Terre Haute Evening Gazette, Volume 6, Number 227, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 8 March 1876 — Page 1

vi

VOL. 6.™NO. 227.

FORTY-FOURTH GREiSS.

C3N-

Tho Senate Engaged on the Pinchback Case.

A VIOLENT DEIimlfft'

THE HOUSSjJ OVElt THE BELKMP BUSINESS.

The Republicans Fighting With Desperation.

TO FABRY THE FORCE OP PRESIDENT'S TACTICS.

THE

Which is by Threatening Witnesses With ProsecuWons to ?ave High Officials.

SENATE.

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. Washington, March V. Hitchcock moved that the bill to enable the people of New Mexico to form a constitution and State Government, and for the admission of said State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, be re-committed to the Committee on Territories. Agreed to.

Cameron introduced a bill to amend section 113 of the United States statute, in relation to the appointment of army sutlers. Referred,

It vests the appointment of post-trad-ers in generals' commanding, wherein they are situated, instead of the Secretary of War.

The Senate then took up the resolution for the admission of Pinchback, and Christiancy addressed the senate in opposition to the resolution, arguing that Pinchback bad not a prima facia case, and that Kellogg was not governor of Louisiana. In conclusion, he aBked how many of those supporting Pinchback would vote for his admission if his party affilations were reversed.

Mr. Howe spo&e in favor of the admission ol Pinchoack. Mr. Hitchcock, from the committee on territories, reported with amendments, the bill to enabie the people of Mew Mexico to form a constitution and State government, and for the admission of the said State into the union fcc.

Mr. Morton said that ho desired to say a single word in reply to the somewhat extraordinary argument of the Senator from Michigan, That Senator had asked how the Senators in favor of his admission would vote of his party affiliations were reversed. That was in the nature of a refl ction upon the motives of every Senator on the floor who supported Pinchback. He (Morton) withheld his views of how he would vote for Pincnback if he had been sent here by the Democrats. When he so far forgot his duty as to vote for the rejection of a Senator on .acsouut of politics, be would be unworthy of a seat in the Senate himsel t. Perhaps the Senator from Michigan thought that in the vote he was about to give he represented the people who sent him here. Morton then referred to the resolution passed at an extra session ot the Senate last spring, and argued that it was a recognition of the validity of the Kellogg Government.

The Senator from Ohio (Thurman) then proposod an amendment that nothing herein contained shall be construed to recognize Kellogg as Governor, but it was voted down, and among those who voted against it was the Senator from Michigan (Christiancy.)

Thurman said that the amendment was voted down because the majority had agreed in caucus that the resolution should be passed without an amendment.

Morton said the Senator from Ohio knew more about the Republican caucuses than they did themselves. Perhaps that Senator could toll something about another caucus lately held, which, if reports were true, was not very harmonious.

Anthony said no such agreement as that stated by the Senator from Ohio, had ever been made in caucus.

McDonald inquired of his colleague (Morton) if the facts stated in the report of the committee on privileges and elections in regard to Louisiana wore true.

Air Morton said the facts were true, but that there were a great many things stated in that report which were in the facts.

Mr. McDonald asked if it was true that the Lynch board had no returns before them.

Mr. Morton said the i"e*ur"s ^vere hid away from that board by the Senators'political friend.

Mr. Hitcncock moved the Senate prooeds to the consideration ot the execntivs business.

Voices on the Democratic side. Oh, no. let us have a vote. Mr. Morton said he hoped

tliere

would be a vote. He had said oil he desired to say. After some further discussion Hitchcock insisted on his motion for the executive session.

Voices on the Democratic side. Oh, no, we can't vote. The president pro tem stated the question was on Edmunds amendments to insert the word "net before the word "admitted," and upon this yeas and nays were orderea.

Morton then moved that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the excutive business, which was ... yeas 36, naya 29. Sherman voting with the Democrats in the negative.

The Senate went into executive se»s ion and soon after adjourned. MOBNINO SESSION.

WASHINGTON', Merck 8.

