Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1862-03-08

simultaneous appearance Of the statement made
by Gen. Fremont in his defence before tie
committee, and the speech Of his Aid
de-Csnp, Sbanks, in this House. The statement
Of the speech inaugurats a campaign and new
held, and the battle is 10 be fought with weapons
Tar different than the rude instruments OF war
with procIamato ons which, up to this tlme in Gen.
sremonts hands, have had 10 serious effect lie
Blair commended Gen. Fremont's choice Of wea-
pons. Certain, it was, that his rroclamations did
not help the enemy much as his exposed AID
isolated posts at Lexington and elsewhere. Hi.
proclamations did net irjn tho administration
as much - single purchase Of worthless arms
and the erection of useless earthwor'hs. He
Blair did not believe that Gen. Fremont was au-
tnorized to publish his statement, which was ex-
traerdinary in its character.
Nr. Gooch, memeter of tae Committee on the
Conduct OF The Wer, said that Gen. Fremont, Lav
ing presented a large number Of documents, was
requested by the committee TO prepare concise
statement as to the administration vi affairs in his
department, which he Fremont did at a subse-
quent eriod. Gen. Fremont again appeared be-
Tore the committee and was Questioned. When he
was about to leave the room, he wa. requested not
to give information to any body outside of what
he stated TO the committee. He lGooch) under
stood Gen. Fremont to aequiasce in this request as
be had in all others made by the committee lie
tGooch only wished to add that tho publication
was made without the kr owledge and against the
consent of the committee.
Ar. Blalr-W as all published!
Mr. Gooch-His (Fremont's) statement and
documents, and not the portion in response to the
inquiries Of the committee.
Mr.. Blair said Fremonts statement was extra
ordinary as 10 the manner in which it found its
way into print. /, was an apology for disaster ana
defeat and ugeniously the suppression Of imp port
ant facts and suggestions of others which never
existed. In this he sh ows he is better apoogist
tor defeat than General to achieve victories Mr.
Blair proceeded to speak OF his early friendship
for Fremont. He Eow had 10 private griefs
and it was for the reisou that Fremont
was found to be incompetent for his position
that he recommended his removal. tie had acted
from considerations of public duty, and then spoke
at length Of the disasters at Springfield and Lex
ington, to show that these were attributable to
Fremont's inconpetency. Those by whom he lad
surrounded himself had settled themselves down
upon US like obscene birds Of prey. No men have
as bad character as those wao Fremont's
famliars. or course there are honorable ex-
ceptons. No greater slander was uttered by
any man than that at the time Fremont went to
st. Louis. 1t was rebeiious city. The declara
tCn Of martial law was therefore superiad ucad by
his apprehension OF imaginary danger
Mr. Blair also examined Frement's contracts and
other transactions. He spoke for about two hours,
the time having by unanimous consen: been ex
tended.
Mr. Colfax said, while he differed with the
Administration which he assisted in super
ccdiug Gen. Fremont, he desired to have
1t understood that no matter whom the
administration put up or pull down, he would
sustain it with all his hear. and soul ,and strength
OF mind. gainst the rebels in arms. Heapprehend-
Ell that 1T would hereafter appear that the Cen
erals Blair feelings had perverted his judgment
he knew that all men were ;allible
Gen, Fremont wasimpulsive md impe.ouus aud lie
regretted that he had suffered the publication 70
which reference was made, with the oboquy heap
cd upon him with his retinue for months