The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-04-05
THE SAFE BURGLARY.
SHARP, Prompt, Eneraetic Action Impera-
lively Demn nded.

WAsHINGTON April 4.-Some Of the con-
spIrators and their hired instruments who were
concerned in the safe burglary, which the Wash
ington Ring concocted two years ago In order to
strike down and ruin citizen who was helping
to expose their corruption, have become
alarmed, and profess a willingness to reveal the
mystery Of that great crime. They have been
before the judiciary Committee and solicited
aid In securing immunity as the consideration
for confession which has been extended.
In dealing with these scoundrels, too much
caution cannot be exercised. II they tell the
whole truth, the price TO be paid will not be too
dear, for II ia Of the first Importance that the
original consprators who conceived this da-
bolical plot should be unmarked and punished,
even N the tools which were employed TO do
their bidding should escape the penalties they go
well deserve. We know who had the most in =
terest In the success Of the plot, and that fact
points the way to a discovery Of the parties who
set 1t up.
whitley. formerly Chief OF the Treasury do
tcctives, and who had frecyrun OF the contin-
gent fund OF Attorney General Williams, has
asked for immunity. lie knows all about the
conspiracy. for his assistant, Nettleship, and his
subordlnates Cunz and others here, were the
men who carried out the details, organized the
burglary, and hired the professionals who did
the work with public money
VIII whitley tell all he knows, and disclose
the names Of the conspirators who engaged him
In this Infamous business2 Doubt Is enter
tained by many who know his antecedents and
his connections. lie Is anxious enough to be
relieved himself, and no doubt Ia willing to tell
a great deal In a general way, but at the same
time he desires to save some OF the persons
against whom suspicioni s most directed. There
IA che In. pa1
upon a complete revelation.
Nettleship made a sworn statemen Mt before the
District Attorney at Washington on this sub
ject. which is understood to fall far short of his
actual knowledge, ana stops suddenly at the
most Interesting point. His examination by tho
judiciary Committee did not improve his post
ton In the least. But he confirmed all the test-
mony Of Michael Hayes on Harrington's trial.
IL the bottom facts Of this case are to be
reached now, IL will be necessary for the judi
ciary Committee to act promptly and sternly,
because Of the general distrust OF Wells, the
District Attorney, who WIS appointed through
the influence Of Boss Shepherds Ring, with a
full knowledge that his character would not
stand examination.
Wells has exhibited no disposition to conduct
these prosecutions with energy heartincss.
On the contrary, he has sought to evadc duty by
pretending that the Judiciary Committee had
interfered with the cases and taken them virtu-
ally out OF his hands. This pretence Is false for
It is well known that though warned Of import
ant witnesses who had been previously paid to
eyade summons. he took no steps to send them
before the Grand Jury.
The statute Of limitations will soon bar new
indictments against the conspirators who fed
the jurisdiction or were arraigned in 1874. No
time is to be lost II there be any honest inten-
tion to pursue them. The testimony now within
reach ought to send most Of them TO the peni-
Tertiary. Harrington, who has been begging for
mercy, has not consented TO incrimlnate his
confedcrates or TO give any valuable informa-
tion therefore he Is entitled TO no forbearance,
and the certainty Of trial and conviction will be
apt to do what no mistaken clemency can &C
compsh In his case.