Terre Haute Weekly Gazette, Volume 7, Number 37, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 9 March 1876 — Page 5

quently offered to Durfee A Peck. The latter agreed to bay, but Leighton bad first to obtain permission to sell from Grant. Tbis Grant refased, and mjkde easier terms with Leighton. The Fort Sally tradership wa» tafcen from Durfee «fc Peck, and given to John T. Athey Athey paid

ALL. THE MONEY HIS HAD

to get tbe post and was obliged to make terms with Durfee A Peck to run it. The latter firm leased from him and carried on tbe business for a year,when the profits accruing to Athey enabled him to run tbe basinesshimself. Dorfee fc Peck bad tbe tradership at Fort Sill, bbt tt wan glyen to Evans fc Co. Durfee & Peck attempted to carry on business in opposition to Evans «& Co., but the officers ol the post were forbidden to give tbe soldiers orders on any firm but Evans & Co., and tbey were forced to abandon tbe post. Or ville Grant went so far in his opposi tion to Durfee & Pec'c that he forbade those to whom lie gave appointments to purchase the goods orjbuildings belonging to that firm. Grant also had au arrangement with the interior department by which be controlled many of the Indian trading posts. These he disposed of in the same manner as the sutlerships, to the highest bidder. Grant was in the.babit of visiting the military posts and the Indian trading stations every year to collect tho money duo to him and his partner, H-lknap, and for this purpose he had autnority from Secretary Belknap to draw upon any military posts for ambulances, teams and such aid as he might require, Ilis autnority was generally recoguized and he was greatly feareii along the frontier. The authority lor these statements is Doctor Terry, lor many years connected with the ii.m of Durtee fc Peck, and who has spmit much of his life on the fron tier. He says tbe Congressional Committee will open up a rich lead if they will investigate affairs at Fort Bulord. BBLKNAP'S KARLY LIKE—HIS HEMOVAL

TO KEOKUK,

Special spatch to The Jiiic»«o Tribune. Keokuk, March, 4.—The Gats City ot to-morrow morning will contain the following concerning Ocn. Belknap's history prior''' his appointment as Secretary of War.

A little over twenty years ago W. W. Belknap came to Keokuk as a young attorney. Ho was a Democrat in politics He became somewhat active as a local politician, and in 1S58 was elected by the Democracy to tho Lower House of the State Legislature,

About tho lime he came, Keokuk was in a lermeut of speculation. It wan a season of great expectation gilt-edged property was selling at fabulous prices Mr. Belknap caught the speculative spirit, and operated to considerable extent in real estate. Then cauie the cratih of 1857-8,and Belknap found himself in great linancial difficulty. Now followed a transaction which put him under unfavorable opinion for a time. Loiters from eastern correspondents and from clients came to his partner, that money which his firm had long before acknowledged tho receipt of, had not been applied as directed

Inquiry disclosed that Mr. Belnknap had received the money, acknowledued ho reot ipt lor it for the firm, and in his financial extremity had

TJSKD IT HIMSELF.

His

partner was a poor man, but he raisod the money and paid off the debt. Tho sum so paid, Gen. Belknap paid bacK with principal and interest as as soon as be could raise the money, and to this use he applied the salary ol bis military service.

When the war broke out, Mr. Belknap went in with the local company to which he belonged,and came back at the end of the war a Mtijor-General.and with a record as a soldier, honorable to himself, the State and the country. He had scarcely determined what to do as to his business future, when Andrew Johnson began his raid upon Republi cans, and Dr. J. C. Walker, Revenue Collector lor tbis district, was to go out by decapitation. At the instance of both Democratic and Republican friends, Gen. B., who was a War Democrat and then Independent, politically, dividing his vote betweeu both parties, applied for the place, and got it. The agencies that compassed this result were both Re publican and Democratic. When Mr, McCrary succeeded to Congress, Gen. Belknap, as an Independent,, was ap pointed by President Grant, and this appointment was generally satisfactory to all parties. Throughout his administration of Collectorsbip,

RUMORS WEBB ROSE

in some quarters of a whisky ring and a tobacco ring, and these rumors continue. As to the foundation of them, we know nothing, and have heard no specific instances of alleged corruption

at any

time given while be w^s filling

this office. Gen. B. was suddenly, to the surprise of himself and everybody, made Secretary of War. The choioe was made by tbe President foom the standpoint of that peculiar policy which has controlled him in many of his appointments Had he asked any part of Io

Republicans Iowa Domocrats who he should choose as a Republican Cabinet Minister from Iowa, none of either party would have thought of sag costing Gen. Belknap. No political questions were asked or answered as tne condition of his going into the Cabinet.

