Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-08-20
EXECUTIVE INTER FERENCE

iJ1NbNO Nv
The Washington correspondent of the Philadel-
phia North American makes the following bold and
startling statements, in relation to the direct apen.
cy Of the Executive in influencing the Legislation Of
Congress
ain several recent letters, have shown, by dis
tinct and direct examples that the measures Of the
dominant party had been carried through both
Houses OF Congress solely by the influence and ex-
erton OF Executive power-that il has assumed an
alarming and potential sway, which, if permitted
TO increase, was calculated TO sap the foundation Of
our INSTITUTIONS, to overwhelm us in degraded des-
potlsn-and that IT was exercised without scruple
or stint, or any regard to the commonest prophecies
In word, that the floors of congress were desc
Grated in the disposal of this corruptino power. |
cited the sudden changes of Brinkerhoff, and the
Ohio delegation, of Rathbun, and others Of that
class, on the Tariff bill.
On the graduation scheme, | stated the Presi-
dent had personally directed the movements of the
Cabinet upon particular members of the House of
Representatives-tha Mr.. Marcy, upon his sug-
gestlon, visited portion of the New York Dele
CATION, before breakfast, on the morning of the day
upon which the vote taken, for the purpose of
inducing them to withdraw their opposition to the
bIll-that Mr.. Bancroft approached members IN the
House, upon the same subiect-that Mr.. Walker
occupied one of the Committee rooms, where his
operations were conducted-that Mr.. Cave Johnson
mingled publicly, and eSerted himself to carry the
measure-and that the whole Cabinet with the ex-
ceptlon of Mr.. Mason, were seen and known to be
engaged in procuring votes TO crafty the Pres-
dents desire on this graduation project. These
startling facts have not been conradicted, and can
not be- | challenge the Organ TO meet them can
didly; and since investigation is the order of the
day, call upon any member of the ajority to ask
for the appointment of committee to examine INTO
the truth of the charges. am prepared to furnish
the names Of the parties that were tempered with;
and will PROVE conclusvely, that the interference
Of the Executive was not only manifest, but post-
lively and directly exercised throughout. | know
the responsibility Of a statement so serious and I'M
porant, but am fully prepared TO meet it. can
produce the proof for every syllable have ut
tered on this matter, at hours notice. Let a
committee be appointed, and will indicate the wit
nesses, 1t has been the part of prudence and pol
cy with the Presidents paper, 10 abstain from this
controversy, and to attempt no refutatlon Mr..
Richie is not ignorant of what would be the char
acter of his own testimony, If he was placed or the
stand.
In this connection, | will cite another instance,
in which the Executive influence not only ex-
} erted through a member of the Administration, but
was applied by the President himself when the
J first effort failed. When the tariff bill was sent to
the Senate from the House of Representatives, it
! will be remembered discussion arose upon mo-
ton to refer it to the Committee of Finance,
ding to the usual practice of the chamber. Mr..
Lewis, the Chairmau and others, resisted the ref
!, erence; and finally, succeeded in carrying their
point On that occasion, Mr.. Niles delivered an
able and energetic Speech advocating the motion,
ana showed that the Importance of the question de-
manded 1t should 60 through the gravest forms of
I, Legislation. The next day he was called upon by
the Secretary of the Treasury, who tried every
: means to dlssuade him from opposing the BILL
Finding that he had succeeded in making no i'm
preston, the President then sent for him to the
White House. where stronger arguments were used
: but with no better effect. To the honor of Mr.
: Niles, be it said, he has nobiy and faithfully dis
charged his whole duty TO the country. | am no
prepared 10 say what inducements were held out tc
= him by the Executive; but | know, IN speaking O
D the subject, Mr.. Niles said, No Office in the gift
OF the Administration could persuade him to surren
: der his convictions That he might have com
manoed any extent of patronage is not to be doubt
ed by those who have seen it administered, and who
understand the objects at which it has been direc
$ ted.
now put it to the country whether this is not q
> amentable condition of afalrs and ask if it is
not the duty of every patriot to rouse HIMSELF that
: this corrupt Administration may be hurled from
t power?"