Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-05-16
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Washingtom Correspondence.
WAsuINGroN, D. C. May s. '76.

W AsulNhlON, Is ~ AhH) % 'v'
Mr. Editor:
Alter long though not patient waiting,
cold weather has given place to spring
which in quick succession has yielded to
the hot summer weather incident 10 this
climate. While there has been no severe
cold weather since December, it has been
unseasonably cold during the past two
months. there not having been even a
tolerably warm day until The 4th inst,
overcoats have been nearly as much worn
rs in midwinter.
The fix into which the confederate in
vestigators have got themselves Is truly
amusing. Their usual custom has been
10 listen TO some tale told at what they
are pleased to term a private interview,
but which is really an examination TO see
if the story will suit their purpose; ii the
interview proves satisfactory. they are
summoned before the committee and al
lowed to tell their little story in secret
session; and, If possible, in the absence
of the republican members OF the COM
mttee then, such version OF the tesli-
mony as they wish to 90 before the coun-
try. and they think will suit their pur-
poses, is given TO democratic reporters.
In most cases these reports have proved
10 be void of truth, and the testimony
when more fully known. shown to be
wholly unwarranted. With view oil
proving that President Grant had been
spending public funds for party purposes
John j. Davenport, Esq, OF New YORK;
was summoned before the committee,
when they agreed that he should be al
lowed TO tell his story in detail. and IN
his own way. lie, however, had pro-
ceeded but little way before they found
that he was unearthing democratic frauds
in New York; they concluded that that
would never do, and suddenly adjourned.
Thanks to the perseverance, OF the Hon.
Mr.. Conger Of the committee, he, (D)
was enabled TO tell much that they never
intended TO hear. Most of the witnesses
are men who have been turned out OF
places that they have disgraced; as was
the case OF Holbrook OF the Post Office
Department. and those who originated
the prin,iug-oflice investigation. These
latter were ex-confeds who had wormed
themselves into the office, and when Mr.
Clspp got to know the facts he promptly
dismissed them.
We have been panied and mortified al
the general outcry OF official corruption
which is being made throughout the
country. With this feeling we have mol
regretted the Investigations that have
been going on during the past i've
months, though it has been humiliating
indeed to see such men sitting in Judg'
ment upon the acts of men in every way
their superiors. After all this time, with
more than thirty specific Investigations
and nearly the entire session devoted tt
them, they have not been able to pu1
their finger on single republican ott1ce
holder, and say, Thou art the man who
has been dishonest in the discharge o.
YOUR duties" or shown where a single
dollar of public funds have been squan
dered for party purposes. With these
facts fully established. where the need o
going outside of the republican party t
correct abuses or TO inaugurate reform
We say, give us for candidate tru'
and tried republican OF the old school
one who has record OF consistency ant
honesty within the party. and we will q
into the approaching campaign with th'
battle more than halt fought, and victor.
, already perching on our banners.
) The message of President Grant in re
ply to the House resolution OF inquiry a
to his having performed official acts out
side OF the City of Washington, ha
caused no little flutter in the democrati
camp. II is one OF the finest state paper
furnished by this administration disnl
fled and ghtforward, 1t thorough.
exhausts the subject. and gives them
. me rsel they do not relish.
, Business at the scandal mongers' head