American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-02-24

The reception OF the paper by its thousands OF readers
10 a late hoBT in the msrnng. And perhaps II VIII
not he alniss here remind advertisers that ii would
BE- to their to bring their advertisements in al
AN early hour in the day, as to insure their inser-
ton in our entire editiOn-he country well as city
ABUSE OF Mn. BERRIEN. In noticing the
close of the commission appointed in this city
by tho Judiciary Committee of the Senate of
the United States, to take testimony in relation
10 election frauds, &C., the editor of the Globe
takes occasion to assal Judge Bcrrien, Chair
man Of the Committee, with unmerited abuse,
and to reflect upon the commissioners engaged
in the Investigations. 1t would certainly have
been more consistent with Justice and with the
principles of true honor, to have withheld con-
demnation until the editor had had the oppor-
tunity of inspecting the proceedings of the
commissioners. But this did not suit his views.
Right or wrong, he was resolved to have
fling at Judge Berrien, and to excite prejudice
against the commissioners and suspicion of
their proceedings, without either light or know
ledge. lie charges that the Investigations were
conducted in the dark, and with partizan views
Now we pronounce him in error in both re-
spects. The proceeding were open and Access
sible 10 all persons who chose to be present.;
and the Undergraduates propounded by the COM
missioners had not the most distant reference to
parties. Their sole object was TO conform to
their instructions in elicting facts in relation to
frauds at electons--the abuse of the naturaz-
alton laws-thc transportation of criminals and
paupcrs to tins country, SSc.-and we appeal to
the record of their proceedings for proof that,
not in solitary instance, was partizan bias
given to their acts. Had the commissioners
givcn partizan character to their investiga-
tons, il would have been without the sanction
OF Judge Berrien, and in opposition to the ten
or of their commission--for the manner in
which Their duties were discharged, the COM
missioners, and they alone, should therefore be
held responsible to the public-and the senior
editor of this paper who had the honor of being
one Of them freely assumes his full share Of
the responsibility. The investigation was nei-
ther made with "Star-Chamber" secrecy, as is
alleged by the Globe, nor was 1t partial or one
sided. Nay, the political sentiments of wit
nesses were never cnquired into, nor were they
known 10 the commissioners in many cases.
Democrats and Wings were examined and the
testimony given was, in every instance, fairly
taken down, and read to and approved by the
ptnessee. And yet this proceeding is denoun-
ced by the Globe, and Judge Berrien is charg-
ed with having packed boards of commission
ers'' in order ''to impair the rights and respect
ability of naturalizcd citizens 1t is false
There was no attempt to affect tho rights or 10
impair the responsibility of naturalized or 9TH
er citizens-but their was an effort to discover
frauds and other practices, prejudcial to the
interests and the honor of the country; and how
far this effort has been successful, the report of
the commissioners will shew.
Aside from the immortality and injustice of
dealing out indiscriminate abuse upon political
opponents, we have always doubted the policy
of such conduct in reference to mere party in
terests-tor even political friends must feel dis
gust at seeing adversaries charged with offences
WHICH tney nave never Coihiiittoo' IL eei tSHi-
ly must impair confidence in an editor to dis
cover, that he is as ready to speak falsely as
truly, of those who differ from him; and it has
the further tendency of bringing the editorial
profession generally, into disrepute. Such has
been the course pursued ty the Globe towards
Judge Berrien; who, in all that concerns the
recent Investigations, as not done single act
to which any no, est man will take exception.
SENATOR MERRIcK. This gentleman has
ayowed his intention to vote for the annexation
Of Texas, Does Mr.. Merrick consider him
self bound to fairly represent the interests and
the wishes Of his constituents? If so, does he
conscicntiousiy believe that he will be dlscharg-
ing his duty faithfully in giving his vote i'll ia
vor of the proposed annexation of foreign ma
ton to this union by the simple resolution of
the two houses of Congress? 1t would be we'll
for him to pause before he gives the vote in ia
vor OF this act. His course in relation to this
measure, should he vote for it, will no doubt
cause large majority of the people of Mary
land TO unite in the regret expressed by Mr..
Merrick, 80 see how difficult it is to rise above
the influence ofprejudce, passion, and INTEREST,"
The last, particularly, too frequently exerts an
Al