Vlvabroirb Rtepovter
Towanda, Wednesday, May 13, 1846.
FOR CANAL COMMISSIONER,
WILLIAM B. FOSTER; JR.
17.0". The trial of M'Cook has intruded upon our apace
to the exclusion of much important matter.
The Bribery Case at Harrisburg.
A great portion of our paper, this week, is occupied by
the testimony given at the late trial before the Dauphin
county Court. The result in the full conviction of Da
vit' M'Cook, for an attempt to bribe Col. Pinllct ; a fine
of $6OO, with the costs of prosecution, being imposed
upon him.
While we have no wish to exult in the downfall or
degradation of any man, and wale we would extend
the utmost clemency which a healthy sympathy will
permit toward those who may be unfortunate enough to
render themselves obnoxious to the laws, yet we cannot
permit the occasion to pass, without expressing the , most
lively feelings of gratification at the result of this trial.
There were other reasons besides the vindication of Col.
Piollet, which gave an interest to the issue of the indict
ment found against M'Cook, and had encouraged every
honest citizen to hope that the purity of our legislation
should biprotected;and the respect due to our laws
would be enforced.
That the most corrupt and flagitious means have been
employed of late years,to influence legislation, cannot be
denied ; and it was biped that the conviction of M'Cook
would have a tendency to break up a band of Borers
who infest Hawisburg, in the — pay of corporations, and
use every means in their power, lawful and unlawful, to
direct the course of legislation. They have become a
perfect peat to the members, and all employed in the
different departments of the Legislature ; thwarting and
impeding their action, and in some cases, resorting to
the most dishonest practices, and even to forgery.
That this trial and its verdict will strike terror to the
hearts of the gentlemen employed in this profession, we
have no doubt; and that it will do much toward mitiga
ting, if not totally removing the evil, we have every rea
son to believe. If it should in any degree affect this,
Col. Piollet will secure for himself the lasting gratitude
of every Pennsylvanian who has viewed with sorrow the
venality of legislators, in the exercise of those high trusts
reposed in them by the people—a duty which 'boob] be
sacredly and inviolably performed.
We trust that the far-fetched" sympathy which has
been so liberally exercised toward M'Cook. will now
cease. The greatest endeavors have been made to pre
judice public opinion in regard to the merits and tle.
merits of this transaction. The class of individuals with
whom M'Cook is associated, have employed their utmost
powers of vituperation, misrepresentation and abuse, in
assailing and villifying Col. Piollet; the Whig press has
joined in the chorus, and with one voice have done in
justice to him ; and made extenuation and apology for
M'Cook. But from amid all this, CoL Piollet has
emerged most triumphantly. The testimony has fully
vindicated his fame and. his motives, in making this ex
pose of attempted bribery. It shows the deep•laid plot
of one willing to resort to the most corrupt and dishon
orable means. on the part of M'Cook ; and systematic
and cold-blooded attempts to place Col. Piollet in a po
sition, where he must either suffer himself to be made a
pliant-tool in the hands of the agents of the Lehigh
County Bank, or find himself with witnesses ready to
misrepresent his motives and impeach his character.—
We refer to the testimony of Mr. Galloway, in corrobo
ration.
We shall next week give this matter a further eon•
sideration, with seine evidence of the state of Public
Opinion
MR. INGERSOLL SUSTAINED ST HIS CONSTITUDISTA.
—Mr. Charles J. Ingersoll, attended by invitation, an
immense meeting of the democracy of Philadelphia, on
Friday the tat inst. He was received with an enthu
siasm which told how much he is respected by those
whom he represents, and the approbation bestowed up
on the fearless and independent course taken by him in
Congress in relation to the delinquences of the "God
like Daniel." It is cheering to see, amid the showers of
Whig vituperation and abuse, such an exhibition ofeon
faience in those who have placed him in the halls of
Congress. He addressed the meeting for about half as
hour, when the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved. That we have observed with feelings of
prof.und gratification the course of the Hon. Charles
Jared Ingersoll. member of Congress from the Fourth
Congressional District, upon the stibject of the frauds,
ia-culations and corruptions charged against Daniel
We.ister; and that the calm, prudent, yet courageous
manner in which he hu persisted in his charges against
an abandoned, though powerful man and the conclusive
and overwhelming proofs that be has offered to present
in support of these charges, although received with
abuse and vituperation by those who have pensioned
the God-like" Daniel, and who pay him for hisapeeches
and his votes, are entitled to the warm approval of every
honest American.
Loss or THI CANER' A.—The steamship Cambria, on
her passage from Liverpool to Boston, went ashore on
Cape Cod, on Saturday night, 2d inst., during a dense
fog with 100 passengers on board.
