New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-12-18
OPEN THE DOORS.

| The Washington correspondents learn great
deal of what passes in the Committee of In
ouiry in the Credit Mobilier scandal, and not
withstanding the resolution of secrecy we get
every morning a summary of the proceedings
of the day before. We have reason to believe
that our reports, though of course incomplete,
have been generally accurate but it is GER
| tain that many of the rumors elsewhere circu-
| lated, of evidence offered and persons impli-
| Gated, are entirely without foundation Ger
| tain gentlemen who were not mentioned at
all in McCombs first statement are now dragged
into the mess. Mr. James Brooks, as we
learn on the authority of The Brpress, is about
to call for a fresh Committee, composed en-
tirely Of Republicans, to inquire into his sup
posed connection with the affair. If the pre-
posterous injunction of secrecy be not re-
moved, we shall have half the honest men in
| Congress brought under suspicion. Experience
must satisfy the Committee that in one way
or another real or pretended report of what
they do will be given to the public every day.
II the more respectable journalists are consci-
entious enough to confne themselves to the
few facts they can gather from witnesses and
members, there are other correspondents who
will not be so particular In justice to the
innocent as well as to the guilty, the doors
ought to be opened, and stop put to ficti-
tious and distorted statements.
The Committee is acting under funda-
mental misconception of its duty. 1t is ap-
pointed nominally to make report for the
information of Congress; its task in reality is
to enlighten and satisfy the public. The
former it could do by a secret inquiry; the
latter demands public one. The people do
not ask for the opinions Of the Committee |;
they want to hear what the witnesses have to
say, and to Judge how they bear themselves
under cross-examination. They want to know
exactly what foundation there is for McComb's
story, and if the eminent citizens whom he
accused are all innocent, they want to know
whether others may not be guilty. In fine, no
inquiry will be worth the white paper con-
sumed in recording it if it leaves one of these
Congressman with a suspicion upon his char
acter. When Mr.. Blaine called Mr.. Cox to
the chair to appoint the Committee, he ex-
planned that he did so because Mr.. Cox COM
manded the respect of the country. When
Mr. Dawes supported the resolution of in
quiry, he expressed hope " that the investi-
CATION would be pursued in such manner
" that the result would command the APP
"proval of the American people" These gen.
tlemen, and the others who united with them
in demanding scrutiny Of their conduct
were not anxious merely to satisfy the House
that they did not deserve expulsion, but to
satisfy the whole country that there was no
stain upon their honor Everybody must see
that this result cannot be obtained by secret
investigation. We do not believe the imputa-
tons upon the purposes of the Committee are
just; but that suspicion exists is a fact to
which it is folly to shut ones eyes. A public
inquiry is demanded, therefore, first in justice
TO the persons accused; secondly, In justice TO
other men whose names are dragged into
scandals with which they have no proper
connection; and thirdly, in justice TO the
Committee itself.
1.-The imperative need of such action is
more thar ever illustrated in yesterdays re-
ported proceedings. Mr.. Cakes Amos, it is
alleged. has. und6r path, admitted the sub.
stantial correctness OF Co. McComb's list OF