The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-03-09
CUR EATIOEAL SHAME.

Telegraphic reports of the develop
ments duplicating W. ". Belknap, viii
greatly astonish his many acquaintance
in the West. Mr. Belknap had good
record during the war had command OF
many of the soldiers from this State, and
was popular with them. We have often
heard expressed warm words Of praise
from veteran soldiers of him, both as
man and as soldier. It is a matter of
deep regret that a record SO bright-one
that would have given high place to the
man in the hearts of the people through
out his life, and lived in memory through
all times-should be blasted by acts so
disgraceful, as would seem to be indica-
ted, Secretary Belknap's have been,
while in the discharge of the duties of a
high Office in the government. The po-
sition of Secretary of War is an exalted
one, and filed with grave responsibilities.
To be corrupt in the discharge of these
responsibilities, is a crime for which
there is no paliation or excuse. Officials
have no excuse for being dishonest. If
the emolument of tue position will not
Justify or enable a person to remain in
it, it should be abandoned at once. It
affords no excuse for raising money by
corrupt action. If then, it proves true,
as there now seems 10 room to doubt,
that Secretary Beiknap has been guilty
of high crimes and misdemeanors, we
trust he viii receive the punishment the
law inficts for such crimes.
We had always entertained a high
opinion Of the Secretary of War. His
war record commended him to the re-
spect of all lovers of his country and
our acquaintance with the man, both So
clally and officially, increased our respect
for him. In his official conduct, lie was
always frank, gentlemanly, and prompt
in action; and those who called on him
on official business, were generally favor
ably impressed with him. But if the
report proves true, his crimes commenc-
ed early III his official life, and he has
been receiving money wrongfuliy for the
last five years. The payments were
made to his wife, but the Secretary as
sumes the responsibility. In this, we
honor him.
His resignation has been made and
accepted. From this, doubt arises, as
to whether he can be tried by impeach-
meDt. We had supposed an official
could be thus tried, even though the
term of Office had expired. If such is
not the case, it is deeply TO be regretted
that Mr. Relknap was permitted to re-
sign. His case should be tried fairly,
and if guilty, full justice should be met
ed out to. him. The House of Represen-
tatives has unanimously voted to report
articles of impeachment to the Senate
for the trial of Delknap, on charges of
bribery and corruption in Office, and the
House Judiciary Committee was Friday
engaged in preparing articles of i'm
parchment, and viii present them to
the Senate early next week. The Presi-
dent and Cabinet have determined on a
criminal prosecution of both bribed and
the enforcement of the demands of JUS
tice. In the language of the President,
on a former occasion, tLet no guilty
man escape"
The Chicago Journal closes brief
article on this subject, as follows: ''.This
disgraceful revelation will astound none
SO much as the home friends Of General
Belknap, III Iowa, and his late military
brethren of the army, who have long
had the warmest respect for him. And
those visiting the National Capital,
during the past year or two, who have
either enjoyed or been dazzled by the
magnificent entertainments, poriodi-
cally given at General Belknap's palatial
home, or been captivated by the rich
and costly style in which Mrs. Belknap
decked herself out for public occasions,
viii now hang their heads in sadness at
the discovery that the means by which
this personal display was gotten up were
the proceeds OF dishonor."