The New York herald. [volume], March 03, 1876, Page 4, Image 4

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4
s a correct record of bis testimony and attests the
?.uue by bis signature tivreto attacl ed
CAI.KB P. MARSH.
Washington, D. C, Feb. '?h?, 1H7<J.
Mr. Blackburn submitted a statement regarding tils
Interview Willi the wife of tho Secretary of War in the
presence of Dr. Tomliuson, murked "D."
Mr. Clymsr and Mr. Bobbins also submitted statements
relative thereto, marked respectively "K.' and
cross examination
Thcrsdat Morning, .March 2, ISTtt.- Tne witness.
C. 1*. Marsh, being recallod, was cross examined by
Judge niatr.
Q. lu your examinatlon-ln-chlef you say tbat Secrelary
Belknap reinnnstrated against your going away
without appearing before the comniitteo. Did tbo
Secretary, lu desiring you to go beiore the committee
to testify, ask you to testily to any untruth? A. 1
certainly do not think be did.
C. P. MARSH.
Tnit CONTRACT WITH EVAN'S.
[Exhibit A.]
Agreements:?John S. Evans and Caleb P. Marsh,
October S, 1970.?E T. Bartlett, Attorney, Ac., No. 170
Broadway, New York city.?Articles of agreement
made and entered into litis .Mb ot October, in the year
of our Lord 1870, by uud between John S. Evans, of
Fort Sill. Indian Territory, L'uited States of America, of
the tirst part, and Caleb P. Marsh, of No hi West Thirt\
tilth street, of the city, county and State of New
York III |||H uoemiii iurl unlaiiaulli . ?. U'liurn.ii
the said Caleb P. Marsh has received Irotn lioneral
William W. Belknap, Secretary of War of tho I'nitcd
State-', tho appointment of post truiler at Fort Sill,
aforesaid; and whereas the name of said John S.
Kvaus is to bo tilled into the coin mission of
tp|Kilntmeut of said post trader at Fort S.ll aforesaid,
by permission and at tho instance and request of said
Juleb P. Marsh, and lor tlie purpose of enrryiug out
Iho terms of this agreement; und whoreus said John S.
Evans Is to hold said position of post trader us aforesaid
solely as the appointee of the said Caleb P. Marsh
and for the purpose hereinafter stated.
Now, therefore, said John S. Kvans, In consideration
of said appointment and the sum of $1 to him in hand
paid by said Caleb 1*. Marsh, the receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, hereby covenants and agrees to
pay to said Caleb P. Marsh the sum of $ Id, 000 annually,
payable quarterly til advance, In tho city of New
York aforesaid, said sum to bo so payable during the
Qrst year of tho agreement absolutely and under ull circumstances,
anything heroinaltcr contained to
tnc contrary notwithstanding, and thereafter said sum
shall be so payable, unless increased or reduced In
... with a.. ......i
Ulliuiillt, m ihiaiiu.uvi. nuu ii? "v j-l "v 1= l"u?
ut this agreement. Iu consideration of the premises
it is inutuully agreed between the parties aforesaid us
lolinws, via.:?
Find?This agreement is made on tho basis or seven
cavalry companies or the United States army, whlcii
are now stationed at Kurt Sill aforesaid.
Second?If, at the end of the lirst year of tills agree.
Uient, the forces of the United Slates army, stationed
it Fort Sill aforesaid, shall bo increased or diminished,
aoi to exceed 100 men, tli?n this agreement shall rcsiain
In lull force and unchanged tor tho next year,
[f, However, tho said forces shall be Increased or
diminished beyond the number of loo men, then the
imount to ho paid under this agreement by said Jonn
iv I'vnns to said Caleb P. Marsh shall bo increased or
reduced in accordance therewith ami In proper pro. j
portion thereto. The above rule laid down for the |
construction of this agreement at the close of the first
/ear thereof shall be applied at tlie close of each succeeding
year so long as such agreement shall remain
In force and effect.
Third?This agreement shall remain in force and j
effect so long as said Culeb I'. Marsh shall hold or con- i
trol, directly or indirectlv. the appointment und posi- :
lion of poat trader at Fort Sill aforesaid.
Fourth?Tnis agreement shall take effect from the !
date and day tho Secretary of War aforesaid shall sign |
the commission ol post trader at Fort Sill us aforesaid,
timl mmmission In ho isstirrl In tho snii! .fnhn S
Evans at the Instam e and request of said Caleb 1*. I
Marsh, and solely for the purpose of carrying out tho
provisions of this agreement.
h'ijth?Exception is hereby made In regard to the
6rst quarterly paymont under this agreement, It being
a. reed and understootl that the same may be paid at
any time within the next thirty days alter the Secretary
ol War shall sign tho aforesaid commission ol'post
trailer at Fort Sill.
S'iWA?Said Caleb P. Marsh is, at all times, at the request
of said John S. Evans, to use any proper inllu i
once he may have with said Secretary ol War lor tho 1
protection of said John S. Evans while in tho discharge
ol his legitimate duties in the conduct of the business
as post trader at Port Mill aforesaid.
H'ventk?Said JohnS. Evans is to conduct tho bust- '
ness of post trader at Fort Sill aforesaid solely oti his
own responsibility and in liisowu name, it being expressly
agreed and understood aatil Caleb P. Marsh !
shall assume no liability in the premises whatever.
Eighth?And It Is expressly understood and agreed |
thai the simulations ami covenant aforesaid are to
ipply to uud to bind the heirs, executors uud ndmiui*tr
ilors o( tbe respective parlies.
in wituess whereof tbe parties to these presents have
hereunto set their bauds and seals, the day and year !
tirst above written. J. S. EVAN'S.
C. V. MAlb?H.
Signed, .-enled and delivered in the presence of E. T. |
UartleU.
kksfoxsk to tiis comm1ttks.
[EiMI.il N.}
Nkw York, Feb. 28. 1876.
To thk HOXoHAKI.b thk comsittkb ox Kxl'kmiitc KB* ix j
tin. war 1?kpart*kxt:? ,
I'k ik 8irs?I duly received your teleerun "I February ]
21, summoning me to appear before you, uud answered
that 1 would do so. but my wife lias since become so ill
a^ to make it almost impossible lor uie to leave her for
any time; and 1 to-duy send you a leie
jim.iui io lun vueci, una \niii uiso give a
staibnieut of my connection with the post tradcrship
At Fort Sill, winch will, I trust, avoid the necessity ol
tuv leaving home. 1 will, however, come as soon us I
can. <>r will he happy to see any one or ull ol the coin
in it too at tuv house la this City. At the time 1 applied
fur the positon of post trader at Fort .Sill 1 presumed
thsl 1 would furnish recommendations that would so
cuie mo the appointment which wus afterward promised
to mo. Alter this 1 saw Mr. Kvaus iu Washington
and made an arrangement with him, in conae
qoouce ol which I withdrew in his lavor and he received
tho appointment. This arrangement mis
made without the advice or tousciit of the
Secretary ol War, neither did ho have any knowledge
of such an arrangement front ino or any one else, so lar
as I k uow, nor was ho intrusted iu any sucti arrangement
or the fruita of any arrangement between us. There
never has been, nor is there now, any contract, agreement
or arrangement between the Secretary of War
and myself In regard to theso matters. I am, very sincerely,
your obedient scrvaul, C. 1'. MAKSH.
