Note 374 — Chapter IV
Reading edition
E. W. Dewees, another leader of the House, contended with Carr and Carter for eminence. The investigating committee of Congress reported that he had been under arrest with seven sworn charges of burglary against him, and had then obtained of the chief of police a certificate that his picture was not in the rogues’ gallery.—Ibid., 27.
The conclusion to which the Congressional committee came is worth noting when we recall that they were Republicans: “The world has rarely known a legislative body so rank with ignorance and corruption.”—Ibid., 24. In May, 1875, five members of this legislature were indicted for bribery.—Times.
In this revolting catalog it is refreshing to find one person free from the taint of dishonesty. The lieutenant-governor was regarded by the Democrats as incorruptible. “In the view of the Caucasian chiefs, the taint of honesty and of a scrupulous regard for the official proprieties, is a serious drawback and enervating reproach upon the Lieutenant Governor.”—Times, August 4, 1871.