National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1876-07-15

would proceed from the prosecution; but 1t
did not. The defense put it pointedly and
earnestly, as well as the question, ruled out
by the court, 10 show that neither the
Government nor the soldiers lost anything
by the transactions OF Evans and Marsh.
This latter question was intended to prove
that the prices paid at the post by the SOL
diers when they purchased goods from
Evans were the same, if not cheaper, as
those paid at other posts where no allega-
ton of fraud or irregularity had been made.
Why the court ruled this interrOgatory out,
unless it was with the design to aid the
prosecution, we cannot imagine. Subse-
quently, on the 18th instant, the question
to show that no corrupt bargain existed
was nearly ruled out, as the following ex-
tract from the official reports fully demon
strates:
By Mr.. Carpenter: Q. There was some talk
between you and the Secretary OF War about
Your being appointed post-trader instead of
Evans or yourself, Evans not being mentioned
in connection with it at first? A. Yes, sir.
When first called upon him he was not men
toned.
Q. Was there any corrupt agreement or any
agreement between you and Mr.. Belknap in
regard to being appointed post-trader at Fort
Sill?
Mr.. Manager Mcmahon. We object to the
word corrupt" Say "any agreement" l
think by using the word corrupt" you are
asking an opinion of the witness. The objec-
ton we make is that the question calls for an
opinion as to the character of the agreement
instead of calling for the agreement itself.
The President do counsel
modify the question!
Mr. Carpenter. l do not want to ask the
question of the propriety of that interrogatory
The President pro ternpOre. The Chair sus-
tains the objection.
Mr.. Carpenter. Read the question.
The President pro te1npOre. The reporter
will read the question.
The question was read by the official re-
porter, as follows:
@. Was there any corrupt agreement or any
agreement between you and Mr. Belknap in re-
gard to your being appointed post-trader ut Fort
Mr.. Carpenter. understand the interroga-
tory is objected to, and the objection is sus-
tanned by the court.
The President pro tenpore. The whole in
terrogatory the Chair considers overruled. If
counsel desire, the Chair will submit it to the
Senate.
Mr.. Carpenter. No; 1 will put another
agreement on your part to pay Mr.. Belknap
any money in consideration that he would ap-
point you post-trader at Fort Sill!
A. There was not.
By Mr.. Carpenter: Q. At any time? A. At
any time.
q. Was there ever any agreement between
you and Mr.. Belknap that you should pay him
any pecuniary consideration Tor or in consider
alton of his appointing Mr.. Evans post trader
at Fort Sill A. There was not.
Q. Was there ever any agreement between
you and Mr.. Belknlp that you would pay him
any money or other valuable consideration In
consideration of his continuing Mr.. Evans as
post trader at Fort Sill? A. Never.
Q. So far as you know was not the only in
ducement leading to that appointment the
kindness which you and your wife had shown
to Mrs. BelkHsp at your house. A. That
certainly had great deal to do with it, Pc
sumo.
Q. Did you make or claim to have any bill
against him for anythingdone for Mrs. Bel
KNAPP! A. No, sir.
Q. Your treatment of her was entirely gra-
tuitous? A. Yes, sir.
Q. But of course led to feeling Of f.iend-
ship between the familesl A. Yes, sir.
Q. You say that the friendship which arr se
from the fact that Mrs. Belknap had been sick
at your house, and had been kindly treated,
had great deal to do with that appointment;
was there, apart from that friendly feeling ANY
consideration moving from you to Belknap to
procure that appointment? A. None.
Whatever may be the result of the trial,
the facts referred to in this article show
that the animus of the situation, so to
speak, has been against the accused. 1t
would be strange, indeed, were he to be
acquitted under such circumstances, and
not at all strange if he should be convicted.