(CaAiAtf C. |
. Akumitox rtotki., Wi.'iiimitus, Feb. US, 1876.
iy> thk committkk ox F.x pcx hitch is ix tllk Wall l?kpahtmkxt,
Capitol:?
Duak Siks?i herewith flic a copy of a letter which I
wri te you from New York, hut not having mailed
When 1 received your suh|Mi ua, concluded not to send
it. This moruing, however, I thought best tu scud it,
in the hope that it tnay tcud to shorten tho lime of
iny examination. Very respecttully, your obedient
Krmt, C. I'. MARSH.
F. S-?I will nrlng the contract you Inquired lor.
STATKM i.NT or UK. SLU'MiL R.V
(OAitu'f Ik]
Alter the foregoing deposlttou was taken Mr. Blackburn
said, without <le?iring to express any opinion as
to the accuracy of the conversation detailed by Mr.
>1 irsh as having occurred lieiwecu Mr. Tmuliuson and
himself relative to any remarks made by inc. I think
It best to submit to the committee llie following statemen
la of tacts, of which my democratic colleagues of the
committee were promptly advised. Ou the morning of
tbo '.24th of February, !*??. Thur-day, about ten o'clock,
l?r. William Toinlinsou railed at my room* and asked
iuc to go with him to attend to some business, without
stating what it was, to which I assented. He proceeded
to tho residence of Generul Belknap, and upon
irrlvltig there he said that bis sister, Mrs.
Belknap, do*'red to see me. I requested his presence
st the Interview, to which lie assented, and
b" was present during the whole time. In this Interview
Mm Belknap said that the testimony of one
Caleb P. Marsh before the Committee on F.vpenditures
in the War Department would lend to Implicate herscir
in matters that would occasion criticism, but
wottid utterly fsil to show any complicity upon the
part of General Belknap in the matter ol the Fort 81P
leadership, and she asked that she might no^be made
th - subject of investigation where the testimony did in I
tend to involve the Secretary of War. 1 said to Mrs,
NEW 1
I Dt lknap that 1 feit assured no member of tbo committee
??uld desire to prowwU tbo Inquiry further tbau
to uscertain whether the Secretary of War
or any subordinate of that department wuj
involved. 1 said to her further that 1
would communicate the facta as stated by her to
Messrs. Clyincr and Slehbins, of tbc committee, and
would statu to them tbc assurance 1 bad given ber.
This 1 did immediately, within an hour after ttio Inter
0 1 Expenditures of the War Department:?
Sih?I havo been informed that my name lias been
mentioned in conuecliou with the recent charges
against tho Secretary of War?First, thut I attempted
to induce the witness, 0. P. Marsh, to swear falsely,
and. socoud, that the Hon. J. C. S. Blackburn, a member
of your committee, was a relative and would suppress
the whole matter. What I desire to state is,
that each of tho nbove statements is utterly and entirely
lalse. Very rcspectiully,
WII.UAM M. TOMLINSOX.
1 demand, in justice to myself as well as to the Hon.
J. C. S. Blackburn, a personal explanation.
WM. M. T.
William M. Tomlinson deposes and suys that tho
foregoing slutemeut is just und true to the best of his
knowledge and belief. Sworn and subscribed before
me this 2d March, 1870.
HKISTER CLYMER, Chairman. j
WM. M TOM LIXSO.Y.
the SKldtETARY'S RKSIOXATIOX.
[ Kxh ihil 1. ]
Washinoton, 1). C., March 2, 1870.
Mr. President:?
1 hereby tender my resignation as Secretary of War
ami request it* immediate acceptance. Thauklug you
tor your coustuut und continued kinduoss, 1 am respoctlully
and truly yours, WM. W. liELKNAP,
(Atruooopy.) f. D. (Jkant.
[Exhibit K.)
Executive Mansion. Washimitox, March 2, 1S70.
Sik.?In reply to your nolo of inquiry of to-day's '
date, the President directs me to say thut the hour of
the acceptance ol tho rcsiguatiou of the Hon. W. W. j
Belknap, us Secretary of War, was about twenty mill- |
utes past teu o'clock this morning. A?copy of the l?t- |
tor of resignation is with enclosed. I am, sir, your ,
obedient servaut, 0. C. SNIFFKN, Secretary.
Hou. Hkihtkk Clymek, Chairman, Committee on
Expenditures in the War Department, House ol Kepresenlatives,
1'reseuk
raoekkoinus or the committee.
F.xtruct from proceedings of the committee Tuesday
morning, February 'JV, ts7b:?The eoinmiltee met;
present, Messrs. Clytr.er, Blackburn and Bobbins. Mr.
Marsh, a witness, being present, was duly sworn oy the
Chairuiuu und was examined by the committee. (Sec i
evidence.) Messrs. Blackburn. Clyracr and Kohbins ,
SMI Ulll 111 t'U MillVllli'Ul.1 I v il I II II (( III! lUll-lllVW IIUU OJ
Mr. Ulackburu with tho wife of the Secretary of War, i
which aro marked "C," "E," respectively, and
ordered tu be uiaiic part of the evidence.
Adjourned tu meet lo-morruw morning at eleven
o'clock.
wkumkaiuy Moksijio, Murch 1?The coramittoe met
pursuant tu adjournment; present. Messrs. Clyttier,
Illackburn, Rubbins, llass and Oanford. The Secretary '
ul War, having been notified ul tho meeting, appeared
whereupon the testimony of the witness, Caleb 1'. '
Marsh, taken yesterday, with the several exhibits
therein referred to, w ere read by tho Chairman.
The witness C. P. Marsh b?iux also present, and the
Secretary of War desiring to cross examine him and
wishing time to eiujiloy counsel, the committee
agreed that when It would adjouru It would bo uutil
three I'. M. to day. The Chairman was directed to ask
leave of the House for the committee to sit during the
sessious thereof. Adjourned.
T?IK SICK START'S FROroSlTIOS.
