Alexandria Gazette

Disgraceful Scene in the Star Chamber.

A scene of a most extraordinary character took place at the Star Chamber last night. It will be recollected that on Tuesday night last between 12 and 1 o'clock, the Recorder Morris and Mayor Varian, went to the dwelling house of Mr. Pierce, and by some unaccountable means, seized a bundle of papers belonging to Mr. Glentworth and in a most illegal manner took them away. On Saturday the Recorder determined to open the package, when Mr. Glentworth's counsel protested against the proceeding, as being contrary to law and the rights of their client, being an act of high handed usurpation and tyranny. Upon which the Court reflecting on their conduct, came to the conclusion that they would examine the law, to ascertain whether they had the right to break the seals of Mr. Glentworth's package, which they had so feloniously taken. The Recorder informed Mr. Glentworth's counsel that if they should conclude they had no right to the papers they should be returned; if not, the Court would decide on Tuesday at half past 10 o'clock, what should be done. Instead of waiting till Tuesday, and in order to take Mr. Glentworth's counsel by surprise, the Court gave notice that they would give their decision at half past 4 o'clock yesterday. After receiving notice the counsel for Mr. Glentworth, decided on bringing a writ of replevin for the papers, and placed the writ in the hands of the Sheriff. At half-past four o'clock the counsel made their appearance, and the Court adjourned till five o'clock, and the Recorder and Attorney went over, it is said, to Tammany Hall. When the Court re-assembled it was found that the room was filled with the friends of the Administration, as is believed, to prevent the execution of the writ of replevin. The Recorder then read his argument, and concluded with the right of breaking the seals of the package, and handed the same to the Mayor to state that it was in the same condition in which he had received it. Mr. Glentworth asked permission to see it, and when in his possession claimed it as his property when the Mayor and Recorder threw themselves upon him, and the Sheriff stated that he claimed the property by right of a replevin, to which the Recorder replied, you shall not have it—then a scene of riot and confusion ensued, in which all parties took part. Some cried out, "Protect the Recorder;" others "Protect the sheriff." After a short struggle, in which several had their coats torn, the papers were found to be in the hands of one of the parties friendly to the Court. An altercation immediately ensued, as to the service of the writ, when the Recorder, reflecting on his conduct, informed the Sheriff that he considered himself in his (the Sheriff's) custody. The Sheriff declared he would not consider him in his custody, but that the law must take its course. The Recorder then remarked that he would suspend all further proceedings, and pledged his honor that he would meet the Sheriff, with the package unopened, before Judge Edwards, the presiding Judge of the Court of the Oyer and Terminer, on Monday at half-past 9 o'clock so this disgraceful scene ended—N. Y. Express.