Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1835-02-16

BILE Office of an authority for the grant, and Of a
record of its existence. Some dark corner OF a
contract, or loose scrap of paper is commonly
the only official evidence of the order for large
disbursements of money, under the name OF ex-
TIA allowances. 1t is puzzling problem to de-
eide, whether this discretionary power, through.
out its whole existence, has done most MISCHIEF
in the character of impostor upon the Depart
ment or seducer to contractors. II has, doubt
less, been an evil-doer, in both guises.
"The committee have not deemed it within
the scope of their authority to prepare BILL
This duty comes within the province OF Stand
ing Committee of the House.
sThe committee, in surveying the wide held
Of their labors, regret only that their reward nao
not been discoveries of a more pleasing charac-
ter. They had hoped that their researches
would have brought to light the fruits OF an en-,
lightened and we'll directed labor, instead OF
proofs of error and neglect. But they have nm
ished the task assigned them with an honest
purpose and to the best Of their ability. II re-
mains for Congress to give more perfect Or
ganiZation to this Department; and, Tor those
who administer it, to bring TO its renovation the
most efficient and persevering application OF
practica. talent and buSinesS-llke habit, with a
general and vigilant personal superIntendence'
O. r. BRwoN.-The Rev. Obadiah B. Brown,
ex-viceroy of the General Post Office, has pub
lished in the Globe a long appeal to the country
He concludes thus
"No efforts have been RENTED ~ cast
shade over my name; but, while trust in the
protection of that God who has never iorsaken
me, willingly submit to the decision OF an IN
telligent public, and to the power Of truth. |
an conscious that the greatest enemy OF truth
is preiudice: her greatest friend is time, and her
constant companion is humanity But, am
not the ultimate cad Of their luminosity. may
have been regarded as standing in the way; but
bat the patriotic and injured Postmaster Gene
raj is their object; and through INN, the venera-
bic and h0nored Chief Magistrate Of this ma
ton. But the arm which guarded him from the
assassin's blow, is not shortened; and the same
omnipoteRt power still rules 10 protect the
innocent from the shafts Of calumny. TO that
power conlide my reputation, my lie, my ALL
Notwithstanding this pous homage to the
Chief the Washington Globe sacrifices him in
this ruthless way:
"The defence which Mr. Brown has offered
10 the impeachment Of his conduct by the Sc
Mates Committee, is submitted 10 the public
From MIR. Browns statement, it would seem,
that he scarcely deserves the horrible eXecratlon
which has been visited upon his official conduct
Dy the orators of the Senate. We condemn his
investment Of money, whether on his own ac-
count or for others, 10 whom he STANDS IN the
relation of guardian, in Post once contracts.
owe condemn his borrowing from, or lend
ing contractors without considering how far
such dealing with them may have been justified
by law or were influenced by good motives. 1t
was wrong in Mr.. Brown TO enter into these ar
rangementS, because, by possibility, his conneX,
ion with the contractors might have operated
on his official conduct, and to say the least, was
certainly calculated 10 bring suspicion upon II,
even when directed solely to subservc the public
interest As soon as the facts became known
to the Postmaster General Mr. Brown was mace
sensible ofthis, and promptly resigned bis otlce."