Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-03-21
The voice of the Press.
from the N. Y. SUM-

from jne ~ e sun
we have hitherto taken little part in the discussion
of the charge made by Mr. Allen Of Massachusetts
against the present Secretary of State Mr.. Webster.
The charge of very grave character, and calcu.
lated, If proved true, completely destroy the Secreta-
rvs reputation as an upright public servant Viewing
IN this light, ubsained from rashiy hazarding an
opinion either 10 the truth or unuh OF the charge
In such matters il is right to wa until the evidence is
all given both sides ofhe question. But Congress
refused to entertain MIR. Aliens charges, go into
investigation of them, it is only Just that should
place the facts of this singular affair before readers,
as 1t forms very interes ing and important event in
the history of our National Government. 1t is the
important that should do this, as, (hough the House
OF Representatives refused to entertain several motions
proposing an inyestgaon,) the press throughout the
country, are busy employed in recording verdict, in
some cases favorable and in some unfavorable And
in this have glorious example Of the benefits to the
people OF free and independent press. Without free
press corruption unchecked in high places,
and partzan prejudice could shield il from exposure or
punishment.
Mr.. Aliens charge against MIR. Webster, originated
in this wise. On the 26th OF February last when the
House OF Representatives discussing the bill appro-
prlatlng three million one hundred and eighty thousand
dollars for the payment of the last nstament to Mexico
under the treaty of Guadaoupe Hidago, several amend
mens offered the manner in which the money
should be paid to Mexico. Some members were op-
posed to the money being paid through foreign bankers
and Others proposed that the arrangement of the matter
Of payment should be left the executive department of,
the Government. Judge Allen opposed this proposition
on the grounds that he could the Secretary
of State with the control ofths money! be was under
obligations to New York and Boston capitalists, which
would be likely to influence his action He then stated
that before Mr. Webster accepted the Office of Secretary
oil State, he informed some friends that his pecuniaty
circumstances were not such that he could accent the
ofce as the salary attached it, would meet his
expenses. These friends Immediately agreed to raise
the sum OF $4,000 in New York and Boston, to enable
Mr. Webster TO accept the Office of Secretary of State
Mr. Allen says that the New York capitalists paid their
halt OF the money! but the Boston men succeeded in rails
ing only $4,000. Mr.. Allen considered this corrupt
proceeding, and therefore would not enrust Mr.. Web
ster with any control of the public money! as he consid
cred those friends who acted so literally by him. would
receive advantages in return.
Mr.. Webster's friends indignantly denied that there
was single particle Of truth in Mr. Aliens charge, and
when MIR. Allen and others asked for Committee of
Investigation, the House of Representatives voted the
motion down by an overwhelming majority. The ma
Jory, If they believed the charges false and malicious
would have given more satisfaction to the country, had
they instituted an investigation; and then, if Mr. Aliens
charges were proved to be unfounded he would have
been convicted a slanderer and beler. This thev
did not do, and the consequence is that they have
thrown more suspicion upon their confidence of Mr.
Websters integrity, than they have upon Mr. Aliens
ruthulnes 1t also appears that money raised for
Mr.. Webster, and it is that Mr.. Webster
wrote to MIR. Haven, of Boston, before accepting his
present office, stating that only ga rich man or bach
eIo could accept such Office and also limited pretty
plainly that he had received an Offer of it. Mr. Web.
ser friends have distinctly denied that he got
the money; they only deny that he asked it. This,
however, does not alter the question, oug the
ney was raised, and accepted by him. MIR. Webster is
neither erich man a bachelor and yet he became
Secretary Of State Immediately after writing to Mr.
Haven
J Had the money been raised in public manner, as a
testimonial to his worth and great talents had it not
been done with SO much secresy, and attempt made
to conceal the truth, there would have been few to
sure or blame HIS for accepting public sift. As it is
honest will have douhts and no amount of indena-
tion the part H his friends will arrest or silence pub
lie inquiry The people will assert their right to Judge
whether it is compatible with the honor of high fnc-
tionary Of the National Government the purity of off
cal conduct, the best interests of repubcansm that
the man holding the second station in the republic shall
be the beneficiary OF few capitalists, and hold his Of
flee through their liberalty As sample of how the
press IN other sections Of the Union view the affair." we
quote from articles in the New Orleans papers iust re-
ceived. The Delta Of the 7th inst. thus comments-
THE distinguished the example the oreatcr the
evil Mr. Webster takes up collection in Wall street,
before he accept Federal office, why may not every
politician, great and small, throughout the Uni send col
lection bags aroun through their districts reimburse their
patriotic sacrifices? Iftleir contributions chiefly ON
manufacturers should course, them down as high
aTlf men, they paid by steam companies, should
expect TO see them very strong for large mail c0ntracts
ANA thus there would be end 10 the corruption po-
Every man who would preserve the republican purify and
simplicity OF our government, should raise his voice against
this dtcrDe No talents genius consecrate it, Let
our public servants be rewarded place them above
want II they demand more,-if from luxurious habits
from the pressure ofebt other causes they desire and
sex more, they not safe repositories political power
Moral purity exemption hom degrading desires mi tastes
simple and refined habits essential in public man as
great intellect and splendid gcn 50
The Courier of the same date, paper published hall
IN French and half in English, expresses similar views
Its article is printed in the French language and will
have its effect upon that class of citizens which the
Courier represents It's article thus concludes:
We rspudatc, therefore, the doctrines Of Mr. Ashmup
(hr Websters apoiogst they antirepsblcan and
opposed 10 good nor"swe repuGiae them because they
tend 10 Introduce into Government kind o, venay
which destroys stce, and cOnups the principles our
INSULT TO CLERGYMAN.-President Fillmore
has offered to Rev. Mr.. Hosmer of Buffalo, his former
Pastor, the office Of Chaplain in the Navy. Mr.. H. de-
elned the honor.