The passengers, although in imminent danger, escap
ed with their lives and baggage. The large mails were
saved. The ship it is supposed will be a total loss.
The Corn and Iron trade had undergone no change
since last ailvices.
The Cotton Market was steady, and well supported.
The mks reached 5000 bales at 141. advance per
pound, and a disposition to make further purchases was
evinced.
Large arrivals of Provisions had recently taken place
at the English ports, but the market was dull
Nothing new on the Oregon question bad transpired,
as Parliament had not been in session but a day or two.
Another attempt to assassinate Louis Phillippe had
been made by some of the madcap. with which Paris
abounds.
Matters in turopOtre in a state of apparent tranquili
ty, and there is nothing before the public which excites
any great degree of interest.
°excels Jontsnicriox Bixt.—The bill for extend
ing the Laws and Jurisdiction of the United States over
Oregon passed the House of Representatives on the 18th
tilt., by a vote of 144 to 40. It piovides for the exten
sion of the laws of lowa to this territory—reserving to
British subjects all the rights and jurisdiction which
!bey derive from the convention. It does not define the
boundary of Oregon, but legislates for the American
citizens who dwell beyond the Rocky Mountains. It
also extends our Indian system and our Post-Office eye.
tem to that country, and provides for block-houses and
military authority to protect the emigrants from the Uni
ted States who cross the mountains. AU these mea
sures are in conformity with the recommendations ofthe
President, and with the iiddition of resolutions for 'no
tice, cover the whole ground marked out in his message.
Cover.--The second week of Court promises to be
as unimportant as the finis. It is proposed, we barn,
that the September Term shall continue three weeks,
to sfloni an opportunity for clearing the erer-burdened
trier list.
Late from Mexico and Texas!
We find our exchanges full of news from the army of
occupation in Texas, as !also from the Government of
Mexico. Information, in the shape of rumors, from
these countries;is not apt to be very authentic, but we
have condensed a few of the most important items, from
the MUM
Gen. Taylor is intrenehed opposite llatamoras. and
there is every reason to believe that general hostilities
will soon commence.
Col. Truman Cross has been taken prisoner by Mex . -
= rancheros, consisting of a captain, lieutenant, and
five men, and carried off. ; Not the least apprehension
is now entertained for the personal safety of Col. Cross,
but it is not known in General Taylor's camp where he
is. Mexican officers positively deny that he is in Mata
moros, and we must wait patiently a littie while for the
mystery to be unravelled. At last accounts the officers
in Gen. Taylor's camp felt no alarm whatever as to the
personal safety of Col. Cross,"
The Galveston News of the 24th, has the following
information :-011 the 19th instant. Lieutenant Porter,
of the 4th regiment, (son of the laic Commodore Porter,)
being out with a fatigue party of ten men, (some of
them wearing uniform.) were fired upon when within a
few miles of the camp.
Lieutenant Porter and three of his men were killed in
the attack ; the rest of -the party escaping, returned to
the camp next day. It is stated that the guns of the
Americans were wet and would not fire. We see no
explanation given why this party of soldiers should be
ranging out the country with guns that would not fire.
Lieut. Van Ness informs us that nothing further had
heen heard of Colonel Cross up to the 19th, hut that the
general opinion is that he is still a prisoner, though not
at Matamoros.
About fifty of the American army have deserted and
swam the river for the Mexican camp, but a number
of them were shot as deserters while in the water. The
whole number of American troops is estimated at be.
tween two and three thousand, and they are said to be
in excellent discipline. and eager loran engagement with
the enemy. Ampudia's forces are reported at between
three and four thousand. It is rumored that Arista is
about to supersede Arnpudia in the command.
RETOLUTION.-A new revolution has broken out in
the south of the Department of Mexico, headed by Gen.
Don Juan Alvarez, in favor of the federal constitution
and the return of Santa Anna. At the lattst dates, we
could nut get its details; but there is . no doubt of the
truth of the report.
Bradford County Court.
Present Hon. Joan N. Co:vs:wean, President, and
Hons. Reuben Wilber and Harry Morgan, Associate
Judges.
The business transacted during the first week of court
is unusually limited. Besides the usual routine of bu
siness appertaining to every Court, swearing in of Con
stables; granting licenses, &c., the following is the only
cause which went to the jury, deemed sufficiently in
teresting, to be reported:
COMMONWEALTH VS. Mao. LIMA SWEET—David
Benjamin prosecutor.—The defendent was indicted fur
committing an assault and battery on Emeline Benja
min, on the 314 day of March, 1846, in Durell town
ship. The defendant pleaded Not Guilty.
The substance of the evidence wages follows:—Eme
line Benjamin left home to carry dinner to her blather,
who was rafting a short distance from where they lived;
that on her return home the defendant made an attack up
on her, unprovoked—with sticks, staves, and stones, and
that a large stone hit her on the side of her head, which
injured her very much.
