Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1852-04-22

Expenses of Committe on Enrolment.
To THE EDIToR OF THE JoURNAL-Sn:-There ara
many vague charges, constantly brought up against
public men, which have little point effect, and
best passed by in silence but specific charge, espe-
eally connected with public money, however trng the
amount, cannot propely be disregarded
In the Journal Of this morning, copied from the New
Albany Tribune" is long article touching
gance and the Democratic party; in which occurs the
following paragraph; laIlIf -
s.The Hou John s. Newman was a member Of the
Committee on Engrossment; in conjunction with Pro-
fessor Read and Robert Dale Owen, and we hazard lit
tie in saying that he by far the most efficient mem
Der of that committee Fo this service he charged and
allowed three dollars while the other two charged
S42 and SIS Mr.. Newman is Whig, the other two
Democrats Hence the difference"
Knowing John S. Newman well, and esteeming HIM
as much as know him. imagine the just Indignation
with which he will read this paragraph, If II ever meet
his eye.
The facts are these: MIR. Newman, Professor Read
and myself the sub-eommtee on revision through
whose hands the constitution had passed. appointed
bv the Convention committee oil Enrolment and PuDi-
cation. We met. Mr.. Newman stated TO us, that pro-
fessoaal business which he could not without serious
loss postpone called bin home and that, as professor
Read and myself would constitute quorum oil the
Committee he desired to leave the next day. Relact-
antly-or on the committee Of revision, we had learned
the value OF his servceswe assented 10 this arrange
ment And, as he remained with us bat single day,
he charged for that day only: that is three dollars
The gentleman whom the contrat for printing was
Given decided TO have il executed Cincinnati Thther
ment and seeing that matter fairly under way PROBES
sor Read and myself had to proceed. Alter we had
revised the greater part Of the proofs et Professor
Read oce that duty and returned to Indianapolis
to revissand compare the two copies enrolled parcl
ment. That done returned TO Cincinnati where
found the English edition Just competed and the Ger
man translation commenced As Professor Read is I'M
acquainted with German, he had returned home leaving
me to the German edition through. This did, and
was fortunate that | happened TO be familiar with
that languages for several errors lad crcPt into
tho
original Within two hours after the last revised proof
passed from my hands left the city for home, whence
had been absent some five months.
Now | suppose that Professor Read and myself had
perfect right Gas the journey to Cincinnati none of
seeking and compelled to make IL, IN dis
charge of the duty entrusted to by the Convenon)
charge in addition to our per diem, the expenses oil
that trip. think most persons would have done so ;
and do net doubt the charge would have been allowed
a proper and reasonable But Sir, how stands
the fact? We charged not cent. We took our per
diem only three dollars day during the time were
compelled to remain. left two hours after the duty
entrusted 10 me completed Neither Professor
Read myself charged received, cent beyond
had to make two trips TO Cincinnati. My travelling
expenses and bill the Burnet House exceeded my per
diem gave my time at the close of most laborious
session and at time when was most anxious 10 re-
home land when Of committee had returned
honey for nothing; and out of pocket besides.
made merit Of this did il, because chairman
of the Committee Revision, knew well, that If
single escaped it would be charged upon me.
claim praise But IL little too much alter being
what many would consider iooshy scrupulous in this
matter, to find myself charged with the meanness Of
Sponging the StateTreasury for paItrY sum. not
my due
II charitable to imagine that the editor Of the Tr
bsne is unacquanted with these facts. That, If it be
is apology for his conduct. No man has right to
utter far less print and crculaieby hundreds thou
sands of Copies the bare chance that may be true
a groundess SANDER against another; least Of all
charge Of the base ohense of pecuation Before the
Tribune editor said word this subject, it his
bounden duty make himself acquainted with the facts
Mr. Newman If line had been addressed to him, would
have explained the matter An inspection Of
the accounts presented by the Auditor would have
shown, that, like Mr.. Newman, we charged per diem
and ger diem only. Nothing more easy than TO get
the truth Ii the editor did not choose 10 put himself
to that trouble he had right TO breach the matter at
all In broaehng it he did, he directly violated the
commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor.'
To some this may appear a small matter, and may
sensitive in regard to it, remind such per-
sons, that Alexander Hamilton while Secretary Of the
Treasury, once rsked his domestic tranquility by pub
licy conessing to love intrigue, because thus only
could he explain circumstances casting suspicion on his
official character for honesty in connection with
trifng pecuniary transactions.
| am sir. your ob't serv't,
ROBERT DALE OWEN.
TndiananoiS Anril ID 1879