The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-10-25
The Intamies of Robeson's Adminis
tratiOn.

Enormous as was the plumber of tho APP
preparations voted by Congress for the sup
port and Improvement ~ the navy during
the eight years that SECoR robson admin
stered that department, and fragrant as
were the corruption and jobbery that made
his career in that Office stand out as a dis
graceful exception, there wero other crimes
connected with it which, morally consid-
cred, throw this plumber and this vonality
INTO the shade and reveal one Of the black
est chapters in our political history
Associated with Robson in the most con-
hdontial relations was one W. J. MCRrAGH
then the ostensble proprietor and nominal
editor of the National Republican, at Wash
iugton. the organ Of GRANr's Administra-
tion 1t suited RoBEsoS'S purposes TO have
newspaper at his command. and MURTAGH
was ready to perform any service that might
be- ordered. for consideration. Reckless
nnd cXtravaGant, he was always in want ~
money and robson satisfied this want
by the most scandalouS abuses OF his trust.
lie gave MURrAGH the patronage OF the de-
partmcnt without regard to law passed
bogus claims in which he was Interested,
made contracts for his benefit, endorsed his
notes for large sums, and loaned him money
personally, with and without security, for
tens OF thousands. A. n necessary consc-
qucncc If such n connection, the utmost in
timacy grew M between these two lobbcrs
They understood each other perfectly and
were ready 10 serve and 70 protect each
other without suggestion from either.
This MI RTAGH was the Chief Of the Police
Commi 'sioncrs, appointed by GRANT in 1863,
and retained by him In that capacity. after
the "Nr 1surc ~ misdoeds that ought to
have roi signed him to the pcnitcntiary.
In 1913 the fourth investigation Of the
Nay Department was prosecuted with an
Energy. integrity. and devotion to the public
iutcre-t THAT had never before been cNhib
itcd Mr.. WWrrHORNE in that work, ex-
hillted the highest qualities for this duty,
hot only in the marked ability with which,
was discharged, but in a moral courage
that dellod all temptation, and sternly went
forward 10 the end, until the whole depart
mont was turned inside out, and the rotten
ncs- and ra-raity, which are now familiar
20 IA" country, We're exposed in all thcir
naked deforulty.
The time was approaching for the pre-
scntatiOn IL Mr. WHirTHoRNE's report, and
the summing up of the testimony, 10 the
House of Repre- ientatives. robson had
good reason to fear Impeachment or crimi-
nal proceedings against him, and his con-
iedcratc7 were in dread Of disgorging their
ill-gotton gains, and - wearing striped suits
for a term Of years. In this condition of
things one Of the yilcst plots that a de-
PRAYED mind could invent was concoctod to
ruin Mr.. WHITTHORNE in the public csti-
nation, and 10 destroy the moral effect of
his forthcoming report. The details OF this
diabolical scheme are revealed by an invcs-
tigation Of the Board Of Police Commission
crs Of the District Of Columbia, in the last
Congress, the substance Of which will be
found in the following extracts from the
testimony:
A. C. RICHARDS superintendent Of Police Q State
what you know, II anything In regard 20 any dirrc.
tons given by any the Police Commissioners 10 you
as Superintendent ~ the police force 10 any mem
her, OF the force regard a. innue ncins watching
any member II Congress within the last year A-About
the LIST Of July last think, Mr. MuRrAGH President of
the Board Of Commissioners, came 10 my onice IN
the hcaqunrtrr. aud requested that some attention be
pull a. Mr. Nn1iuORNK who vas Chairman ol the Com
itteo that WAS stigatng the affairs OF the Navy De
partnent Nj MuRItGH stated that that invo susation
was being pursued very severe and, as he thought
uncalled tor manner; that certain matters were being
prsd into with regard tp the Navy Department. which
he thought did not within the scope Of the invesh
cation. and that there anxiety prevail.
ing In regard 10 that invesugation and uiat
he wished to have Mr. WulInoRSE watched
went with. whom he communicated with, Ac He
wished me 10 put detectives AZ work to as
certain what Mr. wHiHnoESI habits we're, where lie