The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-03-14

The Canal Centracts-The Investigator and
Evidence.
The Albany journals have, for the last few days,
groaned under the evidence furnished by the recent
Canal investigation, developing the history Of the
allotment of the canal contracts for the enlargement
authorized by former Legislature. Only portion |
Of this evidence has yet been given; but it seems
that the whole is to be published in volume, with
tables and statistics, extending to five or six hun
dred pages all forming pretty considerable job for
the legislative printers at Albany.
The character Of the evidence, and the facts dis
closed, do not vary much in a financial or moral
aspect from what We have published on this subject
during the last few weeks, ahead Of all our contem-
poraries Of either party Indeed the evidence given
by the witnesses consists Of nnumerabe little unim-
porant facts, throwing the judgment into confusion,
and only disclosing, here and there solitary state
ment that can give character to the whole of this
enormous transaction. Some Of the developments,
though on a small scale, are amusing enough. In
the business there were numerous programmes
and plans Of distribution, made up by the various
clques and factions previous to the which after
wards succeeded and carried the day. According to
some Of the evidence, there must have been eight
ten different schemes by the vari Gus jobbing
cliques beon ing to the several parties to Gust and
cheat each other, and to monopolze for themselves
all tho advantages growing out of these vast jobs
But one Of the richest facts Of the whole affair is
the deliberate statement that Thurow Weed, before
he started his trip 10 Europe, left his ''sate,
plan Of distribution, with certain persons-his ia
miliars-for the purpose Of having it carried into
execution by the Canal Board, during his absence.
When we formerly published some curious particu-
lars in this matter, we felt some astonishmcnt and
surprise that Weed himself should be absent during
the distribution or apportionment of such an i'm
amount Of spoils as ten twelve millions of
dollars presented to the eyes Of politician and
jobber; but it seems that Thurlow, while he could
not forego elegant leisure trip to Europe, did not
forget his duty as estate Barber and distributor of
supplies in general, for he left his orders with his
con6dants behind him and probably the results of
the distribution comprehend twothirds of the pro-
grammc which the estate Barber left on the
"slate " behind him, when he crossed the Atlantic
When We have more room and leisure, we may
give readers few excerpts or cuttings from the
great mass Of unimporant evidence which this nves
tigation has brought out. 1t illustrates the mo-
raty, the justice the jobbng, ofpotical parties in
this State, in degree that will attract the atten-
tioH VI INC huolc countIJ, tuouSu Pioouply ~ ~
equalled, if not exceeded, at Washington, or any
other State capital The grand result of these canal
lettings, and the apportionment Of the spoils is
have already stated, the throwing vast amount of
the patronage and influence conferred by the ten
million loan into the hands Of that portion of the
wing party in this State who actuated and in
spired by the revelations and higher law Of William
H. Seward. The enlargement Of the canal the ad-
dition of ten twelve millions to the debt of the
State, the disbursement of that immense amount of
money, cannot help giving power and influence to
Mr. Seward and his particular faction, to an extent
that must tell at every election, long these
penditures are going on, the work is progressing
1t is great financial work, and also great political
job. While it increases the amplitude Of the ca
nails and adds to the debt of the State it throws a
vast addition Of power and influence into the hands
of the wing leaders and the whig party, which can
not fail to tell at a future day
1t was, therefore, with view to the future
growth and ascendancy Of the wings in this State,
that Thurlow Weed before ho won't to Europe Taft
with his confdans his 9 slate, as 6 State Barber'
with his views the distribution Of the contracts
the most Of which have been carried out according
his legacy.