Same day, at three I*. M., tho committee met, all tho
meiuhers being present General Belknap appeared,
a. comnantcd by his eouusel. Judge Hlalr. Tho lesti
niuBjr, exhibits and tin* statement* takeu belore the
committer wore fully read by the rhAiriuau for the luformation
of Judge Blair, the Secretary baring withdrawn.
after which Judge Blair made a verbal propoti- 1
tion to the committee regarding the report which might
be made to the House, whereupon the committee auj
Journed, to meet thia evening at the rooms of Mr. Bass,
at twenty-nine minutes past eleven.
Koi aturxth Stki-St, Wkdxisdat Evimmi, March 1.?
Tho committee met at the house of Mr. Bass, at eight
P. M , pursuant to adjournment The proposition of
tnc Secretary, made at the afternoon session through
Judge Blair, waslully discussed, and, after mature deliberation,
was unanimously rejected. The committee
adjourned to meet to-morrow at half-past ten A. M,
. Tnt asnsT, March 2.?The committee met at half past
ten; A. M., pnrsnant to adjournment Judge lilair appeared
at eleven o'clock, and presented a letter dated
March 2, 18"#, signed by C. 9. Grant. President of the
United States, accepting the resignation of the Secretary
of War, marked "0." Dr. Tomlinson appeared
and presented a letter addressed to the chairman, to
the contents of which he was duly sworn; marked
"H. " The wltueea, Mr. Marsh, being present, was recalled
by Mr. Blair, counsel for General Belknap, and
was cross esamlned. (Sec testimony.)
tk. mmmiiiM authorized the chairman tn draft a
report of the caw to the House to be submitted to tbe
committee.
Tho comraittoo on motion took a recess until balf*
P?ii< twolrc P. M.
, Ibe committee met pursuant to adjournment at half* |
?row reierreu to occurreu, staling ruuy 10 llioso geiiuemcu
all (liut hud lukeu place; whereupon l>oth tie-so
gentlemen approved whui 1 had said and done, and
thoroughly concurred with mo in the purpose of
prosecuting no investigation tnut did not promiio or
tend to implicate or tnvolvo the Secretary or hi* subordinate
otllciulg. This is the only assurance ever given
1 or conversation had by me upon this subject, either
: with Mrs. Uelknau, Dr. Toiulinson, or with any other
I person whatever, at uuy time, nor am 1 related or connected
by blood or by marriage, In uuy degree, either
to tieuerul lk-lkiiup or bis wife, or Dr. Totnlinsnu.
8TATKMK.VT OK UK. CLYMKK KkUAKDlNG MR. ULACKIH'RN.
[A'xAibif A'.)
Mr. Clyiucr stated tnut on Thursday morning, the
tltih ol February, just before the Houso met, Mr.
Blackburn rci|ucstcd hun to accompauy linn to the
room of the committee, when ami where lie stated that
he had just had uu interview with the wife ol the Secretary
ol War, ut her instance, in the presence of Dr.
Toinlioson. her brother, uud that he narrated to huu
the conversation between them ut that interview,
which was in substanco us he has stated it. Late iu
the day, immediately alter the House adjourned, Mr.
Dobbins and myself, ut Ills request, came
to tlio committee rooms, whero Mr. Dlackburn again
repeated the substuuro of the interview, whereupon
I lie was assured by Mr. Dobbins and myself that we
I concurred with him as to tho objects of the pending tni
vestigution und that he was jitstitied in giving tho asi
suraucc that no investigation .would be made which
did not tend to reach the Secretary of War or some of
j his subordinates.
STATKMISN'T OF Mil. KOUHINS.
[ Exhibit >'. ]
Mr. Dobbins deemed it sufficient for him to say simply
that on Thursday, February 'J4, Mr. Dlackburn 1
communicated to Mr. Clymer and himself the (act that I
on that morning the wife of tho Secretary ot War had !
vnrtr iiiipvtiprhnllv amiuht sn intDrviDW with him niul
that such interview hail taken place. He recounted to
us what had passed ut that interview and
hu has embodied the same in a statement which accompanies
the report, which statement accurately recites
the matter as he communicated It to us. The statement
made by Mr. Clymer, Chairman of the committee,
in referonco to Mr. Ulackburn's communication to us
concerning that Interview, and our opinions and decisions
thereupon, is in all rospects accurate. We all
concurred in the ides that It would be our duty to push
every investigation which teuded to throw light upon
the ottlcial conduct ol the Secretary of War and his sub.
ordluates of that department, however painful might
be the performance of smdi duty; but if we, at any
timo, discovered evidence which Involved only unollil
eial persons, and especially ladies, we should not feel
1 bound to prosecute any inquiry which wo kn?w could
have no other resu I than that, for our investigation
had nothing to do with private individuals, but only
with oillcials.
ACCEPTANCR or belknap's RESIGNATION.
[Exhibit O.]
Kxkcitivk Mansion, 1
Washington, i). C., March 2, 1870. )
Dkar Sir?Your tender of resignation as Secretary of
War, with the request to have it accepted immediately,
Is received, and the same is hereby accepted with great
regret. Yours, Aic., U. S. GRANT.
tomuxson's disavowal.
[Exhibit H.\
holsk or it kpkk.sk n't ati vkh, 1
Washington, i>. C.. March 2, 1870.)
To Hon. Hkister Clymkr, Chairman of thcCommitleo
LrORK IIERALDj FRIDAY,
i past twelve P. M. There were present the chairman
au>l Messrs. Itobblus and Blackburn.
The committee ordered the chairman to address a
letter to the President forthwith asking him for u copy
ol the letter of resignation of the luto Secretary of War
and informing them at what hour this day It was received.
Whereupon Mr. Clymcr prepared the letter,
which was submitted to and approved of by tho committee,
and sent to the President by a messenger ol tho
House, witli orders to wait for a reply. At ono o'clock
Messrs Hiss and Daniord appeared.
The committee having taken a recess for the purpose j
of considering the request of William W. Helknitp,
made by his counsel, Judge Blair, to bo permitted to
appear before the committee to make a sworn statement,
it was determined that he should be beard.
Whereupon Judge Blair was Informed of tho decision
and requested to have General Belknap appear before
the committee at three I'. M. to-day If he still desired
to do sa
The committee met at three o'clock?present ull the
members.
W. W Belknap having failed to appear the chairman
submitted the report to the committee, aud It having
been unanimously approved, tho chuirmau was ordered
to make the same to the House forthwith.
THE SUBJECT IN CONGRESS.
REPORT OF TI1E INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE?
RESOLUTIONS OF IMPEACHMENT?DISCUSSION
ON THE EFFECT OF THE RESIGNATION?ULTIMATE
ACTION OF THE HOUSE.
Washington, March 2,1870.
In the Huuso of Representatives to-day Mr. Clymcr,
of Pennsylvania, presented resolutions of impeuch1
inent against William W. Belknap, lute Seeretury of
I War, for high crimes and misdeineunors in oflleo. In
j the uiidst of great excitement and with an unusual
I stilluess in the House Mr. Clymcr rose and said:?
