Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-09-07

tanning information that would PROSTATE his rep
utation. In the meantime very little has been
said to resist the current of unfounded and un-
principled defamation and falsehood which have
been heaped upon this pure and distinguished
functionary of the Government Proudly conscious
ofhis own integrity and the purity of his motives
and objects, In all his transactions he determined
to wait for an investigation of his conduct. He
has declined entering into vindication of it,
when assailed By .falsehooa or base insinuation.
1t is said of the Hydra, that naturally it is not
rayenous, but when it tastes of human flesh, it
becomes the most voracious animal of the forest
and continues to prosecute mankind. pindic-
the and unscrupalous politician may be considered
human Hydra whose terocious appetite is con-
tnually whetted for the destruction of the reputa-
ton of the wise and yirtuous men of the country
who have given lustre and dignity to the Ameri-
can character.
| In looking through the political history of the
country, what have been the results of all those
investigations which have been instituted by Con-
gress, for the purpose of trying allegations made
by corrupt and malicious politicians against the
high functionaries of the Government? Under
the administration of Gen. Washington, General
Alexander Hamilton was called to preside over
the Treasury Department. Venal politicians
who sought the destruction of his splendid politi-
cal reputation, disseminated throughout the land
series of imputations highly injurious to his in
tegrity and honor. What was the result? A
committee was organized to investigate the official
conduct Of Gen. Hamilton. He requested his
friends to announce to the House that he did not
wish personal or political friend to be placed on
the committee William B. Giles, of Virginia,
was placed on the committee as chairman per-
sonal and political enemy. Hamilton was honor
ably acquitted of every accusation brought against
him.
In 1900, Oliver Wolcott was also put upon his
trial for some alleged Encouragement of the
Treasury Department. He was also honorably
acquitted.
In 1923, when the whole country was convulsed
with political excitement, certain anonymous
communications appeared in the public prints,
over the signature of A. B. c., charging William
H. Crawford, then Secretary of the Treasury,
with corrupt misapplication of the public mo-
neys with view to his political advancement.
His friends on the floor of Congress demanded a
committee of inquiry into his conduct. The facts
in the case were rigidly examined, and the COM
mittee, in their report, pronounced the charges a
malicious fabrication.
AT later period, whilst Levi Woodbury. was
at the head of the Treasury Department, strong
imputations were thrown upon his official con-
duct by members Of ngress-charges of neglect
of duty, and connving at the acts of the officers
of the government in plundering the revenue of
the country. proposition was submitted in
Congress to investigate the alleged mismanage-
ment of the Treasury Department. This propo-
sition was resisted by the Democratic party Mr..
Woodbury. said that he tcould consent to eramna-
ton Of his official conduct, proUided Congress wouId
diioW him 10 select his o,on committee. HERE THE
| MATTER CONCLUDED.
A few years ago q resolution was presented to
Congress to inquire into the conduct of Robert
j. Walker, in regard to the negotiation or sale of
some government bonds Mr.. Duncan, of Ohio,
relative Of Mr. Walker, objected to the considera-
ton Of the resolution, and the subject acds neUer re-
uiUed.
When the proposition was submitted the other
day to organize committee to inquire into Mr..
Cor1cm's connexion with the Mexican claims,
lately adjudicated by the Board of Commission.
ers, no friend interposed; no objection, no eUaSiUe
subteIges oere proposed; shrinking, no. aiterin9
ia his course. He came forward boldly and
proudly, with all the habiments Of innocency OF
guilt, and solicited The deepest and most scruni-mg
Investigation into all of his Transactions connected
Nth the adjudication Of those claims.
What beautiful contrast is this to the conduct
of Woodbury. and Walker? Notwithstanding Dem
ocrats in official stations have stopped to acts Of
which it is impossible to read the account in the
most partial statements, without strong disappro-
baton, the Democratic party still continue to
look upon them with q feeling strongly characte-
rized by the most distinguished confidence The
hyperbole of Juliet seems to be verified with re-
spect to them: I" Upon their brors shame sca,
ashamed 10 ST."
Why do the Democratic party continue to per-
secute Mr.. Corwin? Why not delay their un.
ceasing attacks and Misrepresentation If the
tribunals before which his conduct is now under.
going strict and rigid investigation, should de.
eide against him. then turn him over to that po-
litical death for which his enemies have talked
with such savage ferocity-
| Sounds that mingIe, scream and shout,
| And crush the blood in what discordant jar"
In Mr.. Corwin we have striking instance Of
the power Of native talent, in forcing its way up
from poverty, through all obstacles to rank and
honor, and occupying indeed the highest station
in this country
For years he filed the most important stations
with credit to himself and usefulness to his coun.
try; and whether in the Senate, or in the Cabinet
| L e. hoe boa,