The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-03-07


The third session of the Forty second Con.
gress, which expired on the 4th Of March, is
one that will be long remembered in the
annals of the country not on account of the
wisdom displayed nor of the virtues that
adorned its deliberations, but chiefly for the
vast amount of corruption which was brought
to light among its members. It's close has not
been marked by actions which deserve q
nations grateful thanks but by n record of
infamy of the most disgraceful character
Three committees of investigation were
appointed, ostensibly to inquire into the
truth of allegations touching the official
honor of certain OF its members; and although
the fact was apparent to the public that men,
bers of Congress had been guilty of acts most
dishonorable to the representatives of the
people, yet the dominant party in Congress
failed to do their duty when, through false
motives of delicacy, or perhaps the sclfcon-
seriousness of equal guilt, they declined to
cXpel the guilty members.
First was the report of the committee of the
House of Representatives, of which Judge
Poland was chairman, which passed lightly
over the questionable actions of those whom
Cakes Ames' little memorandum book Grim
mated, except Ames himself and Brooks
Then came the report ofthe Senate committee,
which CLOSED over the miserable evasions and
downright falsehoods of Colax and others
and offered up, the weak and foolish Pltter-
son, as vicarious sacrifice for those whose
honor they deemed more valuable.
Last of all, and in harmony with the spirit
Of the occasion, was the report Of the COM
nttee appointed to investigate the charges
of bribery against Senator Pomcroy, of Kan
sas. The proof, in his case, was clear and
positive that he gave Senator York, of the
Kansas Legislature, $1,000 for his vote; yet
the committee refused to believe such a dam
aging record against so brilliant Rcpubli.
can light as Pomeroy, and quietly say in
their report, that the charge is not proven.
One member of that committee, however, the
able and learned Judge Thurman, of Ohio, q
man abundantly competent, from his legal
training, tc weigh testimony, came to differ
cnt conclusion. lie says:
Icannot agree with the report of the ma
jority of the committee. | think that the
testimony proves corrupt offer by Mr..
Pomeroy TO Senator Simpson, of the Kansas
Legislature, to obtain the vote of the latter.
also believe that the testimony convicts
Mr.. Pomeroy of having attempted to bride
Senator York, of that Legislature to vote for
him. That Pomeroy delivered TO orli
$1,000 is is not denied The only material is
sue between them is for what purpose was the
money delivered? York says it was a bride
for his vote; Pomeroy says that it was hand
ed to York to carry to one Page, whom Pome-
roy had promised to assist in starting a ma
tiOnnl bank.
In my Judgment the statements of Mr.
POmcroy on this subject are contradictory
are inconsistent with Pages statements; are
20 opposed to the usual circumstances attend
ing II business transaction, and are so imprOb-
able, especially in view of the senatorial cleo
lion, that reliance cannot he placed upon
them.
Notwithstanding the plain tncs justified
mcnt Of the guilty members, they were suf-
icred to escape UNPUBLISHED. They may fancy
that their corrupt practices are covered up by
this action of Congrt IS, but they stand con-
'ictcd and condemned before the bar of pub
liz opinion, and through Jealous partisans
may attempt to persuade to the contrary, the
people, in the face of the facts, will remember
those who have dishonorcd their high places
and will, when the opportunity offers, ad-
minister n fitting rcbukc.