MR. CLYMKR's EXPORT.
I ask permission of the House to make a report j
I from the Committee ou Expenditures lu the War Do|
partuieut ol so grave importance that I Bin quite certain
thai when it Is heard this House will agree that I |
uiu Justified in uskjpg that permission at this time.
Permission was given, and Mr. Clyiner, taking his [
position at the Clerk's desk, read the lollowiug rej
port:?
The committee found at tho very threshold of lis iuvestigatlou
such unquestioned evidence of the malfeasance
ol General William W. Belknap, then .Secretary
of War. that they found it to be their duly to la v I
the same before the House. They further report that [
this day at eleven o'clock n letter of the President
of the United Stales was presented to the committee,
< accepting the resignation ol the Secretary ol War, i
' together with a copy of his letter of reslguulion, which, i
j the President intormed the committee, was accepted
1 about twenty minutes past ten this morning, l'hoy [
therefore unanimously report and demand that the
! raid William W. lieiknnp, late secretary or war, oe j
i dealt with according to tho law of the land, unit to that ;
j end submit herewith the testimony ill tho case taken, I
! together with the several statements and exhibits j
j thereto attached, and also a receipt of the proceedings i
j ol the committee hud durliig the investigation ol this I
I subject, and submit the following resolutions:?
RKSOLt'TIONS OF IRFKACIIMRNT.
j iiesolved, That William W. Belknap, late Secretary I
< of War, bo impeached of nigh crimes and misdemcun- j
I ors.
Hesolvcd, That tho testimony in the case of W. W. I
I Belknap, late Secretary of War, be reierrcd to the |
[ Judiciary Committee, with instructions to prepare and j
report, without unnecessary delay, suitable urllcles of
Impeachment of said W. W. Belknap, fate Secretary of i
War,
Kesolved, That a committee of five members of tho |
House be uppointed and instructed to proceed linine- j
Ulately to the Mar of the Senate and there impeach I
William W. lie I knap, late Secretary ol War, In ibeuamo !
ol the people ol tho United States, of high crimes and
misdemeanors when In office, and to Inform that body"
that formal articles of impeachment will iu due lime lie
presented, and to request the Senate to take such order
iu the promises as they may dcciu appropriate.
Mr. Clymer then proceeded to read the testimony ol
Caleb P. Marsh, taken yesterday belore the committee,
showing that he had paid Secretary Belknap about
$20,000 in consideration of his appointment as post i
trader at Fort Sill, I. T.
The reading was listened ft) with Intense Interest by >
tho mouthers of the House and by a largo audicnco '
In the galleries. In tbo more pathetic portions of
tho narrative Mr. Clymer was frequently lorced by '
his feelings to pause until his voice recovered from j
Its trtniuloasness and himself from his ugitntion. At
tho close of the reading, and after tho many members i
who had taken up positions near the Clerk's desk, tho '
better to hear tho testimony and accompanying state- j
nients, had returned to their scats, Mr. Clymer, who i
had also gone to his seat, again rose and said, witb ;
great emotion:?
KKMAKKS OF MR. CLYMER.
Mr. Speaker, I would not if 1 could, and could not iu
my present condition if 1 would, add anything to the
facts just reported to tho House. Another occasion
may be afforded me to do so. They are so plaiu Ihut
u tbe driven nyj*. He admitted that -ore mat*
inetit of ibis cose at presented by the t n.orjr
sufficient to Justify every member to vote t the r* liUtlOUl
presented.
Mr. I.AMAB, Idem.) of Mist., inquired of Mi 3a- - b!*|
opinion aa to tha luipeacbabillty of a resigned nil. ?r
Mr. Has* replied that (he Kngilth autborltla ?<-tne| /
to maintain tbe Jurisdiction ot Impeachment u suet J,
<a?ei, but tbat in thia country it was an unadji tr.(| I
question and one tbat was not free from dout *> i
bit oarn best Judgment was in lavor of tbe rtgh I t-*>
peach and to let tbe question be adjudicated Um
Senate.
Mr. Hoan, (rep.) of Matt ?In reference to the r tat
remark of toiue member at to tliie ticlng n po a>
question, entirely disclaimed and repudiated tuc \
idea. On tbe points of the impoacbability of a per
not in office. be referred to tbe case of Mr. Whittmo.
of South Carolina, in which the House bad determine
that a formal, actual renunciation of an office terminated
the office, and tbat any American cititen could
I lay down an office held by bun without any acceptance
| of bis resignation. Judge Story bad laid down tb
MARCII 3. 1870.?TUlfLK
doctrine that It cootd not be done In England; j
hut thero any citizen could be impeached, aud, I
therefore, the English cases of Warren and Hustings
and Lord Uucon did not apply. in America I
no man could be Impeached but a civil oltlccr
and when he ceased to be a civil officer he craned to tie
within the literal description ol tlie constitution. 111
this country the only Judgment that could be rendered
in nn impeachment case wan removal Irotn offlee and
future disqualification from holding ontee, but by the
statutes a person guilty of aueh offences could bo Indicted^
tried and sentenced by the criminal courts of j
the country. Ho protested against hot haste in the
matter without having the testimony printed. He
thought such haste unworthy ot this grave question
and if ho stood alone he would still stand hero to say
so.
Mr. Blackuvrx, (dein.)ot Ky., uDother member of
the committee, expressed bis satisfaction that the report
which bad been read by his colleague, Mr. Clymer,
showed to the world that nothing had been left und ine
by the committee to shield and shelter from dishonor
every person except the one whom it was tho duty of
the committee to investigate and report upouj
He would not consent tliut lliu gentleman from Massa- |
chusetts should make this u political or a partisan
question. IK? would not couseut that his side of the
Hi>u<-e should he placed In the position of prosecutors
and the other side should take tho posillou of defenders.
It was a question which addressed Itself alike to
every member of the House. He regarded the caso us
an unprecedented oue in more respects than one. The
actiouof tho President in accepting Secretary lielkuap's
resignation under the circumstances was unprecedented,
and this was the first instance in the history of
tho country where any man claiming manhood and
holding an exalte J station had sought to shelter himself
from legitimate investigation by interposing tho
dUbonor ot a wiio. (Sensation.) l'ussiug to the question
of the Itnpcachabllily ot Mr. Belknap, ho suggested
that that question, us Judge Story had intimated, might
properly be lett to the decision of the Senate. On such
a stuto of lacts would the House, ho asked, shrink
from tho performance of Its duty because
there might be the mist or shadow of a doubt
on that pointv Tho House could not do so. It would
not be admissible: He quoted from the impeachment
case of I.ord Bacon, iu which It was stated that where
the I-ord Chancellor had sought to save himself by a
resignation of 111* high olllco the altomp'. was vain, as
the King did not and could uol Interpose. Was the
House to be told that tbe man tu power at tbe other
end of tbe avenue was able to
kuu ax amku1cax co.xcuks8
o( a right and power which u King of Great Britain 1
cocld uot take from Parliament? (Sensation and ap- :
pluusc.) It used to be tbe theory that the king could
do uo wrong; but no man bad ever been lound bold
enough in this couutry to say that tbo President can
do no wrong. If tlio man who bad uttered tbe memorable
scnteuce, "Lot no guilty man escape," held It
In his Dower to rob un American Congress of Its right
to inflict punishment or to pronounco censure on a
publicly convicted criminal, where was the barrier lo
be found beneath whose shelter the liberties of tbe ;
people could rest secure? (Appluuso.)
