The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-05-13
WASHINGTON LRTTER.


ted IN this correspondence, has determined
10 call National Convention. PhiIadel-
phia is the place, and July 26ih the time,
selected for the purpose. The the can
didates Of both the parties viii be in the
field and the Liberals can Judge between
them. Whether they will nominate cam
didates Of their own, or be content with
endorsing those Of one Of the other parties,
will depend upon their estimate Of the
character and abilities Of either for the
purposes Of Reform The Liberals believe
that the country needs new party pledged
to the Union, one term, civil service re-
form, honest administration, the equality
Of the States with rights of local and self
government, and national good viii, in
which harmony may be secured between
the sections and late enemies in war, by
allowing men Of all parties to enter on the
ground floor, without regard to anteeedents,
the party itself having no anteeedents, and
therefore unembarrassed by record-a
party which looks to the future for its use
fitness, and to the past only for instruc-
ton. This is high ideal which, it is
probable, the logic Of events will prevent
from being realized this year. We are
too close upon the verge of actual conflict
to form new army and the Liberals will
have to join one Or the other of those in
the field
Having settled the $4,000 Union
Pacific bond purchase to his own satisfac-
ton, Mr.. Blaine has again found it neces-
sary to rise to a personal explanation. In
the schedule Of Kansas Pacific bonds
which had been placed as Cakes Ames
said, 'where they would do the most
good" the name Of "Blaine, 10" appears.
This schedule was not intended for the
public eye, but saw the light of day
through the clairyoyance Of newspaper
correspondent in 1873. The gentleman
who first disclosed the facts to the world
was Mr.. j. w. Knowlton, now deceased,
the correspondent of the Chicago Tribune.
Mr. Blaine's explanation reflected upon
the yeracity Of the correspondent; aud ex-
Congressman Riddle, father-in-law of the
latter, addressed letter to Mr.. Blaine, in
which he said:
"You assaulted the reputation Of james
Walcott Knowlton, then two years and u
half in his grave. Had he survived till
to-day, you would have remained silent
and your Joe Stewards and Netherlands
would have told no tales. 1t devolves on
me to vindicate, as best may, his memory
from your assertions; which [ shall do at
an early day"
The parties here referred to were both
involved in the Pacific Mail distribution;
MacFarland having received s25, 600,
which he said he delivered to Col. Forney,
Stewart is the "recusant witness" who re.
fused to testify; and il is due to gentle
man of similar name to say that it is
Joseph b. Stewart, not Joseph j. Stewart
of Baltimore, who is engaged here in law
business, that is meant. Mr.. Riddle
doubtless, has the data upon which Knowl-
ton disclosed the facts in 1873; and as he
is.a good lawyer as well as close writer,
he not only knows what evidence is, but
how to put it together. So we may expect
an interesting essay ON railroad lobbying
before long, in which the ex-Speaker viii
figure, and perhaps his brother, who is
said to be the real party in this case.
Mistaken identity is the plea here; but
we shall await more light and another
personal explanation, before rendering a
verdict.
had brief chat with General Bel
KNAPP, the Great Impeached, on the 9Th
instant, in the lobby of the Senate. He
still bears up remarkably well under the
ordeal through which he is passing, and
continues to assert his innocence Of the
crime charged against him.
"And what do you think of your chan
ces, General?" queried the writer.
20, am confident the Senate will de-
eide that it has no Jurisdiction in the case.
How can it do otherwise y was the reply.
"But suppose the Senate should decide
to try the case; what them"
'1f it does that even, shall come out
all right. Why they can find no evidence
to show that knew the money received
from Marsh was in consideration Of privi-
leges granted him by me, was the reply.
IL am prepared to prove that | honestly
believed at the time that the money was
paid me for Mrs. Belknap by Marsh as a
trustee Of certain.propcrty bequeathed TO
my wife"
"Some of the managers, notably Mr..
Hoar, were rather severe on you, General, .
said the writer.
"Yes," was the indignant reply. II did
expect they would do their duty as prose
cutors, and confne themselves to the dis
cussion Of the question Of jurisdiction; but,
instead Of this, they have gone out of the
way to assail me personally. They have
tried to intensity public opinion against
me, and to make the conviction that |
was thief 90 strong that it could not be
modified by evidence of my innocence Of
the most conclusive character
"You have been indicted, | believe, by
the grand jury Of the District ?"
"Yes, believe SO, replied the General
laughing; let them indict. I'll come oul
all right, mark what | tell you" Here
the Senators returned to the chamber,
after recess of twenty minutes, and Bel
KNAPP returned to his usual seat, by the side
Of his eminent counsel
A friend of mine had conversation with
Senator Thurman, Of Ohio, day or two
ago, during which allusion was made to
the Democratic nomination for the Presi-
dency. The Judge seemed averse to talk.
ing much on this subject, but in answer
to the expressed hope that he might
receive the nomination, he said, first tax.
ing huge pinch Of snuff Che is an invet.
crate snufer,) swell, want to see one Of
our best men get 1t. Fifteen years Of
Republican rule has well nigh ruined us as
nation; and to-day we stand much lower
in the estimation Of other Governments
than ever before. As for myself, / don't
disguise the fact TINT would consider my
nomination by the Democratic party as an
exalted honor something to be very proud
of--and, II elected, | should use my best
endeavors to purify all branches Of the
Government service. There are 50 many
other men, however, better entitled TO the
1 nomination. my friend and eollcacua Rav-