Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-01-06

Was that modern Democracy? If to advocate the pure
and strict principles of Democratic government q ia'u
down in the Constitution was to be q democrat lhen ne
wa, one. But he must express his regret that all tne
members of the last Congress had not been like this
gentleman from Arkansas, who was so ready for a free
and open and honest investigation. That exclaimed
MIR. Wy that's the game! On that otleE give the gen
tleman my hand. But when sought for just such an
investigation, how was | met? Not by the "Greatest
and Best Tas moi every mouth Theoretically sealed
agains, me ? Was there a mnn who dare testify?
do not stand here, said MIR. w, for the successor TO
that Greatest and Best. His friends have given him up.
The papers, indeed, may still affect to support him
they may keep a stiff upper lip" as the phrase is; pu'
The game is up. They know the game is up. And "o~'
perhaps, we may hear something in favor OF a Tree m
quiry. did not believe that bargain and SAFE were 10
be the order of the day, though opposed the Admins
traliun of The honorable gentleman from MASSACHUSETTS
(Mr. Adams Butt The corruPtions under "eheial !ach'
sons Administration were, 10 comparison, as mountains
to mole hills. Justice and truth require this ncknow-
ledgment al nv hands. | have no objection lhnl Inc gen.
tIenan from Arkansas, should vindicute Gen; Jackson
from charges which have now grown slnle; put II an
investigation is instituted, | hope none Will follow the
c,,npie of the Heads of Departments at the last Con.
q.ess, An investigating committee was raised 10 search
out the corruplions Of the Administration before that OF
General Jackson they had free access 10 all tne De'
part,nenis. and an ahIe report was drawn up by MIR.
Hamilton, of South Carolina and what was the
result? What did the committee find after all their Ia.
bor' Why, that MIR. Peasants had received pay Tor a
constructive journey. Inquiry on that occasion, instead
of being STAYED off, was invited. Had the same course
been pursued then, as has been under Gen. %Jackson's
reipp, il is very doubtful whether that Administrator
could have been broken down. AS to the gentleman who
was the Secretary OF State, and whose name was so con.
nected with the cry of bargain and sale, l pledge myself
TO investigate his course in that matter. Will you do
the same: Will you throw open the lndlnn bureau! the
several Departments? the Post Officer And will you in
terpose no Executive technicaliiies, as an obstacle, at
every step? Will you agree TO inquire how many ap.
nointments we're made by Executive AUTHORITY, without
the concurrence Of the Sena,e' How much of that Sc
> cret service money, about which such a cry was made
against a former Administration, was expended on your
political agents? What interference there has been with
the freedom of elections' How many postmaslers' con.
tructs have been given 10 4 ostered land companies? If
the gentleman is sincerely for al honest inquiry, | 60
with him.
MIR. Underwood. | believe that the honorable gen.
tleman from Virginia has pretty well atoned for what l
deem 10 have been his political sin in ever supporting
General Jackson and his Administration. But have a
little 10 say 10 him Us well as 10 the gentleman from Ar
kansas on that matter. For myself, have Stood aloof:
Ih,rr, at least, not that sin 10 answer for. believe
that in what General Jackson said IN The effects oil this
appointing power over members of Congress there Was
much shre~d penetration into the springs when operate
ON frail human nature and am anxious to build up a
q wall, such as these corrupt tendencies OF our nature
shall not be able 10 surmounl; and | am glad 10 see The
former supporters of General Jackson coming over to
The same ground. But | must tell the gentleman from
Arkansas that he is mistaken his friends were not in
favor Of a~bolishing this power. They reported against
the proposition. | have q right to say this, for was
myself on The committee which made the report, though
in the minority, and opposed to The report; But | Will
not 20 into the subject now. ! am older than either OF
those gentlemen, and | feel myself on that ground, en-.
titled 10 give them a little advice. They are opening a
cour se OF discussion which d%eprecale; They both
ha We been talking Of the appointments made under Ten.
Jackson's Administration, and that which p1eceoeo It
Now beg them 10 leave all that matter out of this dis
cusson entirely.
Mr.. Wise here rose to explain. The gentleman from
Arkansas thought that the Administration which proceed
ed The last were all rogues. MIR. w. thought The last
8 were and when rogues fell out, honest men were APT
10 come by their own.
MIR. Yell discluimed having made such a charge. He
had not said they were rogues on The contrary, ne oe'
lieved them honest men only there were come OF them
who understood how 10 make a good contract.
MIR. Under wood resumed. He hoped no allusIon
whu,ever would he made to the past, but that the House
would take up the question on its own merits, ana OIL the
known principles of human nature. lie believed the
House would all concur in The ~proprIety OF THIS ieslric-
ton on the Executive power. 10 indulge 10 these re-
Prospects would only prevent The ununiniIy which might
otherwise be attained.
MI. Yell said he should not 60 into The charges3made
aguinst either Administration. In what he had said he
spoke for himself, not for any party. But he would say
that he had always voted against corruption any where
and every where. He was willing to begin at the Slate
DEPARTMENT, and 90 regularly down 10 the Post Otlces
If The gentleman would institute his inquiry, MIR. Yell
would support him in it. The gentleman admitted mat
MIR. Hamilton's committee had found one item OF cor
ruplion in the case Of MIR. Pleasanls: but even that was
more than could be found against Gen. Jackson's admi..
nis,ration, judging from the report Of The Committee OF
Investigation.
Mr.. Wise. Has the gentleman read the report?
MIR. Yell inquired whether Mr.. w. referred to the mi
norily report which he had himself drawn up: That he
had not read. lie concluded by saying that he with
drew all charges against The administration of MIR, Ad-
ans, and invited on investigation of that of Gen. Jack
son. They were ready for the gentleman.
Mr.. Wise. Oh, no! If one is 10 be investigated, let
both be; both, or neither.
The House here, on motion, adjourned.