Hr. Hoak?Docs tbo gentleman say that Congress has
tbe power to puuish any man in this country?
Mr. IIlackbckx?I will not submit to interruptions, j
I am the lust man who would introduce one atom of
polities In this discussion. It Is not admissible hero.
Tbe republican members of the committee were as
earnest and bouest In the prosecution of tbe Inquiry
und iu tbe prcscuiatlon of this report as tbe members I
representing the majority of this House. We have j
seen no difference in the committee room. I appeal 1
to the members of the House that there shall be no
difference manifested here. If fraud has been perpotrated,
if crlidinality exists, if corruption lias been
proved, let the representatives of tlio people in this :
House so declare it and send the issue to the court
where it may linully be tried; and if we are unable to
punish where guilt is almost openly confessed let the !
responsibility lor that failure rest on other shoulders '
than ours.
Mr. Darvorth, (rop.) of Ohio, another member of j
the committee, expressed it as his judgment that the
acceptance of Mr. ltelknap's resignation in no manner :
changed the position of that officer to tlio country. .
He disagreed, however, with the statement of the
chairman (Mr. Clymcr) that the conduct of this officer
was the legitimate outgrowth of tho principles of the
parly In power, aud he expressed the hope that there
would not he a single vote on tho republican side of the
House against the resolution.
HSU ARKS OP UK. KASSON.
Mr. Kasso.n, of Iowa, said that a few years ago there
had gone from his Stale a young, well oduculod and
gallant gonilemun to light the battles of his country.
He had gone through the war, aud the President had
alterward called him to a seat In his Cabinet, placing
him at the head of that army of which he had been an ;
humble hut somewhat distinguished member. This i
morning, for tho Urst time, the delegation from Iowa
had heard that that geulleuiau, who had been so much '
respected in his own Slate aud Is so much honored by
the nation, had been found guilty of receiving a compensation
(or some act of olltcial duty, aud that that
compousaiiou had been continuous. The House would j
judge of the emotion with which the members from
that State had lisloned to tho reading of the evidence.
He bad never heard anything read with greater
interest than tho report, aud when at the
close of the reading he had made an appeal !
to his friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. ClyinerJ
not for himself alone, but for his colleagues, whoso
pride and honor were so touched by the character of
the report, for a moment's delay, that they might find
out whether there might not he in the evidence oue
extenuating circumstance, he hud been met by the demaud
for the previous question. He did not desire to
claim any exemption for Mr. Helknup Iroiu all the penalties
to which his acts entitled him; but ho iound (be
disclosed by tbc evidence to bo tlio fact that not one
word of it touched the olUcer in question until the death
which broke a heart hud occurred. (Sensation.) Was lie
to be blunted that he and his colleagues wanted
a right to ascertain the extent of that othcor's guilt by
reading the evidence in point f Was be to be hlained
tbal. when ho found that the most delicate relations iu
the humau life involved in this proceeding?a relation
so delicate that he dared not allude to It in detail?he
asked an opportunity to consider whether there was
unytbiug to he suidjiu extenuation ol so high and so
great a misdemeanor? But it wa? too Jate to go back
to that now. He and his colleagues hud been refused
that opportunity, and now be only asked the ultautioii
of the House to the question w hether the House did
not need tnoro time to uscerluiu whether this olllcer
impeachable.
Alter quoting from Judge Story ou this point he
argued that the powers ot Congress were limited by the
constitution and that if llr. Uelkuup bo impeached the
Senate could not execute the constitutional provision
which declares thul ho shall ho removed from uince.
II he were liable to impeachiucut let It bo understood
that they were all
witrout exception fok ixrucixuT,
but If the House was establishing a precedent which did
not rest on the constitution and which was daugerous
for the future, he thought it right that the House ]
Should pause and consider hy a report from Its Ju- 1
dietary Committee the question of Its right to make
this lni|ieachmeiit If the House could impeach
a man not In office it rn'ghl go back und Impeach
Jcflerson Davis and John B. Kloyd for conspiracy.
Mr Rounixs, of North Carolina, suggested that there
is a great difference between a conviction on Imtrhmcnt
and a conviction on indictment. In the :
,.er case the mau might he pardoned by the Exeeuve,
but In the former case it could not be. As to tlio
ingestion as to the Impeachment of Jefferson Davis,
replied that it had keeu decided that a Seuator could
he impeached, not bciug au officer of tho Culled
t* .* cs.
ttik resolutions aooptkd.
o debate being closed, tbc Mouse proceeded lo
v on the resolutions, and they were unanimously
? I ted.
1 i Speaker appointed as the committee to notify
ti. - enate of the action of the House, Messrs. Clymer,
He >ina, Blackburn, H i~? and Oaufortb (these tnetn'*
composing the Committee on tno Expenditures ol
the r Department, in;.km/ the report).
Tilt SCKXI ix tiik not *a.
ft. <1 the moat bitterly painful scone that ever
ok ; i a it 'his hall, lit* theatre of so many exciting
eva.-ia. T' occedings uot being anticipated nor the
'St* h i them generally known, thero was at
u -inoV a attendance in the galleries. Mr.
V w.ia t on the Hawaiian troaty In Committee
-i v.! ,t on an Intimation or what waa
to i*> left hla speech nnflulshed, and j
wvc?o i. as .v at the committee rise.
overywuere tnrouguou* urn iauu ?n?
throughout Christendom, who rev or the English {
language 1.4 read or spoken, they will for loug
years constitute a record of official corruption and
crime such as there is no panllo) for In our own history
or in that of any other country that 1 know oC If
iu this hour one sentiment ot pity, one word ol sympathy,
could And utterance Iroin me, it would he because
1 feel that the lute Secretary ol War Is hut the proper
outgrowth, the true cxponcul of the oorruptiou. the
extravayauce, the misgovern ment that have cursed
this land for years pusl. That being my own reflection
I will discharge my duty best to myself and to this
House by demanding the previous question on the
adoption of the resolution.
