Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-02-02
Correspondence Of the N. Y. Commercial ADV. ]
WASHINGTON, January 26,

Correspondence of the n. Y Commercial Adv
WAsHINeroN, January &c.
in my letter of last night, informed you
that Reuben M. Whitney appeared before
the committee Of inspection yesterday, and
produced PROTEST against the whole pro-
ceedings Of the House, in nstituting this in
quiry,and of the committee in Their action un-
der Mr.. Garland's resolution. This precious
document is Of most formidable length, and
assumes the highest grounds as to the rights
of this treasury familiar, and the banks which
employ hiin,-whie it denounces, in unmea-
sured terms, the inquistorial conduct Of tie
House Of Representatives, and Of the com
mI.tee. The contemptuous language in. which
Mr. Whitney spoke Of the intelligence of Con-
gress, in his circular letter, recently publish
ed has not passed from the recollection of
the public. This protest, ! understand, is in
a still lohier strain of arrogance. He is quite
indignant at the passage of the resolution
through the House, although,be it remember
ed, his own political friends voted for il; and
kicks at the course Of the committee, among
whom also, us you are aware, there is ma
jority of his yokefelows in subsection to the
dominant powers, though not, let us hope, in
inquity. He regards the officers of the de-
posl,c banks and himself as private individu.
ais, with whom Congress has nothing to do;
and, after long rigmarole about his consti
tutional and unalienable privileges, he winds
up with protesting willingness to answer
all questions touching matters of public
character, of which he has knowledge.
The committee thought proper to take him
on his own ground, and making themselves
judges as to what questions did refer to pub
hc matters, they proceeded with the exam-
nation, which was conducted by MIR. Peyton.
Whitney however refused to answer any Of
the questions which Mr. p. propounded to
him IN succession. In making his replies, his
manner was far from respectful to the COM
mittee, or the gentleman who framed the
questions; he would look at them, (for you
will bear in mind that the whole examination
is conducted in writing) then throw them a.
side with remark that they were inquisto-
rial, or concerned him as an Northumberland
decline to answer. One of Mr.. Peyton's ques-
tons was so framed, as to require a direct
statement whether Judge Tapey did not re-
fuse to countenance or recommend him for
the situation he now holds? This he declin-
ed TO answer, more particularly, he said, as
the mover OF the inquiry had declared that
the charge was true,aDd lie(Whltney Thought
he ought to prove it, .....
, This, you will remember, was The subject
Of tho curd Mr.. Whitney lately published III
The Globe, in which he pronounced the asser-
ton OF MIR. Peyton, falsehood and caiumny
AS Mr.. Peyton, whose iearlesshess and mag
nanimlty are known TO the country, and will
therefore require no vindlcatlon, did not con-
descend to notice this card, Mr.. Whitney,
doubtless, felt himself safe in exhibiting be-
fore the committee his poor spite against a
man 30 much elevated above lis miserable
sphere. But Mr.. Peytoh did not allow ihls
climax To the insocnt character Of his gene
raj bearing, TO pass unnotced. He rose and
began all appeal to Mr. Garland the chair
man, 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. II you dare to insult NE here,
before the committee, l'll put you 10 DEATH"
/ Whitney, frightened out Of his senses, made
no reply. You said in your card that | shield
myself behind my constitutional privileges;
now, sir, wish you distinctly to understand
that waive all privileges"
Mr.. Garland, the chairman, here nterpos.
cd, to preserve order; and Mr.. Peyton resum-
cd his seat Mr.. Whitney then rose as ii to
speak, when Mr.. Peyton commanded him to
be silent, and declared he should not answer
except in writing. Mr. Wise here remarked d
To his friend, that Whitney was unworthy Of
his notice, and attempted to draw Mr.. PeytoD
off from him, but Mr.. =. said "no, pay no
attention TO his cards, but when he insults me