, 1886-06-09
Kelley Defends Stanton.


WAsHINGToN, June s.-Speaking to a
resolution offered by himself to expunge
from the Record Mr.. Wheeler's speech
against Mr.. Stanton, Mr.. Kelley read a
letter written by Edwin Stanton to Rev.
Hammond Dyer, dated Washington, May
Is, 1882. In the letter. Nj. Stanton re-
ierring to current charges circulated
against him regarding his relations to
Gen. Mcclellan, says the accusations are
calumnies perpetrated by plunderers who
have been driven from the department
when they were gorging millions and by
scheming politicians whose designs were
endangered by the r%csolute prosecution of
the war against rebels and traitors. Mr..
Stanton then declares he always had a
friendship fer Gen. Mcclellan, and recites
at considerable length the history Of that
part of the rebellion which appeared to
threaten the safety of the seat of govern
ment. After referring to the national
wrath against Gen. Mcclellan and his
friends on account 81 the measures adopt
ed for the protection of the capitol, MIR.
Stanton says IF force had gone for
ward as he designed, [ believe Washing
ton would this day be in the hands of the
rebels. Down to this point, Mr.. Stan
ton says there had never been the slight
est difference between the president and
himself, but the president acted against
his Judgment afterward in modifying his
orders at the entreaiy of Gen. Mcclellan.
Il Welded my opinion says the latter,
ITO the president orders but between
him and me there never had been the
slightest shadow since ! entered the cabi-
net. Except as to the retention of the force
under Gen. Mcdowell by the president ;
orders for the reason mentioned, Gen.
Mcclellan never made a request or ex-
pressed a wish that had not been com
piled with. if in the power of the govern
ment. At the opening Of the letter MIR.
Stanton said public considerations com
PEELED him to Withhold proofs which would
refute the falsehoods OF his accusers, and
in closing he asks the recipient to regard
the same in %strictcst confidence.
The letter was received with loud APP
plause on the Republican side. Mr.. Kelley
read a short extract from a letter of Gen.
Grant, showing the high opinion in which
that officer held Stanton's character.
Mr.. Morrison then cut short further dis
cussion by moving to refer Mr.. Kelley
resolution to the committee on rules.
Agreed to. The house then went into
committee of the whole on the legislative.
executive and judicial appropriation bill.
Mr.. Holman wished to call attention tC
the startling rapidity with which the ex.
penditures Of the government were be
ing increased. Passing ON to a consider
ton of the clause making an appropria
ton for the civil service commission, he
stated that the amour appropriated wa
the same as that given Tor the presen
fiscal year, $2l 400, but there was a pro
viso added, requiring the certiication o
the entire list OF applicants from eacl
state who had passed the examination
This requirement, he argued was not
change in existing law but was simply
Limitation on the expenditure of money
After debate the committee rose. MIR
Oates, Alabama, from the committee o.
judiciary, asked leave to report back tn
Edmunds anti Polygamy bill, but Mr.