Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-03-15

SaTy) and sent in at early an hour I'm the morn
ing as possible. For want OF the observance OF
these two rules much matter Is excluded which
would otherwise appear.
new and deci dedly interesting chapter In the
Tennessee campaign controversy has been con-
tributed by the editor of the Indianapolis Times,
who was private secretary to Governor Morton
during those stirring times. According to this
authority, Secretary Stanton,-who was then on
his way to Tennessee for the purpose OF relieving
RoSecranS OF his commando Governor Morton
In the railway station at indianapolis, that Gen.
RosecranS had sent dispatch to President Lin
coin just after the battle of Chickamauga, 'statng
that his army was beaten and demoraliZed, that 1t
was useless To talk of putting down the rebellion
and recommending an armlstce, with a view OF
agreeing on terms OF peace"
This statement is vehemently denied by General
HoSecranS, who, according to his interviewer,
raises no question as to the truthfulness OF the
Times statement but does not hesitate to express
Che opinion that Stanton told a deliberate false
hood for the purpose OF injuring him. Gen. Rose
Grams furthermore promises to make his side OF the
case clear at the proper time, and he intimates
shat when all the facts out other hearts than
his will ache.
Now, that the controversy has begun, 1t Is well
enough that It should go until all sides have
been presented and everybody connected with 1t
has been heard from. The unfortunate feature of
the case Is that its discussion has been postponed
until the lips OF many actors In the great drama
have been sealed in death. Nevertheless, there
are many important facts bearing on the matter
yet to be made public, and the sooner they are
brought out the better. When all the side lights
furnished by private correspondence and personal
knowledge and experience thrown on the
Scene, many OF the characters engaged Will doubt
less be presented in different aspect from that in
which they now appear; but that Is an affair OF
drilling moment, and not TO be considered in arry-
ing at the truth. Let history be faithfully writ
Zen, no matter who may stand or fall by 1t.
In its direct effects, well in It's remote re-
suits, one OF the most useful propositions, IL not
actually the most important measure now before
Congress- Is the bill which proposes to transfer the
consideration OF all private claims from that body
70 the Court OF Claims. Laying aside for the mo-
ment two grave facts which must be apparent to
all,-namely, that no harm can come to honest
claimants by having their claims investigated and
passed upon by the latter tribunal, and that the
interests OF government are certain to be better
protected than heretofore against fraudulent or
extravaganza claims by the plan proposed,-it Is
evident that Congress no longer afford to give
The time necessary to properly consider and dis
pose OF that class Of business. The country is too
large, and its general interests are too many, too
important, and too diverse to allow the members
OF either House to spend their time and energy in
listening 70 the many and endless stories OF every
.
posed, against the government, much less to care
fully Investigate. the facts In each particular case
and secure for it proper legislation whether favor
ooie or adverse 1t Is quite safe say that private
bills now engroSs the attention and consume the
Ume OF a majority Of members to far greater
extent than those measures which involve the
general welfare Of the country. II these
could be kept out OF Congress until their character
had been first investigated and their merits passed
upon By tribunal having adequate facilities for
!aking testimony and weighing eveence, public
interests could receive that consideration and
legislation which their nature entities them to-
Ane which 1t Is simply Impossible to give under
existing conditions. Members OF the two Houses
VIII therefors not only greatly reduce and simplify
their Own laoOrs but at the same time effectually
promote and protect the interests of the whole
country, by passing properly framed bill making
She proposed TanEer without moments unneces-
eary delay. so far 10 well-grounded objection has
ever been urged against the proposed measure
and those most competent TO judge do not believe
mat any such san BE- found to exist
Whether he Is willing TO admit 1t or not, Gen.
Grant has doubtless realized before this time
that he made grave mistake in not settling
down to life OF dignified and elegant retirement
IN Washington after his return from his travels
abroad. II was once his intention to permanently
reside here, according TO his own statements, and
mad he carried out that purpose he would have
escaped number or experiences which, II not ac-
tually Improbable and compromising, must have
Deem disag reeable, TO say the least The national
capital is tho natural and general gathering place
OF the prominent perSOnageS In civil, military
and naval life, and he was certain TO find con-
genial friends, enough Of interest in current
topics and public affairs to keep off ersnuye, and
such surroundings as would have enabled him
% keep up a suitable establishment on a mod
crate outlay. Other influences prevailed, how
ever, against his better judgment, and In an IN
fortunate moment the ex-PreSident decided to
make his homo In New York, where, instead OF
the favorable conditions existing in Washington
An exactly opposite state OF things found
70 prevail There the leading characteristic
OF life Is q mad race after money and an extrava-
giant display, whether the outlay required can
really be afforded or not. These things were for
eign TO the tastes OF Gen. Grant, and he was I'm no
wise suited to them by any experience Of his
past life. II IS not unreasonable TO suppose,
therefore, that he has found his new place OF
residence uncOngeniaI in many respects and
himself placed more than once in false ant,
embarrassing position by the greedy horde about
him; and 1t Is easy to believe that he often longs
fer something OF his old life, and the company of
old and tried companions.
Democrats, republicans, and readjusters are
competing for the lead IN the unscrupulous game
OF gerrymandering state Congressional districts
% as to get more than a Just share of Congress
men The latest example Is that OF the republ-
cans OF Massachusetts,, who, through their state
committee, have mapped out scheme by which il
Is proposed to make the Congressional delegation
from that state solitly republican The plan Is to
divide the city OF Boston (Which now elects de-
mocratlc Congressman among five other Congress
sonA districts Some OF the leading republican
papers OF the state however oppose the project as
unSound In policy as well as in morals The Bos-
ton Transcript expresses the opinion that any
scheme TO give the republicans unfair advan-
tage will result really TO their disadvantage; that
the republican districts In the state however cum
nngiy arranged, would probably return at the
next election three or more democrats, so incensed
would be voters at being compelled 10 go long dis
tances for political purposes, or at being thrown
f1nto diStaSteful fellowshipS.