The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1878-06-13
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

tOf" ~ To ftOCCt QOftC W.
Prospective Happiness.
From our regular Correspondent
WASHINGTON, D. G. June 9th, rs.
While the Democrats appear a
good deal elevated over the results
of Saturdays session of the Potter
investigating committee, the Repub-
licans express a serene confidence
in their ability to show that there is
nothing in the evidence then taken.
The guarded manner in which Sec
rotary Sherman testified in regard to
the authenticity of the letter prom
Using Anderson and Weber that
they should be taken care of, COM
pels them to admit the probability
that the Secretary did write some
thing of the character indicated, but
they say, supposing he did write such
a letter, what of it?
The proper answe to their ques-
ton is a thing which must depend
upon circumstances. If Anderson's
testimony as to the character of the
services to be rewarded could be re-
lied upon, the letter simply promis-
ed a reward for crime; and, in that
case, it's author would justly be con-
sidered as guilty as Anderson him
self, or even more so; but it is evil
dent that the testimony of a man
who confesses to the betrayal of one
of the most sacred trusts which can
be placed in the hands of a citizen is
Ito be taken with the utmost caution
and needs confederation at every
point. 1t would, therefore, be pre-
mature to advance any decided OPP
inion as to the developments thus far
made in the course of the investiga-
tion.
The witness, Anderson, is however
the hero of the hour and the pillar
upon which the Investigating Com
mittee are building their fondest
hopes. Anderson is no stranger in
this community. He was several
years employed in the Government
Printing Office as a compositor. He
was a protege of ex-Congressman
Sypher, Of Louisiana, and was trans
ferred in the Government service
from the case in the printing office
to q clerical position in one of the
Federal offices in New Orleans. In
this way he became associated with
the Wells kellogg crowd, and, having
shown that he possessed the peculi-
ar qualifications requisite to the
place, was appointed supervisor Of
elections for East Feliciana Parish.
While in Washington Anderson
established a character for u%ntrust-
worthiness and unreliability among
his fellow-workmen, and has been
caught in little acts ofmeanness and
dishonesty that would have insured
his instant dismissal in any Office
where personal merit rather than pc
l~litical influence was the criterion by
which a mans standing was esti
mated. In 1872 he went to Balti
more and for several months printed
a Greeley campaign paper. SooI
after he discontinued publishing thi'
paper he returned to Washington
and resumed his position in the Gov
eminent Printing Office. An even
occurred about this time that woult
seem to give an insight into hi
character. A gentleman from west
ern New York, who was foreman Q
: the department of the office and al
| outspoken Greeley man, had assist
ed Anderson in publishing his pape
by writing campaign editorials, som
of which we're exceedingly caustit
Upon returning to the Goyernmen
office Anderson attempted, after
trivial personal disagreement, t
GUST his friend from his position, an
produced before the Governmen
/. printer a number of the editorial
referred to as a reason why he shout
/ be turned out, thus stupidity viola.
e ing one of the first elements of ed
e torial courtesy and integrity, an
4 showing a contemplate disregar
for the amenities of personal frient
ship. He failed to accomplish b
e purpose, and was said to have bee
g given by Mr.. Clapp a specimen
the rugged eloquence of which tt
old man is capable when his persol
: al feelings are aroused. There a
now a considerable number of me
:. in the Government Printing Off
who will testify that they would n
, believe him on oath, and a propos
r tion has been made to Mr.. Hale
e have a number of them summone
before the Potter committee for tn
purpose. This will probably
done unless the Republican mana
( ers should conclude that Anderson
is bad character was already sufficier
:, ly established before the countr
. There is one credible man who W
II testify before the committee that
st derson when in Washington last f;
boosted, while under the influence
!. liquor, that he had deserted from t
IL Union army in the late war, and e
It. listed, probably under an assum
in name, in another branch of the 81
:. vice. Also that he Dragged abo
u having specialized in soldiers clot
ing, while serving as purser's
quartermaster's clerk on a weste
river gunboat, and thereby made
considerable sum of money. So
he after receiving the nomination
m consul to Funchal. which he refus
to accept, he exhibited to seve
u persons about the Governme
To- Printing Office some of the copies
the letters that were presented
the Potter committee on Saturd
US last, and freely threatened to ms
m: it hot for Hayes and the visit
ev- newspaper statesman unless he v
ma given something better than
proposed consulship. He then s.
that nothing short of a $4,000 pli
would suit him.
oil Wizards, that time-honored b