davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
BELKNAP AND FREIGHTs.
IFrom The ST. Louis Republican. ]

lfrom the ST Louis Republican
Republican reporter yesterday morning called upon
Mr. Thomas Allen, ofthe Iron Mountain Road who has
recently returned from his southern trip
Mr. Allen stated that he had long ago found out what
manner OF man Belknap was, and ho had gwen his per-
sonal opinion 10 that gentleman writing About the
freight awards he desired TO that since his return
the south his mind was occupied with other busi-
ness and he hadn't bad time 10 look his papers,
Tx precise dates, names, &c, OF transactions.
Therefore, he not prepared 10 any detailed in
formation at this time lie would STATE. however IN a
general way, that his road, In connection With the
Texas Pacinc, put IN bid to supply the Southwestern
posts al figure two.thirds less than that which Il
vas analy awarded 10 the Missouri Kansas and Texas
road DcnisOn was made depot in accordance with
this scheme although IL was stoutiy opposed by Cen
eTal sherman.
Mr. Allen was satisfied that Mr. Stevens the then
general manager OF the Missouri, Kansas and Texas
road collusion with Secretary Belknap else
why did this same Mr. stevens OF Hanni-
bal among the FIRST TO telegraph his congratulations to
General BabcOck on his acquttalt
What did stevens know about Babcock excepting
through their ring relaticnsS
Mr. Allen mentioned, however that the principal
grievance for which be bad complaint make against
the powors in control at Washington the oppos
which offered to his proposition TO build the bridge
across the Arkansas River At Little Rock In connec-
tion with the 81 LOUIS Iron hountain and southern
Railroad He annoyed and threatened With suits,
and blAckmail was attempted IN various shapes.
He received notice from LaDdaulci williams writ
ten under instruction OF the secretary OF War. warning
him against building OF that bridge on account OF
ts being obstruction 20 navigation OF tho ArkAnsaa
River
He repaired 70 Washington and saw the Attorney Gen
eral Who .ad tai BE- hat NOS exsniIes the law w re-
The New York herald., 1876-03-10

aton 70 the matter but would do and give an opn-
ion on a request from the proper authorities
Mr. Allen had learned by the way, that
CLAYTON AND DORSEY.
the two Senators from Arkansas, had intimate rea-
ons with Belknap and were at the bottom Of the OPP
position which the atte- offered To his bridge project
they being interested IN charter for another bridge
In proof OF this these parties and those with whom
they associated subsequently offered to sell out
their franchise TO Mr. Allen for $50 600 He determined
pay cent OF tribute TO this Ring and hence
rejected the proposition.
So, after visiting the Attorney General with the re-
suit above stated,
ALLEN CALLED Mr.. BELKSAP
calling attention to the proceedings inaugurated by
him 10 prevent the building OF the railroad bridge
Mr. Allen inquired by what law authority the War
Department assumed the right TO take this action or
any action whatever IN tins matter. The Secretary
sad the law was plain enough. Mr.. Allen deied him
TO produce IT, This the Secretary failed to do and then
fell back the constitution his general authority.
Mr. Allen said that he knew such authority unless
possibly It might be found IN some OF the numerous
recent amendments TO that instrument.
Mr. Allen then procured the proper signatures to
request asking the Attorney General to give opinion
on the bridge question, alter which he left for home
Al New York he followed by the Ring agents offer
ing sell out their franchise on arriving at Pitts
field Mass he saw by the Washington dispatches that
the Attorney General had decided that the building OF
railroad bridge across the Arkansas River at Little
Rock under the restrictions named would be no oD-
struction to navigation" within the meaning OF the
laws OF Congress. While Pitsheld Mr. Allen was
again piled by the Ring agents with offer TO sell out
their franchise for So OOO In addition to these an
nOyances, attempt made TO enjoin MIN from
crossing the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad but the
decided in his favor without putting any money
into the pockets OF the Ring He knew that portion
OF the bonus paid for getting renewal OF his charter
went into the pockets OF Rice and Mcdonald the two
former Arkansas Senator'S and ho set his lace against
paying any tribute TO this set OF corrupt ring
masters
All Of which facts are very reliable straws in ndl-
eating the course OF the wind.
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
BELKNAp AT KEOKuK.

