The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-03-08
THE FALLEN SECRETARY.
PRESIDENT AND CABINET.

PRESIDENT AND CABINET.
robson AT THE WAR OFFICE-CABINET
MEETING-BELRNAP AND OTHERS TO BE
TkIED-No NEWS AS TO HIS SUCCESSOR.
WAsHINGToN, March 3.-Bslknap has
not left his house since yesterday, and
meantime has been called on by few in
tlmate friends. Secretary Robson this
morning entered upon his additional
duties as acting secretary of war. He viii
merely attend to routine business until
the vacancy shall be filed. His hours st
the war department for the reception of
members OF congress are from $50 to
1890, and at the navy department
from halt past ten to noon. The cabinet
met at noon to-day, with all the member r.
present, and remained in session until az
ter o'clock. The subjects that received
consideration were the institution of Grim
inal proceedings against Secretary Belk-
nap, and those who were associated with
him, in the practices OF bribery and cor
ruptIon that has just been officially discov,
cred, and the selection of new secretary of
war. The president stated to the cabinet
that, while be could take no steps which
might look like the persecution of any
one, he had determined not to shrink from
the responsibility thst rested upon him,
and he therefore asked tue attorney general
to t Ike immediate steps to proceed with
criminal charges against Gen. Belknsp,
and Messrs. Marsh and Tomlinson and
others shown by any evidences that shall
be adduced TO have had part in the fraud
ulent transactions that were the subjects
of attention. On the determination oil the
president there were full and thorough
expressions Of opinion, fsvoring such sc-
tion as the president had determined upon
without delay. The peculiar character of
the case,
GEN. BELKNAP's oFFENsE,
differing in many respects as it does from
an ordinary case of bribery, was a sub
jecs of comment and discussion, the re-
suit of which was the reference of the
entire matter TO the attorney general,
who will take the necessary steps to en-
Ter criminal proceedings just as soon IS
the facts csn be put in shape TO be
sworn to as a part of the discussion. Il
is mentioned that there should be no delay
in the proceedings because of the progrC IS
OF an impeachment trial. The two trials
will be entirely indepeDde Judge
Pierrepont remained at the executive
mansion for a short time alter the other
cabinet officers had gone to their res pee
tive departments for the purpose of get
ting what facts the president might he
possessed OF, in accordance with his de-
termination to commence Immediately
the proceedings under his charge. The
discussion relative to the appointment of
successor to Secretary BeIknsp was
of considerable length, but no decision was
arrived at and there will probably be an
other cabinet session about it. The a.
sursnce is given that the person who will
be appointed to the Office will be man OF
high character and known position. Sec
retsry Bristow WAS not, as was at first be-
lieved, one of the company with Gen. Bel
KNAPP when the latter presented bis
letter of resignation yesterday. Mr.. Bris-
tow was at the white house at the time,
but was OH q mission that referred Alto
gether to business in his own department.