Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-01-29

siderstiOn of Abandonment OF my political
convictions aud affiliations and of my vote
for Republican candidate for United
States Senator. 1 feel impelled by source
of duty to disclose this fact to my asso-
ciates IN this honorable bOdy and to the
public, in order that the Honse OF Dele
gates may give such consideration 10 tbs
matter as the gravity OF such action in iis
judgment may demand.
LSignsd. A. b. SHELTON,
Delegate from L'ncolu County, State cf
West Va
kmd,cha county, t0-lrH:
This 26,h dag Of January, A. D, 1889,
A. b. Shelt0n. who is 10 me personally
known, appeared before ne, ". p. Ad-
ans, a notary pnblic in and for the county
aforesaid, and in my said county made
oath according 10 law, that the statements
contained in the foregoing affidavit or
statement ere tue. Subscribed aud swoin
to before me in my county, this 26sh day
OF January, 1889.
Signed, W. P. ADAMS.
Notary Public.
HE ASKS FOR AN INVESTIGATION.
The reading of the affidavit was heard
in profound silence There was bu. oae
thing to be done and that was accomplish
ed after q short debate Nc Shelton ask
ed for a committee Of investigation and
Hanen, Of Marshall, offered q resolution Us
follows:
'ReSOlred, That a special committee of
five be appointed to investigate the charges
of attempted bribery; that they be empOw-
cred to sit during the session Of the House
and they have power to send for persons
and papers"
Mr.. Lively, of Lewis, offered substi-
tute:
Resolred, THAT the speaker he author
izsd to appoint committee of five 10 in
vestigate and report upon the CHARGES con-
tanned in the sffidavit this day presented
in the House by A. b Shelton, and Caid
committee shall have full power and au-
thOrity to send for persons aud papers and
investigate aud report upon any otter
similar matter that may be brought before
it"
The substitute was adopted 1t thus
secures an investigation OF other attempts
at bribery Of which the Democratic mana
gers feel they can secure full aud accurate
knowledge. The speaker appointed Messrs
Lively, SpTigg, Sifel, Hanen and Moore
on jhe committee, and the House theu
proceeded with its usual bGsiness.
THE PROFFERED BRIDES.
It is understood that Fesident of Lin
coin county is the man who attempted to
bribe Mr. Shelton.
The first proposition was made before
the opening session Of the legislature, and
$1,000 was then offered if n would remain
aTay from Ch9H ston Tbis failed and the
briber CT bribers followed Mr.. Shelton
here. Another proposition was made that
he should vote for Ge-. GOff, and posi-
tiOD worth $1,000 yeaI and 81, 600 in
cash were offered Both were refused.
Mr.. Shelton early brought she matters
to the attention of the Dsmoccalc leadere
here and to-day's exposure wg9 the result
No msn stands higher in the estimation
of mis- fellow members than NJ Shelton
does. He is chairman Cf the important
Committee on X ads AID Internal Nayige-
ton which is sufficient in itself to show
the high value shat is placed upon bi5
ability and integrity.
Mr.. SHELTON TALKS.
The representative Of the REGISTER had
q short tsl6 with him to-day. He Is much
affected at the situation in which be has
been placed through no fault Of MS, and
sxprl sses himself with gcoAt feeling in the
matter. He said 81 know of 10 reason
why any man should have offered ms
money in this way, excep. that l am con-
Dara,ively pOor ! am certain that none
will he more surprised that such en- offer
mad been made tban my friends aud
neighblrs who know me best. As stated !
Ia my affidavit .he first offer wss made be |
fore The opening of the Legislature. l re-
ected il and Immediately communicated |
he fact cf the Cfiev to prominent D5mo-
,rais. Af.er came % Charleston aucther !
proposition was insde ard the confederation |
l again communicated this |
act to leading Democrats end told them |
hat I would demand an investigation as
,oon az the Legislature was organized. |
They counselled delay, but insisted, and |
20 Row insist that the matter shall be !
)robed to the bottom.
-HE PEOPLE SHALL Know THE FACTS. !
"On Saturday last intended to b,iBg it |
10. A press of business In tue House pre-
rented me. This morning took adyan- |
age of the frs. opportunity to do 50. |
gil not res. Row until these men are
t5 iusiieo, or at least the public ia
made certain OF thsir guilt. have ac,ed |
.n,irely Independently, except so iar as l
took aivc5 to delay the exposure. un-
ierstand that others have been approached |
n the same manner and with them / have
nothing to do, but have asked in justice
o myself that this mrtter be Investigated,
INC l thall insist upon it until the full
acts Of tni g organized corrupt conspiracy
lsya been made public ~