Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-08-27
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.

Investigating Committees 1t is to be
hoped that the report from the committee to
investigate the late fracas between Messrs
McMullin and Granger will be extensively
read. We know no more sure method of stop
ping the growth of the foolish practice of rails.
ing special committees to examine into affairs
with which Congress has legitimately no bu.
siness whatever, than the realization of the
ridiculous extent to which the practice is
being carried, which is made apparent by a
careful reading of the report in question. The
doctrine Of the Hon. Mr.. Simmons and those
signing the majority report with him, is, evil
IDENTIFY, that, however much an honorable mem
Der may deserve to be pummeled for his con-
duct outside Of the hall, it is rank saerilege to
lay the weight Of ones finger on his person,
made illustrious and sacred by prescription
The report sets forth that doctrine with Pick.
wickian gravity, and details and argues the
circumstances Of the 81 bit of q word''-as
Paddy would term the affair in question
most amusing and faultless Particularly. We
have had hearty laugh, indeed, over it, and
advise all who fancy to have the kinks taken
OOI0YOnS
times, by all means. to read it.
Apropos: Mr.. Simmons ideas of Conpres-
sional immunity IN personal matters, as Illus
trated In his report, remind US forcibIy of the
views of never-to be forgotten North Caro-.
Ina Judge, who, fourishing about a quarter Of
century ago, was really equally famous for
his legal attachments, as for his fondness for
illegal gallantries. Once, on his circuit. sit.
ting at dinner next to the wife Of the landlord
lady Tor whom be improperly entertained
sort Of sneaking kindness, he essayed to take
the liberty of treading on her toes, soueezino
her fingers, &c, under the table; until carry
ing his attentions to point past her forbear.
ance, she appealed to her burly husband. As
her better half prepared to give him the
thrashing ne deserved, his Honor, brandisbinu
his knife, with great yehemeuce exclaimed
what insult the Court. Mr.. Sheriff NJ,
rest this man who fOrgets what is dine n tho
dignity and sacred character of the iud;c,.,
oficel!,"
80 far as the testimony elected in the oonrss
OF tho iabors Of this investigating committee
Is concerned, 1t e1Onerates Mr. McMullin from
any and all blame whatever in the transaction.
Tor 1t shows him to be q gentleman of extraor.
ainary forbearances for a southern member, if
southern members in their personal carriage
are all as represented by the Republican partv
press. PAi'y
Inc weather.-Yesterday we reallv suf.
Tered In Washington from a cold "snsu >, w.
DO no'recoilect ever before to have e,ner;.,..d
fuch aWeek Of unreasonable cold NJ ,h;..-
Of the year. In the current deartb Of 600"
sional news folks around US. are cons,sn,I-
gathering about the weather. 1t ia s;n,.
lar fact that nearly half Of the ordinary CO..
VersatiOn Of an Americans life with tbo,.
with whom he exchanges a brief saIutatio,
and a few words only, is about the state Of
the weather. A single days observation of
what one says and hears after that fashion
VIII convince the reader Of the truth of our
remArk In this connection. The cause thereof
as simple as obvious, on an instant's reaec.
uon-Th' tbs owing to the chaneeable char.
aeter OF cur climate-with the eYcent;on of
that Oh China, which is almost idept;cs, nth
ours-the most changeable in IN. kno-n
world. In the United States thar. :.
periodicity Of climate whatever. ON. -
knowing what weather will be mr..