Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1824-06-29

A0ohSt "AfH A~oPNS3
JOHN GAVIT. :
STATE OF THE CONTROVERSY.
Mr.. Edwards in the course of close cross
examination before committee of Congress,
during the session of 1884, stated, on oath,
that the Receiver of Public Moneys at Ed
wardsville had, at his suggestion, and in his
presence, written letter in 1919, to the Secre-
tary of the Treasury. giving information re-
speeding the Bank of Edwardsville.
In the spring of 1894, and on the day after
Mr.. Edwards was expected to leave the city
of Washington, preparatory to an immediate
departure on a foreign mission, Mr.. Crawford
makes report to Congress, in answer to
cali made year before, in which he says tat
"no such letter could be found on the files of
the department" nor could any of the clerks
remember having seen it.
Here then, Mr.. Edwards found not only his
word, but his oath called in question, by man
whose Fictitious elevation would necessarily
give weight to his assertions. The boast too,
on the part of Mr.. Crawford's friends, that
"Mr. F. had got himself into dilemma"
showed it was their intention to use it to his
disadvantage, if it were not SO intended by the
Secretary.
Thus, it was made necessary for Mr.. Ed
wards to defend himself against aspersions
coming from so high source; and, stung to
the quick by an insnuation apparently intend.
ed to affect his veracity, he stopped on his
journey, and gave an indignant and bold, but
decorous answer to the secretary's inuendo.
Being absent, both from the seat of govern
ment and from home, he was compelled to use
argument instead of the positive proof which
he expected to find in the Land Office at Ed
wardsville, and to rely on other factsdo shew
that Mr.. Crawford did sometimes forget, or mis-
take. or misrepresent; and therefore, that in
the case of the letter, there might be some
reason for hesitation at least, before his oath
should be dsbelieved on Mr. Crawford's bare
assestion.
The Secretary. on seeing the memorial, be-
ing long used to having his conduct animad-
verted upon, was able to command his feelings
so completely, as to prepare cool and labored
reply, in which he denies, admits, explains, ex-
cuses, bubbles, and paliates SO smoothly that
his friends think his address will be received
as the calm and dispassionate reduction Of
conscious Innocence.
} The committee, taking AR. Edwards memo
rial and Mr.. Crawford's answer, in the absence
of other testimony, have reported, as might
havebeen expected under such circumstances.
somewhat inconclusively. They, however, find
that the charges alleged by Mr.. Edwards are
substantially correct, and consequently that
he is to be cleared of censure, although they
think MIR. Crawford's motives in doing as he
did, were not improper. On the subject of the
letter, about which the controversy rose, the
committee seem to think Mr.. Edwards did adj
use the writing of it, but that the Receiver did
net comply.
In our opinion, It will depend on the proof
to be exhibited with regard to this letter, whe-
Their Mr.. Crawford or Mr.. Edwards shall be
exonerated from the charge of misrepresenta-
ton. A large portion of each of their COM
munications is occupied by argamenton the
question whether this letter was written or not.
Now we happen, from our local situation. to
know that MIR. Edwards procured at Il e Land
Office in this place. positiue testimony this
point.
From this state Of facts, the public viii see
that although Mr.. Edwards was unexpectedly
assaied, and retorted with boldness as well as
prompttude, he will be able to maintain his
position, even against all the adroitness of his
wary adversary. Mr.. Crawford was long since
called by his friends Z" giant in intrigue"
We willingly accord our assent to the business
of the claim.
"FOREIGN INFLUENCE"
Extract Of letter from gentleman in Elktor,
Todd county, Kentucky, to his brother, re-
siding near Edwardsville, dated June IL,
1924.
"Iwish for you TO write as soon as you
receive my letter, and let the know as
much about the slave question as possi-
bic. I have known of some about here,
tina, have gone TO Illinois for the purpose
Of voting and electioneering for Slavery,
w;,h a II N air nower and ;nfiueoce One.