The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1875-10-14

A Shameful Scandal.
The exposures of rank and outrageous
corruption of the Republican officials come
thicker and faster as. the administration
approaches its end. A matter has recent
ly come to light which exceeds in folly and
dishonesty anything yet charged against
the corrupt managers at Washington The
story would be incredible if it were not
substantiated by the best evidence.
The well known London bankers, Bar
ing Brothers, had been the European fl
nancial agents of the United States from
the foundation of the government up to
ISL aperlod Of eighty years. The credit
of these bankers in all those years had
been as firm as a rock, as it is to-day.
They had kept the funds of the United
States, paid the drafts of its agents, min
listers, consuls and navy officers, to the
entire satisfaction of all concerned. Its
standing and credit were used to aid the
country in the dark hours of the rebellion,
in the purchase of arms whea the country
greatly needed them, If ever a govern
ment owed obligations to foreign bankers,
that of the United States should have felt
it due to the Barings.
In after years there arose in this country
couple OF banking houses that aspired
TO maintain London branches They were
Clews, Ilabicht & Co., and Jay Cook &
Co. They were extremely anxious to Sc
cure the position of financial agents of
the United States in London, both for its
honor and profits. They set about the
task, which ought to have been IN impos-
sible one, of supplanting the old, steadfast
and reliable firm of Barring Bros. They
labored long and cunningly at Washing
ton. The dark, crooked and corrupt paths
by which they moved were not known at
the time. But it was discovered with sur
prise and shame that the Earrings were
displaced, and that Clews 81 Co. were
made bankers Tor the navy department,
and Jay Cook ~ Co. for the consular and
Diplomatic disbursements Tho Rarinne
never complained OF this, simply remark
ing that the United States had the right
TO select its own bankers.
The new agents moved along SWIM
mjngly for q while, with fair winds and
beautiful weather But financial storms
came, which the experienced and reliable
Barings found no difficulty in weathering.
The houses Of jay Cook Il Co., and Clews
n Co. sunk and went out of sight, carry
ing down with them whatever of govern
ment funds they were in possession of.
AS these concerns We're doing business
in this country as well rs in England,
their affairs have gone into the bankruptcy
court in New York for settlement. And
it is Just here that we get at the thread
which mravels the whole mystery of the
change of bankers in London. Cheever
and Van Buren, two members of the firm
OF Clcws Il Co., have filed claims against
the assets, The claims are sworn to. These
men testify that they undertook to procure
the transfer Of the government business
from the Barlngs to the new firms, and as
compensation were to receive q certain
share OF the profits. This share they claim
amounts'to 100000. They procured the
assistance of certain prominent Republi-
cans, members Of Congress and others.
But their chief capture, and the one which
undoubtedly gave them the coveted APP
polntment, was that of the Presidents
brotherin-law. This relative made his
home at the White House, and had the
ear Of the President These facts undoubt-
eddy explain the mystery of the peremp-
tory change. Mr.. Boutwell, thought it
great mistake, but was compelled to yield
to his official superior Can any one
doubt that the name of the highest officer
OF the government honors this corruption
Remember that these are not mere idle
speculations, or irresponsible charges
but are at1dayits made in court of the
United States, under the solemnity of an
oath
The salary grab was honesty itself COM
pared with the infamy of this transaction,
and the Credit Mobiier scandal fades into
by contrast. No exposure
more humiliating was ever made, affect
ing the affairs and officials of any govern
ment. 1t is enough to make every citizen
hide his head with shame.
iHE AMENDMENTS. The full returns of