New-York tribune., 1872-03-14
ALBANY.
TIE CASE OF SENATOR JAMES WOOD.

THE CASE OF SENATOR JAMES WOOD.
REPORT FROM THE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
AT EASTWOOD CLEARLY CONVICTED or
RECEIVING BRIBEs FROM JAY GOULD AND
TwEED-NO RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY
TIE COMMITTEE.
lFRoM TnB REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF TIB TRIBuSR !
ALBANY, March 13.-The report of the two Repub
hcan Senators on the James Wood Investigating
Committee, Messrs Ames and Allen, was presented
by the latter, and read IN the Senate Immediately
after the disposal of the Erie bill. Senator Wood
himself was absent and he could not do n wiser
thing than to continue to be absent henceforth until
another man fills his seat. He is clearly
vcted by the report of tho Committee of seek
ing and accepting brides from Jay Gould and
William NJ. Tweed. II is true the bribery takes the
shape Of loans without security, instead OF the SIM
pie payment Of money, but there is essential dis
tinction between the two. IL is in evidence that
Jay Gould lent" Mr.. James Wood $1,000 taking
no security therefor; that w. NJ Tweed acccommO-
dated him with $1,000 on the same conditions and
that Gould sent 5000 to Wood by the hands Of
one Bradner, making $4,000 in all. And all of tho
money is directly tr.ced from Gould and Tweed to
Wood, on sworn afidavts, excepting the 5000 last
mentioned. And the Committee are Of tho opinion
that none of these loans are legitimate business
transactions. But Wood got the money, and Gould
and Tweed probably never entertained thought
of getting il back Woods credit being notorously
bad. Mr.. Wood is not unfit subject for commiser-
alton and sympathy, but he unquestionably is unfit
to hold longer the position Of Senator of the State
of New-York. He ought, indeed long ago to have
resigned. Now that Jay Gould has no further Occa-
sion for his services let him take his tardy depart
hre. Senator Jarvis Lord, being engaged in looking
up facts for great speech in vindicaton of Demo
cratic canal management said he had not found
time TO examine tho evidence having been sick
when it was taken, and therefore, did not join in
the report of his colleagues. The report concludes
as follows, without making any recommendations:
The transactions OF Mr.. Wood with these men herein
detailed do not appear by the statement of the witness
to have express CONNIE ction with any specific acts
by Mr.. Wood as member OF tho Legislature. Yet in
applying ordinary tests and seeng Tor nducemeni :
warrantmg the concessions made by Tweed and Could
tigaton this character that but consist
ent conclusion be arrived at, which l., that Mr.
Wood has received from these men money In large
amounts which they would not have advanced 10 him
had they not believed that they could thereby repeatedly
derive advantages though Mr. Woods action position
as legislator OF an improper character ana which they
could not otherwise accomplish through him. and at least
Although 1t docs not appear that Mr.. wood called
upon as Senator to. or dd take any action upon any
or the Erie Railway interested, yet c Could states
that he desired to do with the effect fatempug to
Mr.. Humphrey nomination as against Mr.. Wood.
lie therefore sought Mr.. Woods acquaintance that he
makes loans but his friends, considering the
have advanced the money 10 Nj Wood The had been
ayowod opponent TO the projects IN which the Erie
Railway interested that he has not pressed repay
meut by Mr. Wood, and does not intend TO.
1t IL impossible To conclude otherwise than that the
with Tweed is connected with matters and
Inducements which do not expressly appear in the ev
dence for who simple business proposition, and
who Is In fair credit could hope accomplish what Mr.
Wood did, especially when consider that Mr. Tweed
make it part Of his regular business TO loan money
And When appears that Mr., wood has the reputation
being poor credit the aspect sought To be given TO
that transaction becomes more incredible; considering
Mr Wood situation at that time ana nDng nun Qftgf
having supported in the Legislature, measures which
were almost universally acknowledgements intro
duceG advocated and urged by Tweed-they being of
impunity; they being notOri0usly connected
with corrupt Legislation and otneT ofcnses Of great
enornity. apply to Tweed tho heels of such support
benefits and ADVANTAGES, and without
hesitation icing paid the $1,000 Tweed only
auiring the execution and delivery OF "A note by Mr..
Wood-what other conclusion can be reasonably arrived
at than ,r Woods conduct In this matter IL ncon-
sstent with his position legislator, and must ncces
eary eInbarrdss his action such in regard TO any
measures which may he brought before the Senate in
which these men may be Interested.