WHAT IS SAID BY AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
From the Quincy Qll) whigl
Knowing that Senator Arntzen had at one time been
In position to learn something of the ex-Secretary,
Wing reporter called upon him at his Office Hamp-
shire street Mr. Arntzen expressed great sorrow at
the sudden dow nfall of Belknap his acquaintance
with him had led to very favorable opinion Of his
abilities The least that could be said that il
sad affair.
In reply TO question as to his early acquaintance
with the Secretary he said:"My acquaintance with
him began about 1855, as now think He was
ceedingly pleasant man. He then engaged in the
practice OF law extent and in the insurance
and land agency business at Keokuk- In his real es-
tate specuations he was not fortunate and like many
others at that tme he involved himself In debts that
hung him for several years" In the practice Of
law il understood that he very successful
1t told that in certain lawsuit he had attempted
TO address the jury and made signal failure that
being modest, tmid man. he had not the courage TO
attempt speaking again. though in conversation he was
of good address Up to the war; and even later,
he ultra democrat.
In the year 1861, perhaps, he was made Major In
the volunteer service He had influential friends and
family connections, among them General Hugh I.
Reed, brother-in naw, who aided him materially in
his aspirations, and IL was probable that they were
largely Instrumental In pushing him forward in his
first steps toward prominent position
Mr. Arntzen never knew anything derogatory to
Beknap's business character though, considering the
fact that had gone into the poor and heavily IN
debt on account of his real estate transactions thero
were many who had expressed some surprise that he
able SO soon TO como home and pay up what he
owed In the minds OF some there little surprise
expressed al his financial comfort during the
time he served government position after the close
OF the war; but far as he knew Belknap had been
singularly fortunate in escaping mputaons from the
press the only instance of suspicion being in connec
zion with the furnished to the French during the
Franco Prussian war, transaction which sup
posed have feathered the nest Of ono this
side OF the Atlantic
In regard to the Belknap downfall, Mr.. Arntzen said
the ex-Secretary was proud, fond of display and
xPRovIDEsT IN EXPENDITURES,
and II he has fallen, be true, II may have
grown of these traits of his character AS before
stated OF his sudden ability to pay up his old debts and
gorgeous style OF living, there may have been
for suspicion and Of the requirements OF his
social position in the exalted station OF Secretary
of War; there may havo been temptations to practise
indirect methods Of obtaining money but TO conclude
II ALL Mr.. Arntzen particular TO say that, person
ally, he never knew anything suspicious Of Belknap.
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
"PUSs ToMLINsoN."
A NEraHBoR's oPrNIoN-BELxNAPs IGNORANCE
OF TIN AFPlrp
Prom the Quincy mL) whis.l


From the Quincy rlL) whgl
In the further pursuit OF facts regarding the per-
sons connected either directly or remotely with the
Bolknap afair-now the uppermost topic OF tak-a
porter this morning waited on a prominent citizen
known TO have considerable know edge OF the Tomlin-
son family. The subject introduced, when the
gentleman stated that he could consent 10 talk
any other condition than that his should not APP
pear as he totally averse 10 being published
an authority on anything; particularly anything con-
nected with either social ohieal scandals The
gentleman assured that. while his namo would
doubtedly add importance to any Information gathered
from him, 1t merely the Wings desire to gather
whatever IL could for the gratihcaton OF tho public
and that his request should be scrupuousy respected
The gentlemen then proceeded
He had known the romlinson girls verv we'll as far
back 1885, IN the vicinity Of harrodsburg Ky. His
recollection now was that there only three OF
them. The oldest one married q young man named
Emmett Garvn, OF prominent merchant OF
Louisville. lilo aiterwsrd lost sight OF them and
learned that the sister named Carrie was married but
did know then that she married Belknap. for, IN
fact he did not know there such the face
OF earth I'LL he heard OF his being appointed secretary
OF War.
The other sister, 'Puss Tomlnson as she was IA
mliarly known IN the vicnlty-her name IS Amanda
by lar the preiest OF the sisters she married mar
by the name Of Bowers. connected with mer-
camille firm IN Cincinnati Before her marriage she
was one Of the foremost bellies OF Kentucky society.
she was proverbally amiable and pretty, and ntted
In an unusual manner TO attract host OF friends.
IL was sale TO say she was one OF the most
popular young women IN Kentucky. Ho could
time after the death Of her husband sac had gone 20
live with her SISTER Mrs Beiknap, Washington. aud
after The ceaa % hcr -'sfer she Mrs Rnwrrsl inarved
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
DEATH OF AN ADIRONDACKS TRAP
PER AND GUIDE.
[From the saratogian. March Al


