Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1876-03-08
WASHINGTON LETTER.
The Centennial DIsgraee-A BONANZA
OF Official COrruptIOn-Tts POlAti.
cal Eject.
What Madame Grundy and Miss Flora
M'FItmsey Think about it-NO
Financial Legislation Prob.
able This Session.
From the regular Correspondent of the APP

From the regular Correspondent OF the APP
peal.
WASHINGTON, March 4.-No words
can give an adequate idea Of the pro-
found sensation in this city, occasioned
by the disgrace which the secretary OF
war has brought upon the country. 10
say that the Republicans are dumb
founded and terror-stricken, and that
the Democrats are shocked at the very
magnitude Of their own discovery. is to
give but faint description Of the thrill
ing general horror caused by this ma
tional centennial shame.
ITS POLITICAL EFFECT.
Prominent Republicans say that this
will insure defeat in New Hampshire,
while Others do not hesitate to express
the fear that it will ruin the party and
give the Democrats the Presidency in
the coming election. The Democrats
are sorrowful rather than exulant, feel
ing deeply the disgrace in the eyes Of
foreign nations, and loss of national self
respect. The country first heard of the
existence of w. w. Belknap, when he
was made a cabinet minister, and given
the portfolio of war, and now it hears Of
him again, and he is odiously historic
forever. To-day, in every civilized
country and in every tongue this dis
grace is the subject of discussion, COM
mept, moral and sheer; but, there is no
reason why this man should be hoDOred
with chOicer invective than the most
hardened criminal. That the secretary
Of war should appreciate the dignity
and sacredness Of q national trust, or re-
gard it ia any higher light than a per-
sonal emolument, is not in the ethics Of
the administration that appointed him.
We have come to look upon these fine
sentiments as unprofessional among the
appointees of the President, and IN the
Republican party as it is.
General Belknap has long been 8
prominent figure-head here; his fine
physique PIT d distingne presence have
made MIN conspicuous as the hnestalOOk-
ing man in the cabinet. He might have
been seen on any fine afternoon, driving
with Mrs. Belknap in an elegant car
rage, behind superb bay horses and lv-
cried driver and fOotman. He always
looked the incarnation OF official probity,
and although his bearing was naughty
and supercilious, am told, by those who
know him, that he was as Chesterfield
would have him-frm and considerate
toward his interiors, unreserved and
hearty with his equals, and unembar-
raised but respectful in the presence Of
the king.
The history of his career is simple but
it's moral is wide. The s'silent, ssgacious
man." called him from Obscurity, and
forced a greatness upon him, the social
surroundings of which made his light
head dizzy, and proved too great flor MS
weak, moral stamina. He found his
mediocre self, by virtue Of office, in the
vortex of the most vulgar, frivolous and
extravagsnt society that ever democrat
lied seat of government. He and his
fashionable wife wanted more money
for their booth in vanity fair, and they
stole it. The nation is Inundated and
outraged, not so much by the common
instrument whom the event has made
conspicuous, and for whom, in common
with other criminals, the peDitentiary
will do, but by the administration and
party that has grossly abused a sacred
trust, that has scandalized its name
among the peoples, that has darkened
its history with ineffacable stains
through this representative appoint
ment.
1t is currently reported to-day that the
secretary of the navy will be the next to
fall under investigation, and it is be-
lieved by those with sagacious noses for
important news, that but three Of the
present cabinet will be able to stand.
These reports must, however, be largely
attributed to the reverbratory influence
of the present scandal. The air is reso.
nant with rumor, and indignant news
psperdom, having been surprised once,
has resolved itself into NIL Gdnairdn-
dam state, and will hereafter look upon
all discoveries Of bonanZas Of official cor
Iuption as matters Of course, long since
anticipated.
There is a general expression of regret
in society here that it was not Mrs.
Robson, wife of the secretary of the
navy, who is not liked, instead of
Mrs. Belknap, who is "charm-
anything" etc. The sympathy for this
unhappy woman is very general, but
even this gentle due requires analysis.
1t is over a woman detected in vulgar
crime that we weep. Very good; hu-
mainly is weak; pity is divine; we will
blend our tears. But have we not read
daily, and without emotion, of finan-
cial theft, provoked, may be, by hunger
or other powerful necessity? Perhaps
these are maudlipg, sentimental tears
libation to gaudy fashion, place, tinsel.
Let US be consistent and weep over
every unfortunate the press brings to
our notice, or else blush for our tears on
this OCCASION. Humanity is as msjes-
tic clothed in rags as when bedighted
in feur de u.s."
1t was interesting to observe the va
riety of facial expression among certain
Presidential aspirants when the report
Of the committee was read in congress.
Mr.. Blaine looked 1utifully solemn as
COW, but 1t seemed difficult for him to
conceal furtive eXultatiOn over this
last gasp of the third term. Mr.. Conk-
ling no doubt felt the blow more keenly
than his rival from Maine, because this
disgrace will impair the power OF the
administration, not only to renOmiDate
itself, but to name the successor.
Ali other Intelligence seems unim-
pOrtsnt in comparison with the Belknap
affair, but the week has been eventful
in the apparent final decision Of the
Democratic caucus to agree to disagree,
silently, on financial policy, and to adj
dress itself exclusively to the work of in
vestigstion and the reduction of national
expenses. The majority realizes thai it
is il 10 way responsible for the financial
status; that, from Its foundation to its
climax in ruin, the Republicans have
been the architects and contractors, and,
that anything that they might attempt
would prove ;abOrtive, through the an
tsgonism of the senate and the admin
istratinn "a