The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-01-31
ONE MORE UNFOHTUNATE.


We ore prone to disbelieve reports against
the character of public men, who have,
heretofore, stood high In public estimation
For this reason, wo refused to believe, I'm.
til the last moment, that Schuyler ColfaS
and Senator Patterson Of New Hamp-
shire, had deliberately stated what they
knew to be untrue. We do not, yet, be-
lcvc that our commissioner TO Vienna,
General Van Buren,, or Ezra Cornell the
venerable founder of the University which
bears his name, have, either Of them, been
guilty Of wrong doing. Neither can we
believe, or shall we believe, without proof,
that there Is any moral or legal guilt on the
part Of General .. O. Howard in connec-
ton with the defalcations which are known
to have been made in his department, We
have, however, known--as has every 0na
else-that New York city was for long
time ruled by the corrupt Tammany ring.
The evidence was complete and over
whelming and carried conviction. In our
judgment, the fact is equally potent that
there is u similar ring in the territorial
government OF the District CT Columbia.
1t seems to as that the evidence, to this eff
feet, is as complete aud perfect as it was
in reference to the New York rings, before
the trial Of the members thereof COM
mcnced. Moreover. there has been the
same attempt to slillc investigation, but, is
is always the case in such attempts, it only
resulted in bringing forth the evidence
spccdicr, and Sullying the reputation of
men who were, therefore, unknown in
come, ton with any member thereof. 1t
was on account Of this "ring," that we re-
GREETED the nomination, confirmation and
appointment Of Alexander II. Shepperd as
governor of that territory. But it would
now seem that this act has but FASTENED the
explosion which will result in change
for the better
For some time there have been rumors
ailoat in reference to the discrcditable con
nection Of Henry II. Starkweather, now
serving his third term in Congress from
Connecticut, with this ring. Know
ing his reputation for integrity, We
discrcditcd all such reports and ru
mors. Unfortunately for his char
acier-but, perhaps, fortunate for his con
stitucnls and the coun,ry-one Huntington
who was credited with being member OF
this ring. died His administrator found
among his effects, letter from Mr.. Stark
weather. which is made public, as follows
AS you aic aware, have been renomi
mated for Congress, and our election is
three weeks from to-day. My opponents
are making vigorous effort to defeat me
but all my friends say my election is sure
know it Is, but shall be compelled tc
spend more money than am able. Could
my friends aid me without giving publicity
to it, it would put me under renewed obi
cations to you. | wish this entirely conf
DENTAL. This is plain, clear and explicit
is it not? Ii will be well to remember
when reading the letter. that the writer is q
member of the House committee on tho
" District of Columbia. lie asks fol
money for himself, docs he not ? to aid in
his own election. Not word is said about
contributing TO q general tund-such as i,
is customary to raise by all pal tiesfor the
printing and distributing of documents, ex'
penscs of speakers, etc. Not worl about
thi.. He wants money for himself, "with.
out giving publicity to it," and his friend:
in the district, by promising it, would place
him under renewed Obligations If il
was honest, why the fear of publicity, why
have tho request kept " confidential" We
fear he must be classcd with the other UNI
forunatcs who, being tempted, fell. The
authenticity of the letter is not denied, and
Starkwcathers friends are making the mat
ter worse, by putting forward the claim
that it was for the general campaign fund
of the state This is contradcted by the
letter itself, would not have required secrc-
sy, and would not have created c "rcnew-
ed personal obligation. We fear the Con
neclicut member will take his place at the
side Of ColfaX, Patterson, Pomeroy, Har-
Ian and host of other similar worthless.