The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-04

ing with proper proofs the not unn ltural
suspicion that II is not an amended ver-
sion, but the original and genuine version.
Otherwise, the public will conclude that
the letter published in the newspapers of
yesterday was authentic, and as he wrote
It, The Chairman OF the Indiana Demo-
cratic Committee allirms its genuineness,
and the letter in which Chairman Huston,
OF the Indiana Republican Committee, re-
pudiates Gen. Dudley, without repudiat-
ing the letter or impeaching its genuine
ness, tends strongly to confirm the belief
that the publication OF the documents has
done Gen. Dudley no other injustice than
may be involved in the exposure of an at
tempted yillainy. The letter, as pub
lished, Is such as only conscienceless
political corruptionist could con-
ceive, and only brazen scoundrel
write. There could be no mistake about
It's purpose. II was letter Of instructions
IN the art OF bribery at the polls. 1t gave
minute directions for the accomplishment
OF monstrous fraud upon the electors.
The character OF the men who are asso-
ciated with Gen. Dudley in the manage
ment OF the Republican party, the known
fact that they have collected sums OF
money far in excess OF their legitimate
needs, and the further fact that the DEM
ocratic party feels firm aud iustiiable con-
iidencc of victory. while the Republicans
are casting about in desperation for some
means of averting threatened defeat, all
lend strong color of probability to the
charge that Gen. Dudley, treasurer of the
Republican Committee, is attempting the
use OF unlawful methods TO obtain the
electoral vote OF Indiana for Harrison. We
know, as well as Gen. Dudley knows, that
the publication OF this letter will injure his
chances for success, and, rs we depreciate
as strongly rs he can the circulation OF
forgeries in political campaigns, we will
checrfnlly unite with him in any course
he may suggest TO expose the authors of
this particular forgery, II, as he asserts, it
be forgery in part or in whole. But let
Gen. Dudley first send us a copy OF this
letter"
There is talk here Of arresting Dudley
for violating the election laws OF the
United States, The following clause in
the letter is said to be amply sufficient
divide the iloaters into blocks OF five
and put q trusted man with necessary
funds in charge OF these five, and make
him responsible that none get away and
that all vote our ticket" No one can
read that without knowing that il means
bribery on Wholesale scale. And the
most appalling thing about the revelation
is not that the National Republican Com.
mittec should resort TO such methods, but
that they feel assured that all the county
chairmen OF Indiana will cooperate with
them in the outrage. IL shows that the
moral rottcnness IS not confined to one
point, but runs clear through the Rcpub.
licln organization.
United States District Attorney Walker
was not inclined 10 believe that any man
in Col. Dudlcy's position could be so fool
ish or so wicked rs 10 write that letter
imputed 20 him. But II the letter, as pub
lishcd, was genuine, and proof OF Col.
Dudlcy's authorship were forthcoming
he felt sure that Dudley had rendered
himself liable 10 a criminal prosecution for
violation Of the election laws Of the
United states. And the state laws, he
felt certain, were even more explicit and
definite In their cognizance OF the crime of
bribery and attempt at bribery than those
Of the nation. lie would not pay any OIL
cinl attention 10 the matter upon newspa-
per statement, but II the necessary informa-
ton were filed against Col. Dudley, Il
would become his duty 10 take official
action IN the matter.
In the absence OF District Attorney Eel
lows from his office, Assistant District At
torncy COT said, alter reading the letter,
tia, i was questionable whether the New
York courts would entertain Jurisdiction
OF a charge OF an attempt 10 commit 4
crime in another State. In this Dudley
matter IL might be that the New York
courts would, II The evidence were
sufficient, acknowledge jurisdiction of an
information against Col. Dudley for a
violation Of the laws OF Indiana; but IL was
an unsettled question and he could not
give an authoritative opinion upon II.
There Is no doubt whatever that the
Indiana authorities have a clear case
AGAINST nuIlev