The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-18

Senator Quay has spoken at last and spoken
at length For a long time, while be was IN
active political life and was the trusted tool
of the Republican party, he maintained the
most obstinate silence regarding the serious
charges Of embezzcment and general cor
rupt practices which had been made, and
time and again. reiterated against him by
none moro strenuously than members Of his
own party Now that, if report be true he has
determined 10 resign the craftsmanship of the
Republican National Committee and retire
from active participation in campaign
manipulation. he feels that he can speak. and
at least. 90 through the form of making an
explanation of the oHcDses Of which he has
been accused.
No one can read Mr.. Quay's reply TO these
charges and dispassionatcy say that he has
satisfactorily explained them away. He Is
content with repeating them i'll detail and
simply denying their truth. In taking this
course he admits, in every instance, that there
was some plausibility in each specific charge.
but asserts that beyond mere plausibilitv
they are all substantially unfounded and
groundless. aud false in toto. So
far. then. he has really accomplished
nothing. His friends will probably believe
what he says and think that he has been base
~ eliminated His enemies, however. will
still believe him guilty. while those who are
only indifferent lockers on, will feel that
something more is wanted; that if there was
probable cansc TO believe Mr.. Quay guilty be
fore, that probable cause has certainly not
been removed by bis simple denial, and that
if he is not actually guilty be has certainly
been very unfortunate. II is the common
practice Of criminals 10 deny their crimes. but
no mere denial by the offender himself has
ever yet been considered. either in law or
equity. sufficient to exonerate the accused
Therefore. before Mr.. Quay can thoroughly
purge himself Of the odinm attached to ms
character and name, on account of these
charges, he must bring 10 bear on them more
positive aud iucfragblc proofs Of innocence.
Should Mr.. Quay be able to do this in IN
ture. however. there is still one charge Of
which he has been accused 10 which he has
virtually plead guilty, and that is Of having
engaged in bribery and corruption in the last
Presidential election. II is a matter of his
tory that but for the power of Quay's Doodle,
furnished him by his fellow Republican man
ayers. and collected by them and himself as "a
corruption fund Nj Harrison would never
have been President Of the United States III
opposition to the expressed will of the
majority of the American people. II was only
by the open and shameless purchase of votes
by Quay in Kings county, y. Y, and in the
State of Indiana, which changed the result.
and fastened on the county an administration
notable only for It's imbecility and namby-
pambyness. and Congress which has frt-
tered away a year Of time in the pass
age Of an odious and oppressive
tariff law. and in futile efforts to
enact a partisan and revolutionary force bill
to the neglect Of the material interests Of the
Government. To this charge Quay, along
with confession Of guilt will, no doubt, plead
justification ana political emergency. but that
will not lessen the enormity of his crime or
undo the mischief which has been wrought.
Mr.. Quay's political and personal friends may
condone his ofIcnse but he can rest assured
it will not be forgotten 10y the voters Of the
United States at large.