Mr. Kahsox, (rep.) of lowa, appealed to Mr. Clytucr '
to give an opportunity lor sonic suggestions to bo i
made before asking the previous question ou u matter j
of so grave Importance.
Mr. Clvmbr regretted that he could not oblige his
friend?(several deinocrutic members, "Yes! yes!") ?
and for the rcasou that his colleagues on the commit
tee desired to be heard hercattcr. Ybe previous question
was seconded.
Mr. Kassos?Allow ine to say that tbero will not be
the slightest opposition to their being all heard.
Mr. Cumin?1 decline to yield aud dciuaud the previous
question.
llr kiv-u.v?flora the eontli'miin ..viuvl fka UnnaA
to uight, alter five o'clock, una without this report !
being printed, to tote on these resolut ons, wben even '
tbe Impeachabllity ol the olllcer at present la a point '
to be considered by tbe House T
Mr. Clvmkk?Alter tbe previous question baa been
ordered I will yield ball tbe liour to tbe members of
tbe committee who are on the other side ol tbo House,
Alter tome lurilier discussion tbe previous question
was seconded, and Mr. Clymer yielded tbe tloor lo
bis colleague on tht committee, Mr. Kjbbins, of North
Carolina. . J
Mr. Robhins pleaded bis mental and physical*'- !
baustiou Irom bis continuous service on tbo committeo
as the reason why be should uot address the House at
any length. He spoke ol tbo report us presenting a
case ol groat shame and disgrace to all American citizens.
As to the question of the impeachubiltly of an
officer w ho bad resigned, be was not prepared to apeak
worthily, except lo suggest that it could uot be true
that an officer who was being investigated, and who
bad been fouud by evidence to be u criminal, could
tlee Iroui Justice. He alluded to what lie called
Tlltt t'SSKKMLV AtVKPTA.NCK
of Secretary Belknap's resignation and referred to tbe
Kugliab cases of Warren Hustiugs and Lord Francis
Hucoti, both of whom bad been Imiietcbcd after they ;
bad ceased to bold offices in which they committer'
crimes and misdemeanors.
Mr. Bass, (rep.) of N. Y., another membo * < ige
committee, qucsiioued the statement of ifi >*m<? i an
(Mr. Clymer) as to tins case having no po? ,
that be would uot have to leavo bis ,i?r?
order lo find not only a parallel for It, bi it I c i
And cases compared with which this ca .isawlitlt
SHEET.
Mr. Clymer, in making bit preliminary remarks to ! i
the House, and iu subsequently reading from tho
Clerk's desk the testimony winch told in such a plain
and convincing manner the guilt or the man who hud i
been so trusted and honored, was visibly alfeeted, and i
hud to exercise u strong mastery over his feelings to i
suppress the public display of his emotions. He was i
purlieuluny unuclcil WDl'U 110 Came to rviiu mui
ol it which described the scene between the witness
(Marrli), Mrs. Belknap ami Mrs. Buwors (the sister of
the then Mrs. Belknap, and now hcrscll holding that
name) In the nursery, where the pecuniary prospects
of the Innoceut child were alluded to, and tho other
portion which described tho cfloris made by tho
wife lo screen the husband, and the mental anguish of
the witness, struggling between the desire to saro bis
Iriend and the resolro not to do' >n at the expense of <
his own soul. Mr. Clymer had to pause several times
when he came to theso passages, and his strong emotion
won favor for him from all spectators,
Buring the proceedings Mr. Kerr occupied tho
Speaker's chair, and bencsth him, at the Clerk's desk, ,
sat his predecessor (Mr Blsine), evincing a painful !u- ,
teiest iu the itorv as told iu the testimony ol Marsh.
Many members w hose seats are iu n remote part of tho
hail took up positions in the area in front of the Clerk's ,
desk, and all tho rest occupied their seats, paying llio :
most marked attentiou to the reading. Before the ,
scene had closed
I nr. urLLKRiXS ; |
had all become crowded, Including the Diplomatic j
gallery, where tbe Danish Minister and bis wife were
among the spectator*. There was a folding of relief (
experienced by all after the vote was taken and the
attair brought to a close. I
TI1K PROClttDlXOS TO DAT, |
The committee appointed by the Speaker will tomorrow
proceed to thu Sonate Chamber and communl- '
care to that body the action of the House. Tho
Judiciary Committee to morrow will also draw up the ,
articles of Impeachment and report tbetit to the House. (
When adopted by the House that body will, headed by ,
Its Speaker and high odlcers, proceed to the Senate (
Chamber and demand the Impeachment or Mr. Bel- i j
knap. Then the Senate will (in parliamentary phrase) ,
"take order" for the impeachinent?that is, arranco ,
the time ami manner of conducting the trial, which ,
will be prosecuted on the part of the House ny Its ;
Judiciary Commiliee. ,
The House then, at Alteon minutes past six, ad- ,
Jourued, when It was announced that the democratic
caucus, which had been tixed lor to-uight, hud been ad
journcd till Saturday night. , ,
i i
THE PRESIDENT FOREWARNED. I <
CHARGES OF CORRUPTION AGAINST BELKNAP ! '
I I
SENT TO THE PRESIDENT IN 1873 AND ,
1874?HE IONOBE8 TIIEM?THE ACCUSING j i
OFFICER PLACED UNDER ARREST. ' <
i.Ai.TijioKK, .uurcu A, isio. | 1
Captain Deorgo T. Kobluson, formerly of the Tenth ,
United Slates cavalry, and now living this city, fur- I
nislies tho following additional information concerning
ex-Socreturv Belknap's corrupt partnership in the
protlts of post trudorshlps on tho frontier. Captain
Kobunou early in tho present session of Congress pre- !
(erred the charges of corruption boforo the Military |
Committee agaiust Secretary Belknap, which have led ]
to the recent startling developments. Dr. Marsh was i
subpoenaed by the committee tu accordance unit suggestions
made by Uobmsou, who lias probably j
been uioro familiar with Ueneral Belknap's corrupt
practices than any one else. In 1SGS Robiusou was or- j
dered with his regiment to the Indian Territory as cu- '
glncor of the military district. He selected the site
of Fort Sill and superintended the erection of the j
fort. By reason of his continued residence at
this post for nearly six years, ho became familiar with
the details of inilitury service on the frontier. As :
member of post council of administration, and for a
time Its president, it devolved upon Captain Kobluson
to inquire into the prices charged for merchandise by |
the post traders. At this tune?1868-Tt?the post
tradcrship nt Fort Sill was controlled by tho llrni of J. [
& Evans k Co. Complaint having been made to tho
firm that exorbitant prices were charged, they replied i
that the difficulty could not he remedied, as for tho !.1
j_>rivilogo or trading at tlie post
FIKTKKX THOl'SAXD DOLLARS I'KR YK.tR
had to be uuld to W. W. Belknap, Secretary of War. This,
n? was shown, was llio contract price. The post council,
through Captain Robinson, then domnuded that the
statement of Kvuns A: Co. should be put In tho form of
an affidavit. This was promptly done and the alllduvit j
was sworn to in the presence of several officers of the
Tenth cavalry. It Is now ou file in the records of tho
council, together with other documentary evidence ol !
a similar character. It afterward appeared Irotn statements
of Kvans it Co. that the annual puymcnt at the ,
end of three years was reduced to $ I'd,000. ? J
This amount was by agrocuienl payable monthly in
advance. It is known by statements of J. S. Kvans
to Cuptaln Ilobinson that tho moulhly payments were
continued up to March, 1S75. The accuracy ot these
lutomvnls was unquestioned among the officers of tho !
