Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-12-22
noNqRBssIoNAL COMMITTEES.

CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.
Congress is appointing committees for the
investigation of oil sorts of frauds alleged to
have been perpetrated against the govern
reut-thatis, against the radical party. The
vaguest rumor put alOat by any of the ire
spons;bls correspondents hanging about the
capitol, is Immediately seized upon as pre-
text for committee, whose chief business
seems to beto go to New York, or some other
place of revelry,. and, over their ducks and
wine, concoct big budgets of ISLANDERS, which,
after fOrtnight's dissipation at the g st.
Nicholas or " Fifth Avenue" is brought
back 70 Washington and rompOusly reported
as the result of the searching investigations
of the select seven. This may be all well
enough for the feast and fun of Congress.-
The people understand the frolic, and laugh
at it, though it be at the costs of their own
pockets But while these farces are being
played, there are other committees which are
gravely working up some scheme by which
to, rpturn State that was always in the
Union-some new patent method by Which a
constitution can be set aside, and the voice
of the large majority ofthe people who framed
1t can be silenced, for the purpose of taxing
away power from those to whom it rightfully
belongs and placing it in the hands Of a few
disappointed, and generally, worthless Office
seekers.
While Congress is doing all this for the
degradation of Maryland, we would suggest
that it turn its eye to this so-callcd State of
West Virginia, and see if it cannot do some
thing for the deccncy of the country. The
most passing glance cast this way will reveal
whole patches of the basest frauds-frauds
against federal and State constitutions, against
tho commoucst rights heretofore guaranteed
to our citizens, both as TO their persons and
property. -I.-Eiil discover whole masses OF
men, as we'll consistent Union-mcn as those
violation of the plainest provisions Of all
law; creditors refused the use Of the courts
for the collection of debts due them; lawyers
denied the right to practice their profession,
in spite Of the rulings of the Supreme Court
and, in short, all SORTS of outragcs practiccd
radical stripe, By the workings of the whole
State system, executive, legislative aud ju-
dicial.
IF Maryland deserves such close scrutiny
for the pretended wrongs against the few Of
It's citizens, how much more is called for
agains. the many and Ragrant outrages which
have been, aud are daily being, pcrpetratcd
against the many of this bastcrcd production
of the war-this 'Wcst Virginia" which is
controlled by set of men that embraces
some of the most consummatc scoundrels that
ever disgraced people we hope that some
member of the House may be found sufi-
Gently patriotic to take this matter in hand,
and to insist upon it that Congress shall APP
point committee 10 look into the real wrongs
which arc suffered by the residents of this
State, who, although citizens of the United
States, are not allowed either the title or
rights Of citizens Of West Virginia. Let
slch committee go to any county of the State,
AID it will readily fud proof enough to con-
Wet the officials Of undoubtcd violations Of
the Constitution Let it come TO this county
and examine, only, men who fought on the
federal side throughout the war, and those
who were originally opposed to secession and
remained firm and consistent unonists during
the whole Of our troubles, and it will fluid
testimony of the most outrageous wrongs
against them, as well as against those with
whom they differed. What will be found to
be true in Jefferson, will be found to be true
I'll over the State. There may not be Cham
payne or Cabanos enough among our noun
tains to invite a committee of the gayer mem
bers to our midst, but committee of honest,
business men, will fud materials FOR a report
tlIat will startlc the country by its develop
ncnts.