The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-10

in the handwriting Of PARK. with two
verbal alterations in the handwriting OF
ScnENcK, showing conclusivelv that PARK
had done what he told LYON he intended
to do; namely he had got a better letter
| for the company" II Is plain that PARK
changed the original draft of the proposed
resignation to suit his own schemes, aud
that ScuENcK altered two words, copied 1t,
and Sc mt the letter to the Board Of Direc-
ton to be published.
Nothing could be clearer or more natu-
raj than this theory, which confirms to q
letter the testimony Of LYON, taken long be-
fore he knew Of tho existence of FIsHHR's
papers, or the possibility of this letter be-
ing among them. Whatever else LYON
may be, he stands corroborated fully on
this most important point, and almost by
a witness from the grave, for FISHER
perished at sea, and his trunk OF papers was
accidentally purchased by McDoUoAL ia
London, where IL had been left.
When ScHEScK was confronted with this
original paper he testified that the two
corrections were made by him. PARK,
who was present. and saw mt a glance the
damaging effect Of such an admission. in
terposed to say that they were his, though
oth the handwriting aud the ink differed
from the body of the letter which PARK
had written. Here was q positive conflict
between the principals, who had been act
ing and swearing together with precon-
certed precision. Escape was difiicult, but
ScHENcK was equal to the occasion, and he
split the difference by claiming still to
have written one OF the two words, and
leaving the paternity of the other to his
associate!
The testimony closed by PARK swearing
he would not believe LYON under oath,
and by LYON returning the compliment In
kind. IL was Il at finale to most disgrace
full exhibition OF malfeasance in office. and
the shameless prostitution of one OF the
highest public trusts to n corrupt scheme.
A Minister supposed 20 represent the Gov
eminent and people OF the United States
was the instrument Of cheating the nation
to which he was accredited out Of several
millions Of dollarsi
1t now remains TO be seen IL the Commit
tee on Foreign Affairs will do its whole
duty and make an example OF this Offend
err, at least Us a warning to others whom
GRANT has forced into the diplomatic SER
vice only to degrade IL. The report is to
be drawn by MIR. HEWITT OF this city, who
has abundant ability for the task, and I'M
derstands the whole case better than his
colleagues. The country expects down
right report. which shall call things by
their right names, and not an attempt to
extenuate this enormity in any way.
II the Republicans on the committee de-
sire to whitewash ScHEsCK, or to screen
his crime, as has been uniformly done
under the rule Of their party when other
officials were exposed, let them take the
responsibility. A unanimous report pur-
chased at any such price would be dear
bargain. All former experiments in that
direction have signally failed to do any
good. When Senator THURMAN and his
colleagues in 1874 compromised with the
Republican majority in order to get an
undivided report OH the operations Of the
Washington Ring, they surrendered q prin-
ciple, and made Boss SHEPHERD and his
crew stronger than before. With this ex-
perience 10 guide him, il Is TO be hoped
Mr.. HEWITT will speak the sentiments Of
the majority on his committee, and let the
minority accept them or make up an issue
for the House and the country. This Il
not time for lame reports on public scan
dals. The truth spoken sternly is the first
requisite in this case, whether it pleases
Mr.. FISH or not.