davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
OBITUARY..
OWEN N. EDDY.

For several months past, Owen N. Eddy,
swamp land commissioner of the state, has
been In failing health. His friends tried to
persuade themselves that the symptoms
were not dangerous, but when he
became delirious, last Thursday and
was attacked with congestion OF the brain.
they saw that it would be next 10 imposs ible
for him TO stsno the shock He was re-
moved to his rooms at the Occidental Hotel,
where ne had the medical assistance of Drs.
Yousrt and Todd and the most careful stten-
ton from his friends. In answer to a
warning telegram his mother arrived
from South Bend early on Saturday
morning and his sister, now living in Gov.
iDgton, reached his bedside at about the
same time, only to see him pass away in
the prime of life. He died Yesterday morn
ing at six o'clock in the thirty. fifth year of
his age. Though not widely known in the
city,. as his habits were somewbs
retiring, Mr.. Eddy had a host o
friends and acquaintances throughout
the state who will hear of bis death
with profound regret. He was looked upon
by those who he'd occasion to consult him
in his official capacity as the best posted
man In the state on the history of Indiana
lands and the legislation regarding them
matters as reliable as court OF appeals
When his father, the late Norman j.
Eddy, became secretary of state, Owen
was installed in the Office as clerk,
and continued to be a valuable assistant,
though another enjoyed the title of being
head clerk. When his honored father died
in the service ofthe state, the son, in consid-
Grafton of entire fitness for the trust, was
allowed to continue secretary till the
close of his fathers term, and administered
the duties of the position with such distin-
guished satisfaction to the state and such
credit to himself, that he was placed
on the ticket OF 1872 as
democratic candidate for secretary of state
He ran far ahead of his ticket but was de-
feated by majority of IL. His knowledge
of the states history and statistics called
for some public recognition OF his official
capacities. and he was appointed commits
sioner of swamp lands in 1878, the position
he was filling with distinc-
ton at the time of his death. He never
married. The deceased had long been a
member of the order of Red Men, and Messrs.
Ramsey and Mowl were deputized by the
order to escort the remains to South Bend,
where they will be buried. The sorrowful
company lett Indianapolis last evening.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
Babcock and the Court Martial.

The appointment of the court martial to
try General Bsbcock was an imperial act on
the part of the president, that shows little
sincs the dispersion of the Louisiana legis-
lsture, when the whole country protested.
There can be no sort of excuse for this I'M
less 1t was for the purpose of withdrawing
him, knowing that he was guilty. If
such was the purpose, MIR. Grant laid an
ugly duty upon the officers appointed to try
him. The act of Babcock was not a mill
tsry act, and he did not need military tria'.
Though Babcock does belong to the corps of
army engineers, yet his engineering In st.
Louis with crooked whisky was not strictly
military. There might be an occa-
sion when a military court In a
similar case would be addropriate.
For instance, II Mr.. Babcock was
proven clearly guilty, aud yet some techni-
cality of the law should prevent Lis convic-
ton, then a court martial could strip off the
ensignia of military rank and punish him
that much at least. But, as the case now
stands, this movement looks very much
like Mr.. Grant, by exercise of arbitrary
power-by assumed imperial suthority-de-
cides that his dear friend, Bsbcock, shall
not be subjected to the rude gaze
of gasping multitude &c st. Louis,
but that only favored few should deal
with him. No roy al ruler of Europe would
have thought of so dealing with an offender.
The indignation would have risen to fever
hea. if Col. Baker, in England, had been
accorded military trial while his case was
pending in the civil courts. This policy OF
Mr.. Grant Is an open, shamefaced
perversion of right principles. 1t is a fore.
stalling of public opinion, and a contempt
of privilege. 1t is simply imperialism.
Mr.. Grant is In close quarters, Bsbcock is
of the presidential retinue, and the belief In
his guilt is decided. 1t would be bard for
Mr.. Grant to give Babcock up. But ii
be must done, unless he screens him
some way. He is apparently doing
bis best, and will, doubtless, clear him.
But ali this is extra judicial, and
the country will, by this flank movement,
be still more convinced that ne is guilty,
and that Mr.. Grant is acting with impru-
dence that really inters completely. This
imperialism needs checking at once. Bah
cock is no better than other men. He must
plead in the courts aud receive just such
punishment as the merits OF the case de-
maud.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15

