The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-03-25
POST TRADERSHIPS.
What She Knows About the Kentucky
Central.
Several Post Traders Examined.

several POst-EfaderB Il examined.
WASHINGTON, March 24-Mrs c. p Marsh
came into the room Of the committee on ex-
penditures in the War Department to day,
accompanied by her husband. She was sworn.
The examination was conducted by Mr.. Dan
ford. She testified that she left Cincinnati in
1865, where she formally resided, and has lived
in New York most of the time since that year.
Had known Mrs. Bowers, now Mrs. Belknap,
since 1860, and had been at the same hotel with
her in Cincinnati for years. She met Mrs.
Bowers in New York where she was her guest.
Mrs. Bowers was widow at the time. Wit
ness went to Europe in company with Mrs.
Bowers, the last of June, 1872, and knew that
Pendleton's name was on the list of psssen-
gers.
Witness was asked if she had any conversa-
ton at any time with Mrs. Bowers now Mrs.
Belknap, relative to her interest in the Ken
lucky Central railroad claim. She answered,
Two or three weeks ago at the Arlington
Hotel" At that time witness asked Mrs Bel
KNAPP whether she ever received any money on
account of the claim, telling her she heard that
that the claim was only for 100000 and how
could she receive $4,000? During that con-
versStion witness was in state of excitement
and distress. Mrs. BsIknap was friend of
hers and witness felt much interest on her &C
count. She had simply mentioned to Mr.. Bel
KNAPP an idle rumor; had always talked to her
as she would to her sister. Had heard the
rumor for over year. She related to General
Kiddoo the conversation between herself and
Mrs Belknap. She did not know of Mr.. Pen
dletOn paying money to Mrs. Belknap on
account of the Kentucky railroad claim or of
bis making her presents. Never beard the
Secretary of War say anything about the con-
tract bet ween her husband and Evans.
On the cross examination by Mr.. Robbins,
witness said she understood Mrs, Beknap as
denying that she received anything and meant
to convey that impression. In response to
question by Mr.. Clymer, witness said she saw
Mr.. Clymer but once, and that was three weeks
ago. 1t was at the breakfast table at the
Arlington Hotel. Their conversation had no
reference to the matter before the committee.
G. p. Marsh was recalled and testified that
he left Washington for New York on the day
the impeachment report was presented, and did
not then design going to Canada.
Question by Mr.. Clymer - On the evening of
"Wednesday you came to my lodging and saw
me moment Tell what transpired,
A.-FrOm something said at he dinner table
| Inferred that Belknap was not only liable to
impeachment, but to criminal prosecution;
said to you, ''lf the Secretary is in danger,
am in danger" when you said, "Oh. you are
not in DANGER"
Mr. Ciymer-I did, not attempt TO alarm you?
Am the contrary, you pacifed me.
was alarmed, when you said l was in no dan
Q.--When you reached New York. what in
duced you to conclude to go to Canada?
Astonishing in the newspapers Friday
morning concerning my testimony, all of which
was published. L Consulted a lawyer, who
made an exhaustive examination of the case
The lawyer did not think could be Indicted,
or if l should be, | could not be convicted, but
there seemed, however, to be some danger.
This alarmed me and determined me not to
remain in New York. left early in the after
noon Friday for Montreal. This was the first
time l heard it said 1 had committed an offence
for which 1 might be imprisoned
Mr.. Bass-Mr. Clymer told you on Wcdnes-
day night that there was no danger to YOU
Mr. Clymer-I said that Mr.. Marsh could not
be sent to prison for anything he had said be-
fore the committee.
Mr.. Robbins-That was true.
Mr. Backburn-Had you then heard that
the government had concluded to prosecute
you as well as Belkuap?
Al am not positive. 1 might have seen
such statement in the papers.
Git is said you hesitated when at Peekskill
as TO whether you would proceed to Mon
treal?
Al did hesitate. 1 thought that if L had
offended the laws of my country would stand
trial If train had been going back to New
York should have taken passage in it, but as
the opposite train was going to Montreal pro-
ceeded thither
Mrs. Marsh being asked why she went to
Montreal, said that seeing in the morning pa
pers that her husband had jumped off the train
she followed the next morning, fearful that he
mad been injured. Mr.. and Mrs. Marsh then
left the room.
Messrs Alvin G. Leighton, James Leighton
and Seth Arnold, post-traders, were respective
~ examined and facts were ELECTED that Gen.
eral Hedrlck received large sums for obtaining
one of the appointments, that $500 a month
were paid. to Orville Grant, and 800 contrib
uted for electioneering purposes.
y. ). Hammer testified that he obtained an
appointment of post trader at Fort Gibson at
the request OF ex Senator Mcdonald of Arkan.
sas, who asked for it as personal favor Wit
ness paid no money TOR the appointment but
bad been assessed and paid $1,000 to the Repub-
lican executive committee at Washington. He
had no partner