Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-21
Speech OF Chairman NicoI.

l.
Mr. Speaker in submitting this report,
think II il becoming TO say IN this pres
ence that when chosen as a member of
tho General Assembly IL was with the
sincere desire on my part 10 see General
Eppa Hunton, of the town of Warrenton,
elected both for the short and long terms
in The United States Senate. In all proba-
bility. except for the desire on my part to
advar c. the laudible ambition entertained
by General Hunton. | should not have been
a member of this present General Assem-
bly, When it transpired that he would be
nominated by n unanimous vote for the
short term and that he would not be
candidate for the long term / confess
that ] was grievOusly disappointed. When
that fact however, transpred that he
he would not be a candidate for the long
term. In carrying out my convictions as
representative of the people Of Virginia. |
thought ii was my duty TO transfer my
a!legiance TO General Fit2hugh Lee, AMI
by every honorable means in my power
l enGeavored TO secure for him the nomina-
ton for the long term. In that j was
likewise apponted-grievously disap-
pointed.
CHARGES OF FRAUD.
Tten the atmosphere here in the capital
Of the Commonwealth, and everywhere,
from, the seacoast to the mountains, was
loaded with charges Of fraud and corrup-
ton. both in the election of November
T. 1898. and at the Democratic caucus held
on December T. 1898 And IL was the gem
eral desire that these charges should
be allowed to pass away Without further
notice by the General Assembly OF viz
ginla. And possibly in forming decision
iron this matter the judgment of many
aflc ard clear minded men was that this
would have been the better policy. With
them. however, in that judgment | dlf-
fered But having been supporter OF
the defeated candidate. | thought II would
be improper on my part 10 can the at
tention of the General Assembly to these
rruors and charges. For myself ana
speaking alone for myself In this matter
| say | am glad that there was Il VIZ
ginian CMr Withrow. OF Bath) upon tnis
floor who had the courage of his conVic-
tons to call the attention OF the Geherai
Assembly to these charges ana 10 these
rrmors. in which the honor or the mem
bers of this body and the honor OF the
people of Virginia was involved anu ~
mand an investigation at the HANDS OIL this
Assembly. Applause).
CONFLICTING EMOTIONS.
But in the progress of events, when
was announced az chairman OF that com
mittee | experienced ccafiictlnS eihouohS'
I feared that IL | went upon that coh-
uittee and reported in favor OF one can
didate and against another that l woulu
be subject TO criticism whatever mlen,
be the outcome. j earnestly ehucaN0 -
10 he relieved of the chairmansmp oi
this committee, as the Speaker pro tenn:
Hon. John f. Ryan, Of Loudoun' VIII
state He will tell you that l deslreu
earnestly 10 be relieved from du.y on
that committee. but IT seems mat L couIu
not be retired without being cnarSeu
with cowardice. and every man VINO
knows me will not bring charge oil thft
sort When ] surveyed the SITUATION IL
flashed through my mind That l shouil 80
forward and discharge my duty as God
gave me the power 10 see II, and 50 dis
charge il whether condemned o. approved
from any source. In that spiri, and form
OF mind | went forward as member ot
this investigating commit &c. ready. anx-
ions and willing TO hear every charSe
that might be brought against the
honor or integrity. OF any man: willing
ready, and anxious to report the facts
whether they struck down this man or
that man in high or hume posiuoh vi
life.
But would have this House to realize
Mr.. Sneaker, that in discharging this DUTY
I likewise had in mind that mans
honor and mans character 70 human
being. animated by the prope. impulse
is as dear and sacred TO him rs hfe IL
self and that II should not be taken away
without clear. positive and direcs m-ot
After surveying the whole SITUATION We
have submitted the result OF orr inveati-
cation in the report to which you have
just list ene'i.
10 PROOF OF FRAUD.
And would say only enc thing fi.r-
Their. However men may differ as TO the
wisdom or rnvlsdom Of that report, It
seems 20 me that every man in Virginia
who cal lay his hand on his hear. ard
say Il Ell Virginian' muss love the
honor OF the Commonwealth more IMAM
the COR. les OF any man, and therefore
rejoice .ha- whatever nay have been
CHARGED there Is no proof that there has
been frail bribery or corruption Ia The
election OF a United States s'ha,rr fIom
the great conmonw lin Of Virginia
(Applluse.'
II believe further. too. Mr.. Speaker, that
IL Is the policy and sound wisdom. In the
language OF the great statesman from
Tennessee who passed away years ago,
that we should take the people into our
confidence. and therefore from this In
yestigation we excluded nothing-throw-
ing down the ordinary bars OF legal evil
lence and admitting both direct and
kearSay testimony. All OF the manage
ment. Organization. and actions OF the
Democratic party wss laid bare 70 the
gazs OF the world. Whatever there IL
good In II let II be commented. What
ever there is evil let II be condemned. but
LEI no human being ever be able 10 make /
the charge that whenever there Is any
thing that is improper or wrong In the
Democratic party Il has not the courage
and manhood to expose and condemn It.
This report says there are some things