The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-01-11
The Washington Lobby Spoilsmen-An In
vestigating Committee Ordered.


has favored us with committee of investigation
into the affairs of the LOBBY spoilsmen sooner
than we had anticipated. The resolution adopt
| ed by the House ordering this committee rests
upon the preamble, that "Whereas, certain state
ments have been published charging the men,
bers Of this House with entering into a corrupt
combination for the purpose of passing, and OF
preventing the passing, of certain measures now
before Congress; and whereas, member Of this
House has stated that these statements are not
wanting in truth, Resolved. That committee of
five members be appointed by the Speaker, with
power to send for persons and papers" &c.
This is something. We think that the ends OF
justice would have been better served in the cleo
ton OF the committee by the House, as pro.
posed 10y Mr.. Brooks but still we hope that
the Speakers committee viii be equal to the
great, The delicate and mpogtan. task before it,
even though bis own party should suffer most Sc
verely from the Investigation. Disposed for our
part, to aid this committee in every available
way. we embrace the occasion for suggesting a
number Of witnesses. calculated 10 be very use.
fol in this inquiry, from their intelligence, gene
raj experience and knowledge of men and things
at Washington, az both ends Of PenDsy lyania ave
nue.. They are mer of Responsibility and of very
extensive Congressional information, compre-
bending, we dare say, considerable mass Of in.
terestiDg facts statistics &c, connected with rail-
road land grants, the repeal OF iron duties with
planning machines, patent reapers, revolvers
India rubber, gutta percha, chlorolorm, and such
things
OF these honorable, intelligent, patriotic
and wellnformed witnesses, We take the liberty
for the present OF suggesting the following IA
among those who will most cheerfuly and use
iully answer the purposes Of the committee, 20
wit
Bon wm Il. Regcy Hon orvlIo Robinson, Tnurlow
Weed. jams Watson Teob, VI s5aool rat o. klhs1y
Hon O 4 Ngiteson, sTasius Corning on . eect), E
Morsen. Moses y ~rlnoon, Hoo Mr. ~ Eards Anl Rus
81 sage ell az Ncv Iors; hr Ncrael Bright, lad f,
Giytrnor Bou,seli o Hisshshussts; ar Cssse, OK
g. for New York H0r, Wsst 3ur1c, rn1 is; Hll
Henry Bennett, N,w York; Hon w Peio1. New Yo-t;
II n. Mr. Penripetcn, Nev jersey; Boa. W. Sewsr',
Of Nex York; Boucit Farmer Aoe," NJ Geaesee
~, New YORK; George Burlington, OF Massachusetts,
Jsrres W suou,or OF the y. 7i7as; Col john "
to,nty of Pa Hr ,oos formerly me nosr OF Congress
Iowa; Nr Ece, pregont Geegate from Mnnesott'
sud NJ. scney Wsbstsr, the Presidents private score
'sfy,
A well posted Washington correspondent -
forms us that the lobby is divided INTO tn, d.
classes-F First. members on The floor of Congres
second. agents who annually assemble to TAX
The chances; and, third, certain letter writers,
who are at the service of both the othef
sets" lie further assures NJ that in all the
schemes for robbiDg the Treasury, New York is
most conspicuous, by means Of the men and cap.-
al onpioyed the interests involved md the
'iIsne corii!,tl" Hence the number OF distin-
puishcd, high toned, ubmpeochabie, but welt
iufolm,d retl, mtn from New York city aud
Stale. in tho above lit OF honest aud capable
witnesses. Will De most probably OF the highest
service 10 this committee of inquiry, Il tie COM
mittCe Ahould only think fit to ell them forward
| 10 testify concerning their circumstantal
know ledge Of The schemes combinations, tactic
| aId yo,csrdgi the lobby.
We anticipate great and curious results from
this lobby investigation II thoroughly done
| the researches ot this committee will. perhaps
exceed in rich aud racy Developments anything
Of The sort in Congress since Toe United State
| Bank disclosures Of c. G. Cambreleng's search
| ing committee which resulted, among othe,
things ia bringing to Ugh. hat hity.two thou
| sand dollar operation with the Chevaler Web,
| Cs52.67j SLY. To he sure, the explorations o
| Hon. Henry A. Wise and other wings OF t.
| House among the financial conceptions Of Va
Buren's administrative ion were rather startling; an
We confess. too thai the Galphin aud Gardne
\ hot. 81
aud we're the facts OF the investigation concern
Ing Mr.. Clerk Forney's amendment Of The Mime
sta Land bill after he bill bad passed.
must also be admitted that it was reserved 70
the committee o. inquiry in tie Colt pistol pateo
extension case to bring forth those new and po
dful lobby auXiliaries Of pretty women. camel
hair shawls, Md gloves and perfuuery. whic
figured 50 coBspicuou.ly among the extra toucbc
Of hat remarkable case But notwithstandin
all these intervening occairns aud committees
inquiry. from Jaeksons time TO the present dl,
Il is our opinion that Il this present investigator
committee OF the House does its work thoroughly
the results will eclipse everything in the way
lobby and spos coTuptions ia the history ,
Congress United States Bank, Van Buren- a.
mir istratioU, Galphin and Gardner claims incll
, live.
We trust this House committe will extend tbe
81 eci6cations to oil the railroad land graz
schemes pending before Congress. and to all u
gr, at patent extension and other monopoly jol
and bogus claims awaiting a favorable NOV
mcnt of the waters in the House. And the cor
mitt,e might as well include an inquiry into u
g,plus operondi of the transfer of that "Bric
Church of New York from the spectators
the Tine, establishment to The government, il