The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-02-06
ONE MORE UNronrUNATE

Weare prone to diSOeleVe reports against
the character of public men, who have,
heretofore, stood high in public estimation
For this reason, we refused to believe, un-
til the last moment, that Schuyler Colfax
and Senator Patterson, of New Hamp-
shire, had deliberately stated what they
knew to be untrue. We do not. yet, be
licye that our commissioner 10 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. 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 ond
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 oul
judgment, the fact is equally potent that
there is similar ''ring" in the territorial
government of the District Of Columbia
1t seems to US that the evidence, to this eff
feet, is as complete and perfect as it was
in reference to the New York rings, before
the trial of the members thereof COM
menced Moreover. there has been the
same attempt to stife investigation, but, is
is sSyays the case in such attempts, it only
s9Filiad in bringing forth the evidenc'
speedier, and sullying the reputation OF
men who were, therefore, unknown in
connection with any member thereof. II
was on account of this ''ring," that we re
GREETED the nomination, confirmation anC
appointment of Alexander r. Shepherd a!
governor of that territory. But it would
now seem that this act has but FASTENED thu
explosion which will result in a change
for the better.
For some time, there have been rumor
afloat in reference to the discredtable con
nection of Henry II. Starkweather, nov
serving his third term in Congress from
Connecticut, with this ring. Know
ing his reputation for integrity, W,
discredited all such reports and ru
mors. Unfortunately for his char
acter-but, perhaps, fortunate for his con
sttuents and the cOuntry-one Huntington
who was credited with being member o
this ring died. His administrator found
among his effects, letter from Mr.. Stark
weather, which is made public, as follows
" AS you are aware, | have been renomi
mated for Congress, and our election i
three weeks from to-day. My opponent
are making vigorous effort to defeat me
but all my friends say my election is sure
know it Is, but l shall be compelled t.
spend more money than am able. Coul,
my friends aid me without giving publicit,
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? 1t will be well to remember
when reading the letter, that the writer is
member of the House committee on tn
4" District of Columbia" lie asks fo
money for himself, does he not to aid i
his own election. Not word is said abou
contributing to general tund-such as
is customary to raise by all palties-for tn
printing and distributing of documents, eX
penses of speakers, etc. Not worl abou
this. He wants money for himself, "witl
out giving publicity to it," and his friend
in the district, by promising it, would plac
him under renewed obligations" If
was honest, why the fear of publicity, VIII
have the request kept confidential" w
fear he must be classed with the other III
fortunates who, being tempted, fell. TIL
authenticity of the letter is not denied, an
Starkweathers friends are making the ma
ter worse, by putting forward the clail
that it was for the general campaign fun
of the state. This is contradicted by IL
letter itself, would not have required seer
sy, and would not have created "renev
ed" personal obligation. We fear the Coz
necticut member will take his place at IL
side of Colfax, Patterson, Pomeroy, Ila
Ian and host of other similar worthless