New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-05-26

made 20 sanborn by draft II this payment
was wrong It was because the Solicitor Of the
Treasury, with all the facts before him. and a full
knowledge OF all the circumstances OF the case gave an
erroneous opinion He the proper officer 10 give
that opinion and II occurred, and II any re-
sponsiby exists where for the error II is clearly
with him. Mr.. Sawyer said mo act done by me
In reference to that except In strict pursuance OF
the Solicitors opinion expressed after he had had the
papers in his hands from the 10th the 23d OF January
lie never had any conference with the subject at
any time did consider the in any other
way than TO refer the papers to him."
After mentioning other and giving complete
summary Of his action in regard to the business known
as the sanbOrn business. Mr.. Sawyer averrcd there
was not single done by him from beginning 10 end
which, in all the light that been thrown upon the
matter by the investigation, he would undo. or that he
should not think proper to do under the same circum-
stances again. with single exception and this was not
thought OF sufficient consequence TO be mentioned IN the
report, and merely question of judgment. Mr..
Sawyer continues as follows:
"What there is In this record 10 show either improper
motives or careless and lax administration OF the law on
my part confess have been unable TO see. liz pubic
officer TO he censured for such acts as have performed
IN connection with the execution OF this law know not
what public officer IL safe from censure. Nearly 90
times my signature occurs in connection with these
papers. No man who will examine each paper bear
ing nv signature come TO any other conclusion than
that the signature was affixed with ropriety In every
case except in the case of the letter OF July h 1873
There remains nothing therefore, to base vote OF cen
except that letter and The general declaration
of the Solicitor that he always acted under instructions
from the Secretary Assistant Secretary. cannot be-
Heve that any body Of men knowing the facts as they
presented here, they have been presented In
the investigation, bring themselves to do gross
an injustice as TO pass any such vote The proposition
SeOi 1s Cs %non the the to-
our nghts T which The process, Of impea atal
OF your proposition by the House of Representatives.
would BE- practically injurious as impeachment GIVE
us the right to defend ourselves. therefore. from
resolution as you propose would surely bring
nnendo general statements OF needless and careless
administration of law OF camor. Let distinct definite
allegations of violation of law inefc.ency in Its
administration be made. and then answer can be
made, and Will be made. Surely If the ofenses of
which accused sufficient TO justify vote OF
they be drawn up III specific ALE cations. If
they that they cannot be defined, it i'll
becomes men willing to do simple Justice to intct on us
penalties due only 10 clear violations OF public duty.
Tie press OF the country has fairly eemed with false
statements OF my connection with this matter, with
distorted reports of evidence before your Committee,
with false differences and UNJUST asperslons During
the larger part Of the Congressional session this Com
mttce nave been engaged IN the investigation OF this
business You have made your report and you have
SAID that the testimony does not prove that
the Secretaries any of their associates were
Influenced by corrupt motives. Tns is the Ian
guage you pse, and L have made personal inquiry
OF individual nemheIs OF lhe Gonmiltee Wheth"r taee
was any evidence whatever affecting iDjuriously my
rabiy replied, "Nothiug yet" 1t is proposed
censure us III the House OF Representatives, and 10 put
upon us a stigma winch Will be regarded ndorse
meDt OF the sanderOus charges with which the voice OF
the press has Iuug aud add strength to yes OF the
whole pack who have been barking for weeks and
months at men, the lache of whose shoes they not
worthy to un.oJse. Your power in the matter is pre-
csely the power OF any other body Of men, more
the power 10 express your opinion. These officers
officers OF the House OF X Representatives, nor
responsible to that body Their conduct comes the
consideration and censure OF the House in only
namely, in a process OF Impeachment. Such is my be-
lief yet know that there are many members OF the
House VINO hold that the House can rghtfully do any
thing it please to take eognzanceo andif this Com
the House decide to take tue proposed action
have right To demand tat the particular acts which
justify should be clearly pointed out far
it relates to Let not my accusers stand behind
geperalties, be allowed 10 make general charges
IL there be enough III the record or other evidence
to Justify this extraordinary ACTON, surely some Few
particulars OF lax careless Inconsistencies Or improper
administration the law be specified. III sins OF
COMMISSION cannot DC found upon winch base cen
sure let know the sins of omission which justify II.
With scrutinzlng eye have searched in vain Tor any
thing in the papers in tins anything III the facts
known TO me, far as have been concerned therein,
which would TO Justify shadow OF con
demnation The Committee in their report say they
look with serious apprehension upon the
apparent effort OF these gentlemen To transfer the
to this statement gentlemen wish to say that trans
fer no responsibility for any / have done to any
others shoulders. the responsibility of every
act III this business which is attested by my signature
throw it upon nobody else. l have already SAID that
the letter Of July 81 1873, signed without attcn
ton being called TO IT. but place the responsibility for
upOa sinai. content II no otncr ground ex-
for ceusure than mat Your Proposition vii!
never be adopted by who know the facts"