principal proprietor OF the Evening Post,
and was worth caltivating, so Logan
was easily pursuaded to back the credit
OF the concern with his autograph attached
to promises to pay. Blakely's
fortunes fass waning he was made
the recipient OF some government
patronage in the way of the pension
agency at Chicago. This he fed to the vo-
rscious Post and finally failed. The accom-
plished daughter of the late General Sweet,
who had been employed In the Office at q
very meager salary was, to the surprise of
everybody who knew anything of the ca
pacity Of the male parasites of the party for
office-holding, was appointed TO Blskely's
place when he had lost his position on &C.
count OF having severed his connection with
the paper and thereby lost his coveted infiu-
euce. Recently the mystery Of Miss
Sweets appointment has come to light.
She was appointed through the influence
Of Logan aud one Campbell, fatner-
in-law of Lord Chamberlain Babcock,
with the express understanding that one
half Of the emoluments of the position
should be applied to taking up such of
Blakely's notes as had been in
dorsed by Logan and Campbell.
When the friends OF the lady learned of
this state of facts they advised her to refuse
to pay the unjust levy and she did 80.
Thereupon she was informed by Logan and
Campbell that she would be dismissed If
she didn't continue to contribute to the
liquidation of Blakely's notes as she had
been doing from the beginning. She then
appealed to the president in person, and to
his credit be it said, he assured her that
should not be removed without Just cause,
as her father had been bis personal friend
In his life time and he would protect his
orphan daughter. So the blackmailers were
checkmated for the time being. The story
Is told with great circumstsntiality, and
seems we'll supported aud would invite in
vestigation.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15

power. While he presents no tangible
policy for tha direction of congress that Ia
worth conhidering, yet he clearly shows
that hig purposes are fixed for forced re-
sumption at whatever cost, and he seems
impatient to await the day fixed for re-
sumption by the Sherman bill.
The Sentinel does not believe the Repub-
lican party will endorse these measures OF
Mr.. Grant, and that II there Is any more
talk of a third term, It will be upon a diff
ierent basis from these special meas.
ures that he recommends In his mes
sage. His star will surely wane.
II Mr.. Morton and Mr.. Grant were more
intimate we could not but believe that the
former put that MISREPRESENTATION mat
ter In the message. To have done so would
be masterstroke to finish Grant that would
evidence diplomacy outshining :all the
shrewdness OF his most plausible key notes.
Mr.. Grant says nothing about the civil SER
vice. 1t is just now delicate subject. Here
the Sentinel drops the curtain.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15

personal reflection upon him. If 1t was
simply q criticism upon the right or
propriety OF the presidents acts, then he
had right to make 1t, and he should have
been left to prosecute these cases vigorously
20 the end, as he has thus far. To dismiss
him, Us has been done, lays the president
liable to the suspicion that Mr.. Henderson
has been pushing things" too lively In st.
Louis. Just row, while the fate of Babcock
is pending. aud the danger of trip to JEFF
ferson City seems to invite him, cutting
him OF from winter residence at WASH
ington, 1t will be prudent In the president,
at least, to do nothing that will excite
the suspicion of the country that
any interference In Bsbcock's behalf
is intended by him. The country will
watch this very closely, and step further
than this will lead the country TO believe
that Mr.. Grant was insincere when he said
that no guilty man should escape, and that
he only meant by that phrase Q little bum
combe TO check the tide Of appreciation that
was going out toward Bristow. Il Is well
known that Mr.. Grant never forgives his
enemies and never torgets his friends. It
QOc5 uOt uhLt6f WHEN ObilQuy may buA
round them. He stood by Shepherd when
the whole country concluded that
he was totally corrupt. The people.
naturally, looks for him to lay some plan
whereby his favorite may escape. The
president, therefore, should be careful. This
whisky fraud business should be completely
exposed and the guilty punished. There is
no way out oft. Mr.. Grant, with his repu-
tstion for svarice, can only be alb
solved from suspicion of all COM
plicity with Babcock and his confreres by
letting the law take its course, letting the
officers do their duty, without let or him
drsnce from himself or any one else. 1t Is q
great pity that Mr.. Henderson's efficient
services can not be retained. If through his
removal there shall be weakening in the
prosecution of the cases there, the country
will hold Mr.. Grant responsible for 1t.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
Prather.