william Nash, trapper, hunter and guide in the
Adirondacks died yesterday ten O'Clock in the fore
noon the residence OF his brother, Ham. NASH at
Bowland's Nils, about three miles from this village.
The cause OF his death is somewhat famous in local
surgical history. William Nash tar from
years Of He spent his Lie after he cen
except vacation in the army, hunter aud guide in
the Adrondacks His services and companonship up
iD the wilderness will be remembered by many who
have. pronted by the former enjoyed the latter.
About three years ago lie met with painful and CON-
picated physical misfortune in consequence Of which
he not only held back from pursuing his chosen
care OF irapper and guide, but also afflicted
with great deal OF suffering By over
effort In Of his exploits In the woods or on
the lakes he ruptured blood vessel his chest The
case treated by the late DR.. Armsby, or Albany.
The breast was cut open IN such manner reveal
the vital organs at work their various duties The
artery OF the lett arm cut and closed up that
alterward that arm almost feless. lie was ad
vsed not TO be betrayed into any excitement or over
exeton on account OF the danger OF again rupturng
blood vessels he returned In time the woods
whore. the temptation being irresistible he one day
fell 10 throwing line for trout and became oexcitcd
that to the surgeons fears the blood vessels or
hts chest again ruptured. From this last aiiic
ton he suffered great deal, than once coming
near TO death. Once twice he has been reported
dead, which reports have gwen for interest
Ing newspaper articles on botn his life In the woods
and also on the famous surgical operation that
performed upon him.
The New York herald., 1876-03-10

THE NEW WAR SECRETARY.
JUDGE TAFT's MANNER AND APPEARANCE
Interview by the Cincinnati Enquirer1

JUDGE TAFT's MANNER AND APPEARANCE
Interview by the Cincinnati Enquirer.l
"I have yet thoroughly considered the matter,
replied Judge TAFT sand desire speak my for
a few moments after which will have converse
ton with you"
The accordingly withdrew to the corridor adjon
ing the court where they engaged in earnest
sutaton for i've minutes more. Al the end OF that
time they started down town. accompanied by the En-
quirer representative Judge Taft opened the convcr-
sation by saying that he did not wish to be 'inter
viewed, as the term n professionally understood.
al do not wish to interview you in the
which you would ross.examine witness, but do
desire all the facts Of interest connected with this
nomination. was the reply 'sAs an indication OF the
Information desired are you such terms OF inti-
macy with President Grant would have led you TO
expect any such mark OF confidence from the admins
trationin
"No sirn was the answer
"Nor with the members OF his Cabinet ?"
s'No, SIR"
''Had you any inmation that the position 10 be
rendered 10 youfh
mo, sir IL was
A SURPRISE TO NE
The Presidents despatch had been here some time
nation OF what coming and was probably more
surprised than anybody else"
Just at this point IN the walk the Judge met Two or
three OF the Bar who stopped to congratulate
him upon the honor which had been offered.
''What are you going 10 doH inquired one
81 have not yet decided positively" answered Judge
Taft al have not even answered the Presidents
despatch"
Here he took nom his pockctbook three dispatches
General Grant whirn he allowed tho renorier
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
'MRS. BELKNAP'S EAR"
THE FORT GRIFFIN (rExAs) cAsE--BELKNAP
NOT PERSONALLY INTERESTED.

