Alexandria Gazette

"Bribery and Corruption."

Mr. Bronson is a member of the present Congress, from the county of Jefferson, New York. He is the law partner of the Hon. Michael Sterling, who is a member of the Senate of this state. Mr. Bronson went to Washington as a Conservative. But was bought up by the administration. The bargain was positive, and the consideration the judgeship of the sixth circuit. The reader will doubtless remember the maneuvering that took place upon the subject of the vacancy upon the bench, of that district, during the last session of our legislature, and also during the extra session of the Senate in the late summer. Mr. Bronson was nominated by the governor; but the sub-Treasury bill yet lingered in Congress, and the consideration was, that he was to vote for that bill, before he put on the ermine. The session was long, the bill yet lingered—but no matter, the consideration must be received. Thus Mr. Bronson was kept at Washington until the commission of judge expired by non-user within the time required by law.

The promise of the judgeship, by re-appointment, was then renewed, and Mr. Bronson remained at Washington and fulfilled his part of the contract by voting for 'the bill of abominations.' Faithful to the pledge, the governor convened the Senate by proclamation, in this city, at which time and place the nomination was to be made a second time. Unfortunately, however, the bargain had become too apparent to the public, and there were certain Conservative Senators who began to feel qualms of conscience about going the whole figure. Several days were therefore spent in drilling the refractory servants of the Regency; but to no good purpose. Mr. Bronson was aware of the trouble and, as we are advised, wrote his letter declining the appointment, several days before it was presented. The understanding was, that if the refractory troops could be brought back to duty, the letter was to be withheld, the nomination made, and the judgeship accepted. But, sad to say, the rebel Senators held out for once; and poor Mr. Bronson was forced to send in a voluntary relinquishment of the honor he had so dearly purchased. Does any one doubt the details of the bargain?— Let him read the annexed document.—N. Y. Com.

STATE OF OHIO,

Justices Dwight, of

Lucas County, ss. Maumee city state

and county aforesaid, being duly sworn

do depose and say, that, on or about

the twenty-ninth day of May last, this deponent being a boarder at the house of

Nathan Rathbun, of the place aforesaid,

heard a conversation between Micah

Sterling, of Jefferson county, New York,

and said Nathan Rathbun, which was

substantially as follows, to wit:

Mr. Sterling inquired of Mr. Rathbun

whether he still remained an administration

man, to which Mr. Rathbun replied

in the affirmative. Mr. Sterling said,

'then I can talk to you' Mr. Sterling

remarked that he had recently received

letters from Mr. Bronson, who was then

in Washington, a member of Congress,

and that the reason he, the said Bronson,

did not leave Washington to enter on the

charge of the duties of Circuit Judge

of which office he had been appointed

by the Governor and Senate of the State

of New York, was, that the President and heads of the Administration party would

not consent to his leaving until after the

vote had been taken upon the passage

of the Sub Treasury bill, which was

then pending in the House of Representatives; that parties being so equally divided in the House, his vote was of the

utmost importance—and that as the office of Judge would become vacant in

consequence of his so remaining in

Washington, it was the agreement or understanding that the Governor of New

York should convene the Senate and re-

nominate him to the same office, or that

the said Bronson should be rewarded in

some other way.

JUSTUS DWIGHT.

Sworn to and subscribed to before me

this first day of October, A. D. 1838.

JAMES WOLCOTT,

Judge Lucas Co. Com. Pleas.

We, the undersigned, are personally

all acquainted with Dr. Justus Dwight,

of this place, and know him to be a gentleman of good character and standing

in society. His word or affidavit may be

implicitly relied upon.

JAMES E. SMITH,

STEPHEN T. HOSMER

N. RATHBUN.

Maumee City October 1st, 1838.