The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-01-05
THE RADICAL SHAME.


THE RADICAL SHAME.
Mr.. BBcK's RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY INTO THE
SAFE BUReLARY-wHY IT WAS NOT IN
oUIRED INTo-soAE RATHER STARTLING
PACTs.
The Washington correspondent Of the
Cincinnati Gazette, Gen. Boynton, writes
thus emphsticslly of the latest disclosures
in the safe burglary investigation: For two
weeks In succession q resolution, ordering
an investigation In regard to the conduct of
certain United States officers, in the matter
of the trial OF the safe conspirstors, has been
presented to the House of Representa-
tives. and defeated by republican votes.
There has been wide comment upon this
fact, but the exact circumstances which
prompted the resolution have not been
given in connected form. 1t Is Just to many
on the republican side to say that they OPP
posed the investigation; first, because 1t
was presented from the democratic side,
and second, because they were ignorant
of the shameful facts in the case. AS
the resolution Is to be brought for
ward again on the first Monday after the
reassemDling OF congress, statement of
the grave charges made in connection with
the matter will contribute to a correct I'M
derstanding of case which must ulti-
mately be looked squarely In the face. even
by the blindest partissns. The charges are,
in word, that from the moment an attempt
was made to indict the safe-burglars here,
10 the close of their trial, concerted
vigorous, and well-sustained efforts were
put forth by some half-dOZen officers of the
department OF justice, aided by officials and
prominet citizens outside ofthe department,
to thwart the government in its attempt to
bring the guilty to punishment. Before
presenting the specifications of this
charge, it Is proper to say that
the officers of the treasury depart
ment, and Attorney-General Williams, did
all in their power TO prosecute the case I'M
der consideration with vigor. Mr.. Riddle
was given full authority aud ample means.
Assistant ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Hill performed
the duty assigned him tearlessly and
effectively. How and to what ex-
tent Mr.. Williams hands were tied,
the inquiry sought will disclose.
| charge are rs follows:
l. That Acting United States District At
torney Harrington, with the knowledge and
consent of United States District Attorney
Fisher, illegally procured the release and es-
cape of Benton,
ONE OF THE ADMITTED BURGLARS,
from the Jail Of the District of Columbia; this
action being prompted by threat of Benton
that unless so released he would turn states
evidence.
. That officers of the department of JUS
tice for the district of Newark, New Jersey
acting in COLLISION with numerous promi-
nent persons interested in defeating the ends
of justice in this case, impeded by all means
in their power the service of subpenes, and
the arrest of the guilty parties.
8. That ZiruIh. the person originally en-
ploved by the secret service force to come to
Washington and arrange the burglary, was
paid for his services, or rather the receipts
for this payment were made, in the office of
Assistant United States District Attorney
King, at Newark, ". j.
4. That Deputy United States Marshal
| Bailey, of Newark, purchased the ticket for
Europe with which to send Ziruth beyond
| the jurisdiction of the government.
5. That United States Commissioner
Whitehead, of Newark, and United States
District Attorney Keasly so prearranged
matters that in case Nettleship should be
arrested-in spite of the plans to prevent it
he should be brought before the former,
and be released on nominal bail; that Net
tIeship was arrested and bail taken by
Whitehead, at the instance of Keasly, In the
sum Of 81 900. after which Nettleship imme-
| diately escaped.
| 6-That Chief of Police Rogers, Of
Newark acting under instructions from
prominent New Jersey republicans, actively
i eXerted himself to prevent the arrest of
Nettleship, and did other acts designed
/ to impede the course of this trial.
THAT Mr.. Riddle had secured evil
| dence to show that very prominent United
States official in Washington, together with
/ some of the most prominent characters in
| the late District government, had personally
met and consulted with Nettleship, and
helped him arrange the
OUTLINES OF THE SAFE BURGLARY.
Upon this becoming known In certain in
terested quarters, the dismissal of Mr.. Riddle
was Immediately arranged and consum-
mated. Such are the charges which
are openly made here, and
In some particulars even more
pointedly than in the above specifications.
/ It will DO readily seen that such reproach
has never before been laid at the doors of
| the department of justice. The whole ma
ton is Interested In wiping 1t away with all
possible haste. The administration of JUS
tice Is not party issue. If the corrup-
| ton OF local courts Is fearful matter,
what shall be said of influence
which strike at the integrity of the
grave charges, thus specifically set forth,
the republican who hereafter votes against
an investigation designed to ascertain their
| truth should become a marked man In his
state The republican who refuses
to look into this matter, upon the
jured thereby, Is himself one of its
worst enemies. 1t is not investigation that
damages parties, unless failure to punish as
certained irregularities follows. Before
the n7xt vote on the subject is
| taken let every honest Republican ask him
self: Which is worse for the party-foll in
vestigation and prompt punishment by Re-
publicans now-or an investigation and full
exposure by Democrats on the eve of the
next presidential election?