New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-03-17
TIKI SCHFNCK CfSP.

The reply of Secretary Fish to the second
inquiry of the House Committee on Foreign
Affairs completes tho official history OF the
Schcnck resignation. Ii appears that as soon
"a the resolution of inquiry into the Emma
Mine scandal had passed the House and been
telegraphed TO London, Gen. Schench offered,
by cable. to place, his resignation at the Pre'l-
dents disposal if il was desired, adding that
in any event he should remain in London to
meet whatever legal proceedings might be
brought against him. This proper and dIgni-
fed message was sent on the 9Th OF February.
The next day Gen. SChenCk asked permission
TO make il public, and was refused on the
ground that the President did not think 1t
necessary TO act upon it. But two days after
ward Gen. Grant changed his mind. The Bah
cock trial had meanwhile taken an ugly turn,
the testimony Of Everest and Mayor bnmes
making a great public impression; and accord
ingly on the 1lth Secretary Fish tclegraphed
that the President would feel relieved
by accepting the Ministers resignation
which might he forwarded either by telegraph
or mail, TO take effect when his successor
should enter upon the duties of the post.
Tn 10 thi, point the behavior of Gen. Schcnck
in regard to his resignation seems 10 have been
HIGHLY Honorable. But when the President
tool, him at his word his resolution vanished.
Most men on receiving such Il letter ~ that of
Secretary Fish would have dispatched rcsl2-
nation al once 10y cable. Gen. Schcncl, waited
two DAYS before he did anything. Then he
replied that he failed to reconcile the Telegram
Of the g,h with that Of The llth, nevertheless
he would resign by letter. Five days later.
that i, to say just a week after the receipt oi
the demand for it, the resignation was mailed
OFcb. 49, and it reached the Department
March 4. Meanwhile several things had hap
peped. The House had ordered the Committee
TO make further inquiries into the Emma
Mine scandal Lyon had gwen ms
testimony Belbnap had been found
ont. On the 2lst Gen. Schcnck applied Tor
leave Of absence to come home and testify he
fore the Committee, and it was granted but
with hint that his presence might be- I'M
necessary since "the inquiry of the House was
"only to ascertain the action of the Executive
Sin relation to his connection with The lEmIna
" Miningl company and the prosecution OF the
"TMachadOl claim" upon which the Minister
appears to have decided to await further dc
yclopments. When it became evident, how
ever. that tho investigation into his conduct
was going on, he concluded TO sail, his first
purpose being to take the steamer OF the lNh
of March. though he aftcrwaTd determined to
leave n fortnight earlier Before cmharhlng
no asked that his resignation mi2ht he suS-
pended until the close of the investigation, but
Mr. Fish replied that steps had already been
taken to fill the place Immediately, and on that
account and for other reasons" dhc BciInap dis
closure came that very day the President could
not delay. Mr. Schenck accordingly took his
departure con leave of absence" well know
ing that he was never TO return as Minister,
and that his successor would he nominated be
fore the ship was fairly out of sight OF land.
This story by Secretary Fish fortunately ac-
quits the Administration Of all improprlety IN