New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-04-10
n,rr> Us TILE REPORT

We hope we are not actuated by mere IDLE
curiosity, or by what the organs OF the Admin
istration at Washington call a vicious and de-
praved passion for investigations, but it occurs
to us that it is now almost three months since
the Committee on Contingent Expenses of the
Senate went out, charged with most mo-
mentOus duty. and has not. since been heard
from. On the 29th of January last Mr.. Matt
Carpenter, President pro tenn. of the Senate, an
nounced with fearful eyes and hesitating utter
ance, his voice quivering with emotion, that
requisition for stationery to be furnished the
reporters gallery had been handed HIM for
signature. He had consulted the Constitution
upon the subject, but could find no authority
for it, 1t was plain enough from his
manner that he had passed sleepless nights
over it, that he had searched in vain through
the Statutes at Large, the Federallst, the COM
plete works of Daniel Webster and the
archives of the State Department., for some
precedent that would warrant his action. He
had found none. And then with the charac-
teristic frankness Of the American statesman
he confessed that he had signed several Of
these acquisitions before the question as to
his authority to do so had occurred to him,
and minated that through his neglect it was
possible that the representatives of false
hearted and vindictiye press were reveliDg in
plotting paper, lead pencils, mucilage, and
writing fluid. For the wrong done to the
Constitution, the cause of freedom, and the
rights of man, he was willing to make repara-
ton by drawing his personal check for the
amounts of the several acquisitions.
ha will Oot
disclosure shocked the gifted Senator from
New-York, nor the solemnity with which he
pressed the inquiry how long this had been
going on and how much the Treasury had been
depleted by it. 1t was O thrilling moment in
the history of this country when it appeared
that S35 46 had already been expended for sta
tionery for reporters, and that of this amount
only S11 90 worth remained on hand. There
was a brief discussion in low tone and with
almost breathless accents, and then the awe
struck Senate referred the whole subject to
the Committee on Contingent Expenditures,
with instructions to inquire into the facts and
report. And SO the Committee, loaded to the
gunwales with the responsibility of this in
vestigation, staggered away with it. Nearly
three months have gone by, and there is no
report. In three months they have certainly
had time to go through the Constitution and
the laws, and find presidents, if there are any.
The country waits impatiently for their report.
Congress hesitates over imitation, not knowing
whether the Treasury is to be drawn upon for
stationery for the Reporters gallery. Mr.. Matt
Carpenter waits with his pen over his ear to
sign the check for the amounts furnished upon
his signature to the acquisitions, if it shall
appear he was acting without authority. The
press of the country leans forward with eager
expectancy, uncertain whether or not it is to
be made bankrupt by being compelled to fur
nish its own stationery. How long shall the
country and Mr.. Carpenter and the press wait