claim
whatever TO their confidence w. H. n.
ISnIANAP0LIg SAINT L.