The jury returnedll verdict of guilty—and the Court
sentenced her to pay a fine of $5 and the costs of prose
cution.
Sisoozsa ficterns..—The Owego Gazette has the
following particulars of a melancholy suicide :—" En•
wan° Bsznwra, of Nichols, shot himseif on Tuesday
last. He had been out a hunting, and on his return,
met a couple of girls, and while engaged in conversation
with them, asked if they would like to see him shoot
himself. They answered yes. At this, he put the muz•
zle of the gun into his mouth, and placing his foot on
the trigger, blew out his brains in an instant. No mo
tivei can be assigned for this rash act. He was a single
man, about twenty-two or three years of age, and by
occupation, a tailor."
Tux COAL Tasnx.—The quantity of coal sent to
market from the Schuylkill region last week was 23,223
tons, showing an increase of about 2000 over last week.
The Company's estimate for the months of January,
February, March and April, was 240,000 tons. They
have sent 223,400 tons. and have one week', work
to perform before the close of the month. The Miner's
Journal says they will exceed the estimate.
Tea FIRE •e OWEGO.-A late examination at Owe
go relative to certain letters received by various Individu
als in that village a few days before the recent fire, threw
suspicion upon Willard Foster, as being accessory to
the late fire, and resulted in committing him to await
his trial, at the next Oyer and Terminer.
Toe limas FA MlLL—These distinguished vocalists
gave a Concert on Monday evening 'asap a very large
house, who were seemingly all very !xi; pleased with
the musical abilities of the performers, or correct, dis
tinct pronunciation and emphasis, we have never heard
their equals ; and should they in time visit us again we
promise them an equally flattering reception.
PRESBYTERIAN GENIDII. ASSENBLY.—The Gener
al Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United
States, will hold its next annual meeting on Thursday
the 21st of May next, in the Tenth street Presbyterian
Church, Philadelphia. The meeting will be opened
with a sermon by the Rev. John M. Krebs, D. D., the
Moderator of the last Assembly.
Vraumm Et=Tiox.—The final result, u ucertain•
ed, is, eight democratic majority in the Senate—and 14
or 16 in the Home of Di:legatos. Joint majority more
than 20 in all probability.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.--Sixteen
years ago James Smithson died in England,
leaving to the United States the reversion of
five hundred and fifteen thousand.one hundred
and sixty-nine dollars, for the purpose of found
ing an institution in the District of Columbia
for the increase and diffusion of knowledge
among men." About ten years have elapsed
since our Government accepted the trust, and
eight years next Seetember, since the money
was obtained from the English Court of Chanc
ery, and paid into the Treasury of the United
States. With an interest accruing since its
receipts Into the treasury. nearly tow hundred
and fifty thousand dollara. the bill no be
fore Congress proposes to erect the buildings,
and the institution is to be supported hereafter
on the interest of the original amount.
would seem to exhibit great dilatoriness on the
part of Congress, but the delay may be attri
duted to the opposition made to it oo poiisti
tutional grounds. Sufficient time we should
think has however, been given to dispose of
the matter, one way or the other, and it is
to be hoped that the present Congress will
not adjourn without doing so.
TRIAL 'OF 114'COOK,
FOR ATTEMPTING TO BRIBE COL. PIOLLET
CourtofCommon Pleas—Dauphin County.
For offering a 'bribe to VIC
TOR E. PIOLLET, a member
of the House of Representatives
from Bradford County, atm one
of the Committee on banks, to
induce him to vote to sustain
the Lehigh County Bank.
Commcinwalth
vs -
DANIIL M'COoE.
[CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.]
and in drawing' the Report. The conversation
after some time took a more direct hearing.—
After I had stopped him the third time in the
use of harsh language, he stated that he had
(nine to this place, for the purpose of prevent
ing an investigation into the affairs of the Le
high County Bank ; or if an investigation was
had, his object was to procure a favorable le
port front the committee on Banks. The first
reason he gave for preventing an investigation
was, that the charges urged against that Bank.
were untrue in fact, and which he thought to
he able to refute. Another reason was, that if
the bank was sustained he had an arrangement
with that bank to assist him in establishing
either a hank or an office of Drimgite. I do not
recollect which, at Carrolton. Carrol county in
the State of Ohio, where he resided., Mr.
%LiCook did not say to me, nor did he intimate
that he was determined to carry his object
through the agency of money, hot , ad he be
lieved the charges against the bank were un
founded in fact. his determination was to pre
vent the investigation, or have a favorable re
port from The Committee. by some means or
other. I think he also said immediately after
wards—.. by some means or other, or by cer
tain-influences." ,
He then commenced detailing the transac
tions of Monday night, the 16i11 of February.
