The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-03-03
Croolsedness In the War DEPART
ment-SlO,O0O 10 Mrs. Secretary
Bellnap- - Excitement In Oih-
cfnl Circles,

Belkuhp-- - EACitchicht ia O
cial Circles.
WASHINGTON, D. c., March 2.-The
report that Mr.. Marsh, Of New York,
testified yesterday before the Committee
on Expenditures in the War Department
that he paid Mrs. Belknap $4,000 for a
post leadership and 81, 900 yearly since,
and that the Secretary did not deny the
truth Of the charge, becoming generally
known this morning, caused much sur
prisc and excitement in official and other
circles. Inquiries were made in all
quarters TO ascertain the precise facts in
the premises, which resulted in the gen.
eral belief that the reported testimony was
entitled to credencc, and this belief was
further strengthened by the fact that at
about 10 o'clock this morning Secretury
Belknap had an interview with the Pres.
ident, in company with Secretaries Bris'
tow and Chandler and Senators Morton
and Morrill, (of Vermont), the subject
discussed involving the resignation oil
Secretary Belknap. The latter left the
Executive Mansion in company with Sec
retary Chandler, and both went over TO
the War Department. 1t is thought
Belknap placed his resignation at the
pleasure OF the President.
Levi P. Luckey has resigned as private
secretary to the President, as the latter
desired to continue his son Ulysses in his
Office. Mr.. Luckey has accepted respon'
sible position in the Department OF the
Interior.
A Republican member Of the Commit
tee on Expenditures Of the War Depart
ment is authority for stating that Secre'
tary Belknap has not yet been before
that committee, but is to be examined
this afternoon. The same authority
states that the President has accepted
Belknap's resignation. A report on the
subject will be made to the House to-day
il the committee is able to finish taking
testimony before adjournment.
MORE PARTICULARS.
NEW York, March IA special from
Washington says Tomlinson, brother o.
Mrs. Belknap, was before the Committed
on the Expenditures Of the War Depart
ment this morning and denounced thu
statement that he acted Us an intermedi
ary between Belknap and Marsh as false
Judge Blair and Marsh are again beiort
the committee. Nothing else Is talked
about in the capital and the greatest ex'
citement prevails.
WAsnrNGroN, March 2.--The report o.
the testimony duplicating Secretary Belk
nap in the matter OF the sale OF the Office
OF post trader at Fort Sill is the theme ot
comment everywhere in this city to-day
Secretary Belknap has resigned. He
handed the letter 10 the President tender
ing his resignation, asking that 1t be nc
cepted without delay. 1t is stated at thu
White House that his resignation wa
promptly accepted, but the exact Language
ofthe Prcsident'sreply has not yet been ob
talned. Belknap has remained at lis
private residence to-day, not having Wis
tied the War Department. He says tha
there are many complications to be ex
planned to the committee and that he hal
therefore requested to be allowed to MAKE
a statement before It. The discovery o
this circumstance in Gen. Belknaps nd
ministration Of the War Department oc
casioned the most intense surprise. Cab
met officers and officials Of all grade
declare their absolute astonishment
Throughout the entire city to-day ther'
has been talk regarding the subject o
impeachment OF the ex.Secretary for thu
offence Of corruption, and opinions hav'
been divided even among cabinet officer
and others as to. whether tria
can be had after the offending oficia
is out Of office. The preponderanct
Of opinion, however, is that II could be
The Attorney General said, in a conver
satioh upon the matter, that he was no
prepared to give his opinion, though j
has not been officially asked for, until al
ter an examination.
Several friends Of Belknap called ol
him to-day, but he had nothing to say, ex
cepting, as has been heretofore mentioned
that he desired 10 make statement be
fore a committee.
There are already rumorS as TO the ap
pointmOnt Of his successor, but nothing i
said about II at the White House,
1t Is also rumored this afternoon tha
the President is inclined 70 withdraw hi
acceptance Of the resignation to await tn
investigation Of the charges against BEL
knap,