Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-03-10
Impeachment of Secretary Belknap.

The country was greatly surprised last
week by the announcement that the Sec
rotary of war, William w. Belknap,
had been proved corruptionist and
receiver of brides and that too by his
own confession. Thursday morning he
stood before the country as man Of in
tegrity and honesty, at night he was in
disgrace and dishonor. He rendered his
resignation as secretary of war, which
was instantly accepted by the president.
The facts had been brought out before
the committee on expenditures in the
war department, and as they became
known the feeling of shame and indig-
nation was universal, except among a
few partisians whose hope for political
capital rests entirely in corruption.
PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE.
The proceedings in the House Thurs
day afternoon were as follows:
Mr.. Clymer, of Pennsylvania, present.
ed resolutions Of impeachment against
William W. Belknap, late secretary of
war, for high crimes and misdemeanors
in office. In the midst of great excite
ment and with universal stiffness in the
House. Mr.. Clymer rose and said, Il
ask permission Of the House to make a
report from the committee ON expendi-
lures in the war department of so grave
importance that | am quite certain that
when it is heard this house will agree
that / am justified in asking that per-
mission at this time" Permission was
given and Mr.. Clymer, taking his posi-
ton at the clerks desk, read the follow
ing report:
The committee found at the very
threshold of its investigation such un-
questioned evidence of malfeasance of
Gen. William w. Belknap then secreta-
ry of war, that they found it their duty
to lay the same before the House. They
further report that this day, at IL o'clock
letter Of the President of the United
States was presented to the committee,
accepting the resignation of the secreta-
ry of war, together with a copy Of his
letter of resignation, and which inform
ed the committee the resignation was
accepted about 1920 this morning. They
therefore unanimously report and de-
mand that said William W. Belknap
late secretary of war, be dealt with &C.
cordingly to the law of the land, and tc
that end submit herewith testimony in
the case taken together with the several
statements and exhibits thereto attached
and also receipt of the proceedings Of
the committee, had during the investi
cation Of this subject.
Mr.. Clymer then proceeded to read
the testimony of Caleb P, Marsh, taker
yesterday before the committee, showing
that he had paid secretary BelknaI
about $4,000 in consideration of hi
appointment as post trader at Fort Sill
Indian territory. The reading was lis
tened to with intense interest by mem
bers of the House, and by large audi
ence in the galleries. In the more pa
thetic portions of the narrative, Clyme
was frequently forced by his feelings t,
, pause until his voice recovered from it
RIGHTEOUSNESS and himself from his az
itation. At the close of the reading
and after members, who had taken u
/ positions near the clerks desk the bet
, ter to hear the testimony and accom-
panying statemen) had returned t
their proper seats, Mr.. Clymer, who ha,
also gone to his seat, again rose and SAT-
: with great emotion : Mr.. speaker,
! would not if | could, and | could not il
e my present condition, if | would ad
anything to the facts just reported to tn
House"
Mr.. Clymer is chairman of the con
e mittee and it is said is classmate
d Belknap in college days