Tenth cavalry and Sixth Uultcd Slates Infantry, and '
the (acts have lor several years been notorious among
army officers generally. Tnal a like amount was paid i
annually to Secretary Belkuap by the post trader at
Camp Supply, Indian Territory, Is stated on
no less an authority than that if General B. \V\ Uazcn,
wheu tleneral Hazcn evinced a disposition to criticise
corrupt practices of tils chief, ho was ordered to a ,
more remote poiul ou the froutiur. While tho proof
may be lacking iu some instances there is every
reason to believe that General Belkuap, siuce he- !
coming a member of the Cabinet, has generally
participated In tho profits of tho post trader*hips.
About twenty of them are very profitable and it is thus
seen that the thrifty Secretary has reaped a rich
harvest. The method of conducting the bustucss lias
been to sell the leaderships to a middleman who, It
seems, in several Instances was one Marsh or l>r. j
Marsh, of Now York. Marsh then sold the privileges
to the highest bidder.
A GUILTY KNOWLEDGE IRI'CTID TO TUB PRESIDENT.
Tbe country will bo startled, however, when it Is
know u thai President Grunt has for some tune bet-u t
aware of irrcgulariticf, now exposed for the fir.il tune, 1
and ruore, that the articles o t war and rules of pro
cedure have been disregarded und I rumpled upon by '
the doughty Belknap in the promotion ot his personal 1
interests. Soon, alter the discovery of the v
IraUiN at Fort Sill, Captain Kobituon, us Presi- ''
deut ol the Post Council nud in tne 1
line of his duty, reported the corruption 0
to the Prosident, through the customary cliunucl*. , 1
The ouly result was ins transfer to the position ot Su- ''
pervisor of thu Issuing of ltnlian Supplies in 1873. A P
more formal report of the irregularities was made, *
when Captain ltobiiisin was at once ordered ou 1
recruiting service at Philadelphia, fie was soon after ll
ordered to this city and placed tn command ol the 11
recruiting post here. From Baltimore, during the '<
latter part of 1874, he prclorred . t '
FOKMAL CUAEUKS OF COKMl'FTluN AUAINST SECRETARY "
HELKSAI* V
and forwarded proofs and specifications to President c
Grant. As a result of this act he was at once pluced a
under military arrest on .September 11, 1874. Ii
HKTTT TYRASMV. \ A
Ills piovlded by the act ol Congress that formal S
charges mast be preferred against an officer of the li
ariuv within ten days after bis arrest. Falling to do n
this, it is provided be shall be immediately set r
at liberty. Captain llobiuson. however, by s|>eciu| c
order of Secretary Hot knap, was placed under rlose sr- A
rest and no liberty was allowed him, nor w ere any h
charges preferred against him until tho following a
spring, when be was sent to St. Louis fur trial by a A
commission organized for the avowed purpose of a con- t<
iction. TUo pious Belknap was authoritatively re- n
ported as saying at the time, ''IT this cotumiSsiou don't ll
convict Captain Kob'nson then, t>y God, I u
will Ox oue that will!" The charges a
tlually preferred consisted of alleged frauds, a
the preferring of unfrmuded charges against.a superior e
officer, Ac. Ceneral Belknap's commission, however, w
did its appointed work, and Cuptaiu Kobinson was dis- e
missed the service To show the irregular character of
the Hi l.ouis commission it is only necessary to slate t
that five of Its members were promoted by the dls- b
inissnl of Captain Kobinsou. The articles of War pro- 1
rule that an olllccr shall only be tried by his equals or o
superiors In rank, c
In this way is shown how the officers of the army, ?
while cognizant of Secretary Belknap's corruption'1, I
dared not protest against them for lear id persecutions |
which would at onco have been Instituted. It mnuot '
Dc doubted that President Grant, as stated above, bus li
long been familiar with the corrupt practices of General |i
Belknap. With him, however, I!
TUB ISTKKKST UP TIIE PARTY b
was paramount, and his Adas Aoh*u* was shisldsO. U I u
I
Beems certain that, hut lor the wrest f itioi of a
democratic Couf rest, the thrifty hublt* ol our cunun- i
mat -ecrctary of War would luvo riini ned hidden lor '
an indefinite period. Captain Robinson is about tc
aemanu an investigation of tilM case l'y me Jtmsirj
Committee ol the House and auk a rciust item 'lit in tin
service. It la thought that tlio recent ilcvelopinenli
will encourage the officers of the ariny to divulge whatever
information they may possess concerning the corruptions
of the War Department, and thus render malorial
aid In purifying the one department of the goveminent
which has been thought to be tree from
blemish.
COMMERCIAL EFFECT OF BELKNAP'S
DISGRACE.
CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE SHAKEN*?PREDICTION
or AN EMINENT IRON MANTFACTlKElt.
Pittsblro, March 2, 1870.
The news of Secretary Belknap's disgrace fell upoc
this community to-day like u thunder clup, and it wal
the theme of discussion at all public places of resort.
Following so closely on tho discovery of lrreguluritiet
and the removals In the Custom House at thli
city, it will have the elteci in a certain
measure of disturbing the confidence of the people in
everybody holding public positions. A promiueul
Iron manufacturer said to -night that Uelkuap's con
a tic I would not only humble tbe people of the United
States in tbeir estimate ol their own government, but
would add materially to the present depression In tuor>
cautdc affairs, tie expected that tb'e Iron Industrie:
would feel it suddenly, fur though confidence was being
restored slowly it required nothing more than a blow
liko this to let it down into tho rut again.
SKETCH OF GENERAL BELKNAP.
