The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1860-01-27
THE JEFFERsONIAN DEMOCRAT.
The Worthy unknnwn
The Washington correspondent Of the
Philadelphia Press says:


The Washington correspondent Of the
Philadelphia Press says:
In ono OF Mr.. Bulwer's last and best
novels no lifts tho vol from tho innermost
secrets Of English craftsmanship. and shows
how often the ablest Of the political leaders
of that country nro indobtcd to tho unknown
and unheralded skill, labor, and learning Of
others. What is true of that country is
singularly truo OF this, We SEQ the pfOmi-
nent fguros. playing their parts on tie stogo.
but we never sec or hear Of those behind
the scones-without whom they would be
sorry actors indeed. We see the hands on
tho face of the clock. but not tho machinery
that moves them. ] have often Thought
that it might repay tho investigation il
list of tho hard.working and obscure intol.
lccts engaged in Washington and elsewhere
in supplying brains and material to our
great mon, could bc prepared and printed
Take tho single case Of tho Committee of
Ways and Means in tho House Of Repre-
seulatives. This is tho most important of
all the standing committees. In il the
whole financial policy of the Government Is
annuity and constantly developed and ven.
/ tilated. All tho estimates of all the depart
ments are sent into this financial mill,
whore they are picked. winnowed and pro
pared for the action of the Representatives
of tho people.
i Eyon the most accomplished statesman ie
compelled, when placed in the chairman.
ship of lhis committee, to rely upon the
efforts of others. Tho brains of the Com
mittoo of Ways and Means arc supplied by
Mr.. Cochran, a clerk. "a modest, quiet, un
assuming man. who has served in that ca
pacty for number Of years. who dovotc
himself at all times to tho preparation o
the bills and the collection of data and IN
formation from tho various departments o
tho government Those who know hin
speak of him as an extraordinary intUllectua
machine. His knowledge of figures is S,
accurate, his integrity 60 unqucstionabC
that his calculations are accepted anC
adopted at once He may be said, indeed
to be counsellor. adviser and director in ref
eronce to the most important appropriations
No scheme however craftily concealed ca
pass unchalengod by this sentinel at tn
door ot tho Nationa! Treasury | under
stand that he has already prepared all tn
bills for tho action of Congress- and who
tho Speaker is elected, and tho Committo
of Ways and Means appointed. they will b
Immediately presented to the House. An
yet who evor hears of MIR. Cochran exccp
those who caro- to enquire into tho secret
y of tho business in this great politics
centre
n AS you enter the House, when it is full
:. organized, you will SEQ standing on tho rgt
n of the Speakor,a a young gentleman. name
= Thaddous Maurice, who may be called th
y promp,er of tho presiding officer. lie bega
:. his service as a page, and think it was Nj
>, Cobb who first took advantages of his ski
- aud talent, and from that day he has bee
y. consulted by oil the Speakers. Whom
a new Congress assemblies it is curious to o
i, serve how rapidly he becomes acquaintt
~ with tho names and appearances of Il
~ members; and these who applaud Il
~ ~ Speaker for his readiness and prohcien
oJf do not know that tho quiet, unprctenGir
,ir young man by his side frequently puts Il
i, is words into tho Speakers mouth.