BELKNAP'S WIVES.

From a reliable source a GAZETTEER learned this morning a new fact concerning Genl. ,Bs family affairs and one not heretofore published, The telegraph and Washington correspondents have been In error in stating that he had been only twice married. Hewas married three times. His flrst wife was Miss Cora Leroy, whom be married in Keokuk Iowa at the residence of her

father

her in the army, campaigu.

Alexander Leroy,

Alexander Leroy for njany years lived in Vincennes where he was engaged in business. He was aiterwards a resident of Terre Haute, and it was during his residence in this citVi that his daughter, afterwards the wife of Gen. Beikuap, was born. She died at tbe residence of her bncle in Viucennes, of hemorage of' the lungs At thetime of decease, her husband was and in the Atlanta

Markets To-daj.

Chicagol Lard, 13.32} April 13521 May Pork, 22.55 April 2^.5o May Com, 43} March 102* May Oats, 34}_May.

Cincinnati: Wheat dull unchang, ed. Corn firm 46 to 47, Oats, •o to 40. Whisky 104. Port unchangedLard held 1315. Bulk meals and Bacon steady and

New York: Wheat, quiet without change, '.00 to 111 for No.:3 Chicago 123 to 126 for No. 2 Chicago. Corn, dull, without change, 61 to bo new western, 68 for old. Pork steady^ 22 to 23 for new mess cut meats nrm Lard, firm, 13.55 to 90 for steam. Whtsky, 109} greenbacks, unchangek.

FRAUD! FRAUD!! FRAUD!!!

Bribery in Washington.

FRAUD AMONW THE ISDIAS AGENCIES.

Crookediuss Among the. Distillers.

Hie Rnesllful Enema.

A GRAB OF $500,000 IN THE REMOVAL OF TUB PHILADELPHIA NAVY YARD.

Philadelphia, Mch., 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 losi, to the Government through the favoritism shown contractors in the removal of the old navy yard. In tbe first place it is charged that the contract for lhe removal of the whole of the buildings at the yard was given lo Nathaniel McKay of Boston, it is charged, contracted to do the woik for $35,000, and attempttd to buy off these 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 informed Commodore Preble a detail of men were sent to bring it back. The modus operandi of the speculations showed that large piles or copper were made, then covered with old irou, 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 wh:ch will be made btfore the committee which have not yet become public.

HOW Mas. BELKNAP AND HER LADY FRIENDS WENT VACtlTING ON A MAN-OF-WAR.

Washington, March 5—In July last Mrs. Beikuap, wife of the then Secre tary of War, arranged a yachting excursion for hersell and some of hor socieiv 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 $3000 a year.

In this dilemma Mrs. Belknap sought 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 her 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 NewYoik again, and up the Hudson to West Point, 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 ot 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. Soe posted off to Washington,saw Secor Robeson, and actually prevailed on him to countermand the Powhatan's sailing orders. Tbe Swatara was consequently substituted and despatched to the West Indies, while tbe 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 than $18,000 a month. Yet Secor Robinson and Mrs. Belknap managed to keep her service when she was really wanted, and to trauslorm her into an excursion barge lor a party of women and children.[—New York Sun. HAMILTON PISH WORSE THAN BELKNAI*.

From the New York Sun.

To the editor of the Sun—Sir: The exposure of tbe corrupt disposition of the post tradership at Fort Sill by the Secretary of War must shock the country outside of the thoughtful readers of the Sun, yet, after all, shameful as the transaction must be regarded, and uuquestionably is to our people, it is scarcely as gravel offensive to pub lio morals us the notorious employ ment of the 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 $40,000 but a son-in-law of the millionaire Secretaay of State has been waxing rich for nearly seven years on an annual stipend ranging from f25,000 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 citizens of the United States, coupled with perverse, hideous violations of the laws of war, at our very doors.

That i\i r„ Fish has known of this employment, is not to be questioned, for in one of his letters to the Span is ti 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 A Craig, In their capacity of legal agents and attorneys for the Spanish Government in this countrv, the name and connection of Mr. Webster (the son-in law) being suppressed, however, thougn that of Mr. Craig is not so caretullyomitted in the extracts given. PRCATOB.

