New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-06-02


Whether Truth lies at the bottom Of a well or
turks in wine, it is clear that she sees the light
occasionally, even at Washington. Her latest ap-
pearance there has been startling. Dir. Roger A.
Pryor. the ornate and sometime dueling Viz
ginian, Democrat from the start Of life the
representative of one hundred thousand freemen
Z" of this country" and Of negroes not few
tbouob be doesn't mention that-did, on Thursday,
seize neglected Truth, and drag her almost by the
hair of her head upon the floor Of the American
Cor gress. Whether the motive was an Unborn
love of purity, or a desire to stand before ths
country north Of the line in a more salts actOry
position than be has held since his recent attempt
to commit a duel; whether an irrepressible I'M
pulse 10 bit some one came over him, or whether
he was touched BY that madness which the gods
are sending on the Democratic party previous to
its destruction, can say. The result is plain
The Hal of Representatives has heard distinct
words; words all the more damaging because they
are true-all the more cutting because they come
from the lips of friend, yet have sting.
With perfect deliberatioD, and seemingly az
quietly as if he were saying that the season was
dry DIR. Pryor stated that tbs President had
winked at the giving, or had actually presided at
the distribution, to gaping partisans of $4,000 a
the public money. 1t would have been at least
humane for the Virgnian to have given Republican
evidence for this statement; then the Executive
Head could have pretended to dsbelieye it, saying
that it came from men prejudced on the wrong
side. But, with a murderous purpose, be threw
overheard the entire COyode Committee with all
its evidence; he would have none of that and
touching it he spoke contemptuousy. He would
not even quote the words of Wendell. He went to
the testimony of Democratic office-hoder, given
"before Democratic Committee of a Democratic
"Senate" Thus was the nail clinched. Well may
Mr.. Buchanan cover his head in his mantle, and
in gloom give up the official ghost
Wien thieves fall ont honest men come by their
OVID, saith the proverb. 1t is very well fer the
borest men, but not at all creditable to the thieves
This outbreak of Mr.. Pryors discloses new
facts concerning the corruption in high places
But it does most clearly show that the tale of this
corruption is known 10 be true, has long been
known to be true, by the partisans of the Presi-
dent. They have, nevertheless, not only kept
silence, but they have charged the party of the
Opposition with malice aud lying when the evil
courses of the Government have been spoken Of.
In their speeches and letters-and there have been
many of them--the Administration was ever spot
less; oil else black. Who can now imagine, if
they were once charitable enough to believe it,
that these men have not long known Of the cOrrup-
tons now coming to the light, and receiving the
deuunciatioDs even of Mr.. Pryor of Virginia
For years keeping up political show of honor
among its members, the Democratic party has
done its best to conceal the booty and to hoOdwink
the plundered. Now, falling out they sacrifice
themselves to their desire for revenge, and the
day light flashes upon the secret hoard. So it is
aud so it will be. Republicans have only to do
their duty, and the result is certain. The right
will come uppemOst, and at day not distant we
may hope TO see honesty prevail, even at the Ma
tiona Capital
Mr.. Pryor counts too steadily on the success Of
his party when he says that he sees 10 prospect
of anything better at Washington. IL have no
hope" says he, that the Administration which
twill succeed the present one, will be more hon.
"est or than this fear, at least that it will not
abe as honest as the one now ia power" He is
quite too Respondent: nor is he clear-sighted.
Without great stretch of the mental vision, he
could see an Administration with an Honest Man
at its head, which will provoke no investigating
committees, but will be 1t all times prepared for
the truth from friend or foe. For Mr.. Pryors
effort TO widen the door before the entrance Of this
coming Executive, he should have the thanks of
all earnest Republicans receiving Herewith a cor
dial invitation TO continue his work.