The New York herald., 1876-03-08
Judge Taft. Of Ohio. Accepts the Vacant
Secretayshp.
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

SHE RECEIVED IT FROM.
Report here brings ar ugly charge against the demo
cratic members of the committee which developed Mr..
BclHnaps crime, which both sides of the House
will, without doubt, investigate 1t is asserted
that the following is susceptible proof before com
mittee of the House.
That when Mr.. and Mrs. Marsh reached Washington
last week and before the former appeared before the
committee there was conference at the Arlington be-
tween Mrs Belknap and Mrs. Marsh, several other
persons being present. all being acquaintances and
most OF them knowing the facts which Mr. Cymcr's
committee was charged to inquire into; that
at that interview Mrs Marsh, in talking of
various transactions OF which she knew,
alluded to statements in circulation in certain
circles In regard 10 the socalled Pendeton railroad
claims relating TO the Kentucky Central Raroad that
MIRA Beknap said that the stories were gross ex-
aggerations; that while 1t had been believed among
Of her friends that she received $40 900 from
that claim she had, in fact obtained only about half
that amount; that the friends OF Mrs. Marsh assert
that II she Is brought before that committee she
will undoubtedly testify to the main acts given above.
The republican members Of tho committee knew
not hing Of this branch OF the subject until last satur
day night and Monday morning Mr.. Danfori caused
subpoena to be issued for Mrs. Marsh But she hav-
ing. 1t is supposed, had ntmation of what was to
come left for Canada.
It is further asserted to bo susceptible of proof be-
fore tho House, that Mrs Bowers now Mrs Belknap;
Hon. George II. Pendleton, Mr. Cbxier and
Mr. and Mrs. Marsh made parts OF
the tour of Europe together and that this journey
of tha hoca
quainted with the main facts thus far developed and
others of q similar character; that when 1t became
known here to some who were of the party that Mr.
Cymer had determined to bring Mr.. Belknap down, he
reminded in pointed terms that If he deler-
mined to do this, he could decline bring Pendle
down too; that Mr. Cymer asserted that he had not
sufficient data reach Mr.. Pendleton; that he was
pressed with the rejoinder that Mrs. Marsh would
testify to It; that the records of the departments
would throw light the case; that however he
Marsh allowed to go Off without attempt being
made to ascertain whether they could throw any light
upon the Pendleton
These very grave charges, but 1t Is very positively
House will summon the witnesses Il Is singular fac
that there has been, for days past noticca BILE
dsinclination among some democrats TO push invest
cations 1t charge that any considerable
number OF democrats discourage but it
certain that some do.
Tho record OF Pendleton's settlement of the Ken
tucky Central Railroad claim. according 10 Official pa
pers this In brefThc road after having been paid
the usual military for service during the war;
fled claim for the difference between these rates and
ninety per cent OF the usual rates to private persons
The amount OF the CLAIM asserted was sl4s 553
Secretary Stanton referred to Quartcrmaster General
Meigs who twice reported strongly against H. and Mr.
Stanton refused to pay It, In the fall OF 1870,
consideration Of the case. II was again referred
to General Megs, who recalled and rsstated the
former action and twice again reported adversely Il
was then referred to General Mckee Dunn, Assistant
Judge Advocate General, who decided that BeIknap
had the right reopen the case that the clam was
good one and that the Third Auditor should be asked
to settle it, Mt Belknap approved this in writing, and
a requisilion warrant issued to Pendlcton, and
payment was rushed through tho War and Treasury
departments in one day. tho whole aco Of the claim
being paid to Pcndleton June IL, 1871.
OF course this matter will be brought at before
the House. but Mrs. Marshs escape 10 Canada may
barrass the thorough investigation which will bo re-
qured-
THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE ON THE BEL
KNAP IHDIcTMENT-THE RESPONSIBILITY FoR
MARsH's DISAPPEARANCE
The debate in the House to-day was the most bril-
liant that has been heard years floor.
II was real debate, with prepared speeches rosy
interiudss, but with running nre OF discussion, in
which the clearest heads and sharpest wits In the
House took part Lamar, Blackburn and Cox, OF the
democrats, and Blame and Kasson. Of the re-
publicans. were the principal speakers, and the
encounter was Tor emnently worth listening to
aud tired no one The question around which tho de-
bate centred appeal TO the House by the com
mtiee which brought TO light Mr. Belknap's crimo 10
relieve from asummons 70 appear before the Grand
Jury, but tho discussion strayed from this
central point and for some time hung the ques-
tion who guilty OF having caused the disappearance
OF Mr. aud Mrs Marsh, who, II seems are now wanted
both strengthen the OF the House in its mpeach
mcnt Of Mr.. Bclknap and to be examined before the
Grand Jury. Tho democrats sought to Gx tho
responsibility upon the President and tho
Cabinet stating that they had ordered the
pprehenson and trial OF Marsh, well as
Tomlinson and Belknap. Il Is, however, fact that
nothing Of tho kind ordered 10 Fridays Cabinet
meeting. despatch asserting that such order
agreed 10 by tho Cabinet undoubtedly false and
good deal OF curiosity was expressed this afternoon
about Its origin when denied In tho House that it
true. IL may become necessary 20 inquire ON
what authority and by whom this statement was sent
to the press Il probable that the discussion wil be
removed tomorrow, and there Is disposition tonight
" wonder why The eOmnis,ss have 90 long DELAYED 70