Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1896-09-17
ArFIDAyTT NAILINe A LIE.

MOUNT VERNON, ILL.,, Sept. 11.-On
Thursday, September 10, 1896, the
Toledo Weekly Blade in its editorial
columns published what it styled can
affidavit made by reputable citizen
of Mount Vernon" as to what W. ].
Bryan said in speech at Mount YER
non, ILL.,, on March II last. Following
is copy of the affidavit referred to by
the Blade and exactly as published in
the Blade of that date:
"I hereby certify that heard w. j.
Bryan'a speech here March II last, and
that he used the following language:
" Il am neither Democrat, Populist
or Republican, and in answer to a
question he stated that he voted for
Weaver, and also that the change to
free silver would produce panic, at
least for time.
ssH. F. STEPHENSON"
Subscribed and sworn to before me
this twenty fifth day of August, 1896.
H.C. HUGHES,
Notary Public.
In refutation of the charges in the
above affidavit Republic correspond
eat herewith submits copy of an
affidavit as follows:
estate of Illinois, Jefferson county,
ss.-The undersigned, being duly
sworn, state that they were present
and heard the speech made by w. j.
Bryan, present candidate for President,
at the Court House in Mount Vernon,
ILL.,, March II, 1896, and have seen the
statements made by II. F. Stephenson,
to the effect that w. ]. Bryan said: 4
am neither Democrat, Populist nor
Republican, and in answer to ques-
ton he stated that he voted for
Weaver and also that the change to
free silver would produce panic, at
least for time.
ssThe above statements were neither
made, in words nor in substance, but
he did say in substance, ithat il the
policy carried ont by President Cleye-
land is Democracy, then / am not a
Democrat
i" In answer to the question, Did
you vote for Cleveland?' he answered:
NO; the Democrats in Nebraska sup
ported the Populist ticket SO as to
take the State away from the Repub-
licans, and according to that under
standing voted for the Populist elec-
tors.'
GAS to the statement that W. J..
Bryan said in the abo se speech that
the change to free silver would pro-
duce a panic, at least for time, 1t is
wholly false and without foundation.
| "Lee Jones, Kirby smith, VIM. Car
penter, John J. Baker, L. Irons, VIM.
w. Warman, Frank Suddoth, F. q.
Blood, @. P. Rice, E. F. Warman, John
T. Crackel, ]. o. Chance
"Subscribed and sworn to before me
this 18th day of September, 1896.
| IN. p. Seal) 80. o. PETIT,
'sNotary Public.n
The gentlemen signing the affidavit
refuting Fl. F. Stephenson's charges
are among the best citizens OF Mount
Vernon. L. E. Jones lie clerk OF the
Circuit Court. Kirby Smith has been
County Surveyor. William Carpenter
is Justice of the Peace. Frank Sud-
doth is City Clerk. ]. o. Chance d
ex- Supreme Clerk for the Southern
i Grand Division Of Illinois. The re-
manning signers are prominent bust
ness and professional men. Many
other signatures could have been OBJ
tanned, but these were thought suffi-
cIent. The list of signers includes al
] parties, Democrats, Republicans and
Populists. II. F. Stephenson is an ex
soldier, pensioner and . Crane
Army man and long Republican
| Democrats here who heard Mr.
Bryan's speech here on March IL last
are very indignant at the reports tina
have been circulated in regard to !
and were glad to have an opportunit,
to put Mr.. Bryan right before th
rrnyI1