Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-11-09
I,evvinr Black Mail-The Charge Admitted

.rument a contribution for the purpose of bribing
votes in Maryland at the recent election As
founding as il may be, the truth of that charge
is admitted in the Usien. the organ of the Ad-
minis,raten. See what il says:
The know-nothing papers are excessively in
dignant because n collection WIS raised in one OF
the Depai tments Of this city for the purpose Of
assisting the Democratic cause in the city OF
Baltimore NJ the approaching election. and grave
charges are hurled against che Of the chiefs Of
the Department alluded TO for his eyertons IN
recommending these contributions. We confess
that we no grevious harm in all this matter
Commenting on this startling aud disgracefol
admission. the Organ remarks
at is no harm. says the Union, to demand oil
the employees of the government contribution
10 brbe the Maryland electors. 1t Is no harm
for the administration, by its power and patron
age. TO endeavorto corrupt the election in Mary
land tits no harm TO defeat the will of the peo-
pie of Maryland by bribery and corruption. 1t
is no harm to purchase the reelection of Hon.
Henry May. Il is no harm to induce men TO vio-
late the constitution of their State by offers
of Federal gold" The proof bribery against
any citizen of Maryland forever DISTINGUISHES
him, yet the Union regards the attempt 10 in
duce one to commi, the offence as harmless. We
have been taught to believe that the accomplish
of criminal, or the abettor ofcrime, was equally
guilty with the criminal who had been tried, con-
yicted, and consigned to loathesome dungeon;
but the Union sees no greyious harm in all this
matter" But listen to the justification of this
villainous conduct on the part of the adninisira-
ton:
1.-The administration Of General Pierce is com
mittaa in the most decided and open manner to
the principles which the fanatics in the Know
Nothing lodges are .assailing. The success OF
these principles is important to the perpetnity
of our institutions"
Corruption and bribery, continues the Orgdn
ARE here justified on the ground that some great
principle was in danger. What principle' The
success of the administration; but the Union nd
mits it is devoid of principle in the previous
paragraph. where it states frankly and distinctly
that il has resorted to bribery and corruption for
the purpose of success. j. there any principle
or any cause which will justify bribery and cor
ruption The Union thinks the success of the
principles which it advocates will and does justify
any means TO attain them. One of these principles
is, that the heads of Departments have perfect
mates to contribute portion of their meagro
earnings for tho purpose of purchasing votes in
Maryland. This is the great principle which is
50 essential to "perpetuate our institutions"
This is the great principle to which the admins
tration of President Pierce is committed in the
most decided and open manner. And to secure
its ascendency, practical resort to it is an es-
sential prerequisite. What u deliberate and pre-
meditated avowal of Executive corruption
1t says further, that 'they are important to
the cause Of law and order" Law and order,
then, can only be pre- served by a resort to brib
cry and corruptian;a resort to crime, deep, damn
ing crime, has in the opinion, and according to
the open frank declaration of the administration
organ, become necessary to perpetuate "our in
situations" and to preserve claw and order" In
our judgment there is other remedy, viz: to
break down. destroy, blot out forever this rotten
and corrupt administration, of which the Union,
is the avowed champion, the conduct and meas
ures of which it attempts to sustain and defend,
on the broad principle of crime that 1.-THE end
justifies the means
Not only does the Union admit the charge, but
declares that:
wide Union in which men are not to be found OF
this character.
OF what character, OF the character of Pc
ter G. Washington, Assistant Secretary of the
Treasury,of whom the Union thus speaks
1--WE therefore, heartily commend Mr.. Wash
ington, of the Treasury Department, for his ac-
tivity and energy in the contribution alluded to-,
and We hope the good example may be followed
throughout the Union"
To what are we comingl The authorized ex-
ponent of the administration commends high
functionary for his activity and energy" in de.
yising plans to control local State election, and
for forcing the subordinates of the Treasury De-
partment tc contribute to fund, for the avowed
purpose of "aiding the Democratic cause in the
city of Baltimore
Executive oppre ssion and extortion are com
mended by the administration q Peter G. Wash
ington, the instrument and tool whose energies
and activity have been devoted to this service, is
defended from the ''indignant assaults of the
Know Nothings," and hattered, commended, and
even held up tothe whole country as a fit example
for all honest men to follow.
Was eyer such unmitigated Executive corrup-
.ton-such porversion & prostitution of the pow
ois anu Patiohu6c w No'eTniileUt
before known,a this matter has exhibited How
sadly have we degenerated since the days of
honest and patriotic Presidents. When will the
American people wake to sense of their i'm.
peratiwe duty, rise upinther might and majesty
and crush out a party the aim and object of whose
existence is to secure and enjoy the spols and te
obtain which such vile, contemplate and infa
nous tricks are resorted to, as that recorded
above.