I was familiar with the whole case as it went in.

It was expected that there would be a hostile report, and it was understood that I should be charged with the duty of making a minority report.
I studied that evidence as thoroughly and faithfully as I could.

I have gone over the matter very carefully since.
I was then satisfied, and am satisfied now, that the charges against Mr.Blaine of any corruption or wrong-doing were totally unsustained.

They would never have found credit for a moment except in minds deeply excited by the bitter political passion which at that time raged to a degree wholly unknown in our political strife to-day.

All Mr.Blaine did was to say when he applied for the purchase of the stock to the men who were then trying to dispose of it that "he should not be a dead-head." He meant by that only that he was able to be of advantage to any undertaking in which he should be interested, an assurance which his known ability and energy and large acquaintance with business men thoroughly warranted him in making.