The New York herald., 1878-03-02
The SOUTH CAROLINA INQUIRY.

MAJOR MERRILL's SPECIFIC DENIAL OF THE
CHARGE MADE BIT MOSES OF HAVING RECEIVED
MONEY PROM GOVERNOR scorr-sEvERE RE-
ELECTIONS ON THE AcCusER.
To EDIroH rHE HERALD
Ex-Governor Moses' statement that was regularly
paid of under Governor Scott not true.
One sum Of money was received officially by me from
Governor Scott with tho knowledge and approval OF
tho General commanding tho Department OF the
South, and expended for purposes known and ap-
proved by him and vouchers duly and carefully rem
dsrsd tho Executive Department Of the State for
the expenditure rendered no services TO and re-
ceved NO money from republican or any other poll
ticianA On the contrary, persmptorily refused to
give the aid Of my ofhcial position aud influence to
Moses in his candidacy tor Governor, stating TO his
friends who solicited II that, aside from other evil
don't for refusing regarded Noses as very
had and corrupt man, whose election would be DIS
graceful TO his party and disastrous TO ths welfare OF
the State NY opinion Of his character and my re-
iusaI to aid or countsnance HIM were we'll known in
South Carolina
the xu KLux AWARDS.
Moses did award 10 mo the whole or any part OF
the amount appropriated for paying rewards for the
arrest and conviction Of the Ku Kux. The awards
were not made by hun but by board who examined
and decided upon the validity OF the claims made
under the law, and distributed the amount among
number OF persons whose names and respective
awards were published In the newspapers At the time
and since. did not give Noses or the chairman OF
the Ways and Means Committee any warrants or
any other representative of value. mover had any Pc
cunary transactions OF any kind, either personal
Official with Moses, and carefully avoided a inter-
course with him, except what WAS demanded by
Official necessity While he was Governor and in
command Of part Of the United Staos troops in the
State never knew tho chairman of the Ways aud
Means Committee as suoh officer, II ever know MIN
at all
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS
My relations TO tho matter OF the Ku Klux reward
have been times The subject OF ohca nvestiga
tions-upon inquiry made twice by the United States
Senate and bv the Military Committee of the
House. Each time the partisan malice which
prompted the inquiry has dropped il without further
attempt at action upon discovering that there was
nothing In my conduct inconsistent with my honor
able repute as an ofacer OF the army.
Such statements as Moses makes should not have
the authority of your publication OF them unless
based upon better evidence than the bare word Of
such character Ex-Governor Moses, especially In
OF the fact that. an officer OF the army, am
and always have been amenaUIe Tor trial by court
martial upon presentation to the War Department OF
any tangible evidence of probable or possible truth OF
allegations impugning my character an ofncer Or
honor as q gentleman.
trust you will the force Of my saying that II
would be an outrage justice to put trial in
the newspapers on the word OF Moses when such
ready and Just tribunal court martial Is at the
command of any respectable person who will father
accusations against me. LEWIS MERRILL.
Major Seventh cavalry, United States Army.
FoRr ABKAHAx LINCOLN, D. I.
EX-GOVERNOR CHAMBERLAIN's OPINION OF
MOSES.
The letter in yesterdays HERALD from ex Governor
Moses Of South Carolina, contained some startling
statements, and as Ex-Governor Chamberlain was
charged with some rather peculiar transactions q
representative Of the HERALD paid him visit yeser
day afternoon and the following conversation en-
sued:-
REPoRrEK-Have you read the letter in this morn
tng's HERALD IRON OK G Governor Mosos?
Ex-Governor CHAMBERLAIN-No, have not. Have
you the paper with you?
The reporter then handed the Ex-Governor copy,
and tho latter alter carefully psrusiug the letter. gave
tho paper hack, saying ~ have read II now"
RxPoRrER-I have called to SEQ If you care 70 make
any statement in answer to the charges preferred
against you.
Ex-Governor CHAMBKRLAIN-No,s cir. Mr.. Moses is
entirely beneath my notice.
REPoRrER-1hep you have nothing TO say
Ex-Governor CnANDERLAiN-Nothng al ulL Any.
body that knows Aosos Is fully aware OF the value
that may be placed on his statements. am much
obliged, however, TO you for calling.