The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1875-12-31


were successful; and when he added
"they will not CO." he referred to the per-
sons who had been detailed for this service
before his interference. This interpreta-
ton il made still more clear, by previous
inquiry addressed to BABoocK 10y JoYcr, as
follows:
" Gsp. HANCOCK -Hss Secretary or COnIiuissi9ncr
ordered anybody neref a.
Ten days interviewed between JoYCE's
question and BABCOcKs answer. That
time was occupied in conquerng the pre-
judices of the Commissioner, and when he
concluded To yield to importantly which
he understood to come from the Presi-
don't himself, the result was announced by
BABcocK under the disguise of SYLPH."
Various explanations have been given
Of this damuing telegram, but they all fail
to remove suspicion or to relieve its author
from completely in the frauds. IL Is now
stated that n new device has been con-
cocted, and is to be brought out on the
trial, with hope OF better success than
has attended the other experiments ON
public crcdulity. The last words OF the
"SYLrH" despatch are, d" will write you.
The only meaning of that phrase, when
connected with those that preceded IT, is
that he would inform MCDONALD in detail
of his proceedings 20 that he might know
what the Internal Revenue Commissioners
had intended to do, what persons had
been chosen to go TO ST. Louis, and how
the plan had been thwarted by his inter-
vention. This is the natural and the only
true construction of the language used.
But it does not suit the necessities Of BAH
COCKS defence. Therefore. n letter is to
hc produced Oh the trial, which will give
totally different meaning TO the whole tel
ccran. and sustain the explanation which
BABCOCK gave to the President when con-
frontcd with the accusing despatch. How
this ingenious scheme is to bc supported
does not yet appear. McDoNALp has been
convicted and awaits sentence, and would
not be a good witness.
This experiment of introducing an cx-
planatory letter Is about n suspicious rs
the ordinary ahbi. Many questions Will
naturally suggest tn emseives in regard To
II. If the telegram was innocent, as is pre-
tended, and letter existed TO prove II,
why did not BABcoCK Immediately satisfy
the public Ivy revealing the TRUTH IL he
addressed such letter TO MCDoNALD, how
did il come into his possession since the
Indictment Who is TO swear that he ever
wrote any such letter n is now alleged to
exist Is this pretended letter an after
thought connected 10 suit "a lame defenceY
McDoNAID since his conviction. has
been uniformly loud in praise of GRANr
and BABtoCK. He knows both OF them
well. and his policy mas deceived nobody.
That lac looks forward TO pardon is GER
tain. aud Int for the excitement caused 10y
the disclosures, hc would be sure of 1t inn
mediat,iy. Therefore, BABcocK may ex-
poet al thc aid that can be furnished from
ms former confederate.
JoNCE is now IN tue peniteutiary work.
ing out his sentence He knows all about
the Whishey Ring in its different phases
from top TO bottom, and from beginning
to end. He offered TO give the Govern
ment the benefit of that knowledge for a
pardon and freedom from future prosecu-
ton. The District Attorney at st. Louis
and his associate recommended an accept
ance OF these conditions. in order TO use
him as witness. and convict others far
more important, who are high in position
and favor AT Washington. The President
knew that BABcOoK could not possibly
escape II JoYCE were released, aud he also
knew that others in the White House
would be badly scorched" If he appeared
on the stand. Therefore he refused to
grant the pardon, and thus protected his
favorite against the revelations OF this im-
portant witness. JOYCE holds letters and
dispatches from BABcOcK that would in-
sure ms utter ruin, if exposed. He is the
repository Of other secrets still more COM
promising to men in public life, who have
thus far escaped suspicion, but who are
sitting Oh the ragged edge % anxiety and
fear. GRANT has suppressed him as II
danger 10 his Administration, AID Mr..
PIERHLPoST has furnished him with AN
opinion TO justify this outrage on justice.