Mr. Cameron, of Wisconsin, presented petition Bigned by over 16 X)o persons in regard to secret societies. 1 he petitioners declare their opposition to all secret organizations, and ask Concress to withdraw the charter granted to Masonic halls, and that a law be passed making it unlawful to appoint any person to office under the Government, who is a member of any secret organization, and also that members of such organizations may be cballeng-

°^Mr.^Cameron in presenting the petij tion said that be had been informep hat the petitioners were residents o--?«rV state and Territory in the United States. He asked that the petition be read and printed in the record, oo

°T\lr. Bayard introduced a bill to au thoriza the Secretary of the Treasury

to approve certain bills incurred by direct commissioners. Referred. At the expiration ol the morning hour, the Chair laid before the Senate an unfinished business resolution lor the admission of P. B. S. Pinchback as Senator from Louisiaw.

Mr. Hitchcock moved to lay aside the unfinished business and proceed to consider the bill lor the admission of New Mexico rejected. Ayes 21 nays y.

Mr. West then spoko in favor of the admission of Pinchback. Mr. Wright submitted a concurrent resolution instructing the president

protein pore of the Senate, and speaker of toe House of representatives, to adjourn tiieir respective houses sine die, on the 1st of May, 1S7C, at noon. Mr. Wright said ho need hardly state he offered this resolution without consultation with any one. He believed con vress could get through with old busi ness and adjourn by that date. He asked that the raiolution b3 laid on the table.

Mr. Edmunds moved it to ba referred to the Committee on Appropriations, as it was usual to refer suoh resolutions to that committee. Agreed to.

The chair then laid before the Senate a communication from the Postmaster General in answerto the resolution of the 7th in regard to the straw bids. Ordered to be printed and referred.

HOUSE.

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. Washington, March 7, 137G. Ciymer, rising to a question of privilege, stated that a subpoena had been served on liini last evening, issued by the supreme court of theDistriet of Columbia, sitting as a criminal court, to appear before that court and to bring with him all papers, checks documents, etc,, and to testify in regard to the charges pending in that court against the lato secretary of war! his colleagues, Ilobbinsaud Blackburn, had been similarly subpoenaed. He (Ciymer had appeared before that court and stated that in obedience to law he appeared at its bar to obej its order, but that a member of the "committee of the house, be felt that it would be prejudicial to the highest interests of *tbe country that his colleaguesand himselfshould be compelled to state what had transpired in their committee room.

He believed that such a course would not only close the mouths of witnesses, but in many cases it would divide them from the land. He had said furthermore that while out pleading their privileges as members of the House, they must nevertheless protest against being examined and would only consent to be so examined after an order being made specially to that end by the court. The court had taken time for deliberation, atul had determined, if it needed their attendance thereafter, to send for them. He felt it his duty to bring the matter to the attention of the House, in order that the House might take such action in that matter as might be right, just, and necessary.

Biaine asked Ciymer if the court had asked or had desired to ask for any information that was not contained in the published report, and was not a matter of general notorie* ty. He coultl very well conceive that the gentleman from Pennsylvania might not wish to be called upon in that court to testify of what was still a committee secret, but whafr point of delicacy could arise as to these matters which were as common as history could make them,he conld nut see.

Ciymer replied that the court had not proposed to ask them any question at all. They were to bs examined bafore the Grand Jury. If questioas were to have been asked by the court iu the presence of the public he might not have as great an objection but he and his colleagues had felt, that if they were to go before a Grand Jury whose proceedings were necessarily secret that fast would strike terror everywhere throughout, and would close all the avenues of testimony to the House and ils committees.

Blaine reminded Ciymer that his own privilege as a member protected him, and there was no power to compel him to testify.

Ciymer repeated that he had stated to the court that he did not intend to plead his privilege, to show that it might not be said that he iutended to seclude anything which should be rightfully kuown to the public.

Robbins, another member of the committee, made alike statement In reference to his being sunpoenaed, and declared it as his belief that it had the effect, if not the design, to intimidate witnesses and throttle the investigation.

Danford, another member of the committee said he had no subpoena to go before the court, but he would like to know from the chairman whether any additional testimony had been taken before the committee.

Lamar objected to that question. Blaine—The objection must come from a most unconceivable motive

Lamar—It may be a motive that you misconceive, but, nevertheless, "it is a motive which 1 have, and that is, the preservation of parliament order. I maiutain that no member has aright to reveal the secrets of the committe room.

Ciymer said that there had been no additional testimony before the committee, but he repeated that an attempt to drag foith what occurred in the committee could result in nothing else but detriment to public weal.