He stated that he had gone into Mr. Piollet's
room, and after some conversation Mr. Ptollet
refused to take $250, or the note indorsed by
any one that he might name for the other $250 1
and the reason why lie would not take it, he
had had a better previous offer. He. Nl`Cook.
then began to have some fears whether lie lißd
got his man or not. He then stated in me the
position of Mr. and himself, Mr. Piol
let being on one side 'of the fire place, and he
in front of the fire. He thought it best then
to avoid the difficulties which he might get in.
by mistaking his man. to make a survey of
Mr. Piollet, head ano face. He did so, and
from the peculiar shape of his forehead. tho't
he could not possibly be mistaken. But for
fear that lie might be mistaken, he said to Mr.
Piollet. that lie hail . but $250 in his pocket,
and that it was necessary for him to go to Mr.
Herr's Hotel in this borough, for the purpose
of getting the other $250, to consummate the
matter that night. M lle gave this as an excuse
to Mr. Piollet, in order that he might consult
three gentlemen who were his friends, who
were at Herr's Hotel, as to whether lie should
risque the operation. He went and found
those three gentlemen. lle gave me the name
of one of them, which was Beech. I think
his name was Asa Beech. He said that he
stated to them, the nature of the phrenological
developnients of Mr. Piollet's head, and ex
pressed to them some doubts whether lie had
his man or not. One of the three said to him,
return immediately and consummate the mat
ter, as he had no doubt he had got the right
man. Ile said he still hesitated and expressed
doubts. The isamrindividual more emphati
cally replied that he should go immediately
back and consummate it. The next morning
lie went into Mr. Piollet's room, and told him
that he was prepared to consummate the mat
ter, by paying $400; and the $lOO to make
the 8500. the amount agreed upon, lie must
wait for until the report of the Committee was
had. He said that he stated to Mr. Piollet
the reason why he could not pay him at that
time was, that lie had it not. Ile then stated
to me his reasons for not paying the sloo.
Being somewhat fearful, that lie had not found
the right man, and for fear of being betrayed.
he thought the holding back the $lOO would
have a tendency to keep Mr. Piollet true to the
needle—and that he had the $lOO in his pock
et at the time. At this conversation he stated
a secret which I am not disposedlo disclose,
unless directed.
Mr. M'Cook desired to have it disclosed
Mr. Galloway proceeded.—He stated that
on Monday morning, he intended to have
Messrs. Piollet, Laporte, Borrell and Miller
arrested for a conspiracy. He narrated another
transaction which took place on the same Mon
day night, the 16th. prior to his going to Mr.
Piollet's room, the same time. He here again
expressed his fears, as to whether he had the
right man, and for the purpose of preventing
himself from getting into difficulty he had pre•
pared' plan, by which to have a witness to
the transaction with Mr. Piollet. He said he
went to Mr. Piollet's room and left the Lime.
which has been spoken of, ' requesting Mr.
Piollet to come to No. 22.—He returned to
his own room, where he had a friend prepared
to be a witness in case Mr. Piollet should
come.—that he put his buffalo robe under his
bed. for the accommodation of his friend, that
he should make no noise if Mi. Piollet should
coine.—From the long delay of Mr. Piollet's
coming, his friend had come out from his hid
ing place, and the two were sitting conversing
together, when he heard some person coming
along the hall, and supposing him to be Mr.
Piollet, he immediately rose froie from his
chair, took the candle in his hand, went to the
door and opened it wide enough to admit his
own person, held the candle in one hand out
into the hall as far as he could reach, and held
the door with the other hand, for the purpose
if it proved to be Mr. Piollet, to detain him Ain.
til his friend could resume his position on the
buffalo robe under the bed. He found the
person who was approaching to be one of the
servants, who announced to him that a gentle
mau in a certain number was in his room.
Questioned by the Attorney General. Did
he give any account after the servant had left
him what he did?
Answer. He said he prepared himself to
go to Mr. Piollet's room, and after some time
did o. •
Q. What became of his friend ?
A. I have no distinct recollection.
Mr. Galloway proceeded.—Mr. M'Cook
stated, on Tuesday. morning, in Mr. Piollet's
presence. he sat down and counted the money.
While counting it Mr. Piollet stood behind the
chair, and counted with him. As he number
ed Mr. Piollet numbered with him. After it
was counted, Mr. Piollet said—there is my
drawer open, and you may lay the money
there, or put the money in the drawer. This
action of Mr. Piollet of having the . money put
in the drawer, instead of receiving it, caused
him to have stronger suspicions than any he
had had before that he would betray him.
