Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-03-21
aflstellanp.
For THE OXFORD DEMOCRAT.
WdshinDtOn Correspondence &C.
WAsulycrox, D. c.. Mar. Q, 1876

WASHINGTON, D. c.. Mar. 9, 1876.
Mr.. Editor:-The excitement that has
been kept at fever heat for the past week
can hardly be said to have abated, as new
developments are being made every
day and many idle and extravagant ru-
mors are set afoat for the sake Of mis-
chief. The down fall OF Belknap has not
been entirely unexpected by those more
intimate with his past history. He en-
tered the army with no very strong con-
viction as to the business OF the cause,
but as n war Democrat, yet his record as
soldier was good. Having been born
iu the District OF Columbia, his father be-
ing n prominent officer in the regular
army, he was well known TO the Blairs.
aud was favored by the friend OF his
youth, Gen + p Blair, Jr., by swhom
he was recommended for promotion. and
rose TO be Bugidier General OF Volun'
teers through his friendship.
Our first knowledge Of him was soon
after the war he came 10 this city 10 Sc.
cure an appointment AS Major in the regu-
lar army he remained hare as Johnson
striker tor several months; during those
months there was vast quantity Of bad
whiskey spoiled, and not little blowing
4 8. Ii 10 tho ria nitu ~ 81
ST. to Pennsylyania ave. n. W.. but
did not meet with much favor or succeed
in obtaining the desired position 10 the
army. and when his money was nearly
gone he reduced his request from Major
to lst Lieutenancy, still without sue
cess; he finally applied to be appointed
to a 1920 clerkship; failing in this he
returned to Iowa, presided over John.
son meeting at Keokuk this fact being
brought to Johnson's notice by ex Post
master. Gen. Montgomery Blair. Bel
knap was appointed Collector OF Internal
Revenue, which position be filed at the
time OF being called into the Cabinet.
He was never known as Republican
and never acted with the party except to
vote tor Lincoln in 1864, because johnson
was on the ticket. and not from any sym
pathy he had with the republican party
his appointment to be Secretary OF War
has always been understood here to have
been on the recommendation oil Gen.
Sherman, and not upon the advice OF any
Republican. We once asked q member
OF the Iowa delegation in Congress il any
one had gone through that State and
made inquiry of every man there. who
there was in Iowa that would make q
good Secretary OF War how many would
haye suggested Belknap9 his reply was,
mot more than one man; that one
would have been Belkuap."
The last few days have developed the
fact that ell the evidence in the case was
known to the democratic members OF the
committee weeks ago, but was sup
pressed to be brought out at the proper
time TO affect the New Hampshire eec.
ton. Marsh, the witness, being demo-
crat they were unable to manipulate the
matter TO their own liking, but in this
they seemed to have misjudged, and in
their impatience sprung it too soon to
answer the purpose intended. II now
appears that Marsh was not cross.ex.
amined but his examination discontinued
when they had reached the points desired,
thereby some rich developments were
suppressed, and he allowed, if not urged
10 leave the country, as had the matter
been pressed there would have been
several prominent democrats who would
have suffered, as it is quite certain that
Geo. II. Pendleton would have been
brought into connection with the mat
ter. and Sam Randall's fair fame wouiC
have been somewhat tarnished; for The
past few days there has been an eviden
desire on The part oi the democracy Il
: abandon Investigation, and we opine tina
but little more will be hesrd of them
Thus far no republican has been hi, 90,
/ the committee ou Expenditures Of tn
( War Department before whom this mat