The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-09-01

oorsaptssas OF the 0-Ipl.sns-LIDsrsy Prs..--
Rioh.ssises.-sss.iy -Hitchis.-ss.sssaek.
Whoever has read the resolution offered on Wednes-
day last by Mr. Staay in the House OF Representatives,
as chairman OF the "Bu.deioln" committee, calling for
the and trial before the House OF Thomas Richie
and C. Sengstack," because they refused
tain questions propounded 10 them, will have
another foot print Of federalism quite ineligible
the alien and sedltion laws II exhibits attempt TO
lablish through party congressional committee most
odious iaquistio into ls Prioae dDaus OF political OPP
ponents BY means, possible more odous stll, Tor
the qualification OF political and personal malice
short history OF the origin oil this whole matter may
be acceptable and will elucidate the proceedings lately
gong on IN the House OF Representatives
The Galphn administration, The most reckless ever
known in any civilized nation, had committed such gross
and open violations OF law and JUSTICE had so amled on
all presidents, and plundered the treasury ~ s oPn
OF a large portion Of the community, that The press
groaned with the indignant expressions OF pubNc con-
demnation. Especially Mr. Ewing, Secretary OF the
Interior marked out as guilty Of high offences Il was al
legged that he had reopened State claims against the gov
ernment il, the Pension and Indian Offices, which had
been rejected by former administrations, 10 large amounts
aud by his single authority had allowed and paid
them, although having real foundation IN law or JUS
ce.
He was also charged with making numerous appoint
ments to office in violation OF law, and IN one instance
comforting on OF his appoininens--vz the CHIEF
clerk OF the Pension Office, whom he brought from Ohio
il said, tor special purposes-d fevsosy power
the opinions and decisions OF ms superior, NE Com
missioner Of Pensions But what aggravated the charge
was, that the aforesaid clerk having assumed 10 himself
the examination OF the claims then pending IN the Office
for Communication Of pay revolutionary officers and IN
erest ihereonhavng remained in olce Tor three months
Whereabouts, busiy engaged that examination
TO be unable TO attend 10 any other duy-suddeny re-
signed his Office, and advertised agent to prosecute
those very claims against the government several oil
which, said have been passed by Nr Ewing con-
rary 10 law and precedent, and knowledge OF which
he very clevery obtained by This very able arrange
ment.
Bot in addition these charges, it alleged that
many appointments made by Mr.. Ewing either edi-
correspondents OF newspapers, and in fact,
mere pensioners the government tor party purposes
The disclosure which was made OF such case in the
State Department showed the existence OF such rreguar-
ties in of the departments; and Mr. Ewing was
charged with having participated largely in the abuse
These charges should have induced Mr.. Ewing to ask
for investigation, so that il innocent, he might be
acquitted before the world But the condition OF the
treasury appeared to be growing evil, and such
quest came from Mr. Ewing, Mr.. Richardson OF Hi
nois--as honorable member as holds seat in the
House of Represenatives-moyed that a committee OF
nine be appointed to inquire into the truth OF those
charges, and his motion adopted The friends oil
aandcred cabinet officer could not ask for anything
honorable favorable him than fair trial But
unfortunately, ne as not Sandered, then their course
would be accordingly.
Instead of uniting the investigation of the charges
made against Mr. Ewing, Mr., Sianly determined to divert
public attention, II possible, from the exposure he anlcl
pated It's result by counter committee 10 inquire
whether certain "Bundecund" documents had not been
written by democratic Office holder, and whether
tain democratic Office holders under the Polk admnisa-
ton did not elecloneer for Genera! Cass, contribute
money, write letters, attend public meetings, &C. during
the canvass OF lSfS.
executed in the spirit in which il devised. II
intended to Franklin rod in thunder storm
In the examination before his committee, general que.-
tons put to witnesses OF curious character, OF
which one addressed TO Mr.. Richie, OF the Unon," is
rich specimen. lie toas required 10 say oho the
amor, ynlous correspondents Of has paper.
Those who know the laws guaing the press in this
countryside constitutional guarantees OF its feedom-the
necessity of that freedom order 10 maintain the best
rights of the cltizenw be startled at such nsdi0us
yet bold attempt to shacke that great engine OF public
liberty.
Here was no question OF an abuse OF The press No
complained OF ibeous attack private character
In either the proper forum would be the Judicial
bunal Here was other than question Of construc-
tive contempt This contempt is based upon refusal OF
editor 10 surrender privilege necessary TO guard
tree press Mr.. Slsnly brings this question before the
House OF Representatives, and demands trial and punish
ment of Mr. Richie, doubtless by fine and mprson.
ment deny the right OF Congress 10 exercise such
power Their powers, fortunately for the public inter-
ests, limited TO express grants The power 10 make
rules Tor governing their own proceedings cannot author
ze them to ample on rights guaranteed by the conslu
hon. All parts OF the instrument must stand together
You cannot consre power 10 exist which violates
other power right IT, therefore, the House OF Repre-
seniatves by rule has given power 10 committee ie
send for persons and papers, and TO examine them ia
investigation OF kind, those examinations
form principles clearly ack wledged in the undamen
tai law, or TO resist them is contempt
The freedom OF the press, therefore, al which Mr.
Sanly is aiming deadly blow, is IN DANGER If his doc
trne shall prevail, and his vengeance be gratfed by
oppression OF the editor OF the Union Mr. Richie il
oil the last who should be victImzed, a cour.
ieous and fair department his important station is
merit During long professional Career. whilst Away,
battling for the freedom OF the press, he has al ways
avoided It's Righteousness Even suspicion of the
kind is connected with the attack OF Mr. Stany, and be
will find that the fate OF the old federal advocates OF the
sediuon law will be his-to be overwhelmed with
OF public odum, in which the wing press itself will join
The case OF Mr. Sengslack aggravailon OF the Of
fence OF Mr. Sany in this whole matter, if the public
correctly informed the OF complaint against him.
II said that the contempt OF which he is guilty consists
IN his refusal 10 stale what democratic Office holders
tnbuted money and otherwise aided General Casss cleo
ton. unless The committee you'd aiiop him tphat
ehg office holders did NE thing favor Of General
Taylor He might have added "and have been retained
IN ofhce, and 10 some promoted Tor the act"
For this refusal the old TO he dragged before the
bar OF the House OF Representatives and tired He is TO
be allowed counsel 10 defend him, IL he desires II and
trust, If such event occurs that 81 may be there to
hear"
And the public viii the action OF the House of
Representatives with much interest Worn out the
people with the delays OF the present session. they
will nevertheless up if finger be laid upon their
iavonle--the press. ask for Mr. Stanly no heavier
Iudgmen, than he will a,suedy meet with for his con
duct on this occasion. INDICATOR.
Missouri rLrcrIoS.-rhe ST. Louis Republican OF the
22d inst has the complete the st Id and I'd con-
gressiona districts OF that State. and the nearly complete
of the Ath and 9Th districts They foot fol.