Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-02-21

A Committee of the United States Senate has
been engaged for some time past in investigating
the manner in which the public printer has con-
Quoted his business. Mr.. Wendell underwent
an examination recently, and made some extra
ordinary developments. He stated that he had
paid out during the past three years over one
hundred thousand dollars for party support to
newspapers and in aid of electioneering expenses.
81 paid out out of the Post Office printing" he
said, ito the Pennsylvania newspaper of Phila
delphia, six thousand dollars, and to the Even
ing Argus, Of the same city, five Thousand dol
lars" He Swent into doubtful Democratic dis
tricts in Pennsylvania and spent money freely
for the benefit of the supporters of the policy
of the present Administration" Yet Wendell
is not only editor of the Administration organ,
but was lately elected printer to the Senate.
The Republicans in Congress are, of course,
Mortified at these developments, while at the
same time they are preparing to practice the
same things themselves. Having the ascenden-
cy in the House of Representatives, they are
endeavoring to elect printer to that body, who
lives in Indiana, and will no doubt administer
the funds at Wendell did. Mr.. Stanton, of Ohio,
himself Republican, publicly warned his party
friends of the consequences, but without effect.
1t seems, indeed, that this sort of corruption
rules in every department of the Government.
Men who in private life are honest and honor
orable, and would not for any consideration run
their hands into their neighbours pocket and
take out his money, persuade themselves that it
is not improper to fitch from the public Treasury
whatever they can get.
For the Spectator.
David Fultz, Esq.
The old adage, 'if you wish to find out how
many hard things can be said about you, offer
yourself for an office, has been truly verified in
your case. For almost every charge has been
made against you except that no one has charged
you with fitness for the Office of Judge.
| r. L. j., Nelson, and others have assailed you
and endeayored to defend Judge Thompson, and
have done it, no doubt, to their own satisfaction
but none Of them have told US what is to be
done before the expiration of the next term, if
we should re elect Judge Thompson, and the
dockets of the various Courts continue to increse
in the same ratio as during the last term of Of
flee of said Judge. They have not told US why
Judge Thompson has been in the habit of order
ing witnesses and jurors to ''come back to NOR
row morning at 10 O'clock" and he would get
On the bench at IL o'clock or later, when many
of said witnesses and jurors had to travel from
Is to 20 miles going and coming The people
complain, very justly too, of this loss of time !;
besides, We think the Constitution of Virginia
contemplates rotation in Office, and we say to
you that the thunder and dust of the learned de-
tenders of Judge Thompson, (R. L. j., Nelson,
and others) is producing but little effect, outside
of the bar. We have confidence in Your ab:li-
ties and fitness, and you will be we'll supported
by the people of the COUNTRY.
/ February 90, 1860.