Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-12-17

had To perform. They had nothing 10 90, eA-
cept what might be specifically imposed upon
them by the Senate. He was indifferent ABOUT
the disposition which might be made OF this reso'
luton; but the duty of the Post Once Commi'-
tee was connected with the business OF that De-
partment. 1t was duty especially assigned 10
them. They were to ascertain what laws were
defective, and in what manner they should be
amended. lie did not object to the proposed
scrutiny: and, if it were committed to other
members. he should cheerfutly acqulesce. ne
was no fonder of labor than other gentlemen. Ii
the examination were assigned to the Post Oficc
Committee, he, for one, should be willing to
engage in it.
Nj Holmes observed, that the practice OF re-
ferring duties of this kind to special committees
was not novel. 1t was not unusual IN the other
House. When there he had been member 81
a committee of investigation. The House had
given them the power to send for persons and pa
pers. Some of the heads of Departments had been
brought before them. The committee had made
thorough examination, and had discovered some
abuses which required correction. A new ad
ministration was now IN power; and II niSht DC
well for the Senate tn take peep behind the eX-
ecutlve curtain. In the Post office Department
great changes had been made; Mistakes errors
and abuses might have crept in. 1t was there
fOre, pTODtTs III OlNSi tiiat oNoJS>t
dergo full and thorough examination. that 1t
should be referred to special committee.
Mr.. Noble said that he did not mean to be te-
dious; but he should tell the truth. Great com
plants had been made against this apartment.
There was 0. b. Brownie did not wish to be
rou"h-and there were the relations OF Richard
NJ. Johnson, of Kentucky, who had large con-
tracts with that Department for carrying the
mail. Worthy and honorable citizens felt ag@rlev
ed at the favorism shewn by this Department. Ii
was well known, that in that and other Depart
ments of the Government, they who were the most
in the habit of dancing attendance were the most
successful in their applications. Rash as this de.
claration might be considered in him, he had SAID
ii, and he should not retract Let these Depart
ments he brought to the bar of justice, and tested
by their conduct. If he were one OF the maJorl-
ity, he would not withhold an inquiry into the
conduct Of any officer, even from Andrew Jack
son down 10 the humblest mental. tie meant in
this remark no allusion to the hlghminded and
honorable public officers who differed from him
in politics. He respected them as much as any
gentleman. A star from the West would shortly
appear here He hailed its approa CHI. MIR. No.
bic then inquired Of the Secretary, who was the
Chairman of the Committee on the Post Office
and Post Roads? and upon being informed by
the Chair that it was Mr. Grundy, he inquired
whether Mr.. Bbb, Of Kentucky, was not also
member Of that committee? The Chair said rot.
Mr.. Noble said that he meant no dlsrespect by
the ouestion. Mr.. BIB was the Chairman at
the last session, and he had thought that he was
member at present. He declared that q rigid
committee was required on the present occasion.
The sooner the Augean stable was Cleansed the
better. 1t would be better 10 have a special
committee for the purpose. He referred 40
IN point. to similar investigation 'h'o
the General Post Office affairs some years ag",o5
spariai COMMITTEE, ut which that disunSu'S"e"
the present Secretary oil the treasury,
had been the chairman. lie also alluded 10 that
other chief of reformers, whose late message
had shut up the great outlet OF the west.
Mr.. Bell said, that many complaints haa oeeh
made concerning the Post Office Department.
They had lately been more general then at any
other time. He did not say that they were we'll
founded; but they deserved the attention OF the
Senate. 1t had been the general practice to refer
narticular investigations into the manner IN which
executive duties ofthe government had been per-
fnrmed. TO specia, committees. lie did not know
why This practice should be departed from on
this occasion. 1t was proper that this enquiry
should go to gentlemen disposed to make the
most thorough investigation If gentlemen were
convinced that the complaints were unfounded'
they ought to permit those to make the investi-
cation who we're impressed with the opinion that
an investigation was necessary, because report
from such committee in favor of the Department
would b. satisfactory to every body. 1t was due,
therefore, TO those who desired the enquiry, as
well as to the Postmaster-General himself that
it should 20 to special committee. These rea-
sons induced him to vote against the motion to
amend.
MI. King said, that gentlemen seemed to treat
this subject as if any member OF the Senate were
opposed to the inquiry.
MIR. Bell explained. H. assured the gentle
man from Alabama that il had not been his in
tention to make any such suggestion.
Mr. King considered that the Post Office COM
mites was composed of as honest and as honora-
bic men any other members of the Senate. AS
to their having too much to do. it was notorious
they had little or nothing to dountil afterth Post
Office Committee of the House of Representa-
tives had made their report. Unless some effect
different from that exposition were intended or
expected from this inquiry, he could imagine no
reason for taking it out Of the hands of the stand
ing committee to which it properly belonged
Was it proposed to refer the subject to special