Adjourned until 2 o'clock, P. M. •
Mr. GALLOWAY resumed his testimony
As to the object that M'Cook had in view
in endeavoring to get Piollet to his room. in
addition to what I have already testified. he
stated that he desiredto have him there with
a friend not for the purpose of betraying
Piollet, if any thing should happen. but in or
der to prevent Piollct from betraying him. He
had intended so to shape the conversation be
tween them, that it would appear that Piollet
was soliciting the money, rather than that the
proposition was coming from him to Piollet.
CROSS-EXAMINED
Question by Mr. Cooper. In the interview
with M'Cook it is nut possible that your memo
ry may have proved treacherous, and that some
things have escaped your recollection
Answer. I think not.
Q. Did M'Cook during the time of your
conversation with him, endeavor to approach
you ?
A. He did not.
Q. Did he not say in the orinversation you
had with him, that the proposition came from
Irioll9
A. He did not.
Q. At the time of the interview you speak
of, did not 111'Cook say. as the itivrotigatiun
was now over. there would be no impropriety
in staling the facts.
A. He did.
Q. Did M'Cook tell you in his interview
with you, that his object in his interview widi
l'iollet. was to get him to name some person
to act as agent before the Committee and the
Legislature?
A. He did not. 1 Was- a member of the
committee, and it was unnecessary therefore,
for hint to go into a detailed statement of pre
liminary matters.
Q. At the interview between you and M'-
Cook, did he'not express his disgust at the
conduct of Piollet in this matter, and declare
that his statement was contrary to the facts in
the case?
A. 1 think not.
Q. Did M'Cook slate that Piollet said that
two could keep a secret better than three ?
A. He did not.
Q. Did he state that Piollet said that he
would not call in a third person—that as Ire
was to do the business himself he would have
the money him-elf?
A. He did not.
Q. Did he not state, in relation to his having
had a witness present. that he was afraid that
•
Piollet would misrepresent the facts, and that
he did it for his own secnrity ?
I have already stated what he said in relation
to this question. in his own words.
Q. Did not M'Cook state to you that he did
not wish Piotlet. or any other person, to do
any thing in relation to the Bank that was not
honest and proper? •
A. I have no recollection of his making such
a remark.
Q. Can you explain how it was in the in
terview between you and M'Cook, that he re
vealed every thing to you against himself, and
and suppressed every thing in his own favor ?
A. In my examination this morning, I sta
ted what I understood NlTook said. I cannot
explain further.
Q Did you not say when the suhrnena was
served upon you, that it was an imposition up
on you to detain you here, and that you know
nothing about this case ?
A. 1 did so ; and I say now, that I do not
know why M'Cook subpcenaetl-rne.
Q. If you was not subprenaed by the Com
monwealth, how does it come that you have
been brought upon the stand by the Common
wealth, and have gone on and testified rn length
without being interrogated by the Attorney for
the Commonwealth ?
A. I was desired some time before the ad
journment of the Legislatnre, at the instance
of the Commonwealth's Counsel, to go to the
Justice before whom this information was
made, and enter into recog lizance to appear
here at this Court. I declined doing so. I
was then asked if I would remain without do
ing, so. I replied I would if it was necessary.
I was desired to do so as a member of the
Committee. lam a witness here without be
ing subpmnaed or bound over by The Common
wealth. If I have any feelings in this ques
tion they are in ,favor of M'Cook.
Q. How then does it come that you have
volunteered this afternoon, to testify to the
worst act that has been charged upon M'Cook
in the course of the investigation
i
A. rliere was no volunteering on my part.
After.giving my testimony in chief, upon re
flAtion I discovered that . I had omitted this
portion of it.
Q. Did you hear at thedinner table, about the
time M'Cook was arrested, Mi. Piollet say that
his reputation had•been suffering for a number
of years, and that lie had now an opportunity of
showing to the world that he was an hones man,
or words to that effect ?
A. I did not hear it ; nor could I, as I was at
some distance from him.
Q. Do you kno.v whether M'Cook and Mr.
Piollet walked together to church on Sunday the
15th of February
A. M'Cook and myself left Buehler's Hotel
together and walked.to church. On our way we
either met Mr. Piollet or he overtook us, and we
three went to church together.
Questioned by Mr. FISHER. How long did
the conversation last which. you have been de
tailing that you had with M'.Cook ?
A. I cannot how long. It !hated front sup
per time until after candle-light.
Q. Did you not say to Dol. Piper that you
had been subpcenaed, and that you knew noth
ing of this matter, unless in reference to NV-
Cook's character ?
A. I do not recollect saying any thing to Col.
Piper at all. I recollect saying to some person
that 1 did not know any thing of the matter, un
less it was in reference to his character. I have
known M'Cook for many years. -
Q. What did you mean when yon said you
knew nothing of the matter I—Did you mean
that you knew nothing of the case ?
