The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-03-20

mittee; but ! did not say it was an
improper influence. Such is my be-
| lief still. ~. - - Z. s.
Mr.. McCIelland, OF Michigan, then said &C that
as the gentleman from Ohio withdrew all imputa-
ton of improper influence on the members Of the
committee Ia charge which had never been made)
he mr. McCl would move that the resolution of
inquiry be laid upon the table,
This motion prevailed, and the resolution was
laid on the table.
Such we believe to be fair and full statement
of this transaction, out of which some whiffling
wings of this county have tried to build up some-
thing to the prejudice of Mr., Morris.
TO sum up this matter ina few words, Mr.. Morris
was opposed to the provision in the mineral bill al
lowing essees and occupants the privilege of enter
ing the land they had leased and located at GER
tain price He believed that the policy of the
Government should be adhered to, which had al
ways been to first offer all lands at public sale to the
highest bidder, thereby enabling the Government
to obtain the highest possible price,. He was
also in favor of provision in this mineral bill
that the lands held by lessees should after the ex
pration of their leases, be offered at public sale to
the highest bidder. He was opposed to the provi-
sion in the bill, which gave souess companies who
had hired squatters on these lands, the privilege to
enter them at 50 80 per acre, which might be
worth thousands Mr.. Hunt, in his remarks, said
Z" if the mine was rich 40 was enough for any
company, except for wood" What kind of a
compensation would ~ so per acre he for such a
mine' AT public sale such tract would probably
bring 10 the Government hundreds OF dollars per
acre.
For the reason that he could not get the COM
mttee to report bill adherng to the settled policy
Of the Government, Mr.. Morris was induced to
state that "some members of the Committee on
Public Lands were, to his certain knowledge, per-
sonay interested in these stocks, and that it was
quite natural that such gentlemen should go in fa-
vOr of their own interest" This language The
members of the committee wished 10 consrue into
a charge of corruption. May not individuals favor
their own interest and still not be guilty of corrup-
tion' Every one knows that "itis quite natural :"
for men TO " favor their own interest" That is a
settled fact. But out of this expression grew this
whole difficulty. Mr.. Hunt acknowledged his in
terest, and Mr. Collamer did not deny having an
interest; therefore the resolution must be changed
or Mr. M. would come off triumphant. A mem.
Der of the Committee moved that the resolution be
SO changed as to state the charge to be that the
committee had been influenced by " improper mo-
tives," when such an expression had never been
used. Mr.. Morris, in his last remarks, says that he
"belieyed that the influence of those speculators
had reached the House and had reached the com
mitfee; but he did not say it was an improper in
fluence." That he left for the people to Judge of;
and we undertake 20 say that the people will be-
lieve it to be an improper influence even if Mr..
Morris did not use the expression, and that the
committee "backed out" and seat up" their re.
solution instead Of Mr.. Morris eating up his words.
But any man who expects to escape being abused
and villitied when he attacks the money power or
a set of SPECTATORS will find himself wofuly mis-
taken. 1t has been so in all ages and ever will be
so, but the people, the honest yeomanry of the
country will sustain him. f. .n.. ST.