New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-04-12
COBURN IND BELKNAP.

THE FORT SILL SCANDAL II fS72-now SECRETARY
BELKNAP DIVERTED SUSPICION From HIMSELF.
To the EdttOr Of the TrtbURs.
SIR The Western papers are unjust toward
Gen Coburn OF Indiana in charging him with suppressng
an nves CATION Of the p0stradersip frauds In The VIM
ter OF 1872. 10 is true that ne showed no disposition
while Chairman Of the Military Committee to probe Tie
NATTER but 1t must bo remembered that Secretary Bel
Euap threw dust in the eyes OF the newspapers
and the public, wen Of the Committee, by
promptly issuing Order which appeared 10 be hon.
esty intended the evil exposed by Cen Iaz
and TIE TRIBUNE II was bold stroke OF strategy on
Belknap's part and 1t completely successful The
day after the publication Of the dispatch in THE TRIBUNE
giving the details OF the Fort Sill job and specifying tho
exact nature OF the contract, between Marsh and Evans
Gen Mcdowell was IN Washington, and his attention was
drawn to the scandal by Cen Garfield. Gen. Mcdowell
said that il disgrace 10 the army, and That lie
Z would 20 al once to the war Department and talk
with Secretary Belknap about II. lie went and in an
hour or so returned Gen. Garfclds house radiant.
"a frank, straightforward way is the best"
he said, and went on to tell how Bel
KNAPP was as much shocked himself at the
disclosure that the soldiers ut Fort Sill were beng robbed
to enable The trader pay bonus for his privilege, and
how he had offered to sign any order he CicDowelD
might write to correct Gen. Mcdowell sat
down at "A table in Gen Garileds library ana wrote an
order appeared to the case. 1t directed
traders reside their posts aud carry their business
personally forbid the subctting OF their privileges aud
empowered the post council to fix tariff OF prices.
This order the General took to the Secretary, who
promptly signed it, aud thanked him for his kindness in
aiding him to break up vicious practice. Belknaps
manner was so frank and hearty that If Mcdowell
entertained any doubts to his integrity they
pctey dlsarmed
That night the Secretary did thing he had been
known do before He sent advance copy of the order
TO THE Bureau here that il appeared in that
paper one day before 1t given 10 the Associated
Press The vigor and apparent honesty OF Belknaps
action might wen have deceived astute than
Gen Coburn. who had no head for investigations aud
very little for public business Of any Kind. Tho Me
Doweu order did entirely meet the Fort sill case
because Marsh did not hold the appointment OF trader
as was supposed, Evans holding IL in his own
NAME but no order would have prevented the
secret payment OF corruption money to Sc
cure or retain an appointment. One good
effect however, was brought about by the order-the
rapacy Of the traders moderated by the authority
of The post councils to revise their prlcests AS Evans
profits were largely reduced Marsh Immediately cut
down onehalf the amount OF HIS annual tribute 10 Mrs.
Bclknap. Looking back upon the whole affair IN the
light Of our present knowledge how plainly
the trail OF corruption led TO Belknop, and 1t Is not
strange that Gen. CobuTn and his associates On the
Military Committee should be criticised for mol follow ing
1t up and yet when all the circumstances known do
not think they fairly open to harsh Judgment. 1t