Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1862-03-12
SPEECH OF HON. C. H. VAN wYCK
OF NEW YORK,
Delivered IN the House Of Representatiges,
February Z, 1862.
Fraud upon the TreasurVis Treason against
tie Government


JONClUItu.
have thus to speak in terms of warm
ing and admonition to an Administration
which ! aided to elect, to whose princi-
plies / am committed, by which we must
pass through the Red sea of tribulalion,
a, must be carried safely through the
wilderness beyond. But have a right to
ask ard bcsecch, in the name Of COM
mercc crippled, labor paralyzed, finances
disturbed, and Treasury empty, in the
name of that gallant army Of 500, 600,
which this day on the tented field are
waiting to rescue a country loved through
fire and blood, to lay down and die that
a nation may liye-ip the name of 100000
hearth-stoneS made dreary by the loved
ones away-of the vacant chairs around
the evening fires of the thrice 100000
friends anXiously looking, fearfully ex-
pecting, tremblingly hoping, that this Adj
ministraLon shall remove treason from
the capital, and corruption from the land
Five hundred thousi nd men are in arms
against the rebels, but 100000 are in
arms against the crew of plundering
lceches; that 10000, 600 will be in arms
against us and this Administration, un-
less their pollutiug presence is driven as
the money changers of old from the tenn
pie.
Mr., MORGAN S AGENCY IN PURCHASING VESSELS.
Since this report las been submitted to
the House, Nc Geo. d. Morgan has prepa-
red an elaborate paper, showing the JenN
ehts OF his agency, and relies upon the
fact, that in nearly every instance he paid
a less price thar the owners asked. We
can test the strenth Of his position by the
Stars and stripes. 70 build her cost
$4,000 by her charter the owners realI-
zcd $4,000 from Government; they then
asked 100000. Mr. Morgan paid S55, 900,
five thousand less than they asked, but
10000 more than she cost. While with
the Potomska and Wamsntta the owners
realized S53, 1000, The Government paid
100000, although Mr.. Morgan's papers
alege he was asked $4,000. This seems
the reverse Of the proposition. The On
ward was offered to private parties for
S2G, 900; Mr.. Morgan was asked $4,000,
and paid $27, 900 These are not the on
ly instances, as the committee will show
by a further examination, to which they
are invited by the Secretary, and directed
by a resolution Of this House.
Secretary Welles, man estimabe in
all the relations of private life, honest
himself, would not take a furthng from
the Treasury, seeks to justify Mr.. Morgan,
by showing that the Government IN times
past were imposed upon by impositions
on the regular officers and he employs
an agent with no salary, yet putting him
in the position Of antagonism TO his Gov
ernment, making his interest against it
for the greatest number Of vessels bought,
and the highest price paid netts him the
most money. For the credit of the Gov,
ernment such practices should cease. We
have not only a right TO Mr.. Morgan's
skill, experience, and shrewdness, but we
have right to the benefit OF that ruling
feeling with many business men-that Of
interest for his employers. 1t is no an>
swer to say that Mr.. Morgan is honest.
Grant it Mr.. Morgan is fond of money, or
he would not, he could not, consent to
take nearly 100000 Of the money which
has heen made to him in about five
months. A man who is thus greedy CT
gain, evidently is more jealous Of his own
than his country's interests. Resides, il
the Secretary needs the native ingenuity
ana business capacity, which admit Is OF
high order, why not employ and give him
fair remunerative salary as other men
are employed. He says this 100000 was
taken from the pockets OF the sellers. Not
So Mr. Morgan always notified them
they must pay him two and .a,halt per
cent. on the purchase that they must
name the lowest cash price, and add %
per cent. thereto. If Mr.. Morgan DOS,
seSses the business ability which the Sec
retary claims, and which l do not doubt,
he certainly could have obtained eli the.
vessels 1t the price he did, less the p per
cent. Who doubts it?
Why should not the sellers as readily
have given the 2! per cent. to Govern,
ment as to Mr.. Morgan 2 No, sir; that fal,
lacy may suit the Secretary, but it will
not deceive the people.
In September last, when Mr. Morgan