Blaine—There should be no division or seeming division between the two sides of the house in regard to the vigorous prosecution of public criminals. What was the object of this investigation except to bring offenders to criminal justice? The committee could not punish anybody. Everybody knew that this was a brutum fulmen.

Ciymer— I have stated the facts of the case lo the house, and if the im» putation arises that some one in this district wishes to close the avenues of evidence all over the country, it is noil who makes the charge but the facts of the case.

Blaine—The gentlemau closes the avenues himself. I will not permit the gentleman to impute to me motives which I do not unrteratand, or to put insinuations in my mouth which I have not uttered

TERRE HAUTE,

Blackburn, another member of the committee, said—He was not surpised at the uneasiness and nervousness manifested by the gentleman from Maine. He (Blackburn) did not intend to charge that it was the pur pose of the executive to intimidate "witnesses to throttle the investigation or to afford iuimnity to criminals but he did say that unless this gag process was'stopped the country would beleive that that was the pur pose, aud he would believe it too. (Applause on the Democratic side and a question by Elaine: What gag process?) It had gone forth to the country that the committee had connived at the absconding of an important witness against the protest of the Republican members of the committee, but it was needless for him to say that charge was flatly false, and he only wondered that those Republican members had allowed it to go out on their authority, without contradict' ion. He went on to argue that it would be utterly impassible ever to convict the late secretary of war, or any other cabinet officer, except by the testimony of accomplices, aud yet the hou^e was now to be told that, an accomplice should not tostify be fore the committee except at his own peril it was against that he protested aud he intimated that the phrase "Let no guilty man escape," would be construed iiy the country to mean: let no man escape who dare tell on those who are in authority. He warned the house that the volumin ous investigations that were now progressing would be stopped, and thai: it would be utterly impossible to carry them furthef successfully un less there was a declaration that the testimony of the witnesses should not be used against them-

Lamar said that there should not be any exhibition of party feeling or excitement in the presence of such solemn events as were throwing their shadows over the Hous?. It seemed to him that THE VOICE OF FACTION SHOULD AT

LEAST JJE HUSHED.

He regarded this mandate or summons or subpoena issued to members of Committees by the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia as an outrage on the privilege of this House. He did not say that the object of the court was to hush or to suppress the investigation. The question was one purely of parliamentary privilege. He regarded it as a violation of the privileges of the House for the court to issue a summons to a member and order him to bring along with him records of the House and to remain in court and not to depart until allowed by the court or District Attorney.

Blaine—Does not the gentleman from Mississippi, see, and does not the whole country see that having possession of evidence on which an indictment can be found, and showing in its possession every paper in the case, the House puts itself behind its technical privilege and throws itself across the indictment of Belknap, and that to-day it stands as the obstacle aud sole obstacle to the indictment of the late Secretary of War.

Lamar—Neither the gentleman from Mississippi," nor the country, nor the gentleman from Maine, see any such thing-.

Blaine—It i3 nothing but that,

Lamar—It is anything but that. Democrats, however, he said, proposThe question is simply whether this house will permit it's records to be at the beck and call of the district court. Tnere is no doubt but that when the investigation is complete, it will be within the direction of the house to permit the courts or the country to come iu and get evidence, but not pendente lite while the investigation is going on, aud while the committee is taking further testimony. Such a proposition was monstrous and rediculous.

Blaine said he agreed with Lamar that while the affair is in limini it would be improper for a court to interfere, but that was not the case here. The question was whether the house would permit the testimony and papers in the hands of its committee to he sent to the court. The house could refuse it or could send it, and now said he impetuously,

I DARE, I DARE!

that side of the house to refuse it. [Applause on the Republican side aud great excitement.]

Lamar continued his remark? which he closed by offering a resolution reciting the history of the case, declaring ttie mandate of the court to be a breach of privileges of the house aud directing the members of the committee to disregard such a mandate.

Kasson invited the house to look cooly at the situation developed this morning' The question was raised here as a question of privilege on the part of the members of the house who had received a judicial invitation to aid in the indictment and punishment the criminal. It was au extraordiuary case, aud one without precedent. He asked whether there had ever been any such proposition as had been suggested to the house condemning a sworn executor of the laws, because he had directed hi3 subordinates to euforce those laws. The grand jury wa9 sworn to indict men guilty of crime within their judgement, and the bouse and the committee had no right to em barras the grand jury lu the execution of the laws of the land.