SILL I MAN WILL VINDICATE- HIMSELF Washington^ March, 7.—Professor Silliman will appear before the committee on foreign affairs on Thursdry, to give particnlare of bis scientific con, nection with the Emma mine, and to to answer Lyon's unfavorable 8 tate ment concerning him.

THEY'VE GKJT IT IS MICHIGAN. Detroit, Mich. March, 7.—John Larking prominent lumber man of Mid land, who recently failed, was Treasurer of Midland county. His accounts have beon investigated by tho supervisors, and a shortage of $22,000 discovered, He was arrested this morning, and admitted to bail.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. WHAT WAS DONE IN A CABINET MEETING —ARRANGING IT TO LET EVERY GUIL-

TL' MAN

ESCAPE—REPUBLICAN

PARTY

LEADERS BITING THE FILE—A BON' COMBE RESOLUTION INTHE HOUSE. From the New York Sun. Washington, March 8.—The Republican party leaders are striving deeper* ately to make it appear that tbe Demo-, cratic members of tho Committee on Expenditures in the War Departmeut are responsible for the flight of Caleb P. Marsh to Canada. They say that the Republican members of the committee protested against the discbarge of Marsh, and urged his retention hfere as a witness in the impeachment trial. It is not true that tither Mr. Bass or Mr. Danford protested against tbe discharge of Mr Marsh on the contrary, it was decided in full committee that Mr. Marsh's attendance would not bo required any longer, and in obedience to tbis decision the Chaiiman, Mr. Clymer, certified to his account lor mileage and attendance as a witness, and the Sergeant-at-arms paid the same. But it mattors not whether Mr. Clymer act independent of his oommittee or not ho had no power to compel Mr. Marsh's presence here,

Imply le:ause that gentleman had not placed himself in contempt of tho House of Representatives. He had appeared in obedience to the summons of tbe Speaker, and had testified fully and freely before the committees. Unlike ih 3 jueat majority of witnesses who testily before the Congressional committses, Mr. Marsh neither lost his memory nor sought by other subterfuges to evade tho questions propounded to him. He answered every question put to him in the frankest and squarest manner, and when he had concluded the Secretary of War had appeared and confessed his guilt Mr. Marsh was discharged. Under these circumstances how could ho have been heid? The committee might have told him that they could not discharge him, but could they consistently have required him to remain in Washington to appear as a witness in tbe impeachment case? But sup pose 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 dls charged? He would have simply placed himself iu contempt by runuing away, and tbis is not an ofience for which he could have been extradited.

WHY MARSH BAN AWAY.

This is one side of the case. Now take the other. Mr. Marsh remained here till Thursday. On Friday tho case cf Belknap was considered at the Cabinet meetipg, and an authorized version of what had transpired was furnished to tho Associate Press and telegraphed that night to every quarter of the country. It was stated Beml-of-fi.ially in uho press dispatches that it was the unanimous conclusion of the President and his Cabinet ministsr.* that Gen. Belknap and tbe witness, Mr. Marsh, should be prosecuted in the criminal court of tbe 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 tbe witness to swear falsely. Now, what was all thi3 but notice given to Mr. Marsh that for testifying as he had done, fearlessly and trutnfully, he was to be punished? It was a fair notice to bim to get out of tbe way. There were two objects which might have inspired 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 tbe country, and it was the most efiectual way of frightening Mr. Marsh 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 the truth second, it was a shrewd way of placing the Democratic majority in an unpleasant predicament. It was known that Mr. Marsh bad been discharged as a witness therefore if he could be frigthened out of the country tbe House of Representatives would be unable to sustain its articles of impeachment against Beikuap. Then the Republican press and orators would raise the cry that Mr Clymer'8 committee was responsible for tbe disappearance of the witness, beoause he was not held after tbey were through with bim. Had tbe President and his Cabinet desirtd to secure the attendance of Mr. Marsh as a witness against Belknap before tbe Grand Jury and in the impeachment case they bad only to keep their own counsels, and order the District

Attorney to swear out a warrant on information belore a United States Commissioner, and on this have bim taken into custody. This could have been done before Mr. Marsh left Washington, or it could have been done in New York before he fled for Canada.

