Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-27
THE COMMISSION OF NINE.

In Virginia politics the Committee Of
Nine is known as a body that "did a
great deal of good. 1t was organized in
1869. 20 promote the readmission of Vir-
ginia into the Union. upon terms that
would be tolerably acceptable 10 our peo-
pie. Its organization met with disfavor
from some; with hearty approval from
others. Often it was the subject Of ridi-
Guile, but when, at last, President Grant
was persuaded TO allow the two most
obnoxious clauses Of the Underwood Con-
stitution TO be submitted to our voters,
separate and apart from the main body
of that instrument it was freely con-
ceded by former critics that "the Com
mittee of Nine" had done &" great deal
Of good
The Dispatch encouraged and supported
the committee from the beginning, and
rejoiced in its final success. We wish
that we could occupy a like attitude to-
wards the Commission of Nine that
President Mckinley has appointed to in
vestigate the War Department. but. alas
We cannot approve the movement. We
would rather leave the whole matter to
Congress. While We are not ready TO
ascribe bad motives to the President, we
must say, at least. that in this matter
his judgment is bad. Furthermore, IL is
odd that he does not see the improperly
of his arranging TO anticipate the work
of Congress.
1t may be that the investigation now
about 10 begin will do no HARM but, If
1t condemns the War Department and
the National Administration, the Presi-
dent will be put in a position of en-
barrassment. Or. If 1t exonerates them
both, then a large section of the public
will say that that was 10 have been ex-
pected from the first.
The Dispatch is not alone in taking
this view of the situation. Indeed, 1t is
held by scores of prominent Republicans
newspapers and public men. In raising
this commission, the President may be
said to have rejected the advice of some
OF the most influential friends that he
has. We know too little of the majority
of the commissioners TO make any OBJ
lection 10 them upon personal grounds;
but we cannot see how they will be able
90 do a great deal of good. The most
we can say now In their behalf is that
we don't believe they will do great deal
of harm.
They have no power 10 compel the at
tendance of witnesses, and, of course,
none 10 punish those who refuse to
testify. True. the President has prom
Used them that he will know the reason
why II government officials refuse TO
testify, but what viii he do If other per-
sons-if plain citzens-spurn the COM
missions summons. and decline to tell
what they know about the robbery of
the government by contractors. who sold
ships at frightfully exorbitant prices. or
made fortunes by furnishing stale medi-
cines. or indifferent provisions? And how
Is the President to exercise any
authority over the officers and men who
are now In the army. and who know so
much that ought TO be told. but who will
soon be mustered out OF the service? Is
he 20 let all OF that testimony slip out
OF his hands? Or is he 10 keep those
troops In service. rather than have those
witnesses scattered over the country?
However. the subject has been fully
argued. and the President has gone
against the advice OF many friends. The
commission is now ready for work. We
can only hope-we cannot sxpect-that.
like our Committee OF Nine, 1t viii do
great deal OF good. But. WHISTLER It
does or not We expect Congress to in
sesneate the whole conduct of the war.
~'""'t let Of. hindrance. and bring to