Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-04
SECRETARY BELK NAP.
Ma ,h's Testimony COrrOborated'
BELkNAP I'M PEAC ed.

St. Louis, March g. The developments at Wash
ington have caused profound surprise here. The
raitner OF Evaas, post trader at Fort SILL - H. j.
Fisher. Wee President OF the Security Bank IN
ills city.
He substantially corroborates the testimony Of
Marsh, relating to the business Of the post, the
payment of $4,000 per yc bonus suhseque ntly
reduced to - 900, and other matters connected
with the ait ar
Fisher sag, he knew nothing of the conneeti) IN
of Secretary Belknap with It, hat was told by
Maish that the bonus Wa for political purposes
and was use for the advancement of the interests
OF the Republican party.
Evans will be here in a few days from Fori Sill,
when both expect 10 90 to WashGgton and wilt
probably tell what they know about the m litter.
All editorials here on the criminaty of ex-Sec-
rotary Belkuap, view it as nationai disaster.
Washington, March 8.
The House, yesterday, after a brief colloqav as
to the power TO proceed against Secretary OF War
Belknap proceeded to peach him by unani-
nous vote, aud appointed a committee to imned-
lately present the articles OF impeachment to the
Senate.
It is stated that President Grant accepted the
resignation on the repre- .cptaton of Belknap that
the 0flense entirely that of the Generals wife.
and that he exceedingly indignant when he
ascertainel the facts.
General Balknap has not Left his house since
yesterday an in the meantime has beea called on
by few intimate friends.
The cabinet me: at noon to-day with all the
members present and renamed in session until al
ter 3 ocl ,ck The subj c; that received consider
alton was the Institution OF CRIMINAL pfoccedlnt )
against cx-oc rotary & lkAap and those associated
with him praet Cos Of bribery and corruption
last otfc ally discovered, AMI Tie selection o.
new secretary OF war.
The President stated to tn cabinet that while
he could take no steps which might look Ike pro-
secution o. ray one, he mad d .ermned TO shrink
from no responsibility that rested upon him, and
he the efore asked the attorney general 10 take
immediate step. to proceed with criminal charges
az anst General Belknlp. and Messr,. Marsh aud
Tomlin.ol and Oilers, shown by any evidence that
stall he adduced, to nave had part IN the fearful
transactions that were subject OF attention.
Upon thi, determination of the President there
were full and thorough expression OF opinion Ia
vorng the action the President had determined
upon Without delay.
The peculiar ch ,racter of the case Of Gen Bel
knap'- off .nce, differing in many respects a, 1t
does from any ordinary case OF bribery, was IA
subject of discussion the result OF winch was the
reference Of the entire matter to the attorney gen
eral who will take necessary steps TO enter cflul-
ma! proceedings 5000 As The facts can he pat IN
to shape to ne sworn TO "a part OF the discussion
1t is mentioned that there should be no delay III
the proceedings, because OF the progress OF an i'm
peacnmcnt trial. The two uials VIII DC ehtirey
independent Of each other.
Judpe Pierrepont remained at the executive
mansion 1ort time after the cabinet oth :ers had
gone to their respective Departmental tor the pur-
pose of getting " hat facts the PRESIDENT might De
possessed of
The discussion relative to the appointment of
the successor to Secretary Belknap was of consid-
cradle length, bur no decision was reached and
there will probably be another cabinet session
about II.
The assurance is given that the person who will
be appointed to the Office will be man of high
character and known position
New York, March 3. A Washington special
mentions the name of Gen. Webster of Chicago,
as the possible successor OF Beiknap.