New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-01-01
THE SAFE BURGLARY.
sCANDALOUs CHARGES AGAINST FEDERAL
OFFICIALS.
WHY THE INVESTIGATION Is BLOCKED-THE CAUSE
OF MI. RIDDLES DISCHARGE.
0ea. n. 7. Boynton N Tie C.neinaaI Gasefir.


WAsuIvGTON, Dec. 2G.-For two weeks in success
sion q resolution ordering an investigation IN regard
to the conduct of certain United States olceIs; III
the matter Of the trial of the safe consplators, has
been presented in the House Of Representatives, ana
defeated by Republican votes. "
There has been wide comment upon this fact, but
the exact circumstances which prompted the TesO-
luton have not been given III connected form
1t is just to many ON the Rcpubhcdn side 10 say
that they opposed the investigations first, because II
was presented from the Democratic side aud second,
because they were Ignorant OF the shameful 1acs III
tie case.
on the first Monday after the reaasembiug of Con-
gress statement Of the grave charges made III con
nectiOn with the matter viii contribute 10 correct
understanding Of a case which must u tlmatey be
looked squaTely in the face, even b the bindest
parsans. The charges are, in word that from the
moment attempt was made to lndlGt the sate
burglars here to the close OF Their tlal cohcei ted
vigorous ard wCll-SuStaInCd Efforts were put form
bv some half dozen officers of the Depa 'tment OF
Jnstire aided by officials and prominent citizens
outside of the Department, 10 thWdrt the Govern
ment in its attempts 10 bring the guilty to punish
mcnt. 49,.
Before presenting the specifications of this charge
il ID proper say that the officers OF the treasury
DenaItlnent and AttOrnev-G enerai Williams did all
i'm their power to prosecute the under consider
alton with yigOr. Mr. Riddle was given full author
inv and an Mo means. Assistant Acknowledgement
Hill performed the duty assigned him tearlessy aud
effectively. How and TO what extent Mr. Mllllanss
hands were tied the inquiry sought will disclose.
The different specifications OF the general charge
are - follows:
l. That Acting United States DstciCt-Attomey
Harrington with the knowledge and consent of
United states Distrct-Attorncy Fisher, illegally
procured the release and escape OF Benton, one Of
he admitted burglars from the Jail Of the District
Of Columbia, this action being prompted by threat
Of Benton that unless 80 released he would turn
States evidence.
?. That officers of the Department Of Justice for
the District of Newark, y. D., acting III collision
with numerous prominent persons interested IN de
feating the ends Of justice III this case impedcd by
all means in their power the service of subpenas
] . fff4 IA 1
g. That Zirruth, the person originally employed by
the Secret Service force to come to Washington and
arrange the burglary, was pad Tor his services or
rather the receipts Tor this payment were made,
in the office of Assistant United States District
Attorney King at Newark, Nj.
4. That Deputy United states Marshal Bailey Of
Newark purchased the ticket for Europe with
which to send Zlruh beyond the jurisdiction of the
Government
Newark and United States District-AttOney Keas-
bey so pTeaTanged matters that i'll case Nettleslp
should be aTrestediu spite of the plans to
should hc brought before the former and be released
on nominal BAIL that Netteship was arrested. and
bail taken by Whitehead at the instance of Keasbey
iu the sum OF $1,000 after which NettIeshlp mmedi-
| ately escaped.
g. That Chief of Police Rogers of Newark. acting
under instructions from prominent NeH-Jersey Re-
pubhcans actively eXerted himself TO prevent the
arrest of Netteshlp and did other acts designed to
impede the course Of this trial
T. That Mr.. Riddle had secured evidence to show
that very prominent United States official in Wash
| lngtOn together with some of the most prominent
characters in the late District Government. had per-
| sonaly met and consulted with Nettleship and
helped him arrange the outlines of the safe burglary
! Upon this becoming know in certain interested
| quarters, the dismissal of Mr.. Riddle was immedi-
! ately arranged and cOnsmmated.
Such are the charges which are openly made here.
| and in some particulars even more pointedly made
| than in the above specifications.
1t will be readily seen that such reproach has
before been laid at the doors of the Depart
ment of Justice The whole nation is interested in
wiping it away with all possible haste. he admin
istratiOn of justice is not party ISSUE IL the cor
| ruption Of local courts is fearful matter what
shall be said of influences which strike at the in
| teRlty Of the national Department of Justice
With these grave charges, thus specifically set
forth the Repu blican who hereafter votes against
| INVESTIGATION designed 10 ascertain their truth
! should become marked man in his State.
The Republican who refuses to look into this mat
ter upon the tbsory that the parry may be injured
thereby, is himself one of its worst enemies 1t is
not investigation that damages parties unless fail
| uTc to punish ascertalned Irregularities follows.
Before the next vote on the subject is taken let
! every honest Republican ask himself Which is
Cor the party full investigation and prompt
punishment by Republicans now. an investipa-
lion and full exposure by Democrats oD the eve of
the next Presidential eleCtiOnf H. V. Il.