AN EFFORT AT PARTY BUNCOMBE. A vain effort was mado in the House of Representatives this evening by Mr. Page of California, to make some party buueombe out of Marsh's flight. He wanted tbe floor to offer a resolution di recting an inquiry to be made into tbis subject, and bow and why Marsh had been permitted to escape. Mr. Southard of Ohio bad the floor on a motion to adjourn and refused to gi?e way to Page. Ot course a cry will go up now that the majority was afraid to face the music on the issue hi* resolution would have raised. The smart politicians who manage the Republican side will discover, however, that they will have at an early day to face the music on a practical question. Mr. Randall of Pennsylvania introduced a hill this morning which provides that witnesses who testify before Congressional committees and make disclosures affecting Government officials shall not be liable to arrest, and making it a penal offence to intimidate by any means any such 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 ot the country and defeat a bill which, if it becomes a law will spoil their game ot frightening off witnesses.

THE GENERATIONS OF THE HOUSE OF GRANT. New York World: These are the eenerrtiona of the honse of Grant:

Grant begat Delano, and Borie, and Williams, whose sur name, also was Landaulet, and Boutwell, of Groton, and Creswell and Belknap. .i'-V'

And Delano Degrt Chandler, and Borie begat Robeson, and Williams, whose sui name, also, was Landaulet, begat Pierrepont: (And the sons of Pierrepont, Bliss and Sherman. In those days, also were letters sent to the rulers of the Provinces that they sboald seek to establish nothing ai the months of tbe witnesses.

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

The sons of Grant, Fred and Ulysses and bi9 brother, Orvil And Dent, and Cramer, and Casey, which were brothers-in law, and Murphy, whose surname was Thomas, who sat at tbe receipt of customs:

And Corbin, and Leek and Stocking, and McDonald, and Maguire Shepherd also, who was the Boss, and Durell, the wicked and unjust Judge, and Babcock, and Luckey: (Theu 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. F:o tha Chic vgo TlraoP.

The disease itself i* National dishonesty, and the most potent of all tbe causes in whit it is imminent is a dishonest money fcysterr:, wbioh under tne peculiar conditions of itsexistence, has debauehed the moral sense of the people, and converted America into a nation ol gamblers and cheats.

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

THE PRESIDENT RESPONSIBLE. New York Herald: When the President adopted the policy of appointing staff officers and not statesmen in bis 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 ot him he continued him in office after bis complicity with frauds had beet, made clear in the columns «f the Herald, and now ho rescue him from the just anger of the House. "'Let no guilty man escape."

HE^KNAP IN COURT.

To-day at noon Mayor Richards chief of pol.ee made formal arrast of Belknap ex-secretary of war and brought him into the police court Belknap was accorapauied

SCHENCK,

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

THEY LIKE IT.

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

THAT GOLD DRAFT#

New York, March 7.—Heiser & Co., bankers of this city, deny the statement attributed to Frederick Mitchell, of Kansas City, to the effect that they stated that President Grant received a gold draft for $20,000 from the Emma mine ring for indorsing Schenck to become dfrector, 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.

TAFT.

Cincinnati, March 7.—Judge Tatt telegraphed to President Grant this eveuing, accepting the appointment as Secretary of War.

IN THE NAVY.

Philadelyhia, March 7.—A sub-com-mittee of tbe House Committee on Naval Affairs arrived in this city this morning from Washington, lor the purpose of investigating the alleged irregularities in tbe affairs of the navy yard here. The investigation will commence at once.

NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.

Washington, March 7.—District Attorney Dyer has telegraphed Attorney General Pierrepont that neither himself nor Gen. Henderson are in any way responsible for the publications relative to the Babcock trial.

A POST TRADER WHO KNOWS. St. Louis, March 7.—It is said that the post trader at Fort Liaven worth could make some important disclosures regarding snt'erships if he were required to speak.

BEFORE THE GRAND JURY. Washington, March 7.—The errand iury to-day examined Col. Adams, clerk of the houee of representatives, in Belknap's case, and to-raoriow Wm. Tomlison, Mrs. Belknap's brother, will appear before them as a witness. Belknap has not yet been brought before the police court to give bail for bis appearance at '.court. The opinion prevai among lawyers who have examined the case that since the flight of Marsh, there is no such testimony in the possession of the bouse of representatives, as wonld convict Belknap either in impeachment or in tho criminal court, Mareh having left with the committee no paper, note or other evidence showing Bdlknap's transactions. Efforts are b«ing made, however, to procure additional testimony to support the impeachment articles.

