The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1876-06-15
THURSDAY, JUNE Is, 1876.
Democratic investigation.

y
the house to slaughter the innocents, be-
gin to find that the experiment does not pay.
The design was, Of course, to catch Republl-
cans and present them to the country as evl-
dences of an absolute necessity for a change
of the administration from Republicanism to
Democracy. But for each Republican caught
and presented as guilty of official corruption
at least two Democrats are either certainly
convicted of fraud or so clouded over with
doubt as to make it altogether unsafe to re-
pose confidence in them in the future. And
the most trying circumstance Of this result
is, that while the guilty Republicans are mere
hangers on of the party with Belknap as the
only exception, the Democrats are calendered
as saints whose images were literally en-
shrined in the hearts of the leaders and the
masses. This state OF things is truly de-
plored, and not little private Democratic
grumbling is heard that Clymer and Proctor
Knott and the rest of the captains among the
inquisitors should have attempted the use Of
the boomerang before they, as is evident, had
learned the first principles. necessary in its
management. Not a few too have been the
muttered regrets that when the deadly in
strument returned from its flight it did not
hit those who so bunglingly used it on the
head instead of the Pendletons and the
Kerr's and the rest who were so badly dam
aged but who were not intended to be hit at
all.
The effect of all this Democratic investga-
ting presents rather curious picture for the
beholder-so curious that it ceases to be a
wonder that Democracy is heartily sick Of it
and wishes it had never been began. 1t
commenced with the war department, and
there was lively rejoicing from the Dan to
the Beer Sheba of Democracy when the un-
earthing of the Bclllnap- Marsh poststore
embroglio was announced. The eXuberance
of the committee itself was SO intense that 1t
forgot even the precaution of making sure
It's work by locking the door to escape, and
ii is extremely doubtful whether this neglect
does not yet work to the guilty Belknap
avoidance Of his just deserts. But worse
even than this for Democracy; ; while they
were exultingly rejoicing and pushing on tol
the detection Of more evidence of Republi-
can corruption -finging the boomerang with
a perfect looseness, as it were-they struck
another lode which in turn struck them
aghast with astonishment and alarm. This
time the culprit did not prove to be Re
publican. 1t was no less parsonage thar
Democratic George II. Pendleton who was
hit and badly damaged. One hundred and
fifty thousand dollars was what he with Bel
knap's connivauce, had flched from the trea
sury which had already after close investiga
tion been rejected thus evincing that saint
lyDemocrats and Republicans did not hesitate
to unite their scoundrelism and hunt in pairs
for opportunity to rob the Treasury. Late
on, as if in confirmation Of this pair hunting
that other high toned Democrat, Speake
Kerr, was brought to grief by the charge o
former Republican employe of the House
named Harvey, Of mutual interest in tn
commission brokerage business. 1t is tru
that Republican sympathieS excited by tn
condition of Kerr's health and his previou
good character has led to his tacit acquitta
from the charge; but there stands the recort
to show that Harvey did act as 60 betwee
for the procuring of the commission, tha
Kerr did procure the commission, and tha
Green did pay the $3.50 to Harvey, whic
he swears he did pay to Kerr for his services
In this case the maximum of interest certain
ly lay with Speaker Kerr, for PERSONAL
Harney had no interest at stake, certainl
nothing to gain by stirring up the disreputa
bic transaction if there was no ground for hi
charge to stand on. 1t is mere contest Q
oath against oath which simple reversal c
the standing of the parties would undoubtedl
have led TO Kerr's conviction, and, as it is
leaves his character in damaged conditio
in the estimation of many honest and prom
inent men Of both parties.
This is about the sum total of Democrat
success in nosing around in search of the COZ
ruptions alledged against Republican &C
ministration-on Republican to two Demo
erats securely seated on the stool Of repent
ance for crimes against their oaths of ofic
and their reputation as men. Their wor
has encompassed hundreds in its intent, bu
the Secretary Of the Navy shows clear r.
cord, and Blaine not only secures a triumph
ant acquittal, but fastens upon his haters th
disreputable meanness and littleness of hay
ing attempted to secure his ruin by the SUI
preston of testimony which presents his cha
acter to the world clear and brilliant as til
noon day sun. The attempt to convict Graz
Of corruption and nialfeasance in office on ii
volunteered testimony Of an acknowledged il
natic escaped from his keepers, is all that W;
needed to finish up the picture of the inter
sity of Democracy's desire to gain eel;
through investigation, and the lulicrousne
Of their attempt to handle 50 dangerous
weapon in aid Of the work
The attendance at the Centennial Exh
bition increases, and will probably continl