Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-05-25
RICHMOND. W.. TUESDAY, MAY %, 1871
The Star. Chamber inquisition at Portsmouth

The Star Chamber hqniSition at Portsmouth
Correspondent at Norfolk pegs US 10 give our
selves ..no uneasiness about MIR. Loyal Ohe Navy
AGENT, or the integrity of his office. He dehes the
malice of the secret informers who have instgated
tbs commission of Mr.. Romans, and scorns their
threats No inquisition, however severe, can shake
the integrity Of his character and no examination into
his accounts however searching, can cast shade Of
suspicon upon the fairness of all his Transactions
Let the enquiry be made when it may, and how it may
and by whom 1t may, and no honest man need blush
for the result, wish for any concealment. No man
was re. appointed under more tlaterng circumstances
Than Mr. Loyall-a stranger to Gen Harrison, when
his commission expired on the 18th March, it was
he should have assurance OF the prospect
of renewing his commission. The Viee President
and Senator's knew him WE'LL and voluntarily STEP
ped forward 10 vouch for his upright and honorable
character against the pretensions of Wing candidates
for the Office and thus disappointed the hopes and
prctatons of those who clamorous to get Mr..
TYLER 10 do that which he recommended Gen. Harri-
son not to do-decarng IN his address that he would
no honest officer without cause. These spies
and nformers seek TO nd cause and by the ves and
most scandalous calumnes are endeavoring to luke
from him his character well as his Office. But !
have no fears. Truth is mighty and will prevail Mr.
b. Romans calls himself "Commissio He was
elormed in the Navy Department by Mr.. Branch and
has since edited the Army and Navy Chronicle, and it
ia said To get for the service he is now employed IN,
the sum of S21 day! He has appeared here with a
simple letter from the Secretary OF the Navy to the
Commander OF the Yard, 10 examine INTO the ruin oil
certain charges against certain master workmen III the
Yard and the Navy Storekeeper. To these he has
riven the notice you have seen in the Portsmouth
Chronicle, and, is engaged in the enquiry without
the presence of the accused his wnesses-as yet.
ssThe inquiry into the Agents conduct seems to be
contingent upon what he may discover during his stay
in Portsmouth, or from the investigation at the Yard
for he says in his notice, he may "probably call on
some day" and examine his books and vouchers.
"Mr Jordan, (the Store. keeper,l will conc out as
pure gold and you do him bu, justice in the manner
you speak Of him.
mo one can mistake the head by which these attacks
are nstipated-who sets the informers to work, aud
who indites the letter in the Wing. lie ls one who
| "wants office and must have IT.
The "Old Dominion denounccs this Star Chamber
Proceeding in The strongest TERMS and declares that !;
continurs to call forth the burning Indignation OF the
honest men Of all parties. Before, II has been usual
FOR the accused 10 be made acquainted with the nature
Of the offence with which he stands charged-to be
confronted with his accuscr face to face, nnd also 10
be allowed to question TIE Witnesses that appear
against him. In this revival of old John Adams gag
law Administrations all hs 1T seems, Is TO be compile
tey reversed. The accuser IS TO remain behind
SCREEN the witnesses TO be examined IN secret and
if we correctly understand the circular Of the agent in
this business, the accused is not to know any thing
about the matter until the testimony against hun en-
tirely taken when opportunity is TO be afforded hun
to offer counter testimony. Wonderful justice Un-
examped condescen sion :" The Constitution allows
to eyery man. all criminal prosecutions the rig Int ITO
a speedy and public trial., &c-and 'to DC informed
of the nature and Of The aeeusaton 10 be confront
| ed ,ciM the 7citncsses against him., &c &c