Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1876-05-11
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, d. c., May 6, 1875

The attitude assumed by the two
great political parties OF the day pre-
sents to an observant eye very much
the appearance of two pugilists about
to begin contest for the championship
of the world. The slightest movement
of eye or limb is watched with the
most intense interest, and 10 attack or
defend is the order of the day. The
first blow carried by the Democracy
that of universal Investigation has
been handsomely warded and is likely
to be met by counter-blows of more
telling effect. The Belknap case like n
wounded serpent still drags its weary
length along. The Senate not having
as yet decided the question as to its In
vestigation. The Grand Jury of the
District of Columbia has found pre-
sentiment against him, and it is proba-
BILE that he will be tried during the
coming term. Belknap is said to be In
excellent spirit, having no fear for the
results and promise settlement with
some of his prominent accusers after
things are settled with the Senate and
Courts. Senator Morton, of Indiana, is
among those whom the Democracy
have recently deemed worthy of inves-
tigation, and like Mr.. Blaine has given
u most satisfactory account of his stew
ardship. 1t appears that in 1864 affairs
were i'm such condition i'm Indiana
that the President deemed it proper to
advance to Mr.. Merton then Governor
of that State the sum of $3.50, 900 to en-
able him 10 carry on military opera
tions. He has recently been accused
of misapprOpriating at least a portion
of that sum. He has happily succeed
ed in explaining fairly how every
cent was expended and producing
vouchers therefor. The extradition
treaty with Great Britain just now oc-
cupies prOminentpOsitiOn on the tapis.
1t is claimed here that the British gov.
ernment has failed to comply with the
requirements of the Ashburton treaty
in referring to deliver up Winslow,
Brent and Gray, the Boston forgers,
who it seems are now at large in Lon
don; Earl Derby having notified Mr..
Fish to that effect. The British gov.
ernment declining to deliver them
unless assurance be given that. they
will be tried for no other crime than
that for which they are claimed, to-
wit, forgery. Now, rs there are vsri-
Gus other charges pending against
them Mr.. Fish very properly declines
to give the assurance demanded and SO
the affair stands. There is no proba.
bility that it will lead to any unpleas-
antness but will require an amend
ment of the treaty. In response to a
resolution of the House of Sd of April
requesting the President of the United
States to inform the House whether
any executive acts or duties, and if
any, what, within specified period
have been performed at distance from
the seat of Government. The Presi-
dent while very properly denying the
constitutional right of the House to
make such enquiries informs them that
be has performed the duties of his Of
fee rs his oath prescribed and as the
Constitution allowed him. Fairly vim
dicating his rights and duties in the
premises and with great dignity fully
answering the petty aspersions dictated
in ignorance and malice. Accompany
ing the message is a memorandum of
the absences of the Presidents of the
United States from the National Cap
ital during each OF the several admins
trations, and of the public and execu-
tive acts performed during the time of
such absences. The postoffice appro-
priation bill will be pressed through to
completion at once. The envelope man.
ufacturers are here fighting the system
of issuing stamped envelopes the same
as they have been doing in previous
years without success. REP.