National Republican., 1874-06-01

fact that reflects upon the personal integrity and
otclal conduct Of his fsllow-memoers-could the
board have better vindicationf He knew. the
inside workings OF the organization. and II fraud
had erspt within be must have discovered It's
presence Even Ciuss Is compelled TO bear reluc
True epUusb Sou. ms of gg tSs TguitplioSy M Of enn.
tracts, some fraud would grow out OF the expen-
diture OF 30 large sum Of money, some rasoality
be developed. This cgrnot be avoided until you
change the nature Of men. and you cannot fairly
transfer the sins OF Kirkland and Ohtttenden 70
the shoulders OF men innocent OF their transac-
tions. r, q t.. rla .r..s.-
ought in this connection, perhaps, to allude to
the testimony Of Cullinaue. do not suppose Tor
2 moment that any mem Der OF this COMMITTEES Pc
lieved the man when he testified. Certainly,
here his oath against the oath Of the treasurer Of
the board would not be sut1clent upon which 70
rest Judgment for siL cents. Here; Mhese Ooio-
he has passed his life, he needs no defence.
only speak Of this to show how, under these sys
so much in favor, an honest mans reputation may
be rotted away beneath the foul breath OF perjury.
ought, perhspS to speak OF MT. Shepherds con-
ottiee as vice president Of the Board Of Public
Works, and insert here the. letters which are In
evidence written by himself; upon his appoint
ment TO ofhce, disconnectiug himself with eomps-
niles that might possibly obtain contracts under
the new government. He not only kept himself
free from fraud, but he permitted 1t not even to
touch the hem Of his garment cannot leave
this case without tribute to the honesty, fidelity,
integrity, and energy OF the head OF this govern
joyed, and for whom personally as we'll as profess
sionslly hold the highest regard.
Gentlemen Of the committee, however much It
may be denied, one OF the objects OF the tnstiga-
tors OF this investigation WAS the destruction Of
the character and reputation Of Alexander X.
Shepherd. There are some men In this eommu-
nifty, as doubt not there are some In those
wherein you seysraliy reside, whose chief ambi-
tion IN lite seems the rather 70 pull down than to
seen the. trsds de- and md business % % Of the city grow
stagnant Tor the want Of energy and pluck. They
sat In the capital, like money-chanEers In the
Taa aboatso make SSsSstsns The place
Of industry, and not Of interest-banking fount-
sin Of good to all, not q. reservoir for self.
Young men came ffom their business vocations to
push the plow, which hlthe had remained fxed
In the furrow under the velvet hand OF wealth.
Some grew sour because others were doing what
they ought to have done. Some grew jealous be-
cause mechanic had brains; some more avariclous
saw the rates Of interest decreasing, the Protita
DIe sy gS 3. anS
which, bought Mt a nominal price, ought to be
permitted, as they thought, 10 remain exempted
new-created sentiment stood this nan Shepherd.
OF course men hated him; all positive men are
hated. Oieourse men jssrcd at himi the world
some drew back from him; timidity could not
understand his courage; bat back OF him, fortu-
nstely for himself, and fortunately for the city,
were ready hands and willing hearts to press the
great enterprises TO success. Much has been
done, but much yet is to be- done We cannot
undo the past LET luNebtlgAte,' cries the
enemy, and, perhaps. through the thumb-screws
Of an American investigating committee, and the
rack Of prying, spiteful eyes, perhaps We may
besmirch him whom we hate.
Why, gentlemen, they did not know him. As
was said Of the great war Secretary, SOL say Of
this man, that Of all the considerations In the
this people the result Of the District investigation
SO far ns II concerns him, Is matter of pride. He
had long been seated In their affections, bat the
ordeal through which he has 50 trlumphantly
passed lodges him permanently In their judg-
ments. And when, In the coming years, these
memorialists and the splteful hates Of this day
pa s.a Tha avs the ss Of h
little graves back TO the level Of their mother
earth, men shall gather around this mans tomb,
lying in the heart Of the city In which he took 90
create, and wondsringiy trsse out the inscription
Sc monumtnfunI rsqufTfs eireuDspfce. t..-l- .
your calm consideration and thoughtful Intslli.
gence the duty that Congress owes 10 the District
OF Columbia. This city Is not ours, but the na-
toms TIL, capital s not fer u.s. but forthe coIn.
people Of America take pride in its beauty. !
know they would rejoice II the capital Of the
representative free 9oYsrnment Of the world
and OF our free Impulses 1t should bo an cpl
tome Of the grandeur and beauty Of our Govern
ment. Here institutions Of learning should be
fostered; here the oomnonshool sSstem- made
perfect; here streets and avenues besutthed; here
reservations held sacred TO the health Of the cis
zen and sojourner.
have faith to believe that there is awakening
throughout the land healthful feeling toward
lleve that, despite the efforts Of these men, the
future Of washington Is assured, snd that Con.
obligations, will meet them In the same spirit In
which they were contracted. ] desire to thank
the committee for their uniform Kindness and
RICHARD HARRINGTON, |
VI Counsel for District.