McCreary reminded his colleague that the committee had iu its pos session the contract, which must be the foundation of any proceeding for the indictment of the offender, and that that contract was probably more than the grand jury could get hold of.

Ciymer remarked that that con tract was between Caleb F. Marsh, aad John S. Evans, and that the Sec retary of War knew nothing of it when it was made, nor for two years afterward.

Kasson, in the course of further remarks, referred to the interview which Blackburn bad had with some of the parties implicated, and sug gested that the grand jury might desire to examine him about it.

Blackburn

repMed

WEDNESDAY EVENING.

Mrs, Belknap, and at great length, he would authorize the gentleman from Iowa, whenever he heard anybody making any such statement to say that he had his, (Blackburn's), authority for telling that man that he lies. '[Great excitement.]

Kasson—Do 1 understand the gentleman to say that he had no conversation on that subject about tbi3 prosecution in this community outside of the committee-room.

Blackburn—I have filed a statement on the subject that neither the gentleman nor any other man can impugn.

Kasson—Then I appeal that statement, and ask if that is not so. If the interview was not a pertinent case why wa3 it reported and made public, and if pertinent to the case, why are not the criminal courts of of the country entitled to it? [Abplause on the Republican side.]

Blackburn—Will the gentleman from Iowa inform the house whether the newspaper reports are true that he aud his colleagues waited in a body on the former secretary of war?

Kasson—I will answer the qustion tion with more cbeerfulnes then the gentleman has answered mine.

Blackburn—Then I trust the gentleman will tell us whether he is a re psitory for confessions of guilt.

Kasson—I will respond to a sub oena to give any statement of facts in aid of the prosecution of crime, will the gentleman do so much or will he plead his priviledge and decline to aid in the prosecution. Byfore the committee made its report there came a request to the entire lo* wa delegates in both houses to call on the secretary of war, as he wanted to see them that day. We went in the evening, senators and members, and we met this statement from him, "When I sent for you gentlemen, I supposed there would be some opportunity to be heard in the house on this subject, but I have now learned that I am impeached, so that it is useless for me to trouble you with what I was going to say as to the evidence in this case and we lefthim.

Ainsworth asked why the Iowa delegation had left him out. [Laughter on the Democratic side of the house.]

The debate continued amid great excitement, and with frequent demonstrations of applause and laughter on either side of the House, Blaine was the ceutral figure on the Republican side of the House at which all the shafts of eloquence were lauched from the Democratic side. The debate was of such a

extended

iengtb, having

over, four

hours, that it is

mpossible to give a connected summary of it. It was participated in by Roboins, Singleton, D^n forth, Beebe, Cox, of New" York, -'Bright-, -Hoar, Knott, and Hooker. The Republicans intimated that the witness Marsh had been allowed to escape the country through some motive which the Democrats had, and it was charged on the Democratic side that the President and Cabinet were instrumental in driving him out of the country through intimidation.

His escape characterized by Be9be, as that of an obscure petty thief, aud he suggested that the Democrats were so intent on greater game that they had allowed that miserable offender to slip through their hands, through the machinations of the executive and cabiuet officers. The

ed to persuo not th? marshes who were MERE TRICHINA but villians in high places and in that connection he quoted the dog-' geraJ: ".Some bait tlielr hooks with mites of

CllCBSC,

And sit on a kernal to bob for fleas. Others bait their hooks with tlge. \jtail3, Aud sit oa a rock and bob fjr whales. The Government on the other side might pursue their flea catching if they pleased, but Democrats would drag from their turbid waters of pollution whales, and would suppliment it perhaps by draging out

THE LEVIATHAN HIMSELF, and exposing him to the indignation of an outraged community.

Finally the debate closed and the house proceeded to vote on the resolution offered by Hoar as a substitute of Lamar and which proposed to declare that the members subpoenaed were at liberty to attend the criminal court aud give such evi dencc and produce such documents as relate to the charges against W. W. Belknap, for receiving bribes from Marsh. Substitute rejected, yeas, 84, nays 128.

Lamar's original resolution was then agreed to yeas 1" ), nays 75. Adjourned.

HOUSE.

MORNING SESSION.

Washington, March. 7,1870. The speaker announced an appointment of the following commits tee on matter connected with so called whisky frauds and Attorney Gen~ erals office.

Knott chairman, Harris va Qrover, Cochrane, McMahon, McCrary and plaisted on request of Harris he was excused aud the speaker said he would appoint another member in his place during tne day.

