The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-23
THAT PRELIMINARY FUND"

The Arch Chancellor Cambaceres was
one OF the most gifted and trusted men
that served the first and great Napoleon.
lie was also gourmand Of the first order,
and was noted for having the best table
fn Paris. One day the Emperor kept his
council sitting much longer than usual,
and II was noticed by those who knew him
well. that Cambaceres had become very
fdgety-his dinner was ready. He hastily
penned a note and sent II off by a servant.
The Emperor sent an attendant TO inter
cept IT. II turned out to be addressed TO
his "chef," and read as follows: "Gardez
les entremets, les rotis sont deja perdus-
] know the roast are lost, but do take
care OF the side dishes"
So we know our roast the senatorship.
IS lost, but we must try and save our
tnremets. the courts, from railroad con-
troll.
one Of the most curious and interesting
incidents Of the investigation" was that
discussion OF the preliminary fund" and
we have thought 1t best to bring into one
paragraph all that was said about it.
1t first turned up when Mr. Barbour
Thompson was first on the stand. Mr..
Mushbach asked him the following ques-
ton: ''was there any fund. Mr. Thompson.
that you are aware of commonly denomin-
ated the preliminary fund.-"
A. mo, sir; do not know Of any such
fund"
Q. "Did yeu never receive any money
which you called a preliminary fund?"
A. mo. sir; never knew of any such
fund"
1t next turned up in the sworn state |
ment filed by General Lee. thus: MIR. j.
Taylor Ellyson can testify that Mr.. Bar
bour Thompson claimed TO have a 'prelim-
mary fund. and which ne did not turn |
over to Ellyson. Mr.. Ellyson stated this |
both to Mr.. Charles V, Meredith and |
myself, as he win testify"
When Mr.. Ellyson came on the stand |
afterwards on the same day he was asked |
about this statement of General Lee and |
he replied, 81 know nothing about any
preliminary fund"
Being then asked II he ever had any con-
versation with General Lee and Mr.. Mere
dith on the subject he replied, 81 under
stood there was such fund, but knew
nothing about It,"
1t next appears when Mr. Meredith came
on the stand the day after. lie testified
that on calling Mr.. Ellysons attention
TO his promise that no money should be
~ |
organization and reminding him Of the
Priddy ,cnarlot;e) case. Ellyson replied,
'|rhat came through Barbour Thomp-
son. and had nothing 10 do with 1t. He"
Tor they. Meredith could not recollect
which word he used) have what they
call preliminary fund. and 1 have no
control over that" Meredith was perfectly
positive about all the language except ''he"
or "they."
Mr.. Elyson came back on the stand
upon this and said, 1T seems that there
is some discrepancy between statement
OF Mr.. Meredith and mine about the pre-
iiminary fund. In regard TO my statement
In regard TO the preliminary fund. I stated
that was Informed that there was a pre-
liminary fund"
Now. on this evidence the public will
forever believe that there was a ''prel,mi-
nary fund" whether Mr.. Barbour Thonp.
son controlled it or knew Of 1t or whether
be did not They viii also believe that IL
was fund furnished by the railroads. .
What part was the preliminary fund" .
10 cut in the eleotiong Its name denotes !
It's part II was to secure the nomina-
'ion In the preliminary Democratic contest {
or candidates who would obey railroad I
renes,s. With this idea clearly defined in !
the mind, the testimony of Mr.. Itch 1
held becomes highly interesting and i'm '
portant lie testified that in Washington $
county when the convention or primary I
meeting was held 70 nominate the Demo- r
cratic candidates. Parties were Sent +,
'ut Into the neighborhoods. where 4
al know. that pretend to know anything
% politics OF Washington county. h
I've parties who have 70 be bought /,
pa election day. and brought a
sress many Of this KIND. TO attend ths \ !
msss'ns 81 Abingdon precinct. There, 1