New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-07-29
STARTLING FEATURES OF THE STORY.

w,suINGTON July 2S.-The testimony gwen py
exSolicitor Wilson to-day before the Committee al
nointed TO investigate the manner IN which ''e
Whisky thieves we're prosecuted would nave caused
marked sensation at the Capitol to-day h@u IL noe
been given in comparatively prVate nieo'i"e VI
the Committee so that its character was not gem
orally known at the Capitol before the Adjournment
of CongreSs This evening it Is almost the eNciu-
sve subject OF discussion about the hotels ana other
public places The criticisms upon the PRESIDENT Oh
cha United States for the indefensi0ic course Whch
he pnTsued, not only during the progress OF the
Babcock trial. bat subsequently after the conclusive
evidence of the connection of Gen. Babcock ana
Gen Porter with the notorious Black Friday con-
spiracy was placed in his possession have not been
INDUCED in by political opponents alone.
His story which Will be told in detail in the reg
Mar press dispatches las rarely been equaied in the
annals of official crime aud disgrace While Major
Wilson imputed 10 the President no dishonest nor
disbOnorable motives, his testimony and the docu-
meptary evidence by which 1t was supported proved
eonclusively what had been more than suspected
that the President was directly aud personally en-
gagged in throwing obstacles IN the way of the pros
ecutlon and in his zeal 10 save Gen. BabeocH made
the conviction of the other consprators more Dun
cult and doubtful. The President of the United
States was himself responsible for the famous CIR
cuar letter to the District-Atorneys, notwthstand
ing Acknowledgement PierrepOnts assumption OF 1t,
the effect OF which letter was to discourage WIT
nesses Before it was written the President COM
planned to Solicitor Wilson of the OF accompllces
as witnesses against their co-consprators, although
at this time only one man had been allowed to turn
States evidence aud this was not IN case Ill WHICH
Gen. BabcOck was involved.
The testimony also showed that the President sent
a
tant information of the character OF the evidence
aSaisst Gen. Babcock, which he communicated to
Gen. BabcOck on the same day, and that Gen. Bah
cock afterward said to Mr.. Wilson, IN effect, that
whatever was communicated 10 the President IN re-
gard to the case was the same as though communl-
Gated TO him.
But the most startling disclosure was that con
corning Gen. Babcock's connection with the Black
Friday conspiracy, only vague hint of which had
previously found its way TO the public. On tins
branch Of tine subject Mr. Wilson testified, as he has
throughout the whole investigation only to his per-
sonal knowledge. Should eX-SecrctAry DnSl0W feel
at liberty TO go upon tie stand, and 10 tell what
took place between him and the President when
this disclosure was made, much more that
il interesting aud sensational would be
added to the disgraccful story The Prest-
dent was fully apprised of Gen. Babcock's
Back Friday conspiracy and Of the means which Gen.
Babcock resorted 20 to sAIeld himself from criml-
nal prosecution in evil courts b. securing the APP
pOlntment of a military Court OF Inquiry, and the
detail Of Asa Bird Gardner, whom he had made ms
trustee, and who was therefore bound TO shield him
as Judge-AdvOcate of the court. After he knew
all this, and after he became convinced shat ne
could not retain Gen. Babcock as his private secretary
without bringing scandal and disgrace upon himself
he rot only allowed him y retain his Office Of Com
missioner of Public Buildings and Grounds, but also
to retain bis position in the army While the PIcsi-
dent had implicit confidence in Gen. BdbcOcks iInO-
cence of the crime of which hc was accused and be-
leyed him to be upright and honorable man, his
defense OF him. though Ill advised, was TO say the
least eXcusabie but when lie learned Gen. Bah
cocks true character, Gen. Grant not only became
personally responsible TO certain degree for the
rascay of his private secretary by allowing him 10
remain in places of honor and trust under the Gov
eraent but he actually insulted the Senate of the
United States by sending Gen. Babcock with mes
sage to that body.
Major Wilson viii submit to crOss-examinatiOn on
tuesday next, provided his health, which is i'll very
precarOus condition, is such to enable MIN to pro-
iced withhls testimony.