The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-10-14

position, and determination to avoid every
thing that could be tortured into semblance
Of interference. Again we ask, what feature
in Dir. CoRwIN's conduct, up to this point,
can be construed into departure from profess
sonal etiquette or a violation Of Personal
honor.
The committee OF the House give the best
response to the interrogatory. They remark
that "No testimony has been adduced before
the committee proving, or tending to prove,
that the Hon. THOMAS CoRwIN had any
knowledge that the claim Of the said GAR
DINER was fraudulent, or that false testimony
or forged papers had been, or were to be. pro-
cured to sustain the same" We regard this
verdict as vastly more reliable than the vague
defamation of disappointed journalists. The
committee had the whole case before them,
and could come to no other conclusion, Dut,
in the Union's practice, testimony must give
way 70 suit the convenience, or crafty the
malice, of bitter partisans.
Mr.. CoRwIN's conduct when the charge Of
fraud was brought against GARDINER harmo-
nized with the entecedents which an unfriendly
committee thus rescue from all blame. He did
not avail himself of his position as Secretary
of the Treasury to assist in sitting investiga-
ton. The Executive. Of which he was men,
Der, Instituted criminal proceedings, and have
| been anxious TO press them to close with as
much rapidity as was consistent with the eff
cient administration of justice. The testimony
of Mr.. PHILIP r. FENpALL, District Attor-
ney-a witness before the House committee
leaves no doubt upon this point. He states
that the Executive branch of the Government
could not have displayed "more solicitude
than it has done to have this matter investi-
gated, the cause of public justice INDICATED,
and the Treasury of the United States pro-
tscted;" that President FILLMORE and indi-
vidual members of the Government have
''throughout furnished every facility for pro-
noting these Objects" and that this has been
done 'by none more cordially or earnestly
than by the Secretary of the Treasury"
The matter may be tested yet further. Mr..
CoRwIN did not seek to evade this last inves-
tigation, though originating in political and
personal enmity. When the House complied
with Mr.. OLps's motion, and ordered an in
quiry, the expectation prevailed that it must be
postponed until another session of Congress-; the
aim evidently being to cast stigma upon
Mr.. CoRwIr, and through him upon the Wing
party, and so to be enabled to 60 before the
| country with an &c parte representation Of
Wing management Of the Treasury. MI. Cor
WIN protested against delay. Prepared to meet
the investigation in any shape, he urged that it
should proceed without loss of time, and de-
clared his readiness to facilitate it to the extent
of his ability. That was not the act of one of
those dishonest officials whose images fit
across brains filled only with "reminiscences of
Democratic doings. 1t was the act of one who
knew that his course in this matter, and the
course Of the Government Of which he is men,
Der, throughout accorded with the most rigid
rules of integrity; and whose reliance on the
truth left no room for apprehension or for doubt.
The result has justified Mr.. CoRwIN's
confidence. 1t has fully exonerated him
from every appearance of improper associa-
tlon with the GARDINER claim. 1t has vim
Dictated him completely and trumphantly
against the accusations and insinuations of
mean and malignant enemies 1t has exhib-
tied Mr.. FILLMoRE's Cabinet as vigilant
guardians Of the Treasury and the law; and has
placed the conduct of its members in honorable
contrast to the conduct of officials under recent
Democratic administrations. 1t has done more
1t has revealed the workings of the rancorous
spirit which anmates large proportion of the
Democratic party, and has convicted Demo
cratic leaders of willingness to sanction the
most INSCRIPTIONS practices for the advance
ment of electioneering ends.
The unseemly rage Of the Democratic press
is not surprising in such circumstances. Nor
tilted and baffled, they seek to cover disgrace
full defeat by raising issues not pertaining to
the question, and by random assertions, how
ever widely at variance with its facts. They
find themselves deprived Of material on which
they relied for effect in the campaign, and dis
cover, too late, that the missile with which
they hoped to create confusion in Wing ranks
only spreads difficulty and dismay through
their own. Their handiwork has failed at a
critical moment, and now they scold, as men
are want to whistle, to keep their courage at
the fighting point.
A Nybir Chin n Chic.