National Republican., 1880-08-16
DEMooRArrC DISHONESTY.
A Sketch OF tho Purchase OF the Willets
Point Property.

Sketch OF tho Purchase OF the Willets
Point Property.
To The Editor Of The National Republican:
SIR: Ever since tho democratic party was
dismissed by tho people from the adminstra-
tion of the government for dishonesty, politi-
cal mallcasanco aud treason, that party has un-
ceasingly dinned in our ears the pharisaical OK.
clamatiou, "Stand aside, for am holier than
thou" Let me give you ono sample Of that
Uriah Heop holiness from the last democratic
administration. and the records OF the govern
mcnt will bear me out in the assertion that the
sample Is n true index to the workings of
that party throughout its long misrule;
In 1857 the government wanted a site for
fort near New York city. A piece of land
known as Willets point is situated on Long
island, on the East river, and was marsh
land subject to fever and ague. 1t had been
many years IN tho market without finding a
purchaser though offered for less than $50 900.
In July, 1856, il was offered for $4,000 to u
wealthy merchant of Williamsburg who re-
fused to take 10 at that price. At a still
later period ii was offered TO the government
for 100000, an1 of this offer tho war depart.
ment was duly informed. On the 18th of
April, 1857, tho secretary of war addressed to
Augustus Schell collector of the port Of New
hoih1 ~ lolNcl nlu lndb lie gov
ernment desired to purchase Willets point,
and asking him TO ascertain its value. Mr..
Schell took intohis confidence in this matter
several other prominent democratic politicians
his intimate associates, among them his
brother Richard Scholl, Prosper NJ. Wetmore
and Isaac V. Fowler, the postmaster The re.
suit was that on the oath of April, 1857,
Mr.. Schell and Mr.. Fowler, both being
| oiiice-holders under President Buchanan and
old rpgi1aniQ Of Nayy Nnrly a1lragaa1 al,
letter TO the secretary of war, in which they
informed him that this property, which
shortly before hal been offered to the govern.
nent for 100000, was worth 100000, aud
recommended It's purchase. 1t was accord
ingly bought by the government and paid for
at that price. By this swindle the govern.
ment was plundaed to the amount of $780,
OOO The house of representatives having
appointed committee to investigate this
affair, the chairman of tho committee, after
Investigation, declared that the property was
not worth $50 200, and that there was a fraud.
ulent combination to eXtort an unfair, ex-
orbitant and most unjust price from the gov
crnment in the sale OF this property, aud that
Augustus Schell, BY the unwarranted giving
OF his certificate, contributed to and enabled
the success of the combination in the matter.
Notwithstanding these facts, the administra.
tion continued to retain Mr.. SGhell as collector
and Mr. Fowler as postmaster, until the latter
turned out deElulter to the amount OF
Sl50,000, both being recognized leaders of the
democratic party aud intrusted with the col
lection Of millions Of the peoples money.
Will the people of tho United States not
learn from such bitter experiences as they
have had of democratic Iule that this eternal
cry of Stand aside, for l am holier than
thou" and the false professions of devotion to
the interests Of the country arc like the songs
of tho siren, which enchanted but to destroys
w, g. G..