New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-02-27

was overwhelmed. lie was convinced that absolute
silence was the only solution.
Lord Coventry and General Williams went at once
to Sir William Gordon Cumming and acquainted him
with the charges that had been made against him. ana
with the nature of the evidence by which the charges
had been supported. Sir william Indignantly denied
the charges, and demanded that his accusers should
face hin before the Prince of Wales. Instead now
ever, the Prince granted him an audience, AT whch
Lord Coventry and General Williams were present Dy
request Of the Prince. To the Prince, Sir WllhanI'
with great indignation and vehemence, declared his
innocence Of the charges. A little afte;ward the hNe
accusers were brought before the Prince, and solemniy
asserted that what they had said about Sir Williams
conduct was true.
II became apparent to all that a terrible scandal
would ensue If the charges OF cheating should be maze
public. and all Of the guests in the secret soien'h'S
pledged themselves 10 secrecy, on tie one cohui'io"
that Sir william should sign the agreement never to
touch a card again. Lord Coventry and "ehefai VIII
Jams explained to Sir William the character OF the
r,odao ~ eccrecv and of the document he was to be
asked 10 sign.
Sir William understood that only by signing TINS
document could disgrace be avertcd, and he was over
whelmed by the impending calamity. WhelheF nc
thought that by signing it he could gam ume All
which to clrcumvent his enemies, or Whcthcr IT W"
the fact that there was no other way IN winch "
.t,vo off immediate disgrace, be tha, as 1t may III
William signed the paper, and 1t was given 10 inc
Prince of Wales for safe-kecping, Sir William al 'c
same time reafIrming his innocence OF the charges
OF the guests at Tranby Croft, several were not III.
formed of the circumstances. among them beins Lou
and Lady Brougham. Lord Craven and Mr.. 'hflStoP"ei
sykes, and the party broke up Oh inc ~" "
further unpleasantncSs occurring.
Early in December there were iumors In clrcuiauoh
in the clubs and In society in London concerning 'hc
affair. but the first Sir william heard OF them "as
when he received an anonymous note IN a woman :
hand. and presumably written by his enemy ,cinnS
him of his ruin. Sir william at once went 10 'o
colonel Of his regiment, the Guards, and detailed every,
thing inst as 1t had occurred at IranDy I'll, 40
cnnrf of five senior officers was convened, WIN ri, w y,
cision was that. pending further action, SIT Nni,dd ma
shonld send in his papers. This decision was MA" d
not hecause of the scandal, but on the military t'uum
NAT an officer whose honor has been lnpugneu n Az =
riace himself at once in the hands OF ms coHI!inHun,
prgiccr No action has been taken on SIR NiIlan, :
naners. because, it is said by sir WliIams m,e" n
me malevolencc of the conspiracy has hcen nIa,o or
narcnt bv the sending to the Adlutant, GeneIal p r !"
fo~maI account Of the circumstances. az, lrahn4 g.
so constructed as 10 betray the preludlce ar'i"'' -
" Sir William. in his letter to his New;lorK lre and
cows that he will not he forced Ia quit thc a'i.A W.
the country in disgrace, but will perSeVere u t wy
ter end in the action for sldlucr nv :"
against his five accuScrs.