Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-12-21
SENATORIAL INVESTIGATION.

sI,fnd in the proceedings as reported
in the morning papers list of subjects
for investigation furnished to your com
mittee by General Fitzhugh Lee, the
seventh subject reading as follows:
"'Mr. Decatur Axtell, of the Chesa,
peake and Ohio Railway Company, will
testify that after the election, when told
by me that Mr.. Thompson had only
turned over $4,000, above mentioned,
that he expressed great surprise ana
indignation, and said it was the clear
understanding with the Richmond and
Danvile officials, that all money should
60 10 be spent by MIR. ]. Taylor Ellyson,
chairman
"Mr. Thompson was known to be in
daily communication with the chair
man of the democratic committee, that
thew were acting in close concert, and
no specific directions as to disposition OF
funds were given to either so far as |
know except as stated hereafter. l
never had any such understanding
with the r. & D. officials as that men,
toned by General Lee. The General
entirely Inexperienced my remarks at
the interview he mentions. He made
against Mr.. Thompson the grave charge
that instead of using funds intrusted to
him for the benefit of the democratic
party. in the campaign, he had himself
distributed considerable part OF such
funds to candidates, or their friends, for
the direct purpose Of influencing them
to vote for Mr.. Martin. / was greatly
surprised to hear any such charges from
such source, and so expressed myself.
| could not but believe, however, that
the General was mistaken. | did not
hesitate to express my thorough con-
domination of any such wrongful acts.
The Generals remarks were continuous
and my surprise was at that part OF
them charging the use of money to Sc,
cure votes. need scarcely say that
Immediately made inquiries but failed
to learn any facts that would support
such charges. had no reason to think
the confidence reposed in Mr.. Thomp-
son had been abused, and | have none
now.
at is proper also to say that all con-
tributions from any source, made with
my knowledge, have been made with
the distinct understanding that they
were to promote the advancement Of
the general interest of the democratic
party, and should not be used in any
case for the purpose of influencing or
advancing the interest of any Sena-
torial candidate, or anyone seeking any
office, whatever, at the hands of the
Legislature. This purpose was made
known to Gen. Lee at the interview re-
ferred to, as it had been before.
81 may say also that the money con-
tributed with my knowledge in this
campaign was given with the greatest
reluctance, upon the strongest repre-
sensations as to the great need OF the
party together with the urgent solicita-
tons of the chairman and other MEM
bers of the democratic State committee.
Understanding that it has been al
legged that Mr.. Martin was retained, or
directed to antagonize the Kent bill III
the last Legislature, desire further to
state that never to my knowledge has
Mr.. Martin been retained by any rail-
road or any one else for or against any
measure ever pending before the Gene
raj Assembly of Virginia. Certainly
not by any with which ! have been
connected; nor have any services from
Mr.. Martin been required so far as l
know in this connection"
A telegram from Mr.. Spencer, one of
the receivers of the r. & D. r. R. Co,
was read and filed as part Of the evil
dence. The paper stated that he knew
nothing of his own knowledge that
would be of use by the committee.
Judge Green. from Danville, author
of the article published in Sundays
Times, in which it was stated that Mr..
Elyson had said that it was absolutely
necessary to elect Mr.. Martin and give
the railroads what they ask for, as the
railroads furnished most of the money
with which the campaign was conduct
ed, then went or the stand.
The Judge was summoned at the re-
quest of Mr.. Ellyson. He said he knew
nothing of his own knowledge that
would indicate that any improper
means had been used to secure the
nomination of Mr.. Martin. He said
that what he wrote was only rumor
and had been told him by dozen or
more prominent democrats. He could
not divulge their names, and would be
responsible for the article. He ex-
pressed regret at having written the ar
ticle, and said he did not think Mr.. Ell
Tyson made use of the strong language
credited to him by the papers. He re-
iterated that he knew nothing of his
own personal knowledge about the
matter, and did not believe Mr.. Ely
son ever said or did anything to justify
the rumors.
Mr.. Nicol asked Mr.. Ellyson, who
was present, if he wished to ask the
witness any question. Mr.. Ellyson re-
piled after the full and complete with
drawal of the statement as made by
Judge Green | have nothing further to
say, but l would like that the following
editorial notice in this mornings
Times be made part of the evidence"
The editorial referred to is the fol-
lowing
1--WE feel so sure that "Civis" has
been misinformed about Chairman Ell
lyson's views about the railroads, that
we regret that that part of his letter
should have been published at all. The
letter to us came from high source,
and the gentleman is no doubt amply
able to give the reasons which he con-
sidered sufficient, but he did not know
Mr.. Ellyson as we do. If he had, he
never would have listened to the ru.
mors."
Mr.. Nicol then asked Mr.. Ellyson if
any money was sent to Prince William
county, and the chairman replied that