Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-09-08
From the Helena Clarion.
 'sThOu Shalt not Steal."

less person than James Brooks, { pretended minister of the gospel-and his colored escort, of one of the most disgraceful offences known to the law It was the corn felony, which yester- days Shield endcavors to clear up with q surprising lack of tact. The Shields defense only serves to expose the guilt of the parties concerned, and it's state- ment of the facts with tho exception of single word, is confirmed by the sub- joined proof the only difference being that the Shield says "took" where the proof says "stoie." In order that the public may reliably know the history of the affair, we have been furnished the following sworn statements for publication. We arc informed that no prosecution is intended; the afiiants, in true democratic spirit, desiring no further punishment than their pub lished aflidavits must inhict:
 THE EVIDENCE.
 Be it remembered, that on this 29th day of July, 1868, before me, James F. Humphries, justice of the peace, per sonally appeared Charner T. Scaife, to me well known to be respectable far mer of Big Creek township, who, being first duly sworn, made oath as follows, to-wit:
 Last night, between II and F o'clock, as near as l could determine, 1 discov- cred on the Clarendon road, about a quarter of a mile from my house, four men whose horses were feeding on corn stolen from my adjoining field. ap- preached and askcd-s'who controls this party?" REV. CRAY, radical nominee fer presidential elcctor, an- swered with considerable hesitation, MIR. BROOKS there-pointing to a tree ncar by. REV. BROOKS, radical candidate fer congress, then appeared from behind the tree, seeming much agitated and embarrassed, and said that they had taken the corn from my field, but intended paying for it day after tomorrow. l remarked that the pro- eeeding was very singular one, when Brooks replied that they had asked for corn at every house between mine and Trenton, and had been unable to get any. ] said ''yows did not ask at my house." and Brooks answered that t'they did not sec my house, which stands within thirty steps of the road, the view unobstructed and the moon shining brightly.
 Brooks now proposed paying for tho corn, but declined, saying that could aot estimate the quantity taken.
 NJ. G. E. Scaife was in company with me, and he and rode forward about mile, and then turacd back, and soon after met the radical leaders above named, when Brooks, still much agitat- cd and showing great anxiety 10 hush the matter up said-'l don't know you, but l would chcerfully pay you for that corn;" to which I returned the same answer as before, and we then left them.
 l think the other two men were REV. WHITE, member of the radical legis- lature, and ROBINSON, radical county assessor.
 c. T. SCAIFE. Sworn 10 and subscribed before me, this 29th July, 1868.
 JAS. +. HUMPHREYS, J. P. And on the same day and at the same place, Mr. M. c. B. Scaife, also well known to me as a respectable farmer of the sameneighborhood, being first duly sworn, made oath as follows, to-wit:
 have read the affidavit of Charner T. Scaife, and know tho same to be strictly true, in all respects.
 l also state that, last night about 10 or Il o'clock, a party of four men stopped at my house, asking for corn and water. Supposing they wanted old corn, told them I could not fur nish them any corn, but they could have water. Two of them, one of whom I recognized as Rev. Brooks, and thought the other to be Rev. White, then went to the well and watered their horses, after which they all left going towards Clarendon.
 Suspecting they might commit some depredations I saddled horse and fol- lowed them with the result stated in said affidavit of Charner T. Scaife.
 M. G. E. ScAIFE. Sworn and subscribed before me, this 29th July, 1868.
 JAS. F. HUMPHREYS, J. F. And at the same time and place, ap- pcared before me the following named persons, to-wit; M. Brickcll, F. Schwartz, A. c. Bowen and Sam. Ben- der to me well known as '.creditable citizens of the same township, living on the road between Trenton and Charner T. Scaife's house who being first duly sworn, made oath that no person or persons applied to them or at their places for corn during last night.
 E. SCHWARTZ, NJ. BRIcKELL, SAM. BENDER, A. c. BOWEN. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this July 29th, 1868.
 And at the same time and place came Joseph O'Neill, farmer and miller or the same township, who being first duly sworn, made oath as follows, to- wit:
 Last night about 10 o'clock, negro whom thought to be GRAY, member
  of the legislature, called at my house