William Worth Belknap, whose official career ant
public life came to such an unexpected and disgraceful
lid yesterday, comes of a military family. His fatbei
was William Belknap, a brave and distinguished office:
>1 the war of 181g and of the war with Moxico. He
aelongi-d to the old town of Newburg, on the Hudson,
where his family, ou both sides, had been engaged in
;ho wars of the Revolution. Tho elder Belknap dis
Inguislied hiuiseif In the attack on Fort Erie In 1814,
uid so eininout were bis services that after the wai
with England bo was retained in tbe regular army. He
was so systematic In nablt that he was appointed
j no of the professors at West Point,
M liesaca do la I'altna. durinir tho war with \fn*ii?n
.lie lather of the Secretary of War distinguished tiliniclf
for a recklessness of courage that ill-comporloc
with his usual staid and mathematical habits. At th?
jattle of Buena Vista he served on General Taylor's
itafT. The citizens of his own State, in honor of his
uravcry, presented him with a sword. His portrait
now adorns the old headquarters at Xewburg. He besame
a brigadier general. In 1861 General W. G. Belknap,
while proceeding to his post In Texas, died 01
[ever. One of the evidences of the sense of respect in
which he was held is that he ouco presided over a court
martial which Investigated the conduct of Genera1
Icott.
The particular friend of the elder Belknap was Gonsral
William Worth ;the son was named William Wortt
Sclknap.
Youug Belknap was born at Hudson, X, V., Septera
ier 22, 1829. His early life was passed in his nuliv?
11 ace, but he was educated at 1'riuceton College, lrors
vhich ho was graduated In 1848. Among bis classnates
were George M. Robeson, who has been so long
issociated with him iu General Grant's Cabinet, and
llcister Clytner, of 1'eunsylvaiiia, before whose commitee
theoxposures were made which led to his retirement
tnd downfall. Ho subsequently read law in the office
if 11. Cuperton, at Georgetown, D. C., and then renoved
to Kookuk, Iowa, where he practised bis procssiou
in connection with Ralph P. I.owe, aiterward
Governor of the State and Juago of the Supreme
'ourL He began the practice of the law in 1861, and
>ursucd his profession until ho entered tho army after
lie breaking out of tho rebellion. During one term,
hat of 1857-8, ho was member of the Iowa I-cgislaure.
He was elected as a democrat, but he opposed
ho measures of the Lecompton wing of his party,
mil Id tho subsequent political movemonls of tho time
10 identified himself with the lortunes of Stephen A.
iouglas. Ills sympathies wore entirely with the
'uion, and It wa? not long after the beginning of the
obelllon until ho gavo his services to the country in
he war with the South.
William W. Belknap entered the army as major o
he Fifteenth Iowa Volunteers, under Colonel Hugh T.
Etcid, and served with bis regiment in the Army of th?
Pennessoo throughout its various campaigns. Major
Hetkuap was in the battle of Sh'loh, which will be renumbered
as one of the earliest struggles of the war,
iranl being driven back to the river and bis army only
laved from destruction by the fortunate arrival ot
iuell. hater on Major Belknap participated in ths
nege and battle of Corinth and In the long campaign
igainst Vicksburg. During these arduous campaigns
lis merits as a soldier were brought iuto prominence,
ind he rose to be the colonel of his regimcut. As such
ic participated In the siege and battles of Atlanta ID
.804. He was In all of the battles of July 21, 22 and
18; and in the remarkable battle of the 22d, when parts
if General Blair's corps were used on both sides of ths
vorks, he had the pleasure of capturing a rebel colonel
ind lour Of live of his men (all ho could get to (ollow him
>f his whole rogimcnt) who bad actually taken posltios
iu the opposito aide of the work. Ono ol
he men had pniuted his gun over the paraiet
to shoot Colonel Belknap, but he adroitly
lushed it away and boldly demanded tho surreuler
of the whole party. Alter the capture ot
ttluula Colonel Belknap, who was promoted to be
irigadier general for bis bravery in the actlou of the
!2d, marched with Sherman to the sea aud Anally tc
Washington, participating in nil the actions of that
irilhant campaign. Not only was his special gallantry
u the memorable battle ol Atlunta recognized and re
carded, but he was breveted major general March 13,
SU5, lor meritorious conduct during the war. After
eaving the annv upon the closo of the war General
ielknap returned to Keokuk, where be ?ai appointed
iy ('resident J oh u son Collector of Internal Revenue lot
he First district of Iowa.
Ueneral Belkuap held this Insignificant office at tb<
line when lieucral (irnut was inaugurated ('resident of
he t'nite.1 States. In his own tniud there was a doubi
i liether he would he permitted to hold it longer, ant
ic made a journey to Washington to endeavor to securt
he place during the next administration. The result
f that visit was that he became Secretary ol War.
lie I'resldcnt, rocoguixlng his merits as a soldier and
elievlng In his worth as a citizen, .llrst offered hiui the
osl of Collector of Customs at New Orleans, which h?
.us compelled to decline for personal reason* Suhseueutly
tiencral (Irnnt named him us Secretary ol War,
ii succeed lienors! ltawlins. The appointment was
nide October 12, 1*G?. ami on tbo 3d or November lot>wing
tbe Secretary said, in reply to an address from
>10 citizen* of Iowa:?"Honored aa I have been by
lie President with a position conferred upon nie
> it bout solicitation, it will be my endeavor, witb the
ulorcement of rigid economy, ao to couduct it* afl'airi
s to command tne approval of tbc couulry, rely;ig
on that patriotism winch has ever guided tbe
itnerican people, with the great examples ot a
tauton and a Rawlins before me. If the result should
ndicute that your kind congratulations have not been
lisplaccd I shall be satisfied." For a long time sacb s
csult seemed likely, and the Secretary rose in public
onstderation and esteem. Tho literary societies of his
lima Mater asked him to deliver tbelr annual addre.i
ii 1*71. and in the same and tbo subsequent year b? .
hire-sod tbe graduating classes of the Military
icademv at West Point. In many ways during his
cruis of service aa Secretary of War he seemed to
iierit that approval which he was anxious to recelvs
ii tbe beginning, and recently bis name was promtently
mentioned in connection witb the Iowa Sen
liirfliin. All thpiA hriulit nrAtnUnn nnu, ... ? i_w
Oil a well earned reputation as a soldier Is blasted for
vir. In such a case it Is passible only to pity a mat
rliose career had Id it so much that was good and ye
ndcd with such drvp disgrace.
As Mrs Helknap's name has been prominently met*
loncd In connection with this terrible scandal It uiay
e well to recall the story of his married 111*. General
lelknnp was thrice marnod. Mis Urst wile was a sister
( Genera! Hugh T. Held, with whose regiment lie first
utercd the military service. Ilia first wife dying h?
ub?e<|uenily married Miss Toinlmson, of Keokuk,
own. and alter her death he married, In 1873, Mrs. tt.
. liowcrs, the sister of his second wire.
It seems unnecessary in this place to sum up General
lelknnp s character. He was always regarded by hu
riends as a good lawyor and au honest man, and if In
ho latter rospect the verdict must oow be reversed he
as only to thank his own cupidity or wl*?feTer tempttion
led Unit into evil*
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