NOT PERSONALLY INTERESTED.
From the Quincy (TL) whigl
reporter called upon Mr.. James Adams, sr., to
ascertain facts concerning the appointment to
and discharge of Mr. James Adams Jr from the posi-
ion of post trader at Fora Griffin, Texas
In response to the question Mr. Adams said he and
his associates had just been discussing the question
and endeavoring in the light of the developments in
the Fort Sill matter, to arrive at satisfactory conclu
sion as to the supersedng OF his 1t has always
been a mystery TO which heretofore there seemed no
explanation. James Adams, Jr. appointed TO the
place by Secretary BelKnap in February 1872 The Pc
tition in his behalf circulated and signed exclu-
svey in Quincy, the officers at the post unanimously
concurring in IT, and the commission was sent directly
here. II came in an incredibly short time, and 1t Is
therefore evident that Beknap knew nothing about
trading for buying places of that he would
have gwen Mr. Adams to understand that he must make
a satisfactory agreement before he could have
the office But no such requirement made
and the commission was issued solely upon the repre-
sentation OF his character ability TO fill the place
In addition TO this in order that he might make all the
necessary preparations Tor permanent residence in
Texas he given three months time 10 reach Fort
Griffin He entered upon his duties early in June and
was heartily welcomed by the army officers. Being
taken seriously ILL., he obtained leave of absence and
the September following came home, expecting TO
main month. His malady continued, and the Socre-
tary OF War was asked 10 extend his iurlough
Finally, however he was ordered to be back at the
fort within specified time, which he managed to do
although still quite Ill but upon his arrival there he
found that a named Fisk had been appon led TO
the position and had taken possession.
1t appears that this man Fisk a democrat and
strong Southern sympathZer and Mr. Adams
friends nut these facts prominently before Secretary
BelKnap order to again obtain the appoint
ment for Mr.. Adams Fisk had formerly held
the post and conducted II for other parties, and
evidently acquainted with all Of the mannu-
vring necessary TO get Mr. Adams ousted He was in
WASHINGTON nearly all OF the time during Mr. Adams
leave OF absence, and In OF what has already
transpred II Is believed that he managed get the
of Mrs Beknap and have her present the Secrc
tary satisfactory reasons why he should be selected
and Mr. Adams be removed. II Is not supposed from
anything that is known that Beknap personally
interested in the matter oil Fisks appon nen because
the prompt manner In which Mr. Adams was commits
sioned would preclude that idea But the fact remaius
that Mr. Adams superseded without the shadow OF
reason, charges ever brought against him,
and the officers at Fort Grinin-one OF the i'm
portant posts in the Southwest-strongly protested
against the change. II the investigation in
progress continued, perhaps shall have all OF the
/ particulars from an official source hereafter
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
THE GRAvEsToNE STORY.
from the ST. Louis Republican,

From the ST. Louis KepubIcan.I
Il appears from information obtained from Mr.. Will
am Patrick, OF this city, President OF the Knoxville
uaroe Company, that the House Committee on Ex-
pendtures In the War Department are likely TO and
mountain OF corruption to be examined relation
10 the matter Of furnishing grayestones to mark the
last resting place OF the soldiers who gave their lives
In defence OF the country
In September, 1873 proposals for furnishing these
stones advertised for bids TO be forwarded to the
QuArtermAstsr General, At Warrington In answer
some forty 6ny bids from different persons were
forwarded. The amount Of the appropriation was
g. oo0 600 10 secure this work
Mr. Patrick, az President and acting for the Knox.
Vile Marble Company, put in three separate bds
The urst contemplated furnishing the stones for all
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
ROBBED IN A HOTEL.

Yesterday afternoon Patrolman Graham, of the
Second precinct Brooklyn, arrested young women.
named Jennie Graham And Tilie Frank, on complaint
Of rustic named William Ray. hailing from Hastings
~ T., ON the charge OF robbing him. Il appears the
victim met the ladies' in company with John
Thorne who enticcd him into the Franklin HOTEL No.
SFuiton street While In their company be was re-
heved OF his pockctbook containing the sum OF 500
lhorne Is twenty-eight years OF age i've feet seven
inchcs ia height, and ls described OF dark COM
piexion, having small inuslachc and Is very shabby
lie has escaped In Jcnnies possession $40 were
found and recognized as the nropertv Of Raw.
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
THE BROOKLYN ABDUCTION CASE

Lieutenant Howard F. Moratt, United States Navy,
Curtis who was arrested by the police OF the Third
precinct Brooklyn on Monday ught on
charge Of abducting and abusing two little
girls, taking them nom their homes in that city,
was brought before Judge Nelson yesterday in the
City Court on a writ OF habeas corpus Motion TO
admit the prisoner 20 ball. he having been IN tue Ray
mond Street Jail his arrest, was granted 0y the
Judge The bail was liked al 81, 00c his brother, a
vel known physician, becoming his bondsman In
extcnuation Of his crime u is said be has been a
snrea since January last
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
A BOGUS NAVAL OFFICER.

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
In these perllous times when IL becomes the duty oil
every hold fast to the reputation he may have
acquired by good conduct and honest dealing, 1t will
not do to let such tale told by Mr.. Howard r.
Curtis pass without contradiction. Howard Is not q
retired lieutenant drawing quarters pay, is
he naval officer drawing any pay. Howards story -
made out Of the whole cloth.
There is but Curtis in the navy, on the navy
list, and his is &. X Curtis young gentleman
OF the rank OF MASTER OF unimpeachaple character and
attached to agolng vessel
VIII you kindly show up Howard and obligc,
NAVY OFFICER
The New York herald., 1876-03-10
AN OLD FRIEND SPEAKS FOR HER.