A. No I meant only that I knew nothing in
favor of M'Cook. I wish to say that I have
not been pressed to testify by any one but M'-
Cook. Nor have I stated the facts to any one
until within a few days. when I stated them to
the Commonwealth's Attorney.
The Commonwealth closed.
Mr. M'Comicx on behalf of the defendant.
opened the case, and averred that he was pre
pared to prove that instead of Mr. M'Cook un
dertaking to bribe Mr. Piollet, the offt•,r first came
from Mr. Piollet. and that he, (Piollet) under
took to entrap and seduce Mr. M'Cook—that
Mr. Piollet had stated that his character had
been suffering for a number of years, and that.
by the affair with Mr. M'Cook, he had had on
opportunity to prove to the world that he was
an honest man !—that when M'Cook wanted
Piollet to point out to him a man ttiract as agent
whom he wanted to Tray, 'PioHet significantly
looked up in his face, and said, that " two could
key a secret better than three, and that it any
money was to be paid, he would take it him
self. He referred to the good character of M.'-
Cook, and stated by the rules of law, M'Cook's
mouth was closed, while his accuser, who had
i nv it e d 111 111 to his room, was allowed to testify
against him.
He then made a point to the Court, and sub
mitted whether there was any law in Pennsyl
vania authorizing an indictment fur attempting
to bribe a member of the Legislature, and read
several authorities, and argued at length, that an
offer to bribe a member, was nut indictable.
The argument of Mr. M'Cormick was very
able, and very ingenious. ‘Ve regret that our
limits will not allow us to go more at length in
it.) it.
2 o'clock. P. M.
The Court did not decide the point, at the
time.
JOHN R. EINE, member of the Legislature
from Somerset eouniv, was called and sworn.
I was in a distant Part of the Ilall when Pbil
lei made his statement to the House of Rep.
resentatives, and did not hear him distinctly.—
After he had laid the package which contained
the-money on the Speaker's desk. I went over
to his seat and asked Lim about the facto in the
ease. He gave me a statement of what he had
said were the facts, but did not specify the time
when they happened. He said that M'Cook
had written'to,his (Piollet's lather, and offered
to employ him as an agent fo be employed in
this business, and offered to give him $3OO for
his services—that he replied to M'Cook, that
his father was an old man and could not come,
and perhaps. be added, that he should not come.
He said that M'Cook then proposed that he
(Nollet) should name a person whotn he ,could
employ as an agent for the Caine compensation
—Piollet then said, that he looked at M'Cook.
amid remarked, " that two could keep a secret
better than three, and if any money was to be
paid, he proposed to have it paid directly to
himself rather than to have it paidlo a third
person." Previous to - the latter remarks. - he
said, that he told Ill . 'Cook , that' lie (Nolte')
thought they (IVl'Cook and Piollet) understood
each other.
Quo:ion by .3k. Lipper.—Was M'Conk
arrrsted by an order of the House of Represen
tatives
A.— He was arrested by an order of the
House. and 1 saw him after his arrest. The
first order was to arrest him and bring him be
fore the bar of the House.. When brought to
the bar of the House. he was delivered over to
to Sergeant-at-Arms by an older of the House.
and remained in his custody until the report of
the committee.
COL. JOHN PIPER was called and sworn,
The same day of the arrest, I was in the bark
roooin of fluebier's lintel, where I boarded,
and where Cu!. Pullet boarded. He came in
to the room where I was sitting on the the sofa.
and sat down on the opposite side of the room
on the settee. He sat down, and throwed his
cloak back on his shoulders, and asked me, if I
had heard his statement that day before the
House. I stated that I had not. Ile observed
that he wished that I had heard his statement—
He said my reputation has been suffering:fin.
six or seven years, and I now have an oppor
tunity to prove to the wort! (li,it I am an hon
est man." •• By God, " said he, this is the
lowest estimate that has ever been placed upon
my reputation." I had a conversation with Mr.
Ptollet before the meeting of the committee on
M,Cook's case, on Tuesda-: and also afterwards
Col. Pullet called on me and asked me ill could
furnish him with a statement of the paper pub
lished by Moses Y. Beach. In the evening af
ter the adjournment of the committee, I met' him
at Buelder's Ilotel again, and asked him, if at
the first interview with M'Cook, any improper
proposition was made. Ile said that. there
was not, hut that he had heed cautioned by two
of his friends to look out—(these friends were
Judge Laport and Mr. Burrell.) They had ad
vised him, he said, that an attempt would be
made to corrupt hint, as a member of the com
mittee on Batiks. Ile laid. that the' had in
formed him. that brill had been appronehed by
M'Cook. He also said, that he had several in
terviews with M'Cook, in one of which, he had
informed him that he had written fcr
let's) father, requesting him to come on to this
place. to aid him in the case of die Lehigh Coun
ty Bank. He then dropped the subject of M'-
Cook and remarked that when he gut upon the
committee, it was his intention to catch some
bank borer, but that he preferred to catch one
of thc- Philadelphia Girard Bank borers. to M'-
Cook, for he considered M'Cook a very clever
fellow.
