New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-01-23
Mr.. Proctor

SIX or elgDJ mOntns. MI ii"
Knott formerly mirth-prOvoking hui
morist, but now a sangulnary statesman
who sits at the head of the committee where
Mr.. Field is acting as bulldOzer-in- cher, Is
understood to have looked upon that gentle
mans Eruption into the proceedings Mt first
with something of wonder. This feeling
changed into n sort of melancholy anxiety as
the new attorney began to usurp all the func-
tons of the committee, and mt last settled
into apprehension and alarm as he observed
the reckless energy with which he was Ringing
the doubtful and unusual boomerang.
Other gentlemen, prominent in the party, VINO
know something about the campaign disburse-
ments of Mr.. Tldcn, were similarly affected,
and some, we understand demonstrated with the
new attorney upon the use OF weapon which
as everybody knew would react. But the at
torney was firm and would not be moved. His
answer though not the same in terms, was
equivalent to that given by very enthusiastic
leader of Democratic procession in small
New-England city in 1860, when rcmon-
sirated with for firing cannon In mar
row street and breaking all the windows
in the block. "But I'm afraid" said the
Mayor, a conservative Democratic citizen,
"Pm afraid this will react against u.s." " Let
cher react and be ID" was the vigorous
reply. "Touch her off again, Capt Tanner"
Mr. Field paid no attention to protest or re-
monstrancc, but went right on touching off his
boomrrangs, the rest looking on meanwhile
with considerable anxiety and no little disgust
Whatever the rest do or whatever becomes OF
the case, Mr.. Field proposes to earn his money,
and if it "reacts," why "let her react"
1t happens, however, unfortunately forthe
new attorneys theory of the case, that the two
Chambers who bought up the returning boards
for Hayes and ordered troops about the
country as though, like Rhoderick Dhu, they
could whistle armed men from the bush, did
neither of these things by telegraph. Neither
of the cOnsprators was born yesterday.
Doubtless they attended personally to the
buying UP of returning boards, and in per-
on gave orders stationing their troops so as
not to trust anything to the chances
of the telegraph. SO Mr.. Field has not yet un
carthcd the conspiratOrs, or discovered the de-
tails of the plot. But he has asked great
many questions, and very able questions they
were-sO able that it is now proposed by the
Chambers and others, whose only motive is the
Qualification of an idle and impertncnt curiOs-
ity, to PROFOUND the same or similar
ones to several prominent Democrats,
such as, say, Col. Pelton OF this
city; Mr.. Hewitt, Chairman of the Ma
tiOnal Committee; Senator Bamum of Con-
nccticut the purchaser of mysterious mules,
and others. We are not surprised to hear that
the feeling of curiosity which prompted Mr..
Fields inquiries has, in the changed condition
of things, in large degree disappeared. The
impression now obtains in Democratic circles
that the investigation has gone far enough,
and that the whole business might as
well be stopped where it is. And when
the Chambers and that sort Of folk init
mate that inquiries of the gentlemen above
referred to as to the disbursements of the
campaign would be likely to bring ont much
interesting information, some of the best
known humorists in Congress, we!l-known
authorities upon questions of wit and hHmor,
have said they couldn't see any fun in it all.
Upon the whole, though, the investigation
might as well proceed. Mr. Fields bOOmcrangs |
ought to hit somebody, if it's only Mr.. Tilden.