From the Louisville (Ky.l Commerciall
Puss Tomlinson was q kind-hearted pretty little
girl favorte Sabbath school scholar and by aid OF
age faithful teacher united herself while yet young
with the Presbyterian Church and became an example
OF piety to her village associates Or. John A. Tom
lnson her father and honorable man as ever
lived was a native OF Connecticut and married Miss
Thompson one nrsi families for both wealth and
rcspectabity and though Yankee and doubtless
taught to avoid vulgar combats when the high-toned
and fiery young Hoe out from Virginia and called
him to the field OF honor (so-calledl he showed his
revolutionary Yankee pluck and returned his assai-
ants shot with He stood among the nrst
physicians in Kentucky, and though not a
the Legislature. He dispensed old Bourbon freely,
and entertained with cheerful dollar dinners
good enough for saints but which would at Washing
ton where dinners cost $780, be called vulgar and
old iogy This was Puss Bclknap's maiden and happy
home. where she was very popular with US All
till the approach OF our civil war, in which she
took sides with tho North, and, making Union
flag with her own hands presented II with an appro-
pirate speech to Colonel Landrum's regiment This
the first and only charge against her, which,
though opposed TO the wishes OF myself, her friends
her own family interest her father owning some
OF the handsomest and best trained servants In the
State should be called crime showing that prin-
ciple and selfinterest governed her acts This was
Puss Belknaps early Eden, but the tempter came ana
led her into high life $50 caed) when she drawn
into the irresistible mqestrom OF regal snobbery and
corruption where the eager grasp Of pelf and power
becomes the ruling passion Of the SOUL ana when am
biton hurled Satan and the fallen angels from their
high estate, what better we expect rom tho apng
taint OF poor mortalsY Fivehundred dollar dinners,
fve-thousand dollar establishment, with pages and
ture yes and gorgeous costumes and gllttering da-
monds require money, and so much of II that but Few
they must sink In the estimation OF the vain and os-
tentatous society into which they have been drawn.
The New York herald., 1876-03-10

Belknap, as the public knows The story that's he
brought Belknap large private fortune cannot be true
unless she had IL from her former husband bowers,
her father physician IN rather moderate err
eumstanccs There certainly nothing IN the
history OF the girls 70 suppose that they or any
OF them were liable to reel on into whirl or wrong
doing. They simply active lively, handsome ana
ambitious. Il was plain that the transaction IN me
post leadership affair had advanced at least past the
period of Mrs Beknap's death before the
Secretary knew anything OF them. ana the
testimony would probably show that they mao
gone much longer before he knew IT, Indeed thsre
was considerable ground believe that unless urther
investigation showed similar frauds 10 have been COM
mitted At other posts, the whole thing had gone on
without his knowledge and that he simply chose rather
accept the total Of his own character than dls
grace the names of his wives dead and living. lhat
would be charitable view OF tho case He thougnl no
one wanted screen the guilty but everybody except
towards and mere partsans could afford to be inst no
had heard any express any other wish than 70
see Beknap go the penitentiary If he Is guilty, but
IL was great folly to cry man down when he Is com
pletey at our mercy and only wait the course OF
The law The criminal proceedings against him wonld
give him q chance TO clear himself II he could II ne
could not, there would be apologies for him. AZ
present could do less than hang our heads In
humiliation and shame Decency requires US 10 10 no
The Morning herald., 1876-10-06

and gracious disposition; but Helen Irby's
tone and manner conveyed to Agnes all she
desired to imprsss-and that was not the
truth. Other implications Agnes heard,
but the sudden dreadful pang returned no
more. Its force had been expended at the
first onset. The heroic girl bravely bat
tied with her despair, and none save the
All-seeing could fathom itsdepths. Regi-
nald was false, and she was free!
Agnes communed with herself in her
own chamber-"conmuned, and was still''
-"stilW indeed to all outward appear
ances- -callous and cold: the iron had en-
tered her soul. "Was / born into the
world" she soliloquised, "for the mere pur-
pose Of loving, being disappointed, and my
hopes of happiness annihilated-to count
the days Of darkness heightened out in sell
fish Incidence and apathetio monotony?
No, mol Twill conquer self, and form the
happiness Of others. How could / be 60
weak and vain as to believe there was
aught in me to bind him7 / never was
worthy of Reginald, although he never
can be 80 worshiped againl I have moth
ing to complain Of. God knows there is
no pride in me"-
Agnes, take not that name in vain-de-
ceive not tAyself!
(To BE CoNTINUED.(