Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1873-07-18

The New Evidence in Mr.. Colfax's Case.
II twas one of the noticeable features OF
the Credit Mobilier investigation that as 1t
went along the great questions of corrup-
ton of Congress and swindling and pecula-
ton in the construction Of the Pacific Rail
road became overshadowed by issues of
personal yeracity affecting gentlemen OF
hitherto unblemished reputation for truth
and integrity. Thus in Mr.. Colfax's case
the main point of public interest was
whether he told the truth in his denials-
asserted under oath and constantly repeat
ed against evidence which would nave
been deemed conclusive against any man Oh
less established eharacter-that he ever re-
ceived the money on a certain check drawn
by Cakes Ames to IS. c. or bearer, ana
which Mr.. Ames swore was paid, according
to his best recollection, to Mr.. Coliax.
Those-and we are sorry, for the credit
of poor humanity, to say that there are
many such-who rejoice in the rum oil
established character have long since sell
tied the case against Mr.. Colfax. Others
not few, while unable to commend that
gentleman for perfect ingenuousness IN
his explanations. have earnestly hoped that
he had ground for the confidence he has so
constantly expressed that his innocence
and trutbfulness in this matter of the check,
woald vet be made plain to all. We have
been of that number; and we accordingly
welcomed the intimation, given out recent
Nv from Washington, that some new and I'M
portant testimony would soon be forthcom-
ing. This, it seems, has come, in the letter
from Capt. j. T. Drew to Judge Poland,
which we publish in another column. The
substance of this letter, telegraphed from
Washington. has been before the public Tor
several days, and has had a somewhat varied
reception. 1t, of course, occurs to all, that
the value of such piece of evidence de-
ponds first on the reliability Of the witness,
and second, On the extent and accuracy oil
his memory. As to the first point we need
no outside guaranty We know Capt. Drew
and do not believe that he has invented this
story, out of whole cloth. He Is Yer
monter by birth. and was in college here
when the war broke out. lie recruited
compa ny in Burlingt ton for the Second Yer
mont regiment, was taken prisoner at the
battle of Bull Run, lay for fourteen months
in Libby Prison, was exchanged, and came
home greatly broken in health This be-
coming somewhat restored, he entered the
Veteran Reserve Corps and served in respon-
sibie positions on the staff of Gen. Pitcher,
at Brattleboro and Montpelier, till the
clio se Of the war. He then studied law, ana
en- tered on the practice OF his profession at
W ashington. He married his wife here,
oW Ms house here, and has spent good
pa TT of every summer in Burlington. lie
ha : had enemies. some made during a con-
tie t over his first commission in the army,
ar d others, perhaps, during some sharp po-
litical contests in this district, in which he
took an active part. But it can be said for
him, with entire truth, that during
twelve or fifteen years Of frequent in
tercourse he has gained the confidence OF
many Of the best citizens of our
city and State. He has shown his graft
tude to the University, which gave him
his degree of A. B. in spite of his broken
course and against some ungenerous oppo-
sition, by liberal gifts of money on the recent
college subscriptions. He has in general
commended himself to the respect of good
men and has no difficulty in securing strong
testimonials of character from many prOml-
nent and respected citizens of this State.
Judge Poland, in forwarding his letter TO
Mr.. Colfax. states that he knew of no rea-
son why he was not a credible witness and
there certainly has been no previous tie OF
obligation or friendship between Mr.. Col
fax and Mr.. Drew, which should lead the
latter to put himselfout to invent testimony
for the benefit Of the former. To what ex-
tent his memory Is to be depended on, our
readers can Judge as well as We. His state
ment is positive and definite. To some OBJ
jections brought against it, he replies at
length, in communication in another col
umn. We think that Capt. Drew's testi-
mony, though falling short of absolute de-
monstration, must be accepted as corrobor-
alive of Mr. Collax-s statements, and IL It
can be followed up by satisfactory evidence
as to who the man was that received
the 81 200 from the hands of Mr.. Ames, it
will set that vexed matter fairly at rest.