I had a conversation with Mr. Galloway some
time before the Legislature a.ljourned, about
his being a -witness as well as myself. and ob
served that we might as well pair off as mem
bers of legislature, who were on different
sides. He replied that he knew nothing about
the M'Cook case, although he had been subpre
ned, unless it was In prove character. He knew
no.hing, about the case, pro nor con. He ob
served that he might as well 2o home, as he
knew nothing, pro nor con, about the M'Cook
case except about his moral character, which he
only knew by reputation.
THOMASC. STEELE was called and af
firmed.
He stated that he was a member of the corn;
mittee on Banks of the last legislature. Neith
er M'Cnnk or any one else ever spoke to him in
favor of the Lehigh County Bank, except igt the
committee room.
Adjourned until 9 o'clock to-morrow morn
log.
JOHN POMEROY was called and sworn.
I was a member of the last Legislature. On
the same day. after Mr. Planet made his disclo
sure. I came into the House, after it was made,
from the Executive Chamber. Not having
heard the disclosure, by not being present. I
asked Mr. Piollet to make some explanation to
me. as I was not present. He merely remark
ed that he lead had some suspicions about these
Bank borers for some time, and thought lie
would he able to catch or trap some of them.—
.He was speaking of the transaction between
himself and McColk. He did not go into a tle
tailed statement, being as I supposed, under the
impression that I had heard it.
ALEXANDER HILANDS was called and
sworn.
I was a member of the Legislature from Al
legheny county and a member of the committee
on Banks. I never saw Mr. M'Cook, until he
was brought into the House of Representatives
by the Sergeant-at-arms, and never heard f
him until Mr. Piollet made his disclosure to the
House. No person ever talked to me in refer
ence to the Lehigh County Bank, except mem
bers of the Legislature.
MICHAEL DAN AIAGEHAN was called
and sworn.
I was a member of the last House of Repre
sentatives. About the time that the Legislature
FRIDAY, 9 o'clock, A. NI
adjourned, I met Mr.. Galloway and he
me if I was going to remain for this trial
him that 1 was,—that a subpcma had h eenit ;
ed on me by the defendant, and that I 4 4
nothing,at all about the ease; lie said th at
had also been served with a sublicena anf t.
I could nc'it know. less about the case than beds
I think this conversation took pla , e, a h o „,
Capitol; but a this lam not certain. 1 1 , 4114 J .
me, it took place about the time the flang e it .
joutned. Ido not recollect whether any R N
was present. I have spoken of this rep eat , t
Iy—th a t is, that Mr. Galloway, Mr. 'Wand s a, 4
4
myself, had been detained here without Eno s . ,T
ing anything about the case. Ido not te m .,
ber to have spoken on this particular say,
.since. to Mt. Galloway. although we have spa
ken of the trial. I ant not confident
given the precise expression of Mr. Galloway,
but the eipressions substantially. •
ISAAC ATKINSON, Esq. was calltd at
sworn.
I reside in Carrot County, Carrolton, 01,,
I have been acquainted with Daniel sltkr
about twenty years. Daniel M'Cook residei4
Carrolton. I have had means-of knowin. Air.
M'Cook well. Mr. M'Conk was the Ceep e s
of a public house in N. Lisbon, 0., where 1 4.
came slightly acquainted with him. He af t ,
wards removed to our place, where I bee r .,
a partner with him in the mercantile basi s ",
This was about sixteen scars ago. Ile as
afterwards appointed Clerk of the Court of t ar .
tot county..and has been Clerk ever Finre oL .
h o ld s the oflice now. Ile has held the 6E„
about fourteen or fifteen years. He is Clerk,:
the Court of Common Pleas, and also of
Supreme Court. The Judges appoint tha CH.
in Ohio. He has been Clerk 'of the Senalw
Ohio, a short session: His character for ire l ,
rity, honesty and morality, has been good, du•
ine the whole time, since I - knew J im , 10 11
present. I have myself been a member of 1k
Ohio Legislature. and am politically opposed, :
Mr. M'Cook.
Hon. WILLIAM C. M'CAUSLIN wts
ed and sworn.
I reside'in Jefferson County. Ohio,
two miles of Steubenville. I reside alum! 9),
tv-three or thirty-four miles from Daniel M'Cr,. l
I have been acquainted with Mr. MTook fors.
twelve to fifteen years. and have been frequm
ly in the town 'where be lives. His genera
character for integrity, honesty and minim-.
has been f lood, and continuos to oe sn. so fart
I know. Mr. M'Cook. has been Clerk of c.
