Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-04-21

that the general management of the several
branches Of the Asylum had been efficient
also that the committee had come to the con-
clusion that the treasurer, having accounted
for all the funds of the asylum that ever
came into his hands he seems to be entire
ly exonorated from any charges of suspicion,
misrepresentation, neglect or misconduct in
the discharge of his duties. Mr.. Butler said
in conclusion, that under the report he brand
ed as false and calumnious anything that
could be said against the President
and Treasurer of the National Asylum.
1t was for the committee to say
whether its members had been corrupted
under his, (Butler's) lead, they could vindi-
cate their own honor. He had not their
honor in charge. Their report was a shield
to him against the attack of any man. He
had no words for Characterization of that
attack, the gentlemen should judge of it for
themselves, coming as it did under the guise
and pretence of personal explanation.
There were twelve or fifteen gentlemen In
the House whom he had taken to Fortress
Monroe, and whom he had shown the prop
erty which he had sold to the NatiosaI
Asylum, and every man who ever saw it
would admit that in that transaction he had
given twenty five thousand dollars to the
disabled soldiers.
WI rarhs"ofth.- he member from Mas
sachusetts, swore in the investigation that he
did not sell it, that his brother in law sold it.
Nsughter).
Mr.. Butler ooh, pshaw pshaw!, Qaugh-
ter) that was one of the dheats in the state
ment, it was put into the hands Of my brother
inlaw as security for money which he lent
me.
Mr.. Farnsworth. -Your brotht law swore
that he did not lend you any money. Laugh
ter.)
Mr.. Butler.-I cannot have any contro-
versy with the man whom would not believe
under oath, referring to the witnesses who
swore against him in the Investigation. He
said that one of them was runaway marine
or deserter, whom he had been trying to find
to punish with ball and chain around his leg
and that another was a Baltimore man who
had once served with him, (Butler) for sup
posed gallant conduct, but had since gone
down lower, lower, lower, until.he had sunk
to the position Of being witness for the
member from Illinois. Laughter).
Mr.. Farnswortn.-Andt the otheri witnesses
were from Massachusetts, and his brother-in-
law. daughter and other mantle stations
of the thorough enjoyment of the scence.
MIR. Butler remarked in conclusion that he
would not again be drawn into controversy
on the subject. What was the use he asked.
VI an ll'eslSdtlon anu OF a report eXOnOra-
ting man from all blame, when such ex-
onoration was made only the foundation of
fresh charges and fresh calumnies direct.
Mr.. Stoughton of Mich, member of the
last House, defended the action and report of
that committee, and stated that the vouchers
of the gentleman from Massachusetts,, in
reterance to the National Asylum, had been
submitted to that committee, and showed
that he had fairly and honestly expended
every dollar he had received from the trea-
ury of the United States. 1t was time the
committee did require Gen. Butler to pro-
duce his private bank account, but there was
no pretence that he had converted dollar of
the public money to his own use. He had
deposited the money in his own name, but
the committee had come to the conclusion
that he had right to deposit it; the only
difference being that if the money was lost
he would personally responsible.
There was no pretence or proof that he had
dollar of money
At this point of the discussion, and while
the House was amused and excited over it
the Speakers hammer descended, and he
announced that the first session of the House
of Representatives for the 42d Congress was
without day.