Mr. Randall, chairman of committee on appropriations, reported legislative aud executive bills, and made statement as to

the

reduction proposed iu it.

The estimate from departments for subjects embraced in the bill, amounted to $20,773,306 appropriations in the bill last session were $18,734,000, and appropriations reported in this bill were $12,799,&S3, so that it was a reduction of about 8 millions on estimates and a reduction of six million on the bill of last year, besides that committee had laid, in this bill, the foundation of further reductions to the amount of Ave millions more. The committee recommended the transfer o, the Indian

Bureau to the War De-

partmem, which would effect a direct reduction of one million in the Indian appropriation bill, and he had the authority of Gen. Sheridan for saying it

would

with some heat

of manner, that Ifthe gentlemen said

1

that he had had a conversation with

effect a reduction ol 3,000,000

more in the army appropriations. The bill of commerce-had also recommended an

abolition

Customs

of 53 special agents ot

because

they were Delieved

to be utterly iu efficient or unnecessary and would admit the amendments to be offered by the Chairman of the Committee of invalid pensions.

By Jenks, to transfer the pensiou bureau from tiia Interior to the War Department, by which the services of 300 persons could be dispensed with.

The report had been reached by the committee with great unanimity, and there was no difference in the committee with regard to the propriety of the reforms and rednctiou recommended.

Mr. Holman, another member of the committee, concurred iu what Randall had said, and added that the transfer of the Indian bureau to the War Department, wonld in no wise} effect the efficiency of the agencies, which heretofore tended to civili/.e and allay the condition of the indians, and would leave in full force the Peac3 Commissioners.

Mr. Foster, another member of the committee, awid that what ^the chairman of the committee had said was mainly correct, but he thought Randall had placed additions which the majority of the committee would recommend at to low a figure for the revenue, Mr. Randall said when the bill shonkl come to be discussed, he should bo able to establish the fact that these reductions onght to be made when the bill was ordered printed, and made special order for it Friday next.

JOHN W. FOKNEY TO IYKCTURK. Philadelphia, Pa., March S—Col. John W. Forney will lecture at the Academy of Music tLii-J evening on our Centennial in Europe. Ttie occassson will be used to ive a grand reception to the lecturer.

FRAUD! FRAUD!! FRAUD!!!

Unbary in Washiugtou.

FRAUD AMONG THE INDIAN AGENCIES,

oGkc2nr3J Among the Distillers.

The Ruentiful EH ma

A GRAR OF $500,000 IN THE REMOVAL OF TIIE PHILADELPHIA NAVY YARD.

Philadelphia, Mcli., 8. The Times of this city this morning publishes a column article concerning what the Committee on Naval Expenditures will do here to-day. Below is an abstract of the information. The committee say thev have received information which shows that half a million dollars has. been lost fo the Government through the favoritism shown contractors iu the removal of the old navy yard. In the first place it is charged that the contract for the removal of the whole of the buildings at the yard was given to Nathaniel McKay of Boston, it is charged, contracted to do the work for $35,000, and attempted to bny off those persons who underbid him. that among other transactions scow loads af valuable material, including copper, were ostensibly taken to League Island, but really taken to a warehouse where it was stored. One boiler valued at $13,000, was returned to the authorities also, that a raft of valuable tim ber was taken from the yard and stored at Simpson's Wharf and when the owner of the Wharf in« formed Commodore Preble a detail of men were sent to bring it back. The modus operandi of the speculations showed that large piles of copper were made, then covered with old iron, and the whole sold as of the latter material. MoKays's agents were on hand and purchased the whole lot cheap. There are further revelations which will be made before the committee whieh have not yet become public. HOW MRS. BELKNAP AND HER LADY

FRIENDS WENT YACHTINO ON A MAN-OF-WAR. Washington, March 5—In July last Mrs. Belknap, wife of the then Secretary of War, arranged a yachting excursion for hersell and some of ber society friends. The Secretary did not number one among his possessions,not having had an opportunity to obtain one from any of his bribe givers and it would not be exactly the thing for a Cabinet lady to sail in a hired vessel, or even in a chartered steamer. Besides, the expense would be a serious consideration to a family that was struggling along on §8000 a year.