Allen W. Prsther called upon the Sentinel
Yesterday and submitted a statement of his
Troubles in the United States District Court.
The affidavits he exhibits and his statement
under oath of his case would fill about two
pages Of the Sentinel, which space can not
be spared. AS Mr.. Prsther waived his right
In the court to introduce this testimony
there, IL does not seem necessary to the pub
lie good that an ex psrte trial should be
made OF the case at this late date
through the columns of the Sentinel
Besides, Mr.. Prather's matter is not pre-
pared for the press, written on both sides,
and desiring to preserve the copies, they
would require two days steady work to
prepare for the type-setter. Hit was thought
that the publication of this whole matter
would help the man in his alleged purpose
to try TO do better In the future, the Sentinel
would be at some pains to print it. But as
we are offered voluminous statements on
the part of others that We should feel bound
to give, 1t is thought beat to decline both.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1875

thing. eyes," replied the senator, "his
impudence is superb, and his ignorsncI is co.
For this and similar decl xrations
of his opinion ofthe president tho senator
was removed from the chsirmsns nip of the
committee on foreign relations, a position
he was eminently qualified 70 I'LL, and
treated by the president With the impu-
dence which the successor Of Webster had
attributsd to him. The people of the
country were slow to believe that the
estimates of the president made by Sumner
Greeley, Trumbull, Schurz, and many
others Of the best aud purest men OF the
Republican party were correct.
The American people are pleased with the
tinsel OF military fame, and will forgive
much In their hero that would not be toler.
sted In other men. Grant was seated in
the presidential chair, surrounded with q
halo of military glory. Much of this glory
was but the reflected light of those who
were bis interiors In rank and his superiors in
everything else. One by one, the men who
made him president left him,
and one by one the soldiers Who
fought his battles have deserted his fortunes.
Little by little the tinsel which covered him
has rusted and the halo ha. faded away.
Now be begins to be seen In his true light.
he stands like the famous colossal statue OF
old, (which when nearly viewed became
COARSE, unshapely and rude" The people
at last begin to see him as Sumner saw
him years ago. His acts are daily demon
stratiDg to all thinking people that he is
only great in those qualities least needed in
the chief magistrate of q great nation, 30
tersely stated by the great senator from Mas
sachusetts. In nothing has General Grants
real character been more clearly shown aud
the correctness of the views of those men
who organized the Liberal Republican party
in relation to him verified, than in the recent
action OF the United States grand jury at
st. Louis.
1t has long been apparent to those who
were at all familiar with current topics, or
the affairs of the federal government, that
great frauds were being prsc.iced in the
collection of the revenue, and that many of
the officers and agents OF the government
were aiding and abetting the frauds. The
PAOciuohs Lou bWOAh w SEQ bndt buC
laws were faithfully executed, and had
he been ordinarily well informed,
he would have known that the
laws were not faithfully executed, but that
the treasury was daily robbed of thousands
of dollars by the very men who were sworn
to protect it. If he is ordinarily intelligent,
he must have known these things before
they were so strongly crowded upon him
by the few remaining honest men con-
nected with the government service. If he
knew the facts as he ought TO have known
them-it he is honest and capable, as pres
ident should be-these corruptions
would have been checked, and the horde
of rsscals engaged in perpetrating
them sent to prison long ago. 1t Is
evident, therefore, that Grant is either weak
or corrupt, and for the credit of the country
the Sentinel is glad to be able to say that It
believes In his weakness rather than in his
venialltv.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
Down and Oat.

