Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1874-04-15


In regard to tho Sanborn contracts are
simply Astounding. They have brand
cd with tho darkest disgrace the Ad.
ministration and somo Of its highest
officials. There has been no such ex-
ample Of Hsgrant false swoaring since
tho Credit Mobilior corruptionists do.
llborately perjurcd themselves in the
hopo Of escaping tho infamy they de-
served.
The Secretary of tho Treasury, his
Assistant, Sawyer, and the Solicitor,
Banfeld, arc each and all fstly con.
traiicted under oath by their own
officer and witness who mado the con-
tracts, who conferred oftsn with them
us to the conditions and the extensions
madc in his favor, and who received
exceptional protection and aid at their
hands to carry them out. And finally
Richardson and Sawyer are fatty con-
tradicted by Ban6eld himself.
Mr.. Richardson declared solemnly|
that he had no knowledge OF Tho con-
tracts, or of Sanborn, except in tho or
binary routine of business. Saiborn
proves beyond question that Richard \
son knew moro about them than ho
did, and was familiar with all the de-
tails. He had his knowledge at tho
outside when he signed contract as
Assistant Secretary under Boutwell,.
The same is truo Of Sawyer, who was
the father Of tho law, and convenient
witness 10 tho very first contractunder'
it. On these points Sanborn Is c0rrob-
grated by Ban6eId in tho most positive
manner; and Mr.. Ban6eld, who furnish
ed the instructions by which Collect
ors were not permitted to pay over the
delinquent taxes which they had re-
ceived in the regular course Of duty,
is no better off.
Itisimpossible to consider the conduct
of Richardson and Sawyer, without
the strongest feeling OF resentment
and indignation. Their crime is made
more glaring by the audacity and pre-
tended ignorance with which they at
tempted 20 brave down the damning
testimony, or to break it's force by
confessing incompetency.
Sanborn received $4,000 Of foes
as he admits, and he claims TO have
paid out OF this sum 100000, leaving
a fraction less than one fourth for him.
self. While he will probably cover up
his tracks BY using other names for
tho benefciaries than the real ones,
tho public mind has settled down to
the conclusion as to who arc the par
ties that practised Addition, Division,
and Silence. They stand out unmis-
takably, in connection with the extra.
ordinary legislation and the subsequent
course Of the Treasury officials.
The crust Of this rascality is only
broken. If Sanborn had been an hon
est contractor, with nothing to conceal,
he would have told his story plainly
at the start, and thus have avoided
the scandal and suspicious which every
step of his has provoked. First,
he evated the witness stand whel
originally called for explanation. Then
he came forward only 10 reteat when
the day Of trial arrived. And finally,
when compelled to appear, he came
back by counsel 10 watch every word
and challenge every question that
might cntangle him. And this, too,
after he had been drilled by Butler
and others in advance.
Certain facts have impressed oil who
have followed the proceedings before
the Committee on Ways and Means,
even with tho imperfect reports stu.
diously. prepared by the Associated
Press. Mr.. Dawes has not exhibited
tho least disposition TO put in theprobe,
He has practically interposed the au-
thority of his Craftsmanship to pro.
tcct the ncriminated Boutwell,, Butler,
Richardson, Sawyer, and Sanborn, oil
of whom are from Massachusetts, and
now engaged in urging his pretentions
TO the vacant seat OF Charles Sumner
Mr.. Kelly, Mr.. Kasson, Mr.. Waldron
Mr.. Roberts, and MIR. Sheldon, have
exhibited no vigor to press the inves-
tigation SO as TO bring out the whole
truth. They fear the damaging effect
as general thing on the Administra
ton, while some OF them are animated
by personal motives that do not ap-
pear on the suriacc.
Mr. Foster is the only Republican
on the committee who has manifested
stern purpose to expose tho whole
fraud, reach whom It may, and he has
done much to drag out OF the pigeon
holes Of the department the discredil
able correspondence which the Secre
tary and his coniedcrates had pur
posely hidden away.
II is suggested from Washington
that Mr.. Richardson will soon rcsigr
his office. A retirement in that form
would only aggravate the outrage
lie must not be allowed 10 escape BY
the back door after those recent do
velopments. His disgrace is certain
in any event, but something more il
due TO offended justice, which will no
be satisfied until Richardson, Sawyer
and Banfeld are impeachcd, tried, ant
condemned.-N. Y. Sun.