The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-02-27

The FORTY THIEVES IN THE JARs.-When Ali
Bahia, finding tie forty thieves in the oil Jars,
dexterOusly poured boiling oil on them and boil
ed them all, we are led to believe that the first
who felt the contact OF the boiling liquid held his
peace like very Spartan, and suffered martyr
dom without uttering groan. Our forty thieves
do not possess equal fortitude when Mr.. Gilberts
case came up on Wednesday, they howled and
squealed in concert, until the House in selfde-
fence put them down.
They were warned beforehand that defence of
the accused would obviously be translated as
completely in the crime; but this did not deter
heroes of the calibre of Mr. Bennett, Mr.. Stanton
Mr.. Richie, Mr. Washburn, Mr.. Colfax, &C., from
standing forth to protect Mr.. Gilbert from the
just sentence of the Committee. Aud they mast
take the consequence So far as we are able TO
Judge, Mr. Gilbert has been dealt with fairly and
justly; the Committee have nothing to reprOach
themselves with, go far as he is concerned: no de-
NAL Of justice has been substantially charged
upon them; it is therefore allowable to assume
that the gentlemen who thrust themselves for
ward in this c0Djuncture to screen him from the
natural consequences Of his conduct, had better
reasons for doing 30 than the mere impulses of
private friendship.
There may be persons among those we have
named who are innocent, and whom it would be
an injustice to condemn. But it must be admit
ted even by their friends that they have placed
themselves in most unfortunate position. Here
is man Of the character and standing of Rever-
dy johnson who testi6es that he hears of an Or
gaDization Of thirty to forty members all pledged
to each other to serve as bandtt, and to give no
grstuitous vote on railroad or patent bill; and
here on the other hand are gentlemen, who when
an evidently corrupt member is called to account
for his corruption, and threatened with the pun
shmept Of the House, gratuitOusly step forward,
undertake his defence, and promise to justify his
acts. What is the natural inference? What can
it be save that the forty thieves, feeling their
haunts menaced by the Committee, seek to defend
even such Outworks as the conduct of Mr.. Gil
bert We know that in this city when notori-
Gus thief is apprehended all the other thieves will
strain heaven and earth to get ON the jury in
order to secure his acquiital we hope that toe
members Of the republican party who stood up to
hpcdh u1Is OliVSft uuu u OCtsSA auu a hiSuIt
motive.
The session draws rapidly to close, but very
few working days are lett, and we may be pretty
sure that little or nothing will be done during
the balance Of the session. Mr.. JohDsOn's shame
full disclosure will remain a naked assertion, ii
from no other reason, from want OF time to fol
low up the trail which events and the Committee
have pointed out. But one thing may be said
confidently. II Congress we're under the control
Of Mr. Matsell, and he we're apprised that tnirty
or forty organized thieves existed in tina. body,
we apprehend that even the short balance of the
session would suffice to bring or two of them
at least to shame and detection. Aud it may
also be taken for granted that the FIRST trail which
he would deem il his duty to follow up, would be-
the evidences Of sympathy with the culprits al
ready apprehended, and the appearances of de-
sire to quench the inquiry which might be or
which have been exhibited by members