The New York herald., 1875-12-19
His Pledge as a Gentleman and
Envoy Extraordinary.
Argument on Motion TO Pun
ish for Contempt.
THE NEW SEVENTH REGIMENT ARM0RY
Complications OF the Duncan,
Sherman & Co. Failure.

Watson Webb in 1866 and 1867 United States Minister
10 Brazil the order show why he should not
te committed for contempt for refusal to answer
nterrogatories called yesterday afternoon in
the United States Circuit Court before Judge Blatch
ford The suit from the settlement Of the Caro-
line claim, in which it is claimed $4,000 paid by
the Brazilian government and Of which only SOS 900
accounted for by General Webb. He ques-
toned before reference as TO whom he paid this
money but he refused specific answer making the
following explanation They desirous not 10
be known In the transaction and TO their
pledged myself and my official character as the
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenpotentary Of
the United States to do nothing, directly indirectly,
calculated to lead to exposure OF their connection
with this claim To say therefore, who the par
ties referred TO- to make any response which would
lead 10 their exposure would be gross and dishonor-
able violation OF my pledge gentleman and as En-
voy Extraordinary. am, in consequence compelled
20 decline more specific answer to this question" :"
Upon the oath OF November last United States Dis
trct Attorney Bliss obtained the above order which
made returnaole yesterday. General Webb was in
the court room nearly all day and his commanding APP
pearance attracted much attention. OF large build,
with long snow white hair and beard, he presented
picture seldom in court He was accompanied by
lege Of the City OF New York. and other members Of the
family; also Dr. Rowland, George II. Andrews, Le-
grande B. Cannon and others, and his counsel hessrs
Man Parsons Mr.. Thurlow Weed was expected
and General Webb was considerably disappointed at his
failure to appear
The proceedings were short United States District
Attorney Bliss, when the motion was called moved
that, the question still unanswered, the de-
fendant be committed for contempt OF court Mr.
Parsons stated that the defendant had been out Of the
city at the time the order made and wished now
to make the following answer 70 it,
GENERAL wEBBs EXPLANATION
James Watson Webb, the defendant above named,
for answer 10 the order made IN this cause on Novem
Der "a 1875 directing him to answer certain nterrog
atories heretofore addressed 70 him saysTha as no
Is advised and believes what the said order directs him
20 state s the names Of the individuals TO whom was
paid the money received from the government OF Brazil
on account OF the so-caled Caroline claim, and the
amounts received by such Individuals that the names
OF such persons and the knowledge Of the amounts
ceived by them learned by the defendant through
the transaction with them to which they became par
ties upon the pledge OF this defendant that under
circumstances, would he disclose the same; that to
give such would be a violation OF such pledge
and this fendant very respectfully submits that such
pledge is binding upon his honor, and that he cannot
violate the He further submits that the United
States had asserted any interest in the said
claim; that the money received on account thereof
received BY this defendant the money OF the
claimant Lemue Wells and Of the persons whom he had
interested with himself in the same that he did dis
pose Of the said money according TO the directions Of
the said claimant, and that what he did in respect
thereto Is not relevant material any valid claim OF
the government against the defendant That be
put IN direct communication with the said claimant by
the Department Of State and that it pursuant to
the action Of the State Department that he dealt d.
rectly with the said claimant and disposed OF the
said money pursuant TO his directions as stated
In the answers heretofore given by him, and
that the Hon. William II. Seward the Secre-
tary OF State OF the United States and hs immediate
ocia superior who was duly advised that the surplus
Of the money paid by Brazil and also the SIS 600
mited to him for the claimant would be paid to
The Brazilians hired by the claimant to advocate his
claim according 70 the contract Of said claimant in pos
session OF the State Department. formally approved Of
the defendants energy and sagacty in the settlement
Of the socalled Caroline claim and never therefore,
directly or Indirectly as this defendant believes,
tractcd or modified such approval All OF which is
spectfuLy submitted J. WATSON WEBB
ARGUMENT NOTION.
Mr. Bliss said the same explanations had been made
prior 70 the issuing Of the order The answer was
simply in respectful manner giving emphasis to this
contempt He could not do otherwise than press the
motion made
Mr. Parsons said the action was an extraordinary
General Webb, at the time the order was made,
in Springfield 81 the jurisdiction Of the Court
and could have remained there, YET he would not do
So He had been in the service Of bis country since
1919 and discharged the duties dcvolving upon him
with credit and honor 70 himself and country He was
asked 10 violate pledges made IN official capac
ity 20 to Ludlow Street Jail
Judge Batchford said the answer as IL stood that
money had been paid 10 influential Braziiians, gave the
right 10 explore further IL the answer made Or part
OF It, could be stricken out the government would have
NO ground for the application The information could
be obtained 10 another way, and the government might
well move 70 strike It out, and tho Court would have
granted the motion. He continued, "You might strike
Il the ground that that the proper dspo
sltion 70 make OF the matter II exceedingly
barrassing position for respect General Webbs
motive as highly as any one can, but the government
has rights the matter
Mr. Bliss said he did not make the motion because
he had doubts as 10 the power Of the Court to take such
action. The commitment OF the defendant for
tempt was clearly within the jurisdiction of the Court,
while there was a doubt 10 the other course. An
TO the question at the trial OF the suit would
place the government in bad position, as they would
then be able 10 verify the names. IL however Inc
Court found upon perusa oil authorities in the question
he not opposed 70 this order being made.
Considerable further argument was had, when finally
Judge Bachford took the papers IN the case reservng
decision to the action 70 be taken IN the matter