Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1837-02-10

whitney, has by all accounts played OIL
variety Of fantastic tricks before the Com.
nt.ee Of Investigation appointed by the
House Of Representatives. His Protest,
which he formally interposed, was a terri
bly, long winded affair, and very arrogant
wtha in its denunciations of the House
and its Committee. During recent ex.
animation, his insolence rose to such q
height that Mr.. Peyton felt himself called
upon to take the gentleman in hand, and
menance him with personal injury in re.
turn for his impertlnence. The Washing
ton Correspondent of the New York Com
mercial Advertiser, thus sketches what
transpired on the occasion. Whitney re-
fused to answer any of the questions which
Mr.. L. propounded to him in succession.
In making his replies, his manner was far
from respectful to the committee, or the
gentleman who framed the qucstons he
would look at them, tor you will bear in
mind that the whole examination is conduc
ted in writing) then throw them aside with
II remark that they were inquisitorial, or
cline to answer. One Of Mr.. Peytons
questions was so framed as to require a
direct statement whether Judge fancy did
not refuse to cOuntenauce or recommend
! him for the situation he now hods' This
he declined to answer, more particularly,
he said, as the mover Of the inquiry had de
clared that the charge was true, and be
(Whltney) thought he ought to prove it,
."Ths, you viii remember, was the sub
ject of the card MIR. Whitney lately pub.
lshed in the Globe in which he pronounced
the assertion Of Mr.. Peyton taIsehood
and caIumny. As Mr.. Peyton, whose fear
lessness and magnanlmty are known to the
whole country. and will therefore require
no vlndcation, did not condescend to not ice
this card, Mr.. Whitney, doubtless, felt him.
self safe in exhibiting before the commit
tee his poor spite against man so much
elevated above his miserable sphere. But
Mr.. Peyton did not allow this climax to the
insolcn, character Of his general bearing,
TO pass uonollced. He rose and began an
appeal TO NJ, Garland, the chairman, on
the insulting reply Of the witness-but
very soon broke off, and stepping up to
Whitney. he addressed him thus You
THIEF and RoBBER! if you dare to lnsu,
ME- here, before the committee, III put you
to DEATH!"
"Wh.'uey, frightened out Of his senses,
made no reply. "You said in your card
that shield myself behind my constitution.
al privileges; now, sir, wish you distinct
ly to understand that | waive all prvileg-
es.""
"Mr. Garland, the chairman. here inter
posed, to preserve order: and Mr.. Peyton
resumed his sat. Mr.. Whitney then ros C
as If 10 speak, when Mr.. Peyton command
ed him to be silent, and declared that he
should not answer except in writing. Mr..
Wise here remarked to his friend, that
Whitney was unworthy his notice, and ale
tempted to draw Mr.. Peyton off from him,
but Mr.. p. said mo, | pay no attention 10
the committee will notice him, robber and
thief as he is" Mr.. Peyton then turned
to the chairman and reminded him that
hitherto he had treated Whitney respect
fully. 81 have treated him." said he, Gas
If he were gentleman, and will not per-
NIT him to insult me"
"Mr. Whitney was then ordered TO with.
draw, and Mr.. Hamer offered resolution
that the last answer of the witness should
be returned TO him, as it was no reply to the
question, and was dsrespectful loa member
Of the committee. This resolution was
adopted unanimously, so decided and strong
was the conviction of every member that
the demeanor and language Of this ''grea,
man" were improper and insulting. On MI
| Whitney's return this resolution was reat
to him, and his answer given back to him
He then apologized, and expressed his re-
greet Cor any disrespect he had manifested
towards the committee"
| No two things differ more than hurry
and despatch. Hurry is the mark of a weak
mind, despatch of strong one. A weak
man in office, like squirrel in cage, ia
laboring eternally, but to no purpose, and
in constant motion without getting on one
jot; like turnstie, he is in every body S
way, but stop nobody be talks a great