Record Data
Source citation
“Legislation at a Stand—Waiting for the Investigating Committee—Our Correspondent
again Examined—A Text for the Tribune—Chances for the Central American Treaty, etc,” New York Daily Times, 10 February 1857, p. 1.
again Examined—A Text for the Tribune—Chances for the Central American Treaty, etc,” New York Daily Times, 10 February 1857, p. 1.
Newspaper: Publication
New York Times
Newspaper: Headline
Legislation at a Stand—Waiting for the Investigating Committee— ... [etc]
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1
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Newspaper
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Exact
Transcriber
Meghan Allen
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Transcription
The following text is presented here in complete form, as it originally appeared in print. Spelling and other typographical errors have been preserved as in the original.
Special Correspondence of the N.Y. Daily Times.
WASHINGTON, SATURDAY, Feb. 7, 1857.
AN OMINOUS PAUSE.
The week has not been a very interesting one in Washington. Legislation is at a stand, waiting for the Corruption Committee Report; and so the House dallies and toys with the Tariff, Submarines, Telegraph bill, &c., but does little or nothing. This is not to be wondered at, for everybody and everything is in a state of betweenity, expectancy and wondering dread—not unlike the to-be-supposed condition of an earthquake-threatened community who, having experienced the first ramblings, await in fear and trembling the more demonstrative developments of the anticipated convulsion. At such a time nobody builds or repairs, lest his labor should be thrown away; and the parallel holds with our construction of legislation.
DAYLIGHT AHEAD SOMEWHERE.
It is hoped that the Committee will got through with the taking of testimony to-day, and so be able to make their report on Monday. Whether they do depends, probably, on their decision whether or no it is worth their while to follow up a certain supposed clue, obtained only a day or two since. It they shall deem this of importance enough tot bring to the attention of the House, (which, as I understand it, is not probable,) it will doubtless involve a delay of some ten days, to procure additional testimony from a distance. While it is to be expected that the Committee will not neglect any efforts likely to produce valuable results, it is important that they should waste no time needlessly on immaterial issues, else their report will be made too late to admit of the careful deliberation so graze a subject demands. However just and proper it may be to rush through in hot haste, and without suitable investigation, a resolution depriving a “minion of the Press” of his liberty as a citizen, under circumstances subjecting him to unjust suspicion, such proceeding is not for a moment to be thought of, when the character of Honorable gentlemen is to be considered, upon carefully-sifted testimony, supposed to implicate him in little inconsiderate improprieties!
OUR CORRESPONDENT BEFORE THE INQUISITION.
Your correspondent, as you know, was before the Committee on Wednesday, when he submitted to the inquisition’s rack for nearly three hours. Being very weak from severe illness, the effort was rather too much for him, and the Committee insisted on postponing the examination. To-day he hopes to be finished. He took full notes of the entire proceedings, but, in deference to what he understands to be the Committee’s wishes, will publish nothing in relation to them at this time, further thaa the statement that he availed himself of the opportunity to correct the misunderstanding of his previous answers, so as to conform with the statement of his meaning, as presented in his letter published in the DAILY TIMES of Saturday, the 31st ultimo. With that explanation, he thinks the Committee must see, as he doubts not the public will, that he was entirely frank in his unequivocal disclaimer of any and all personal knowledge of corruption, made by him at the outset of his original examination, and which it not suit the purposes of the Committee to report to the House.
A TEXT FOR THE NEW-YORK TRIBUNE.
One of the witnesses before the Committee—General STEYKER, or New York—reproduced the story for the publication of which HON. HORACE GREELEY recently brought suit against some papers in Ohio and Iowa. In return for the exceeding liberality and courtesy which has prompted the Tribune of late to contribute so freely in aid of the effort of the lobby thieves to wreak their vengeance upon your correspondent, I have no doubt Mr. GREELEY will be able to explain this matter in the most satisfactory manner, for I believe he has in his possession properly-authenticated documents to show that the money paid him was not for services rendered in his Press, and cannot be tortured to seem to be so. With its accustomed esprit de corps, I shall expect the Tribune to reward me for this explanation, by calling me “perjurer” and “villain” in its very next issue.
THE CENTRAL AMERICAN TREATY.
