The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-02-10

and Seward is his man. There is treachert in
the camp and some underhand plotting going
on, rely upon it.
But what say the friends Of Fremont? Is he
to be shelved thus unceremoniously? And
what say the republicans of New England? Is
their fayorite, Governor Banks, to be set aside
by the mere orders of Chevalier Webb: Now
is the time for the Fremont men and the Banks
men to give the Chevalier Webb piece Of their
mind. Is there only one leading statesman
alive, and is his name Seward? We should
really like to know.
VOLUNTARY ATosEMENr-GO AND SIN NO
MoRE-When sinners express contrition for
their offences half the fault il wiped out. In
politics as we'll as in religion repentance is the
great saving grace. In the breach Of social
proprieties the same indulgence prevails, and
when gentleman promptly acknowledges that
he has committed an error, his offence, if it does
not amount to a moral delinquency is rightly
considered TO be aleolved.
Whilst therefore, We have not hesitated to
apply to the actors in the late disgraceful scene
in the House of Representatives the terms of
condemnation which their conduct merited, it
affords us pleasure to be able to bear testimony
to the manly manner in which they have come
forward to apologize TO the House and 10 the
country for their offence. We like best the
tone and manner of the excuse offered by Mr..
Keitt. 1t is full avowal Of his fault, without
any sort of qualification. He recognises the
justice of the position maintained in all Parlia-
IoI hat In, he
presence of the nation nothing can justify the
vindieation of personal quarrels. The in
terests discussed in legislative assemblies
are oftoo grave and important character to
admit of their being interrupted by the jealous.
les or chickering's Of individuals. In a body
which is paid for It's services this principle
should have still greater force Servants have
no right TO waste the time and money of their
masters in the qualification Of their Incorporate
propensities. Mr.. Keitt seems fully impressed
with these truths, and we are satisfied that he
will not again permit himself to be betrayed
into an act Of such gross indiscretion.
Mr.. Grows apology is conceived in rather
different spirit. lie Acknowledges the imro-
priety of making Congress the theatre of per-
sonal conflicts but maintains that the duty of
self defence overrides all other considerations
In this we differ with him. A national delegate
owes paramount respect to the country in the
persons of its representatives, which should pre-
vent him from resenting any insult or act Of
violence offered TO him in the discharge of his
legislative duties. Neither his honor nor the
interests of his quarrel can suffer by
the postponement of its settlement to
fitting time and place. Beside the
body of which he Is member Is possessed of
ample power 10 protect him, and delegate
thus outraged performs only his duty in appeal
ing to that protection. We're members who are
placed in this position more impressed with the
responsible character OF their functions they
would do this more frequently. Congress would
then be compelled to vindicatc its outraged dig
nifty, and TO punish by immediate expulsion the
offending party.
Such as they are, however, we accept the apo
loges of Messrs. Keitt and Grow, as the best
extenuation that they can offer for their miscon-
duct. Having been betrayed into momcutary
forgetfulness Of their position M Legislators and
gentlemen, the most sensible thing that. they
could do was to act rs they have done. To
carry the matter further by a resort 20 the pi.
tol, would only have aggravated their offence
and shown them to be utterly Indifferent TO pub
lie opinion The only way in which they could
redeem their claims TO the character of gentle
men was by promptly and frankly acknowledge
ing their error.
We are of opinion that the painful and dc
grading position in which Messrs. Keitt and
Grow have found themselves placed ON this oc-
casion will exercise wholesome influence in
preventing similar breaches of legislative
dccorum. Public Indignation has manifested
itself so Enthusiastically of late in regard to them,
that members must indeed be lost to all sense
Of their own interests when they give way to
their evil passions TO such an extent. IL is OF
the highest Importance that both individually
and collectively Congress should exert itself to
restrain all such ebullitions. We are approach
Ing dangerous and critical times, when The
exercise of temper will DC more than ever