The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1881-11-21


Not that we have any sympathy with the
wretch, but simply on scientific grounds.
~-
THE DISTINGUISHED Washington corrc-
spondent of the Cincinnati Enquirer, in that
journal of the 18th inst, prints some we'll
informed comments ON the half-forgotten
attempt of MacVeagh (or McVey) and his
scurvy gang Of Cooks and Gibsons to put
up a job on President Arthur last July.
THE, CRITIC was the first to discover and
explode that abominablc plot, which would
undoubtedly have attracted considerable
public attention but for the tragic events
then crowding every other topic out of con-
sideratiOn.
The correspondent of the Enquirer, how
ever, appears to have borne tho facts in
mind, and now recalls them at an oppor-
tune moment and in n forcibe manner. He
says: "The theory of n conspiracy died
very soon after few dsreputable detect
ives started it shortly after the shooting
1t was, however, at one time entertained
and the credulity of even Attorney. Gen.
eral MacVeagh was imposed upon by the
very detectives who had been employed by
him in the Star-route prosecutions. Grad
ually the truth rs to how far MacVeagh
proceeded in the conspiracy theory is leak
ing out, for the reason that the detectives
with whom it had its origin are
now quarreling ono with the other and
heaping mud upon themselves. 1t is true
that the funds Of the Department of JUS
tice, no matter whether much or little,
were used by direction of the Attorney
General to endeavor to establish the theory
that leading Stalwarts were behind Gui-
teau; and it was weeks, too, before the
theory was abandoned. At one time 1t had
even made an impression upon the youth
ful private secretary whom President Gar
field had appointed; and down deep in the
well this theory was communicated to the
newspaper correspondents.
"The departure of MacVeagh, and his
announced intention not to return, en-
boldens those who otherwise for the present
might have remained silent, to let out by
piecemeal the sleuth-hound hunt he had
with his deplorable instruments to make
it appear that the conspiracy was Matched
up in Lexington avenue, New York.
Worse than all, the statement has been
borne to President Arthur. Were the lat
ter inclined to be rcvengeful he would now
have it in his power to pillory his Attor-
ney-General before the public in light
that label, Here is n Reformer would
make decent men laugh. And yet the
very men who impelled him to be-
lieve im the cruelty of their own
wicked theory draw princely salary
each day to bring to trial and conviction
the Star-route thieves! Their every move
has been blunder; their policy Is delay,
that they may continue to draw per diem.
And were the President tomorrow TO
direct their dismissal, the reform press
would howl that ii was move to screen
men who had been robbing the Govern
ment These detectives, upon whom Mac.
Veagh and James have relied, have put
the Star-route prosecutions in such n shape
that 1t Is dangerous to go ahead, and even
more so to let go. Meanwhile, the grand
jury is kept in session, awaiting their
elegant leisure"
The distinguished Washington CORE.
spondent of our esteemed contemporary
might now add that notwithstanding the
fact that the grand jury is in session and
ready to proceed with any eases
that may be submitted citizens are
being arrested and hailed before a Commits
sioner on warrants sworn out "upon in
formation and belief" by p. II. Woodward
--one Of the disreputable detectives de-
scrioed by encouragement of the EnquireH
And this for no other purpose than to en-
able the aforesaid d. DIS to keep on draw
Ing the princely salaries" which tempo