Senate of the State of Ohio, for one or Inn s•
sions, and my illlpreFsint] is, he was Clerk s
the committee to revise the statutes of the Sita
I was a member of the Ohio Lev,m.lature, s.
was a member of the committee to revise
statutes of the State of Ohio. I have a l so he
a inember of Congress, and Mr. l'Cook hn
in the same Congressional District which I tI
represented.
lion. WILLIAM SAWYER, was rail
and -worn.
I am a member of Congress. from the -Sta.
of Ohio, I have been aequainte vtith
M'Cook, l'or about eighteen years, and ma
have kntrwn him his character for limit nn. in
testty and morality, is a s pool any inn.
I ryas a IlleMhPr of the Ohio I,ezi.lature an
Speaker of the flttn.r. of Represent:4i yes nit
Mr. M'Cook was Clerk of the Senate.
Hon. JOHN EBERSOLE, was called an
MEM
I now reside in Carrol County and State. 4
Ohio, and out a-farmer and rebid,. on a farm.
my memory serves Inv riaht, I I , ,eame amnl ,
led «lilt Daniel Nl'Cook in ISIS, and h,e
known him well snipe. Thine' , then e 1 1 / 2 p
known him, his charaetet for intt erity. hmel ,
and morality is pond. lam one of the Ilntgn
of the Court of Common Pleas of Carrel Conntr
and ;rive been a political opponent of 11Too:.
GF,OIZGE FI?IES sw"ra
I am at present a member of Congrv.i frnfn
the State of Ginn, and I now represent the Re
,riot nt which Mr. M'Cook live I reside:llm:
:10 tittles from Carrolton. have heen argn r.
tell With \I r. M'Cook for about 15 years, at!
:em well arduainte:l with him. II i 5 elLuzr
for integtity, honesty and mmality is good.
The defence elosed for the present.•
RoIIERT G. GALLOWAY was re-valid
by the Attorney General.
Beim. railed upon to. explain ; he was a , Le
if he had heard the testimony of 11r.
lie replied, that he dui, and that he s•itu.thatne
knew nothing about the ease, so far as Mr. y.
Cook was concerned. He miffht have said
what was attributed to him be Mr. 1b.g0135.
but it was with the qualification, that he toff
nothing about the ease, so far as Mr. M'Cout
way concerned—this was his recollection.
Here the evidence on both sides closed.
RICHARD NV AwsTER. Esq.. ProFrentinz
torney for Dauphin county. read and corinneis
ted upon the evidence in the case. in behAlle
the Commonwealth, and endeavored to shy*
that there was a clear case of brihery. Ile
read several authorities to show that the:do , '
trine assumed by M'Cormick. 'in reler•
ence to the indictment, was unsoUnd,and•tlx
there was no legal distinction between jaw) ,
and legislative bribery. and that if the one VI
punishable at common laiv, so was the other.
His argument lasted more than two hours.
Hon. JAMES COOPER. of Adams county. 0 :
the part of the defendant. replied to the arga
ment of the Prosecuting Attorney. He tool
the same position in reference to the intlicuotar•
as that taken by Mr. M'Cormick. that is'
that an offer of iniinev to a member of thi
Legislature, was punishable by that body. erl
nut by the Courts—that there was no precedent
on record. neither in this Country nor la
England. of indictment at common law. -lo
legislative bribery—that both Parliament. Coo-
gross and the Stale Legislatures had pol'
er to punish for contempt or breach of privilett ,
and did do it. -He analyzed the evidence.
pointed out the enntradietions in thatol Mews.
Ptollet and Galloway. comtherved with gro t
severity upon the improbability of the heu
testified to by Mr. Galloway, and undertera
to show that no bribery was Proved, not ern
by the testimony of Mr. Piollet. He 6 13
showed Piollett's testimony to be contradioe i
by that of Col. Edie, Mr. Pomeroy. Col. Pi•
per, and in one particular, by his friend -6d'
loway.
Dons A. FISHER. Esq.. of Harisburg. eles„ 4
the argument in favour of the defence. He
undertook to sustain the position assumed b!
Messrs M'Cormick and Cooper. in relation !,
the indictment. commented upon the author:.
ties read by the Prosecutting Attorney to Wl'
throw it, and averred that they all bad refe r ;
once to the bribery of persons conected
the administration of justice. the disseC
the indictment, and undertook to sh V
that °
did not reach the case under co si
He read the definition of bribery from
_el elv
n . e
authorities, to show that bribery was a°
or gift of money to influence some one d i
fleeted with the administration of justice , tn.,
that which was wrong, and not that whP
Il