In this dilemma Mrs. Belknap songbt counsel of that pure and virtuous official, Secor Robeson, and intimated to bim that the loan of a government vessel would lend 'eclat to her proposed voyage, Robeson promptly placed at her disposal the United States steam frigate Powhatan. The pleasure party, consisting of Mrs. Belknap, her child and nurse, seven lady friends, and a War Department clerk as ber escort and messenger, embarked on board the Powhatan at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on July 27,1875.

The frigate proceeded first to New London, Conn., where the party remained for ten days, and where Mrs. Belknap excited great admiration both by her style and her flirtations. She then visited Newport, and then Narragansett Pier, then steamed back to New Yoik again, and np the Hudson to West Poinc, where a stay of several days was made.

At this point the Powhatan, which is one ot the largest and most effective ships in the navy, was recalled by the department and ordered to prepare for active duty in the waters of Hayti, where trouble was then anticipated, growing out of the official misconduct of another of Grant's proteges.

But notwithstanding the ship was under positive sailing orders, Mrs. Belknap was unwilling to end her pleasure trip so abruptly. She posted off to Washington,saw Secor Robeson, and actually prevailed on him to countermand the Powhatan's sailing orders. The Swatara was consequently substituted and despatched lo the West Indies, while the Powhatan remained at Mrs. Belknap's commands.

The Pawhatan is one of the most powerful cruisers of our poor navy. Her running expenses are not less tiian $18,000 a month. Yet Secor Robinson and Mrs. Belknap managed to keep ber eervico when she was really wanted, and to transform her into an excursion barge for a party of women and children.[—New York Sun. HAMILTON FISH WORSE THAN BELKNAP.

From the New York 8uo

To the editor of the Sun—Sir: The exposure of the corrupt disposition of the post tradership at Fort Sill by the Secretary of War must shock the coun­

-y •1'"J jr-

MARCH

L-.

try outside of the thoughtfui readers of the Sun, yet, after all, shameful as the transaction must be regarded, and uuquestionably is to our people, it is scarcely as gravely offensive to pub lie morals as the notorious employment of tae son in-law of Secretary Fish by the Spanish Legation in this country.

For this pitiful sutlership the wives ot Gen. Grant's War Secretary have received, in the aggregate, some f40,000 but a son-in-law of the millionaire Sacretaay of State has been waxing rich for nearly seven years on an annual stipend ranging from $25,003 to $40,000 in gold, as the legal agent and attorney in the United States of a foreign government, which is constantly having diplomatic controversies with this country of the most irritating description—controversies arising from its repeated outrages upon the persons and property of citizans of the United States, coupled with perverse, hideous violations of the laws of war, at our very doors.

That IWr. Fish has known of this employment, is not to be questioned, for in one of his letters to the Spanish Ambassador at Washington, in relation to the Virginius question, there are copious extracts from official letters of the District Attorney of the United States for the Southern District of New York, which were addressed to the law firm of Webster & Craig, in their capacity of legal agents and attorneys for the Spanish Government in this country, the name and connection of Mr. Webster (the son-in law) being suppressed, however, thougn that of Mr. Craig is not so carefully omitted in the extracts given. PISCATOR. SILLIMAN WILL VINDICATE HIMSELF

Washington, March, 7.—Professor Silliman will appear before the committee on foreign affairs on Tlnirsdry, to give particulars of bis scientific con, nection with the Emma mine, and to to answer Lyon's unfavorable state ment concerning him.

THEY'VE GOT IT IN MICHIGAN. Detroit, Mich. March, 7.—John Larkin, a prominent lumber man of Mid land, who recently tailed, was Treasurer of Midland county. His accounts have been investigated by the supervisors, and a shortage of $22,COO discovered. He was arrested this morning, and admiltel to bail. OPINI1XS OF THE PRESS. WHAT WAS DONE IN A CABINET MEETING —ARRANGING IT TO LET EVERY GUIL­

TY MAN ESCAPE—REPUBLICAN PARTY LEADERS BITING THE FILE—A BUN' COMBE RESOLUTION IN THE HOUSE.

From th3 New York Sun.

