Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

The House of Representatives has been engaged, in the first hour of each day's sitting for two or three days past, upon a question, at the first impression of no great moment, as being a question of form only, but which is in reality of no little consequence because of the startling facts which it develops. We annex a copy of the affidavit upon which the case has been brought before the House of Representatives, with the single remark that there is reason to believe, that this is but one illustration of a general system of contributions levied on the subordinate officers of the government for party purposes. —Ibid.

The Specifications.

"Thomas McCrate, Esq. Collector of the Customs for the District and Port of Wiscasset did on the fourth day of January, attempt to induce John McClintock, Inspector of the Revenue, to swear that he had given no part of his fees as an Inspector to any person directly or indirectly; but that the said McClintock had received the whole amount of his fees for his services, as Inspector as aforesaid. Whereas, the said McCrate, did then and there require said McClintock to pay to him the said McCrate, twenty five per cent. out of his fees for all services by him done as Inspector, for which term the whole amount of fees, was about six hundred and twenty-nine dollars. Said McCrate required the said McClintock to pay him twenty five per cent. on said fees—amounting to about one hundred and fifty seven dollars and twenty five cents. Said McCrate had paid McClintock in goods and cash about four hundred and twenty-eight dollars—the balance then due to the said McClintock was about $201. Said McCrate then deducted the said per centage of 157 dollars from this balance 201 dollars, and offered the said McClintock the balance after such deduction, viz: 44 dollars, as in full payment for all of said fees! Said McClintock then stated to him, that he could not take the oath required: that is, he could not swear that he had received the whole amount of his fees, and that he had given no part directly or indirectly to any person,—when in fact he would have given said McCrate directly 157 25—or one quarter part of all his fees for services as Inspector, and therefore refused to take the said 44 dollars, offered as aforesaid in full payment, but required the lawful balance, viz: 201 dollars, and some cents. Said McClintock then asked said McCrate how he (McClintock) could take such oath? McCrate replied,—by calling it a present! Said McClintock then said that he could not swear that he had not given any part direct or indirect, —when he should call the same direct. Said McCrate replied that there were enough who would—and the next day. said McCrate sent the said McClintock his discharge—or, in other words, notified the said McClintock, that his services as Inspector were no longer wanted in his District, and no other reasons were ever offered, or any further explanation ever had between the said Mc Crate and McClintock"

[Sworn to,]
"JOHN McCLINTOCK."