Alexandria Gazette

In the list of Ayes and Noes, on the vote to appoint the Investigating Committee of the House of Representatives by ballot, we are surprised to see the name of Mr. James M. Mason recorded in the negative. This we did not expect, from his whole course, and especially after the remarks he made in answer to Mr. Cambreleng a few days ago. He advocated, then, certainly, an election of the Committee by the House and not by the Speaker. We are aware that the vote was on the motion to strike out "viva voce," and insert by "ballot"—and Mr. M. may have preferred the viva voce mode. But, as we understand the case, according to the decision of the Speaker on the point of order, had the viva voce plan been adopted, it would have required a majority of two-thirds to have passed the resolution—and, thus, the whole investigation might have been defeated. So that, in effect, the vote for the ballot, became the test vote. We make these remarks because our disappointment in Mr. M's vote, has, we know, been shared by others, who are his friends and constituents.