Speaker Kerr's Case

AlbfiÖf f'irfi Jw V Ttltmne.l Mr. Charles J. Buihanatif tiie junior law partner of ex-Speaker Henry Smith, of tliis city, was appointed a cadet at Went Point, by President Johnson, in 18(7, from the country at largo, through Speaker Kerr's influence, and to-day rondo a statement to your correspondent whiöh thfows Home light on Mr. Kerr's conductin appointing aBepublican from New York instoad of a Democrat from Indiantt. Mr. Buchanan, who thon livod in Chenango cottnty, New York, had been a sergeant-major in Berdan's regiment of sharpshooters, and had made au application for a eadètship at West Point, which waa formally approved by Gen. Meado and Gen. Grant, and accompanied by fl reOQinmendation from Gen. Hancock. In 18fifi, finding his application íaíling of attention, h ame to Washington determined if possible to obtin Democratie help and forward his request. fío boarded at the Avenue house, where Mr. Kerr tbou Tcfidfid, and ke took occasion as they wefe both e'omlag Ottt of the honse öno dar to introduce himself to Mr. Kerr, to show him liís' ötedentials, and to ask hls help. Mr. Kerr looked over tlio credentials, made a favorable remark upon them, and agreed to see him upon the subject that evening. As the result of the interview Mr. Kerr evinced an interest in Mr. Buchanan and went with him personally to President Johnson, wno said he would do what he could. Mr. Kerr's interest in Mr. Bviehanan increasod and he went wifch him several times to see the President, and even enlisted the friendship of Senator Hendricks and Representativos Holman and Niblack. The appointment was delayed, howovor, and not until 1867 did Mr. Bnchanan receive it, notifleation of it being sent to him in Minnesota, where ho was then living, by Mr. Kerr. He saw Mr. Kerr afterward in New Albany, Ind., and warmly thanked him for the appointment, and Mr. Kerr seemed much gratifled at having done him tho favor. No question fti8 ever asked him as to his üolitics, except that once Mrs. Kerr said she tliought he " was sometliing of a liadioal," wherenpon he responded that he did not favor the policy of Andrew Johnson. Mrs. Kerr thereupon responded that Mr. Kerr never inquired as to the politics of any young man in whom he became interested, and the conversation was dropped. In conclusión Mr. Buchanan states that no reward or offer of reward for his appointment was (ver made to Mr. Kerr, and he attributes his action solely to generosity. He does not beliove that a thought of reward ever crossed his mind m his case or in that concerning which ho is now assailed. Mr. Buchanan had thought of writing to Mr. Kerr to offer his testimony if he should need it, but had not done so, and now holds himself in readiness to proceed to Washington at any time to testify, if wanted, to the facts as here stated. Mr. Buchanan is now a Bepublican, and resides in this city.