The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-06-10
REPORT OF JUDGE HOPKINS.

REPORT OF JUDGE HOPKINS.
We publish the report which was submitted to
the House on Tuesday by Judge Hopkins, and con-
Cured in by Mr.. Florence, from the committee on
the Willett's Point investigation. 1t will be found
lucid, able conclusive and interesting The subject
matter of the report is not of sufficient Importance
indeed, to be worthy Of the ability OF the paper
but we publish it because Of the extraordinary
and malicious endsavors that have been made by
some Of the newspapers of New York to foreclose
public opinion on the subject of this investigation
Tho high character of Judge Hopkins win % sufi-
Gent guarantee Of tho candor Of his report and the
elevated standing which himself, Mr. Florence, and
Messrs Wood and Hall, their republican colleagues
on this committee all occupy in tho House, win give
to their honorable acquitta Of beth the Secretary OF
War and Mr.. Collector schcll from the imputataons
cast upon their conduct conclusive authority in the
country.
We have no remark to make upon the subjects
discussed in this report. The document is itself
sufficient discussion Of them but, as this investi-
CATION has been conducted with the most scsndalous
disregard Of al the Irregularities and decencies which
are usually observed in official inquistions Of the
Sort we embrace the occasion to express our hearty
concurrence in the eloquent paragraphs with which
Judge Hopkins concludes his paper.
We are really at loss to know on what ground Of
principle or precedent these congressional inqusi-
tions into character are made. That Congress has
power to inquire into the official conduct Of tho
agents of government and to or to commend,
is clear but we cannot conceive by what precedent
or prorogative it is that all the commonlaw rules
which govern Judicial inquiries are disregarded by
these congressional committees how it 10 that the
license of the Star Chamber and the arbitrary
turbulence Of tho nquiston revived in our land of
liberty.
These inquistions are taken er pdrts from begin
ming to end, in secret and in Men are nc
cused by and before them without their knowledge
and their characters precious than their lives,
are assaulted in secret recesses of tho Capitol by
system of Thuggism more ruthless than that Of tho
assassns of India. Not only are the principles of
common law but even those Of common justice are
dsregarded the accuser ia not affrontcd with the
accused the absent assailcd unheard, and un-
conscious Of impeachment; opportunity for
eros examination is allowed; no appearance Of the
assaicd is permitted either in person by counsel
no specifications Of distinct charges are required;
nor is the evidence confined to any specific charges
but the examiner is allowed to fish at large for
sations in all the foul waters of hearsay and scandal
and charges at random are allowed to be made
against the absent by every witness who may have
grudge to crafty, corrupt object to obtain,
desire to visit the seat Of government at the
public expense and charge, to accomplish.
Nor is there any wholesome rule observed in tho
granting Of these Investigations. hireling letter
writer here in Washington, in an effort to black
mail public officer, has but to write string Of
monstrous accusations against him to some venal
Newspaper having large circulation; and Congress
can be induced instantly to order investigation of
the irresponsible allegations better authority
In the British House Of Commons, the member
who moves an investigation 10 understood to stake
his own character on tho result and if he fails to
substantate his charges 10 disgraced forever in the
eyes of his fellow members. Hence it 10 that in
vsst;Gation 10 ordered unless tho mover DO of the
highest standing, and has character to stake and
to lose on the result of his prosecution Such thing
as an assault upon personal character a. means Of
advancing partisan purposes, is unknown thers and
in all parts Of the earth, except in own country
to which it has remained to institute system Of in
veshgatons prompted by moro Newspaper allega-
tion, sngsndered Of nero partisan malgnity, and
moved by mon claiming TO knowledge of facts, but
willing to make themselves the dupes the tools Of
partisan slandcrers.
The investigation being thus loosely and stlessly
ordered, then the secret inquisitions against
the absent, through witnesses they not allowed
to confront who have license to testify upon every
conceivable act which be possibly connected with
tho immediate subjects Of investigation That man
must needs be angel indeed, who, under pro-
cess Of this Sort pursued in secret recess of the
Capitol for several months at tme would come ont
with his name and character unimpeached 1t il to
be recollected too, that the accuser in such inqui
sitons may bring the press to his support and by
continued publications Of gsrbled and distorted por
tons Of the evidence may poison and prejudice the
public mind on the subject for months at time, be-
fore oven such partial truth "a such en- part.
investigation can bring to light, appear to
rect the evil that may he done.
We arc satisfied that it is only necessary TO call
the attention of Congress TO this grave subject to