The North-Carolina standard., 1839-02-13
THE INVESTIGATING coMM1TTEE.

ney of the u. States, at New York, being largely
in default, Mr.. CAMBRELENG moved resolution, in
the House of Representatives, for appointing a
Committee of Investigation, &c.
It's the uniform rule of the House for the Speaker
to appoint nine members of that body to be COM
mittee; but in this case it was proposed, by MIR.
WISE, to have the committee chosen by ballot, or
secret ticket Mr.. THOMAS, on the other hand,
moved to select the committee by UiUe roce or by
omen votes For ourselves, we do not propose to
90 into the matters that be investigated until
the facts are ascertained. We care very little "a
bout the mode in which the committee is chosen.
We certainly desire to thorough investigation;
an honest and searching one. But the opening oc-
currences leave much ground to doubt whether it
will be made useful the country or satisfactory
TO the people. There was an evident pre-determin-
alton bv the "Whigs" to make a party affair of it !;
TO search after matter for deceiving the people, and
pretexts for caumny and SANDER upon the admin
istration and the Secretary of the Treasury. The
purpose was not concealed by the more violent a.
mongst them.
Does not every honest man see that the occasion
demanded the services of COOL impartial, sensible
patriotic men of business; with their opinions
formed and their prejudices subdued; men who
would enter upon the task with resolution to do
Justice and who would scorn to pervert the office
of committeeman to base party designs, as much
as they would proposal to enter into jury box
with bribe in their pockets? Would any North
Carolina gentleman reduce his claims to respect
so low. as to serve on committee of the kind
where any circumstances had forced him to charge
the Secretary of the Treasury, beforehand, with
criminal connivance at the peculation2 Would he
trust the honor of any man who did Will he
approve the conduct of those who elect such an
agent to serve in a public station. Yet Henry A.
Wise was chosen, under these circumstances, upon
a Committee of Investigation! We do not marvel
at the House persisting in the secret ballot, when
they had determined to perform an act like this;
contrary precedent; contrary to every principle
of justice and honorable sensibility and in viola
ton of duty and the rights and feelings of others.
The "Whigs" and their Conservative allies, af
ter they had made the investigation party matter; !;
after they had chosen six of their side to
on the committee; after they had proclaimed it as
a triumph over the administration; by concerted
private arrangement of their tickets prevented the
selection of single Democrat whom his own par
~ would vote for. They chose six of their own
men, and pretended give the other three to their
adversaries. But while they held out this pretence
they chose of the Republican party only such men
as the Wings preferred rejecting all those whom
the Democratic Republicans voted for. In the first
ballot, the caucus "Whig'' ticket prevailed and E.
lected six "Whig" and Conservative lawyers; but
not one lawyer on the other side. The motive is
obvious. Proceedings like these cannot be counte
nanced by an honest people.
By a union of "Whigs" and Conservatives, the
resolution to elect the Committee by secret ballot
was passed. In ITSELF this is not matter of much
consequence. But the grounds upon which it was
defended, and the principle upon which it is ap-
proved deserve the attention Of the people, and de-
mand resistance than the decision ITSELF
Why should not the Speaker appoint this commit
tee as he does all others? The pretence was, that
the Speaker would be partial to party. Let that
be conceded. And was the private ballot less un-
der party influence or partiality Did not the
"Whigs" select who had, beforehand, pledged
themselves how they were to decide? Have they
not packed a jury, whose verdict was made up be-
fore the trial commenced, and are they Moth Com
mittee now sitting with closed doorS2 A packed
jury and secret trial! The people and the accus-
ed are both shut out, and the tryers were selected
on account of their party zeal and party hatred,
with public declaration beforehand. "APPoINT Us
AND WE WILL FIND THEM GUILTY" What mockery !
Is this the age and this the land to endure such
outrage upon rights; such Lasely Infamous assaults
upon character2 Are these the men to prate of a
Speakers partiality? Whittier will party madness
drive our opponcnts2
This mode of selecting committee by secret
ballot is defended upon the distinct allegation that
unless the members could act in way to conceal
their votes, fear of their constituents might pro-
duce change in the result. Yes; members who
were chosen to Congress administration men,
it is said openly by the "Whigs," must have this
opportunity to hide their votes; otherwise "the par
ty screws" would be applied and keep them to the
track!
And thus it is avowed to free people, that their
Representatives must vote privately for fear that
they will not vote for packed Committee wnder
the screlrs Of q prirGte caucus Of WhigsW-
They will not vote right-that is, they will not at
betray their constituents and violate the FIRST
principles of honor and honesty, for the purpose of
defaming cause they were chosen to support and
forwarding the schemes of those to whom they
have deserted unless The veil of darkness is given
Therefore, the veil is furnished! Dishonesty is |