The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-01-16

wAsHrsGroS, Jan. 10, 1855.
THE PATENT KxTHSHoSs.

PATENT EXTENSIONS.
Mr.. LE1cHTR, (dem OF Va, chairman OF the select
committee appointed last July, made a report that W
b. Chase has refused to appear, and answer certain
questions asked BY the committee entrusted with en
quirDg whether money has been offered TO members Of
Congress-, or other illegal improper used for
the purpose Of securing the passage Of the bill extending
The Colt patent for years and also whether money
has been offered TO members other lille gal improper
used to secure the passage defeat OF any bin
through Copgress-,he committee being empowered to
send for persons and papers The report concluded with
resolution by the committee asking House to take
action with view Of making Mr. Chase appear and give
further testimony. Mr. Letcher caused TO bs read the
return Of the sergeauta Arms who lays that Mr. Chase
declined 70 appear before the committee At bis request
extract read from the printed report OF the pro
ceedings Of the committee by which II appeared that
Mr.. Chase, In answer TO question, said votes we're
made for the Nebraska bill by giving contract for one
Of six war steamers TO George Steers OF New York
being asked the Of the person who gave infor
nation, Mr.. Chase declined answer though the com
mittee demanded one.
Mr.. wAtsH (dem.) Of " " stated as personal friend
o. Mr. Steers that the latter did not get the con
tract to build a steamer. He was appointed Naval
Constructor, At salary Of $4,000 per annum,
for the purpose Of building Of them. No influence
OF members Of Congress brought bear tn. az
pontment, which was given as tribute TO his xesus
lie could not avoid the opportunity Of saying there
numbers q "scribbng Iarsaroni' hanging round the
Capitol correspondents for newspapers hardly able
60 write soaI boilers advereme ns yet they 20 about
levyiDg contributions and black mail psudering the
weakest, and abusing the prominent members A
20 the miserable, sensual beast Mr. Chase he was sur
prised he suffered TO poIlute the hall BY his pres
He ,urgested that the committee call on this
creature and ask him whence he derived his informa
ton and expressed hope that the Speaker In respsct
to himself and the House, would ri them OF this misera
bic creature While such persons suffered
into the hall he should be afraid 10 hang up his over
coat. nsughter)
Mr. L1cuER resumed saying II was impossible 10 pro.
coed with the investigation unless the committee can
compel the attendance of the witnesses, the tnorege
OF some Of whom IL OF great importance.
The SriAxEn remarked that he had just received
note from kr. Chase which, BY request, read The
substance H. ~ follows "a have objection 10 fur
nish the committee with the name Of the iniiv5ual
alluded to: they can compel his attendance let them
DO 90" The Speaker said the words 'f they we're
ttaicised.
Mr.. surnKSs (dem) OF Ca, remarked tha, this in
vclved constitutional question, and suggested that
the report be laid the table and the committee pro
coed with the invesigation after this note from Mr.
Chase.
Mr.. IrrcuyH said that the committee have summoned
vi, witness twice and that he knew fVg vha. purpose
be YES suumcned.