WHAT POPE KNOWS.

St Louis, March 7.—General Pope is en route from Port Leavenworth to testify as to frauds alleged to have been perpetrated by Major Ingalls.late agent of the five nations of civilized Indians of the Indian Territory. THE LAW UNDER WHICH BELKNAP

IS TO BE TRIED.

Prom theUni'fld Stat is Revised Statutes Section 1,781. fivery member of Congress, or officer or agent of the j\. A

Government, who directly or indirectly take:*, or receives, or agrees to receive any money, property or other Valuable con's'deration whatever from any person, for seouring or aiding to procure any contract or office or place of the Government, or any deDartment thereof from any officer of the United States, for any person whatever, or for giving any such contract, office, or place to any person whomsoever, and every person who directly or indirectly, offers or agrees to give, or gives or bestows, any money property, other valuables or consideration whatever for procuring or consideration whatever for procuring, or aiding to procure, any such contract, office, or place, and every member of Congress who directly or indirectly takes, receives, or agrees to receive any money, prop, erty, or other valuable consideration whatever, after bis election as such member, for his attention, service, action, vote, or decision on any question, cause or proceeding which may be pending, or may by law or trader the constitution ba brought before biro in his official capacity or in his place as such member of Congrese, shall be made guilty of misdemean« or, and shall be imprisoned not more thau three year3, and shall pay a fine of not more than §10,000, and any *uch con tract of agreement may, at the option of the Present, Le declared absolutely null and void, and any member of Congress or officer convicted of a violation of this seclion shall, moreover, be disqualified from holding any office of honor profit or trust under tbe Government of the United States.

FOKTY-FOUK Tif C9N-

Washington, March S.

VIOLENT DEBATE IN THE HOUSfti OVER THi BELKNAP

BUSINESS.

The Republicans Fighting With Desperation.

TO PARRY THE FORCE OF PRESIDENT'S TACTICW.

his

council Ex^Seuator Carpenter who said they waved examination and were prepared to give bale for Belknap's appearance before the court. Judge Smell fixed the amount at $25, 000 When the parties retired to arrange the bail, Belknap showed by his movements during tne short time he was in the court room, that he was depressed in spirit, covering his face with his hands, and sighing deeply.

THE

Which is by Threatening Witnesses Willi Prosecutions to :ave High Officials.

HOUSE.

Clynier, rising to a question of privilege, stated that a subpoena had been served on him last evening, issued by the supreme court of the District 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 tbe charges pending in that court against tbe late secretary of wart his colleagues, ltobbins and Blackburnjhad been similarly subpoenaed. He (Clymer bad appeared before that court and stated that in cbedience to law he appeared at its bar to obex its order, but that a member of the committee of the house, he felt that it would be prejudicial to the highest interests of the country that his colleagues and himselfshould be compelled to state What ha.i 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, aud had determined, if 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 ue eessary.

Blaine asked Clymer 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 could 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 what point of delicacy could arise as to these matters woich were as common as history could makethem.he conld not see.

Clymer replied that the court had not proposed to ask them any question at all. They were to be examined before the Grand Jury. If questions were to have been asked by the court in the presence of the public he might not have as great an objection but he and his colleagues had feU that if they were to go before a Grand Jury whose proceedings were neces-g sarily secret that fast would strike terror everywhere throughout, and woulJ close all the avenues of testimony to the House and its committ669«

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

Clvmer repeated that he had stated to the court that he did not intend to plead his privjlege, to show that it might not be said that he intended to seclude anything which should be rightfully known to tho public.

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

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

Lamar

Blaine—The

from a

objected to that question.-

objection must come

most

unconceivable motive.

Lamar—It

may be a motive that

you misconceive, bat, nevertheless,

is, the preservation of parliament order. I maintain that no membetf" has aright to reveal the secrets tbe committe room.

Clymer said that there had beenJta^. additional testimony before the cowmittee, bat he repeated tbat an aitempt to drag forth what occurred la tbe committee coald result in niptfr? ing else but detriment to pablid weaL

Blaine—There should bo no division or seeming division between tna two sides of the house in regard to tbe vigorous pnwecutlon of publ^O criminals What wa3 the object of this investigation except to bring offenders to criminal justice? The committee could not punish anybody. Every body knew that this was A S brut urn fulmen.

