New-York daily tribune., 1861-07-18
TAnLrApEnRo, TmE spy.

We do not IN the least mean W ubuoi'"uO
clerical accomplishments nor to disParage in the
smallest manner the admirable discipline and
mechanical precision of the public offices at
Washington. But we nevertheless boldly ayow
the opinion that they are most dearly purchased
IL their price is submission to a treacherous be-
travail of the Government. Routine Of Office is
doubtless n good thing, but integrity of service
is better. We may better hnve loyal men, in
whose hearts treason has 10 place, though they
have yet 20 master the intricaces OF official busi-
ness, than the most accomplished clerks who uso
their positions to serve the enemy. Ii ia almost
incredible that the Government could make so
poor an objection to the removal Of clerks Of
Departments who were betraying it as that their
services we're valuable from their loog expert
ence; for it is sa implied acknowledgement that
the Government knows il il served by traitors
who betray its counsels but that il rates official
accomplishments as Of higher value than official
integrity. And il is curious evidence OF how
dsiontcd the times are, that there are persons
who will accuse Us Of undermining the conhd-
ence Of the people In the Government by allud-
ing to en- act, which they themselves do not
think of importance enough to talk about. For
cur part, We believe if the thing is OF no con.e.
quence its exposure can do no barmi but II IT,
exposure has the result that is objected against
us, then its Importance 10 80 great tEAt its ex.
pOsure is demanded.
Tho fact is notorious at Washington, and hiss
been known more or lees widely for two months,
that the Departments contain many spies and trait,
on, who are in constant communication with the
enemy, and who convey to them the most accurate
Of the purposes and plans Of the Gov
eminent. The whole newspaper press Of the coun-
try, about which there has been 40 much Outcry
have not the power, even had they the viii, to
do huhdredth part of the mischief that lies in
tho power Of a combination of lnlf dozen
Government clerks. IL is because this abuse
had become 90 well known that the attention Of
Congress has been called 10 il, and 10 their an.
qury the extraordinary anwer we have referred
to was given.
One Of these CLERKS is the Mr. G.. A. Talia.
ferro, arrested on Friday night at Port Tobacco.
He was clerk OF i6o May DOarG, and was
complained Of, moro than two months ago, TO
the proper perSons in authority as Secession.
ist. The charge received no attention. II was
repeated again, with additional evidence Of its I
truth. The evidence this time was disregarded, |
and reply made by tho Chief Clerk Of the |
Board, that Taliaferro was good Union man
an implied acknowledgement that Ii he were not,
it would be good cause for removal. Next, the |
case was presented by member Of the Senate.
This was about o month since, but still tho |
traitor was allowed to retain his place till about |
3 week ago. He was no sooner deprived of it, |
however, than he began 10 abuse tho Government, !
aud justify Virginia where he belOngs--as loudly |
ind Extensively he all along had dono secretly.
His vocation being put an end 10 in Washington,
le made immediate preparations to go to Rich !
n0nd bearing with him mail from the traitors
II Washington to the insurgents at Richmond.
This was taken from him at tho time OF his
arrest, with the plans of encampments and forti-
Among tho letters was one from Mr.. Bradford,
Who holds q 81 500 clerksbip in the Senate, TO
in son In the Insurgent Army. This man, we
Iear from good authority, assured citizen OF
Washington on the morning bis son left: That
{ he had furnished hin with money, and told
him never 10 return until the independence Of
. the Southern Confederscy was acknowledged"
lie further said that portion of his salary Of
81 800 would be devoted to the support OF bis
on, aud the cause he served.
If these we're solitary cases, though lameutable,
hey would not be unpardonsble. After the ut.
most care, it might be difficult to sft out all the
Tilains in the Departments, and render it inn
possible that valuable information should ever be
conveyed to the ringleaders Of the insurrection
But if we really are at war, and not playing it
ike sham fight on q militia muster-fed, it is
hficult 70 understand why men who are marked
and pointed out az traitors on even honorable I
evidence, shOuld be retained in service. The
character Of an official should be above suspicion,
and to say that known trnitors cnnnot be re-
moved rom Office because it would interfere with
cfficial business, sesms to us the dreariest Of |
iriyel If We really are in earnest as 10 tho
suppression Of this insurrection, If We really be-
lieve that On the issue Of this contast with JEFF.
Davis and Lis slaye-driying -rnisoreaIts de-
pends the question of whether we are TO have |
tn Government Of a free people or tbe despotism
OF tie plantation instead, then, it secms to US,
rather than 10y open all the plans, purposes, 70.
s,urces aud ccunses Vi the Administration ~ /