I am not of those who believe the Dallas-Clarendon Treaty altogether dead yet, although it must be confessed that its prospects are rather gloomy at present. The overwhelming vote by which it was returned to the Committee on Foreign Relations does not indicate its decease by any means. It has not half the significance in that direction which a closer vote would afford; for if the question of reference had been made a test of its strength, I know the negative vote would have been much larger. The unanimity of the reference shows imply that amendments are clearly necessary to make it acceptable to the majority, and that the friends of the Convention hope these may be satisfactorily arranged. Be assured, therefore, that while the prospect for ratification in any form in not cheering, there is no necessity of abandoning the thing in despair. The consummation of the Treaty is so important to our friendly relations with Great Britain, that when the direct question of ratification or rejection shall be presented, the Senate will not decide against it, except for reasons too grave to be waived with public safety.
THE KANSAS JUDGE LECOMPTE.
“Close custody” is not very promotive of a correspondent’s information; and I have been unable to ascertain with certainty whether the Senate has rejected the nominations of Judge LECOMPTE’S successor. My impression is that it has not. As you suggest, there is some opposition to the new nomination upon the ground that the President has no power to remove a Judge; but Mr. HARRISON’S confirmation cannot be effectually resisted on that issue alone, for the questions has heretofore been fully discussed in the Senate, and the power of the President to remove any and every Territorial officer affirmed and confirmed. The opposition to Mr. HARRISON is composed of a union of those who deny the power of removal, and those who stand by Judge LECOMPTE from personal considerations, or in opposition to GOV. GEARY’S course. There certainly is danger that this combination of interests will prevent the confirmation of any successor to LECOMPTE, who, meanwhile, continues to discharge his official functions.
THE INDIANA SENATORIAL ELECTION.
The new Indians Senators are expected to present their credentials this morning. Mr. BRIGHT takes his seat, of course, to fill the remainder of his current term. It is proposed to object to Mr. FITCH’S being sworn in, and thus to bring on at once the discussion of the validity of the election. This course is different from the precedent practice of the Senate, which is to admit a claimant upon the prima facie evidence presented in his credentials. It is, at least, doubtful whether he practice will be changed in this instance, although, with the decision so recently made in the case of Mr. HARLAN, of Ohio, it is hardly to be supposed that any serious effort will be made to give Mr. FITCH his seat permanently.
THEATRICAL MISFORTUNE.
Our theatre is again in ashes, and Washington will probably be for a long time without any fit place for dramatic performances. I understand that the conflagration commenced during rehearsal yesterday afternoon, and that little or none of the furniture and “properties” were saved. The loss is severe on Miss FANNY MORANT, who had quite recently leased the establishment and entered upon its management. She will have the sympathy of our theatre-going public, with whom she has become a decided favorite. Miss MORANT came to this country, upon an engagement, with Mr. ANDERSON, the tragedian, several years ago, and has remained here ever since. She is an actress of marked ability, and is possessed of the voice, size, figure, and nice appreciation of character essential to success in her profession. If we lose her here by this misfortune, some other city will gain a star.
WASHINGTON, SATURDAY, Feb. 7, 1857.
AN OMINOUS PAUSE.
The week has not been a very interesting one in Washington. Legislation is at a stand, waiting for the Corruption Committee Report; and so the House dallies and toys with the Tariff, Submarines, Telegraph bill, &c., but does little or nothing. This is not to be wondered at, for everybody and everything is in a state of betweenity, expectancy and wondering dread—not unlike the to-be-supposed condition of an earthquake-threatened community who, having experienced the first ramblings, await in fear and trembling the more demonstrative developments of the anticipated convulsion. At such a time nobody builds or repairs, lest his labor should be thrown away; and the parallel holds with our construction of legislation.
DAYLIGHT AHEAD SOMEWHERE.
It is hoped that the Committee will got through with the taking of testimony to-day, and so be able to make their report on Monday. Whether they do depends, probably, on their decision whether or no it is worth their while to follow up a certain supposed clue, obtained only a day or two since. It they shall deem this of importance enough tot bring to the attention of the House, (which, as I understand it, is not probable,) it will doubtless involve a delay of some ten days, to procure additional testimony from a distance. While it is to be expected that the Committee will not neglect any efforts likely to produce valuable results, it is important that they should waste no time needlessly on immaterial issues, else their report will be made too late to admit of the careful deliberation so graze a subject demands. However just and proper it may be to rush through in hot haste, and without suitable investigation, a resolution depriving a “minion of the Press” of his liberty as a citizen, under circumstances subjecting him to unjust suspicion, such proceeding is not for a moment to be thought of, when the character of Honorable gentlemen is to be considered, upon carefully-sifted testimony, supposed to implicate him in little inconsiderate improprieties!
OUR CORRESPONDENT BEFORE THE INQUISITION.