Washington, March 8.—The Republican party leaders are striving desperf ately to make it appear that the Demo-, cratic members of the Committee on Expenditures in the War Department are responsible for the flight of Caleb P. Marsh to Canada. They say that the Republican members of the committee protested against the discharge of Marsh, aud urged his retention here as a witness in the impeachment trial." It is not true that cither Mr.'Bass or Mr. Danford protested against the discharge of Mr. Marsh on the contrary, it was decided in full committee that Mr. Marsh's attendance wonld not be required any longer, and in obedience to this decision the Chairman, Mr. Clym* er, certified to his account for mileage and attendance as a witness, and the Sergeant-at-arms paid the same. But it matters not whether Mr. Ciymer acted inde?* pendent of his oommittee or not he nad no power to compel Mr. Marsh's presence here, simply because that gentleman had not placed himself in contempt of the House of Representatives. He had appeared in obedience to the summons of the Speaker and had testified fully and freely before thecommittee. Unlike the great majority of witnesses who testify before Congressional committees, Mr. Marsh neither lost his memory nor sought by other subterfuges to evade the questions propounded to him. He answered every question put to him iu the fraukest and squarest manner, and when he had concluded aud the Secretary of War had appeared and confessed his guilt Mr. Marsh was discharged. Under these circumstances how could he have been held? The committee might have told him that they could not discharge bim, but could they consistently have required him to remain in Washington to appear as a witness in the impeachment case? But suppose he had been required to remain, and had determined to flee the country, could he not have escaped as read ily while under subpoena as when discharged? He would have simply placed himself in contempt by running away, and this is not an offence for which ho could have been extradited.

WHY MARSH RAN AWAY.

This is one side of the case. Now take the other. Mr. Marsh romained here till Thursday. On Friday the case cf Belknap was considered^at the Cabinet meeting, and an authorized version of what had transpired was furnished to the Associate Press and telegraphed that night to every quarter of the country. It was stated seml-of-ficially in the press dispatches that it was the unanimous conclusion of the President and his Cabinet ministsr.--that Gen. Belknap and the witness, Mr. Marsh, shonld be prosecuted in tho criminal court of the District, the one for accepting a bribe, and the other for giving one. It was also further announced that Dr. Tomlinson, Belknap's brother-in-law, was to be prosecuted for attempting to suborn the witness to Bwear falsely. Now, what was all this but notice given to Mr. Marsh that for testifying as he had done, fearlessly and truthfully, he was to be punished? It was a fair notice to him to get out of the way. There were two objects which might have iuspired this course on the part of the Administration first, it was an easy way of appearing very virtuous and excessively anxious to vindicate the honor of the country, and it was the most effectual way of frightening Mr. MarBh out of the country, and at the same time intimidating an\ other witnesses who might be on the point of imitating Marsh's example of telling tho truth second, it was a shrewd way ol placing the Democratic majority in an unpleasant predicament. It was known that Mr. Marsh had been discharged as a witness therefore if ha could be frigthened out of the country the House of Representatives would be unable to sustain its articles of impeachment against Belknap. Then the Republican press and orators would raise the cry that Mr. Clymer's committee was responsible for the disappearance of the witness, because he was not held after they were through with bim. Had the President and his Cabinet desired to secure the attendance of Mr. Marsh as.a witness against Belknap before the Grand Jury and in the impeachment case they had only to keep (heir own counsels, and order the District Attorney to swear out a warrant on in-

CENTft

PRICE

formation 'ocJore a United States Commissioner, Hnrl on tjiir: have him taken into custody. This c»uld have been dono before Mr. Marsh left Washington, or it could have been done in New York before he fled for Canada.

AN El TORT AT l'ARTY BUNCOMBE.

A vain effort was matlo in the House of Representatives this evening by Mr. Page of California, to make some party buncombe out of Marsh's flight. He wanted the floor to offer a resolution dl recting an inquiry to bo made into thin subject, and how and why Marsh had been permitted to escape! Mr. Southard of Ohio had the floor on a motion to adjourn and refused to gi/o way to Page. Ot course a cry will go up now that, the majority was afraid to face th» music on tho issuo his resolution would have raised. The smart politicians who manage the Republican sid» will discover, however, that they will have at an early day to face the music on a pract c»l quejiim. Mr. Randall ot Pennsylvania introduced a bill this morning which provides that witnesses who testify before Congressional committees and make disclosures affecting Government officials shall not bo liable to arrest, and making it a penal offenc* to intimidate by any means any suah persons. This bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee, which has leave to report it at any time, It will soon be seen whether the Republicans dare stand up in the face of the country and defeat a bill which, if it becomes a law will spoil their game of frightening off witnesses. THE GENERATIONS or THE HOUSE

OF

GRANT.