Clymer—I have stated the facts of the case to the house, and if the I ma putation arises that some one in this district wishes to close the avenues* of evidence all over tbe country, it is not I who makes the charge but tbe facts of the case.

Blaine—The gentleman closas tire avenues himself. I v/ill not permit the gentleman to impute to me motives which I do not undeTst »nd, or to put insinuations in my mouth which I have not uttered.

Blackburn, another member of the committee, said—He wae not eurpised at the uneasiness and nervousness manifested ly the nentletmn from Maine. He (Blackburn) did not tend to charge that it was the purpose of the executive to Intimidate witnesses to throttle the Investigation

less

or to afford immnity to criminah, but he did say that unless this gag process was stopped the country would beleive that that waa the phrpose, and be would believe it too. (Applause on the Democratic side, and a question by iaine: What gag process?) It bad gone forth to the country that the committee bad connived fU tha absconding of an important wiUiOs^i against the protest of tho Republic.!!* members of tbe committee, but it was needless for him to say that charge was flatly false, and ho only wondered that those Repuolio/iu members ha allowed it to go out qti their authority, without coutcftdicLion. He went on to argtio tli'at ltwould 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 house was now to be told that an accomplice should not to?tlfy before the committee except at his owp peril it was against that he protested and he intimated that the phrasa "Let no guilty man escape," wouftl be construed hy the country to tneatn let no man escape who d3re "tell 'hn those who are in anthorlfy. Ho warned the house that tha volumiu*. ous investigations that wero nyV progressing would l»? stopped, and that it would be utterly impossible to carry them furthsr successfully uu-»

there was a declaration that testimony of the witnesses shotiidfnot oe used against them-

Lamar said that there uofc be any exhibition of parfy feel'.ji or excitement in the presence i* .viich solemn events as wer* throwing theft shadows over the HOUH?. It !"jemet to him that THE VOICE OP |FACTT0?. SHoUr.'p, AT

LEAST BE HUSrtED.

He regarded this mandat.) or summons or subpoena issued to members of Committees by the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia a^ an outrage on the privilege of tbfo House. He did not say that tho oblect of the court was to hush or .to suppress the investigation. Tho question was one purely of parliamentary privilege. He regarded it as a violation of the privileges of the House for tbe court to issue a summons to a member and order hi£) to bring along with him records of the House and to remain in court and not to depart until allowed by th« court or District Attorney.

Blaine—Does not?,tho gentleman from Mississippi, wee.and does not the whole counfry that having

fndictmentof

possession evidejnee on whicftviui can be found, and shewing in its possession every paper iu the case, the House puts itself oe'liihd its technical privilege aud throws itself across tbe indictment of Belknap, and that to-day it standi a* the ob stacle and 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 is nothing but that. Lamar—It is anything but that. The question is simply whether tli'la house will permit it's record/* to be nt the beck and call of the district con

1*.

Tnere is no doubt but that wherv investigation is complete, it will be within the direction of the house to permit the courts or tha counfry Jo come in and get evidence, but not? pendente lite while the investigation is going qn, and while the committee is taking further testimony. Such proposition was monstrous antfrediculous.

Blaine said he agreed with Limsr that while the affair is in limlni it would be improper for a court to interfere, but that was not tbe c&i9 here. The question was whether tbe house would permit the testimony and papers in the hands of ita com 1 mittee to be sent to the courJ. Tho* house could refuse it or could eend 'it, and now said be impetuously,

I DARE, I DAJii] 7

that side of the house to ref'ua^' [Applause on the RepubHcaa aud great excitement.]

Lamar continued his rcmaf*." which he closed by offering u, resoiution reciting the history of the oa**, declaring the mandate of the coait to be a breach of priviiegen cf .tbe house and directing the memi^r* of the committee to disregard s'.'oh a mandate.

Kasson invited the bouse to" look cooly at the situation (feveiope.l Jliw morning* The question was r-ihei here as a question of privHe-.ro r-rj the part of the members of the hnvfn who had received a judicial invitation to aid in the indictmerjr. *r. punishment the criminaji Jt rf,\$ an extraordinary ca9e, apjf.one without precedent. He asfed v?«tler there had ever been any such £roj3.. sition as bad been suggested: tcrjiia house condemning a sworn exacntor of tbe laws, because ho had

Coatlm»3d on the Eighth