Henderson, the assistant prosecutor who
offended the president, has come to grief.
At least he has been dismissed. A sworn
statement of his speech was forwarded to
Washington, and there was a cabinet meet
ing on the subject, and the result is that
Mr.. Henderson is dismissed and the dis
trict prosecutor is directed TO employ some
one who will not criticise the president.
That Mr.. Henderson has been doing his
duty faithfully ana vigorously nobody
questions. Following out the words and
spirit OF Mr.. Grants instruction, "Let no
guilty man escape" he found it necessary
60 criticise those above him for thwarting
his plans, aud when it was given
out that the president himself had
advised the commissioner, then Mr.. Hem
dsrsOn declared that the president bad no
right IA interfere, and included his high
nets in the denunciatlon. This criticism
was more nan royalty could endure. Hence
the decapitation. 1t appears to the Sentinel
that under tb Q circumstances 1t would have
been polite, an d magnsnimous, at least, in
the president to have passed by
this criticism, upon the disclaimer on the
part of Mr.. Henderson that he meant any
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
Tn. President aud Taxation.

The more one considers the presidents
proposal to tax church property by federal
Intervention, the more ridiculous does the
proposition become. The president of the
United States Is charged with no duty, as
we read the constitution, concerning the in
ternal workings of the states. The laws
that govern the states and all the police and
even sumptusry regulations that pertain TO
manners, customs, and dipositions of q free
people, have been retained by the states.
The people of the states make their own
rules about roads, schools, Punishm ents for
crime, and the modes and methods OF rails
ing money for these purposes. The
states decide what Is taxable property for
all state purposes. The inference, therefore,
is plain that Mr.. Grant c6ntemplates some
kind of federal taxation OF the churches, I'M
less he proposes to take away from the states
all right to regulate their own affairs. If Mr..
Grant proposes speciality In taxation on
this subject, he would place the churches on
an equality with the whisky and tobacco
business. 1t would be beautiful condition
of affairs IL general law should be passed re-
curing all churches owning property to pay
license in proportion to the value OF their
real estate. The Sentinel does not pretend
here to make any point on the subject of taxa
ton Of property belonging to the churches.
When that question comes up for state
action In any way, then would be the time
to discuss that question.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15

A circular from the president OF the State
Board of Agriculture Is being sent by the
secretary to sill the county societies, calling
the annual agricultural convention, to be
held at the State House on Tuesday, January
4, 1876, at 10 o'clock A. N. The State Agri-
cultural Society is a congress OF all the
active county agricultural societies OF the
state. Its board of directors are elected by
delegates, who are the presidents of the
county and district societies, or their chosen
substitutes. The circular intimates that the
next meeting will be one of special i'm
portsnce, and that the new features for the
future management Of the annual exhibit
ton will be presented for consideration.
Furthermore: there will be eight new d.
rectors, or half the board, to be chosen.
Among these will be one for the seventh
district, which includes Marion county, in
the place of Mr. Jacob MUTT, of Johnson
county, whose term OF service expires. The
old question will recur in the convention,
whether or not Marion county, In which
the State Fair is held, shall have a represen-
tative in the board OF directors. Two years
ago an urgent appeal was made on this
pOlubg Dub Vic IcQuOcb wac uCnlCQ Will
considerable show of obstinacy on the part
of the convention. Some people thought II
was q mistake. Ordinarily, that similar
bodies should consider 1t expedient and
courteous to have one resident director, al
least, is pretty clear to an unprejudiced
mind. President Crim's circular tails not to
allude In explanation OF last falls partial
failure to "the discouraging influence OF a
portion of the press" But a new campaign
is to be opened, and no one should overlook
the fact that the State Board of Agriculture
is one of the most important institutions OF
Indiana. No one can deny the great value
of its services to industrial progress and pub
lie wealth in the past. If it has not done all
that could be conceived of as possible, the
field of usefulness is still open before it, and
this should inspire to greater zeal and more
efficient policy. County societies ought to
study the organization with more interest,
for it is entirely within their control. 1t
belongs to the whole state which 1t proposes
to honor and benefit. Therefore the state
society can not be an object of unfriendly
attack, but should be the subject of study
and earnest support for it's Improvement.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15

