The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-05-18

HvMByGaMa THE FILLMORE ADMINISTRATIONS
We insert in to-day's paper report of . suit In
stituted in Brooklyn against George Law, for the
recovery of ten thousand dollars, as compensation
for lobby services alleged to be due to David N.
Bokee, an OK (whig) member Of Congress, for ser
vices and influence exerted in 1851, with Presi-
dent Fillmore, Secretary Of War G. M. Conrad
Attorney General Crittenden and other high
functionalies then In office, to effect an extension
OF the time of payment of $500, 900 due from Mr.
Law, for the famous mnskets aud ammunition
previously purchased by him of Mr.. George W.
Crawford Secretary of War, for General Taylor
twill be perceived that Judge Culver promptly
dismissed the case, after the jury was sworn, on
the ground that the contract stated ia the plain
ifs complaint and in the opening of the crcum-
stances by plaintiffs counsel, was one that court
of law would not sustain an action upon, because
it was contrary to public morals and public po-
Icy. A motion for q rehearing has however
been made, and If it be granted, we would sug-
gest that IT Is due to Messrs. Fillmore, Conrad,
Crlttenden and the other "high functionaries' i'm
plicated, that their testimony be procured,
either to establish or to dkprove the
imputation that the extension granted was
obtained BY the influence of the ex-
Congressman with them, or by the "inauence"
of any body else and upon what representations
written or oral, the favor was granted. It ought
to be that the acts Of the public officials at Wash
ington be regulated and controlled only by con-
derations Of justice md of the public interests,
and that "the face of man should not be known
In judgment" What did exCongreseman Bokee
cay or doH What could he cay or do to influence
Mr.. Conrads decision! Was the extension
granted as favor to him, and was it known to
Mr.. Conrad that be was employed and was to be
paid If he obtained such favor:
This case is one pregnant with suggestions
1t is rad similar transactions have been in past
times Of every day occurrence at Washington.
Influence has been bought and sold as well to
obtain executive as legislative fayora Heads
of departments, we doubt not, are often
imposed upon by paid agents employed to ear
wig them, whose interest is concealed; and
sometimes subordinstes are deceived in the same
way. Congress might do something towards
checking this evil by an act for the protection
of secretaries, comptrollers and auditors and
examining and accounting clerks, from being
approached by agents and earwigs interfering 10
official business before them. Such conduct aud
oil meddlng by outsiders in matters pending
before them, except by written or printed state
menss signed by them, should be made high
misdemsanor, punishable BY fine aad imprison-
ment Another provision, punishing In like
manner, the levying Of black mail BY threats to
oppose q claim unless lpai1 doucefr for silence
would stop a good deal of the knavery
said to have been prsctised at Washington. And
similar enactments In reference to business before
Congress and before It's committees would be of
salutsry effect We have confidence that the
present administration will do its duty In respect
to such matters, and that insidlous, concealed
and covert influence. IL attempted to be exerted
with any Of its officers, will be rebuked in de-
cided manner F: and In charity we feel bound to
tay, also that we doubt not in cases that are re
ported to have occurred during General Taylors
and Mr.. Flllmore's administration the high ft,no-
tionaries " Of the government were often done in
justice 70 by the Representations of those who
wished to be feed as to the potency Of the infu-
cnce they had with those officials and their con-
troll over them, when In fact they had no greater
power over them than bad samqua, the late Chi
nese Governor OF Shanghai
The decision Of Judge Culver 10 the case re-
ported, Diminishing the case Ia wise one. based
on ipdisputabe lew, nd IL un1incbingly adhered
to by oil the courts with strictness will do a
great deal to repress the corrupt practices advert
cd TO. But this decision does not clear the skirts
Of George Law himself We have no doubt but
that Law engaged Bokee TO act in tais question
able lobby business, and promised him the slo.-
900; and then after getting his services in the ex
tension Of credit, turns around end repudiates
his own lobby contract simply because il was not
recoverable In law, but mere lobby transaction.
which Ia always deception.
LSRGE SPgCuIAr1oSs IN SuGArs-On the re-
ceipt Of the Empire City's news ut this port. on