The mountain Democrat., 1864-01-16
PrOteoting svvIndlers and Traitors.

Protecting svIndIers and Traitors. |
1t is nOtOriOus that the GoEernhent has
been OqtrngeOusly swihdled by Abolition
agents and officers and the Adpsnistra,
tiOn haRibeen cha ID, nd not 6sjaslly,
with AseeniRg III b nm exposure and
protecting them from punishment. Their
loyalty to their party excuses their crime.
StantQR SRieranent AbolitienSk hold.
ing high position in the New York Cus-
tom House, was detected in "giving trea-
sonSble aid to the rebels" and his crime
called forth but slight censure from the
organs of his party. Cameron stole eight
millions of dollars and was rewarded for
his villainy. Curtis speculated in cot
ton at the expense of the Government
and was not censured. Gen. Butler has
been accused, and against him the evi.
dsnce is said to be positive and overwhel-
ming, Of swindlipg to the tune Of five mil
hons, and he has been promoted for his
services The Administration tears in.
Vsstigatiou> llnows that it would expose
~ amount Of corruption ana crime IN
paralleled in history, and therefore will not
permit it, even if conducted by its OVID
friends. An honest Administration could
have nothing to fear from an investiga-
ton if charges were preferred against it,
it would demand not shrink from trial,
and if the charges were groundless its
record would be the brighter for having
passed through the ordeal. tits the gull
ty, not the innocent, that breads and
shrinks from trial. A few day ago Fer
nado Wood offered the following in Con-
gress
| WHEREAS, accusations seriously affecting
! the official character of Gen. Butler in dis
charge of his duties while in command at New
Orleans have been publicly made, and officers
have been charged with delinquency, opprcs-
sive conduct and conniving at frauds; and
whereas, it is stated there have been collusions
for military supplies in the army and navy:
AND, WHEREAS, recent disclosures show that
in the New York Custom House, and other
branches Of the Treasury Department, the rev.
enue law has been defrauded, and reasonable
aid given to disunionists
AND, WHEREAS, it is apparent that general
decentralization and iucapacity prevade the
Executive branch Of the Government to an ex-
tent which calls for the interposition and pre-
ventive legislation of Congress, therefore,
Resolved, That a committee of members be
appointed to investigate and ascertain the
foundation Of these accusations; with power to
send for persons aud papers, to take testimony,
and to make u recommendation Of necessary
reforms.
The above was tabled by party vote,
the friends of the Administration voting
to smother investigation. They were
afraid to lay the facts before the people,
knowing that it would raise a storm Of
scorn and Indignation against those in
authority. The Speaker and a MAORI
ty Of the members Of Congress are sup
porters Of the Administration a majority
of its friends, had the resolution passed,
would have composed the committee; and
yet, with everything in their favor, they
refused to appoint committee. Why :?
Because corruption riots in every Depart
ment Of the Government. Because the
villainy of men occupying responsible po-
sitions would have been exposed, and
their removal demanded by the people
Because exposure would defeat the Ad-
minStration and blast the character Of
many Of its adherents. Because an end
would be put to swindling contracts and
pensioned agents be deprived of their
wages. How many Of those who voted
to tabled the resolution were free from
sharing in the corruption Sharers in
the plunder, self-preservation induced
them to vote to suppress the facts.
'Recent disclosures show that the rev.
enue law has been defrauded, aud trea
sonable aid given to disunionists." by
whom? By Democrats? No. BY agents
Of the Administration-by thieving, loyal
Aboitionists ! Has the Administration
punished the villains and traitors? No.
1t supprcsscs the facts and protects the
criminals. Can this be so? The vote
ON the above proves it.
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