The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-02-16
Bristow and the President.

The rumors of a difficulty between Gen
eral Bristow and President Grant continue
to prevail, aud it seems impossible to con-
clude that amicable relations exist, while
these rumors have so many different
sources, and are based upon so many APP
parently concurrent circumstances. One
thing is certain, Mr.. Grant desires the ex.
culpstion OF Bsbcock, and Mr.. Bristow, with
the proof that the government officials pro-
fess to have, is determined to secure
his conviction. Every case tried at st. Louis
thus far has resulted in conviction. The
wealth and responsibility of Mckee did not
save him. Kid gloves cut no sort of figure
in generating him. His defense was all
that could have been wished, still be was
convicted. The president had no special
reason to reverse his order about letting
no guilty man escape, and the crush
ing emulation of facts outweighed the
mastery defense OF voorhees,, and his
brother professionals. This case being de-
cided adverse to all these herculean efforts
to produce a favorable verdict, the case of
Bsbcock comes up and lays upon the secre
tary OF the treasury a responsibility, upon
the proper fulfilment of which must depend
his future position before the American peo-
pie. If Mckee had escaped it would have
wrought no damage to Mr.. Bristow's presi-
Dental aspirations, il Bsbcock had also es-
capped. But Mckee being convicted without
MIR. Grant coming to his rescue, now
the letting OF Babcock of would
place the secretary in a questionable
position before the public. Hence, his
earnest effort to include him in the list of
convicts. He has the sympathy of the presl-
dent and the presidents friends. Every
possible effort that can be made win not be
spared. If an acquittsl is the result, Mr..
viency to power. The American people are
not in a bumor to pass over such an event
without the severest criticism. The promi-
hence of the case will make the criti-
csm the more severe. An eveDs like
the Brownlee case here, with the prominence
of the Babcock prosecution, would stir the
very foundations of the government. Hence
the trying position of Bristow in his contest
against the presidential sympathy. Without
doubt Brisiow stands better chance to day
for the Republican nomination than does
Mr.. Grant. He has but one thing to lose in
receding from a vigorous prosecution of
Babcock, his Office as secretary of the
treasury. This is only for a year at best.
He has everything to gain by securing
conviction. Bsbcock convicted, and
third term for MIR. Grant is forever put to
rest, and Bristow doubtless would be the
coming man. Mr.. Grant would then have
To Iofa rkr
nominee would be. Such determined and
answering adherence to the interests of
the government would certainly be to the
great advantage OF the secretary.
1t is no wonder, therefore, that there has
arisen decided unpleassntness in the
cabinet, and the fact that this exists most
surely argues that Mr.. Grant is fearful that
the bottom facts shall come out in the trial.
The interest of the president may be that of
disinterested friendship alone. 1t may he
but the doggish determination not to believe
his trusted confidant is guilty, and, still
further, 1t may be that the president is per
soDally involved. His alleged wrath in the
cabinet and these often reported stormy in
terviews with his secretary argue some
thing yet unrevealed. No direct informstion
has inculpated the president. 1t Is only his
known svarice and questionable gift-takings,
his refusal for so long to hear accusations
against Mcdonald, bis ride in the carriage
with him on the occasion OF his visit to
Washington with ten thousand dollars In
his pocket. that has suggested his guilty
knowledge of the conspiracy. But the posi-
ton of affairs has dubious appearance on
the whole. There is talk at st. Louis of high
officials being on the balance. The presi-
dents personal friends are on the ground.
What the result of q full investigation may
be. the full trial alone can determine. 10