The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-03-17
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, ID. O., March II, 1876,
Special Correspondence.

Pinchbacks claim is now settled, ii Is to
be hoped forever, and the places which knew
him once will know him no more. The
burden of his song to the Senate now is
somewhat thus:
ard mourn the hopes that leave me,
Since thy votes have left me, too;
I'D weep when friends deceive me,
II they, like you, had proved untrue"
He also had the sublime impudence to
claim $4,000 for having been for three. years
a bone of contention between the two par
ties in the Senate. If justice was done and
balance struck it would be found that
Pinchback really owes the Government
much larger sum than this, for occupying so
mucn valuable time. He has not been con-
testing seat already occupied. He has
merely been attempting to establish claim
which is now declared entirely unfounded
in law, and therefore the costs should fall
upon him. 1t is said that his rejection can
be traced to the speech af Senator Thurman.
Up to the time when that speech was deliv-
cred it was pretty certain that Il majority
was in favor of his admission but Mr. Thur
man made such logical statement of both
sides of the question AS to convert Edmunds,
of Vermont; Morrill,, of Maine; Christian
cy, of Michigan, and Paddock, of n ebraska,
so that when the matter came to an issue
the result was vote of 80 against to 30 in
favor of admission. The best lawyers here
think that Kellogg has no authority to APP
points Senator, but that the vacancy must
continue until the Legislature meets again.
Probably the best feature in the whole af-
fair, and that upon which the country is
to be congratulated, as an evidence of Il re-
turning sense of what is due to justice and
the Constitution on the part of hitherto ex-
tremely partizin Republicans, is the defeat
of Morton on this, his pet scheme. He has
nursed this project for such length of time,
has displayed so much malicious ingenuity
in pressing it, and has counted upon its sue
cess with so much faith, as something which
should obtain for him the good opinion and
support of the colored race South and assist
his Presidential aspirations, that the disap-
pointment and chagrin must be very great
outside of the loss of prestige as leader,
which will certainly follow so signal de-
feat. One circumstance deserves mention
in this connection as illustrative of the real
sentiments of our Radical friends in the up
rer House as to the "nigger." No sooner
was the question decided against poor Pinch
back than Mr. Ferry gave orders that he was
no longer to be allowed upon the floor of
that august and aristocratic body, while the
House, Democratic in all things and far
more charitable, gave him the freedom of
the floor during its sessions Here is fruit
full theme for Senator Bruce, and we would
respectfully suggest that he "touch 'em up'
on it.
This instance Of want of feeling for the
misfortunes of would bo Senator reminds
me of another involving the most fagrant
exhibition of ingratitude on the part of
friends toward the late War Secretary.
When he was taken before Judge Smell of
the Police Court, on the warrant OF arrest,
and his bail fixed at $25, 700, it was natural
ly to be expected that the long train of
frieads(?) who had for years feasted at his
table, rode in his carriage, and in thousand |
ways enjoyed hospitality which was prince
ly and gorgeous extravaganza, would have |
rushed forward in an enthusiastic and eager
crowd, vieing with each other as to who
should have the distinguished privilege of
showing to an astounded country his indi-
vidual confidence in the honor and honesty |
of Mr.. Belknap 1t was to be expected that
some of the wealthy men of his party, some
of the Fishes and Chambers, who saw in
own decline would have stepped to the front
in the bitter hour of his adversely, ,and sworn
20 bind up his wounds and pour upon them
the balm of friendly offices. But, alas such |
was not the case, and like the priest and Le-
vite, they passed on the other side" For
hour after hour he sat in an ante-room ad-
joining the court, his head bowed upon his |
hands, alone with his crime and its punish
ment while Mr. Carpenter, his attorney, |
hurried hither and thither to find bonds
man for the pitiful sum of $685. 900 1t is an
old, old story of "man's inhumanity to man."
and gives Belknap much reason to believe
that Goldsmith spoke truly when he said:
All what is friendship but name?
A charm that uls to sleep
shade, that follows wealth and fame,
And leaves the wretch to weep
In the matter of the demand of the Grand
Jury for the secret records of its Cnmmittee