Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-07-14
Mr.. COLFAX.

NtsSN -
Colfax and the Credit Mobilier serves to
raise confidence in him. 1t lifts in an im
portant measure the cloud that hung over
him after the investigation, showing that in
one point at least, where circumstances
seemed almost conclusively to establish his
guilt he was entirely innocent. The new
testimony is that of Mr.. John T. Drew, of
Burlington, Vermont. who was absent in
Europe when the Credit Mobilier investi-
cation took place, where he first saw the
report and the facts as stated about the rs.
c. or bearer $1,000 check Seeing this
and turning it over in his mind he recol
lected being present at Washington on the
date of the check, where and when he had
an interview with Cakes Ames who had |
the identical check in his hand at the time,
and saw him pay it to a gentleman whom
he did not know, but who was not Mr. |
Colfax. The facts as stated by Mr.
Drew in his letter to Mr.. Poland are as
follows:
II met Mr.. Ames near the door of the
Speakers room, on the right as you face it.
He was talking with a gentleman on New
Orleans matters. stood near him to claim
his attention next, and without paying any at
tention to the conversation, could not help
understanding something of its purport Mr.
Ames remarked to me he would be out di-
rectly, and went into the house and soon came
back with check in his hand, and saying to
me, "Now, them" walked along to the Ser
geant at Arms desk. | walked by his side
and was stating my case. Some one was
drawing money ut the desk of the Sergeant at
Arms at the time, or getting some changed,
and we stood in the room and read the let
ter Of Gen. Veatch which SO strongly vouched
for the loyalty of my clients While we were
talking, after the reading, noticed the check
IN Mr.. Ames' hands, because he was all the
time looking at it, seemingly, over the tops of
his glasses. remember very distinctly that
It was drawn to ''S. c., or bearer" and was
for 81 200. thought to myself, "Who the
dickens is S. c., and bearer?" This check
was then and there cashed at the desk of the
Sergeant at Arms, and l well remember one
$500 bill and several 500 bills. Walking
back to the gentleman he had first been talk
ing to, Mr.. Ames handed him this money ant
received some kind of written document il
return. have never seen this gentleman
since.
You know / was in Europe during your in
vestigations of the Credit Mobilier frauds Th
first information had of the IS. c. or beare
III 200" check was at the American Legation
at Paris. / remembered then this circum
stance of the check, and told Mr.. Washburne
our Minister to France at that time, that
knew COlfax never got the money, and that
thought knew who die. also informed Mr.
Frederick Blossom, of New York, who was
for some time my travelling companion. He
suggested / had better telegraph you or
Colfax, but the dislike felt to becoming in
any way mixed up in the Credit Moblier scan
dal, together with the need of spending my
time In the investigations into wine importa-
ton frauds, which investigations was making
in the interest of our Government, induced me
to keep silent, thinking should be home be-
fore Congress adjourned"
Some attempts have been made to dis
parage the character and motives of Mr..
Drew since his declaration in favor of Mr..
Colfax. One assailant has even denied
that Mr.. Drew was in Europe as he
states. AS a proof of his good charac-
ter he produces uncxceptionable tcstilno-
mails from well!known citizens of Vermont
and others, and as to his motives thew
could scarcely be other than honest, for
he was not it is said an admirer of Mr..
Colfax, and under no obligations to make
known the facts which came under his OBJ
servation other than to correct a wrong.
That he sailed for Europe before the meet
ing OF Congress can also be proved.
There seems no good reason to doubt his
testimony. None will undertake it except
those who are interested in keeping Mr.
Coliax under suspicion or are moved by
personal dislike or pure malice.
With the public ut large there will be Il
disposition to accept so fair statement
from source so well endorsed. We
doubt If there was ever moment when
the belief had fully fastened upon the bet
ter part OF our people that Mr.. Collax
was dishonest or corrupt. Appearances
were against him, but though confidence
was somewhat shaken it was not des-
troyed. Mr.. Drew's revelation renews
confidence in Colfax. AT the same time
1t cautions US not hastily to east aside the
fair record of life for single report or
single accusation of dishonesty. 1t is
now evident that Mr.. Cakes Ames was not
a reliable authority in this matter, and
how far he was correct in other matters
relating to the Credit Mobiier where his
testimony depended upon memory we are
not able to say.
Judge Craig, whom the Illinois farmers
have just elected to the bench OF that State,
took the prescribed oath of Office at Spring
held few days ago, and thereto subjoined
these words: II will administer Justice
without respect to persons, and do equal right
TO the poor and to the rich without sale or de-
mai, promptly. without delay, confo.mably to
the best Of my judgment and abilities"
ms Is the Nellie Grant bathing suit which
mas become so fashionable at all the seaside
summer resorts'-A Garibaldi waist, with
sailor collar; short skirt. attached to tho
waist by belt and trousers; hempen shoe.
and chip hat tied down with a broad band
0f yihhap A sh uray hopp1 ,.;,l