One conjecture, and the most reasonable and plausible one, is that if Hemmingway had made a full confession it might have involved not only some men who were prominent and influential, but perhaps the Democratic State organization as well.

For it was a well-known fact that in 1875 nearly every Democratic club in the State was converted into an armed military company.

To fully organize, equip, and arm such a large body of men required an outlay of a large sum of money.

The money was evidently furnished by some persons or through some organization.

Those who raised the money, or who caused it to be raised, no doubt had an eye to the main chance.