National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-01-31
COY. SHEPHERDS MEMORIAL.

-
The memorial of Governor Shepherd in
reply to the petitions Of the malcontents
and obstructionists who, ever since the or
ganization of the present form of govern
ment in the District, have been using theil
utmost exertions to defeat the plans and
policy of those in authority for the improve
ment and advancement of the city, is calm
and temperate document, which will dc
more to carry conviction to the minds, no
only of our own citizens, but of Congress!
and of the country, than all the injudiciou:
and indiscriminate abuse that has beer
heaped upon those who have seen fit to
renew their annual assault upon the
District authorities. The memorial is q
strong paper, and is as good an answer as
could be given to the opposition. 1t shows
oonclusively that the present movement,
like those which preceded it, has its foun-
dation in petty. personal hate and hostility,
unworthy of the least notice at the hands
of Congress if it were not for the wicked
and malicious style in which it is treated
by that portion of the press which is op-
posed to the administration of General
Grant; whose entire stock in trade is made
up Of calumny and SANDER, which does
not hesitate to invent the grossest false
hoods in support of its allegations, and
which, during the last three years, has
waged cruel and relentless warfare against
every friend of the District in public, and,
it might be added, in private life.
The only result Of an investigation now
would be to consume valuable public time:
to take large amount Of money out of the
Treasury at season when it can i'll afford
it; to create doubt and distrust in the coun-
try; to drive away capital which may be
seeking investment here; and to unfavora-
bly, prejudice those who have the DISPOSE
ton and the power TO serve us. That a
new inquiry into the affairs of the District
would bring to light the corruption which
it is alleged exists, is out of the question.
The charges which are made now have
been presented every year since the new
government and the ring" as it is called,
came into power, and every year rejected
as false and unfounded. Months and months
of inquiry, of examination into records, of
inspection of streets and avenues and sew
ers, of examination Of witnesses, have again
and again resulted only in the vindication of
those whom it was sought to convict of mis-
demeanor and crime. Only a year and half
ago a volume of nearly eight hundred pages
was printed, covering every point which it
is now proposed to again investigate. 1t is
alleged that the proof exists which will
show, beyond all doubt, that the present
officials have been untaithful to their trust.
If it does let it be printed. We are told, in
mysterious whispers. of letters and papers,
of the awful and horrible disclosures which
will be made if a joint committee is only
appointed. These are only the old stories
to which the people of this city have been
30 long accustomed. and in the truth of
which the great majority of them have not
particle of faith.
The table showing the amount of unpaid
taxes by the petitioners places them in an
exceedingly uniayorable light. They GER
tainly cannot plead the excuse of inability,
and their non-paymcnt can be regarded
only in one light-tliat of plain and pal
pablo violation of the law. Mr.. Corcoran,
the distinguished philanthropist, whose
virtues and good deeds have been heralded
to the world, is, it will be seen, nearly
eighteen thousand dollars in arrears. Only
a few days ago he sat in his picture gallery,
receiving 'fhe congratulations of his
friends" as the faithful reporters told us,
upon the opening day. 1t was pleasant
picture, but the eighteen thousand dollars
1ue upon the improvements surrounding
ais property, and which made it accessible,
would have paid hundreds of the starving
:aborers who cleared away the mud and
he filth, bought them their winter coal
and clothed their little children; and we
cannot help thinking that to have remem-
Dercd them would have been much more
creditable to Mr. Corcoran as a philan-
.hropist. To exhibit the Greek Slave is
enough; Tut in the name
Of charity and consistency let not Mr..
Corcoran, to thus crafty his VANITY, grind
and fleece the living white slaves who have
contributed to his wealth. This buncombe
about patriotism and civic pride deceives no
one. Mr.. Corcoran is fair specimen of
The class of people who have been injuring
the credit of the District, accusing men who
nave made Washington, in some measure,
worthy of its position in the Union, of fraud
md corruption. As between him and them
he record stands, and it is record which,
f lie lives long enough, he will regret. In
he present case, demanding the punishment
Of others for alleged violations of law, he
hould certainly first place himself in the
position of being abiding citizen.