Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-13
THE BELKNAP IMPEACH.
MENT TRIAL.
SEVERAL WITNESSES EXAMINED.
Washington, July Il.

The Senate at - ID resumed the consideration
Of the articles of impeachment against W. w.
Bclknap.
j. l.. Fisher sworn and examined by Mr.
Mcmahon. Witness was member of the firm oil
j. s. Eyans 4 Co, post traders at Ft Sill. John
S. Evans held the appointment of post trader
there. The firm carried on a stock of goods val
ucd at from 10000 to $4,000. Evans held a
petition signed by the officers of the post recon-
mending his appointment. The firm paid money
on account Of appointment; paid it TO Caleb 7.
Marsh. Thought the money pal ,ar'c,'y
ia advance. Tue firm at frs p4d $1,000 rtf
annum, aud afterwards $4,000. The money
RENTED regularly. The amount changed in
the spring of 1872 after the publication of the
icle in the New York Tribune, when the amount
reduced to $4,000. 1t was paid half yearly in
advance. The firm made the last payment in oct.
1879, and that was understoodto be up to the 10Th
of April 1876. Money paid regularly to-
maintain the position. The Secretary of War
to this matter, neither did he to the firm.
Cross examined by Mr.. Carpenter.
Witness knew E. b. Duite. Did not know that
he partner Of j. 5. Evans interested
with him IN any business. Received the Evans
contract with Marsh and paid money in accord
ance.
Mr. Carpenter then submitted in evidence the
letter Of Caleb p Morse to Hon. Hester Clymer
dated New Iork, Feb. ., 1876, to the effect that
there never was any agreement between the secy
Manager Mcmahon said that the exception of
John 5. Evans had been taken He had been
thoroughly examined by the House committee on
expenditures in the War Department and also by
the Judiciary committee. The managers therefore
proposed to furnish a copy of his evidence to the
counsel of the defense. with the understanding
that each side might put in such portions Of II as
they desired
Mr.. Carpenter said that the counsel for the de
Tense would object to this.
fsl,,.x A.
mttee on expenditures in the War Department
recalled and testified that a portion of the
testimony of Mr.. Marsh was in his own hand
writing.
The testimony for the defence was then com
menced
Major General John Pope was sworn AMI ex-
ahmed by MIR. Carpenter. lie testified that Fort
Sill was the department he commanded. Appl-
cations to sell liquor always sent to the war
department for approval.
Witness was then asked about the extension of
the Font Sill reservation, but the managers OBJ
iected on the ground that the orders on the sub
ject would be found in the war department, and
need not be testified to by witness.
The objection was sustained.
Witness knew of instances where the post ira
der sutler did dot reside at his post prior to the
| order Of March ., 1876; had known Gen. Bel
KNAPP since 1870; he knew of no reason why the
general official conduct of that officer had not
been honorable and upright.
zen hobell Mdc1letley, Sotnussary NeHtlai
of Subsistence. testified that he had been stationed
| the western frontier previous to 1860. knew
of one instance at Fort Brady where the sutler re-
sided away from the post. Previous to the order
of March %, 49, there was no regulation requlr-
ing post traders to reside at their posts. Witness
has been Commissary General of Subsistence
since April, 1870, and far as he had any know-
edge the management of the War department I'M
der Gen. Bclknap was characterized by honesty
and Justice.
Adutant Gen. Townsend testified that he for
walded the letter of Marsh making application for
that post leadership, and also the letter of Mon
grel Guierson, complaining Of the abuses at Fort
Sill, to the Sec'y Of War, through the ordinary
course of business.
Col. Nelson ii. Davis, Inspector General, testi-
fed that he knew the government traders, Dufie
x Peck. They had Forts Rice, Stevenson aid
Sully.
Here considerable discussion ensued regarding
the propriety of the courts adjourning over rea-
sonable time to allow Evans to appear.
The following, submitted by Mr. Conkling, was
agreed to:
Ordered, That the Senate will receive any evil
dence otherwise competent which counsel Tor re-
spondent says will be connected with the case by
the testimony of the witness Evans, now absent,
bnt who has been summoned and is expected TO
appear.