The New York Sun still shines for the
sinners, political and otherwise. John A.
Logan is squirming under q few vertical
rays from that red hot luminary. Ii
charges the Sucker Senator with completely
in the whisky frauds and also alleges that he
has been a party to blackmailing a
very estimsble young lady of the
city of Chicago. The first charge
the Sun claims, Is based on circumstantial
evidence, the latter on proof positive. II
appears from the Suns narrative that one
Blakely has some political iufi1eu % as
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
An Esti mate of the Presidents Ability.

During the early part OF General GRANTS
administration prominent Republican
from the old Bay State visited Washington,
and, after paying his respects to the presi-
dent, called on that distinguished scholar
and statesman, Charles Sumner. Mr.. Sum
ner was in feeble health, but he talked freely
aud frankly on the affairs of the govern
ment and the great questions affecting the
interests OF the people. The visitor,
who had voted for General Grant,
asked the senator his opinion of the
president, and if he was really great in any,
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
A BLOW AT THE People.
From the Evansville Journal


"bscks up" when newspaper subjects them 10
legitimate criticism.
BLOW AT THE PEOPLE.
From the Evansville Journal
We hold that the precedent thus established
by the judge is not only dangerous and unfor-
tunate so far as the press is concerned, but that
1t is q direct blow at the people, who lock to the
press Tor their most efficient defense against the
corruption OF the time.
WHERE THE oDIUM ATTACHES.
From the Losansport Pharos.l
Upon Judge Hester, who called Prather to q
temporary seat upon the bench. should fall
much of the o5ium which attaches to this
disgraceful violation the rights OF citizenship.
The elevation of q suspected felon to such q
position was more calculated TO bring the court
Into contempt than was the publication by the
Sentinel OF the uncontroverted facts in his ca
GROSS UsURPATIoN OF POWER.
From the Logan sport start
The arrest of the proprietors of the Sentinel
can be ch al acteriZed only as gross usurpation
of power and an outrage upon the whole peo-
pie, for IL an editor can be arrested for such an
offense, then the mouth of every man must be
closed Tor fear a warrant wi be served upon
him for soc aking unexpectedly of some Lilli-
put who happens TO wear the judicial ermine,
and be compelled to suffer the penalty imposed.
ABUSE OF THE JUDICIAL PRIVILEGE.
From the Lafayette Journal
The proceeding, IL seems TO us, is a most fla
grant abuse of the judicial privilege; the whole
policy of our institutions favorable to the very
freest discus. ion OF every public tr ahsaction.
such proceeding as this are the letters in
which, after time, If such assumption of
power is suffered to go on uncheck ed, the public
mouth will be muZzled and critic sm OF public
men and public measures ut down by intimi-
dation.
CORRUPT JUDGES.
From the Vincennes SUM-
The criticisms of the Sentinel were such as
any newspaper or private citizen had q right to
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
CONSTRUCTIVE CONTEMPT.
The Compliments Of the Press to the
Bartholomew Circuit Court.
ENLARGE THE COLUMBUS JAIL
GOOD ADVICE.

From the New Albany Ledger-Standard.l
Weare under the impression that the dignity
of the courts can be better maintained by strict
and impartial department than by judges max
ing ninnies of themselves in getting their
"backs up" when q newspaper subjects them 10
fir 70 rrftf lois
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15
CORRUPT JUDGES,

From the Vincennes SUM-
The criticisms of the Sentinel were such as
any newspaper or private citizen had q right TO
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-12-15

Judiciary should be protected and respected by
all men, but the men who OCCUPY these posi-
tons have no more privileges than any othsr
class OF men. Some of the most corrupt scoun-
drels In this country have been Judges, and the
number has not been few either. such q
precedent as the one established In this IL q
dan gerous one.