Your correspondent, as you know, was before the Committee on Wednesday, when he submitted to the inquisition’s rack for nearly three hours. Being very weak from severe illness, the effort was rather too much for him, and the Committee insisted on postponing the examination. To-day he hopes to be finished. He took full notes of the entire proceedings, but, in deference to what he understands to be the Committee’s wishes, will publish nothing in relation to them at this time, further thaa the statement that he availed himself of the opportunity to correct the misunderstanding of his previous answers, so as to conform with the statement of his meaning, as presented in his letter published in the DAILY TIMES of Saturday, the 31st ultimo. With that explanation, he thinks the Committee must see, as he doubts not the public will, that he was entirely frank in his unequivocal disclaimer of any and all personal knowledge of corruption, made by him at the outset of his original examination, and which it not suit the purposes of the Committee to report to the House.
A TEXT FOR THE NEW-YORK TRIBUNE.
One of the witnesses before the Committee—General STEYKER, or New York—reproduced the story for the publication of which HON. HORACE GREELEY recently brought suit against some papers in Ohio and Iowa. In return for the exceeding liberality and courtesy which has prompted the Tribune of late to contribute so freely in aid of the effort of the lobby thieves to wreak their vengeance upon your correspondent, I have no doubt Mr. GREELEY will be able to explain this matter in the most satisfactory manner, for I believe he has in his possession properly-authenticated documents to show that the money paid him was not for services rendered in his Press, and cannot be tortured to seem to be so. With its accustomed esprit de corps, I shall expect the Tribune to reward me for this explanation, by calling me “perjurer” and “villain” in its very next issue.
THE CENTRAL AMERICAN TREATY.
I am not of those who believe the Dallas-Clarendon Treaty altogether dead yet, although it must be confessed that its prospects are rather gloomy at present. The overwhelming vote by which it was returned to the Committee on Foreign Relations does not indicate its decease by any means. It has not half the significance in that direction which a closer vote would afford; for if the question of reference had been made a test of its strength, I know the negative vote would have been much larger. The unanimity of the reference shows imply that amendments are clearly necessary to make it acceptable to the majority, and that the friends of the Convention hope these may be satisfactorily arranged. Be assured, therefore, that while the prospect for ratification in any form in not cheering, there is no necessity of abandoning the thing in despair. The consummation of the Treaty is so important to our friendly relations with Great Britain, that when the direct question of ratification or rejection shall be presented, the Senate will not decide against it, except for reasons too grave to be waived with public safety.
THE KANSAS JUDGE LECOMPTE.
“Close custody” is not very promotive of a correspondent’s information; and I have been unable to ascertain with certainty whether the Senate has rejected the nominations of Judge LECOMPTE’S successor. My impression is that it has not. As you suggest, there is some opposition to the new nomination upon the ground that the President has no power to remove a Judge; but Mr. HARRISON’S confirmation cannot be effectually resisted on that issue alone, for the questions has heretofore been fully discussed in the Senate, and the power of the President to remove any and every Territorial officer affirmed and confirmed. The opposition to Mr. HARRISON is composed of a union of those who deny the power of removal, and those who stand by Judge LECOMPTE from personal considerations, or in opposition to GOV. GEARY’S course. There certainly is danger that this combination of interests will prevent the confirmation of any successor to LECOMPTE, who, meanwhile, continues to discharge his official functions.
THE INDIANA SENATORIAL ELECTION.
The new Indians Senators are expected to present their credentials this morning. Mr. BRIGHT takes his seat, of course, to fill the remainder of his current term. It is proposed to object to Mr. FITCH’S being sworn in, and thus to bring on at once the discussion of the validity of the election. This course is different from the precedent practice of the Senate, which is to admit a claimant upon the prima facie evidence presented in his credentials. It is, at least, doubtful whether he practice will be changed in this instance, although, with the decision so recently made in the case of Mr. HARLAN, of Ohio, it is hardly to be supposed that any serious effort will be made to give Mr. FITCH his seat permanently.
THEATRICAL MISFORTUNE.
Our theatre is again in ashes, and Washington will probably be for a long time without any fit place for dramatic performances. I understand that the conflagration commenced during rehearsal yesterday afternoon, and that little or none of the furniture and “properties” were saved. The loss is severe on Miss FANNY MORANT, who had quite recently leased the establishment and entered upon its management. She will have the sympathy of our theatre-going public, with whom she has become a decided favorite. Miss MORANT came to this country, upon an engagement, with Mr. ANDERSON, the tragedian, several years ago, and has remained here ever since. She is an actress of marked ability, and is possessed of the voice, size, figure, and nice appreciation of character essential to success in her profession. If we lose her here by this misfortune, some other city will gain a star.