New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-03-03
NETWORK. FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1876

nter several other interviews, 30 Impressed was Mr.
Lewis with the Importance Of the matter, that he
sought the counsel Of Mr.. Randall, with whom he
had an interview by appointment at Mr.. Randall's
residence. Mr.. Randall advised Mr.. Lewis TO see
Mr.. Clymer. who was Chairman of the Committee
OH Expenditures in the War Department. That
Committee was the proper one to investigate the
matter After some effort, Mr.. Lewis and Mr. Arms
succeeded in getting an interview with Mr.. Cymer.
and laid the matter before him. Mr.. Arms submit
ted list of the names of witnesses by whom the
charges made by him could be proved. including
that of Mr.. Marsh.
Mr.. Clymer undertook the investigation, but sub
sequently informed Mr.. Lewis that he had became
suspicious of Mr.. Arms, as the matter had in some
way reached Mr.. Bellnap who had satisfied him.
Mr. Clymer said that il was nothing more than an
effort on the part of Mr.. Arms TO levy blackmail
upon the Secretary; that the Secretary had in
formed him that Mr.. Arms had proposed, If he were
restored to the army al certain other conditions
were complied with that he would drop the matter.
Mr.. Lewis said that of course If Mr. Clymer sat
isfed that il was effort for that purpose on the
part of Mr. Arms, that neither he Dir. ClFmer
could have anything TO do with il. He suggested,
however, that as Mr.. Arms had furnished the names
of tho witness there could be no improperly send
ing for them and examine them with respect to their
knowledge of the alleged facts. Mr.. Cymer pur-
sued this course with what result is already known
to the country.
The inquiry of Mr. Clymer's Committee was car
red on very secretly and the facts elected held very
closely by the members. The President knew
nothing of the facts until about 10 o'clock this
morning, when he heard by accident that certain
facts had been disclosed before the War Department
Committee affecting the credit of his Secretary. lie
-ord "a NJ of no IN
mttee, asking him to call, but before the message
delivered Gen. Belknap appeared and offered
the President his resignation in writing. He
was greatly effected and burst into tears.
The President was also greatly agtated after he I'M
derstood the facts and those who have been familiar
with him for years say he has never appeared so
much overwhelmed at any event before. He has
been very much agitated all day, and has little to
say to anybody. He has spent much of his time on
the street. walking with his Ulysses and during
the day walked to the Capitol, and had converse
tons with Senators.
The interview between the President and his Sec
rotary was most painful and trying one to both.
he Secretary could scarcely speak, and it was with
great difficulty that he explained in a brief and
broken manner his awful fail. Hesald lie took upon
himself the whole responsibility, and his defense of
his wife was very manly. The interview very
short and the President accepted his resgna-
ton at once. without consultation with any one.
For this he is criticised by many, who say that it
would have been better for the President to have
waited until he had seen the testimony and know
what action the Committee would take. Soon after
Mr.. Belknap had left the White House, the President
sent for several of the members of his cabinet, to
whom he communicated the astounding telligence.
He Informed Secretary Robson that he would have
to act, as he has dono occasionally before, Secre
tary of War, and he told all the members that the
subject would be considered at the Cabinet meeting
tomorrow.
Mr. Beknap is in terrible state of mental excite
ment, and is quite overcome. He has not slept for
several nights, and hls appearance is distressing.
His face is worn and haggard, his eyes are swollen
and bloodshot and his manner is nervous and ex-
cited. He says he takes the whole responsibility.
and that his duty to his wife greater than his
honor He says that some of the testimony read in
the House to-day is true, is false and some he
Is entirely ignorant Of.
1t is sad that Senator Conkling has recommended
the President to direct the Attorney General to pre-
sent the case through tho District-Atorney TO the
Grand Jury. for the Indictment of Mr.. Belknap, in
order that the matter may be brought before the
courts to decide upon the effect of the resignation
Section 7s1 of the Revised Statutes provides that
any officer of the Government who directly or in
directly takes any money, property other valuable
consideration from any person for procuring any
contract, Office or place from the Government, shall
be deemed guilty of mlsdemeanOr and shall be i'm
prisoned not more than two years, and fined not
more than $4,000. The person offering or paying
for such contract or office az above subject to the
same penalty.