New York World: These aro th# generrtions of the house of Grant: Grant begat Delano, and Borie, and Williams, whoso sur name, also wan Landaulet, and Boutwell, of Groton, and Creswell and Belknap.

And Delano begrt Chandler, ana Borie begat RobeBon, and Williams, wnosesu« name, also, was Landaulat, begat Pierrepont: (And the sons of Pierrepont, Bliss aud Sherman. In those days, also were letters sent to the rulers of the Provinces that they should seek to establish nothing ai the mouths of the witnesses.

Even as it was wtitten: L9t no guilty man escape And Boutwell of Groton begat Richardson and Sawyer, and Creswell begat Jewell, and the offspring of Jewell was Hester.

The sons of Grant, Fred and Ulysses and his brother, Orvil And Dent, and Craucer, and Casey, which were brothers-in-law, and Murphy, whose surname was Thomas, who sat at the receipt, «f customs:

And Cor bin, and Lei and Stocking^ and

McDonald,

also,

aud Maguire Shepherd

who

was

the

the Boss, and Durell,

wicked and

cock, and

unjust Judge, and Bab-

Luckey:

(Then began whisky thieves to prevail upon the lace of the earth.) In that night also was Belknap, Secretary of War, impeached.

These are tne generations of the house of Grant. A TERSE STATEMENT.

From tli3 Chicago Timee.

The disease itself is National dishonesty, and the most potent of all the causes in which it is imminent is a dishonest money system, whiob under the peculiar conditions of its existence, has debauched the moral sense of the people, and converted America into a nation ot gamblers and cheats.

THE OUTLOOK CHANGED. From the New York Tribune. Gen. Belknap's disgrace came like Lhe shadow of a great rock in a weary land to the harassed Democracy. The. outlook in New Hampshire is very different from what it was two days ago,

THE PRESIDENT RESPONSIBLE. New York Herald: When the President adopted tho policy of appointing staff officers and not statesmen in hie Cabinet, he said that he was responsible for the administration and meant to have men that he could trust. He appointed Belknap, when no one had ever heard of him he continued him in office after his complicity with frauds had been made clear in the columns ef the Herald, and now he rescues him from the just anger of the House. "Let no guilty man escape."

RELKNAP IN COURT. Washington, March 8.

To-day at noon Mayor Richards chief of pohce made formal arrest of Belknap ex-secretary of war acd brought him into the police court. Belknap was accompanied by his council Ex^Seuator Carpenter who said they waved examination and were prepared to give bale for Belknap's appearance before the court. .1 udge Smell fixed the amount at $25,000 When the parties retired to arrange the bail, Belknap showed by his movements during tne short tioi* he was in the court room, that he was depressed in spirit, covering his face }Vith his hands, and sighing deeply.

SCHENCK,

London, March, 7.—The Hour states that Lord Derby called on the Emma mine cowpany to withdraw its suit against Hon. Robert C. Schencl on the ground that the writ of arreut was served while Mr, Schenck had the office of Ambassador, and was therefore illegal. The company, ia deference to Lord Derby, immediately withdrew the writ, and have sent a letter to Mr. Sehenck notifying him of the withdrawal. The Hour says Mr, SchencK's course in quitting England without taking leave of the Queen ia unprecedented.

THEY LIKE IT.

London, March 8.—The Times says that President Grant has returned to a custom as honorable to the United States as it is agreeable to other countries, in nominating R. H. Dana to succeed Mr. Schenck. An American minister could bring no bettsr credentials tbah the literary attainments of Mr. Dana*

THAT OOLD DRAFT.

New York, March 7.—Heiser & Co., bankors, of this city, deny .the statement attributed to Fjedei-iflk Mitchell, of Kansas City, to the efifecc that they stated that President Grant received a gold draft for $20,000 froai the Emma mine ring for indorsing Schenck to become director, and that the draft was negotiated through their bouse. The firm say there is not one word of truth in the story, as they will be glad to testify.

TAPT.

1

Cincinnati, March 7.—Judge Taft telegraphed to President Grant thhi evening, accepting the appointment as Secretary of War.

IN THB NAVY.

Philadelyhia, March 7.—A sub committee of the House Committee on Naval Affairs arrived in this city tbia.

Continued on the Fourth Page-

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