Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-11-23
LEGISLATURE OF NEW YORK.
Reported for the August
IN ASSEMBLY,


FRrDAY, No, ember 12.-Mr. TiIIotson rose
and informed the house, that communica
ton had been addressed to him, as chairman
of the select committee appointed TO investi-
gate the manner in which the charter of the
Chemical bank was attained, which iuiplicat-
cd the character of the members of the house
and he euqulred whether the doors ought not |
to be closed before the mnunicatiOn was |
presented.
MIR. Livingston moved that the doors be
closed. The communication alluded to, he
had been informed, reflected severely upon
the character Of the Legislature, and upon
that of the committee Of which II. was chair
man.
Mr.. Hubbard suggested the propriety OF
closing the doors at least until the COMMUNE
cation was read when it could be determin-
ed by the house whether any further secrecy
was necessary. ,e
MIR. Fiagg was convinced Of the propriety of
closing. The arrest uf persons might be ne
cessary, who il the fact was promulgated,
might escape.
MIR. Talmadge wonld vote TO close the
doors il any nembrr OF the committee would
say he deemed it discreet and expedient; but
If no such d, clorations were made, he would
vote against IL.
Mr.. Howe, asa member Of the committee
stated that he believed the doors should be
closed before the reading Of The communca-
E tiOn.
The motion to close the doors prevailed !;
end the sergeant at arms proceeded TO clear
the lobby and gallery.
The house were engaged in secret session
about two hours.
SATURDAY, Nov ember iS.-AIr Livingston
moved that the special order ofthe Gay (thc
bill fur the relief Uf the farmers turnpike com
pany) be laid on the table, for the purpose
al. q.
business which was befuie the house while in
secret session Of yesterday, the chemical
bank.l
MIR. Cunningham seconded the motion 10
lay the special order Of the day on the table,
though not for the reason given by the gen
teman who made it. He wished to ploeeed
in the unfinished business of yesterday, the
choice Of electors.
Mr.. Livingston then made distinct mo-
ton that the doors be closed, but after some
remarks in opposition To it by Mr.. Barstow
MIR. l.. withdraw his motion, when it was re-
newed by Mr.. Silwel, who, however, at the
request OF Mr.. Warren, also withdrew il
when the clerk read the resolution offered
yesterday, by Mr. Toilet, FOR the adoption OF
the Adams ticket
In the following we do not pretend To any
thing more than sketch -
Reported for the Albany Argus.
THE SECRET SESSIONS.
The spectators having withdrawn, and tht
doors closed, Mr.. 1'iilotsnn submitted the
communication 10 which he had ali,drd and
which proved TO he letter, addressed to Mr.
II. as chairman Of the select committee, ard
signed by William J. Caldwell, as folitws:
ALBANY, Nov. IL, 1924.
Gent'emen-I arrived III this city yGs,er-
day in obedience to summons from the
.,ft
house of Assembly to investigate The subject
of the Incorporation Of the Chemical bank.
have asceriained TO my entire satisfaction that
tRc committee have determined TO admit
as witnesses, the persons implicated par
ties to the corrupt means made use of la pro-
cure the passage of the act Incorporating that
hank. Indeed | am informed by the chair
man, that two of those persons have already
been swern as witnesses. If appear before
the committee, beyond all doubt my testimo-
ny will be at variance with that Of some OF the
corrupt actors in that scene; and it will be
essentially necessary, as well tn the cOrrobO
ration Of my evidence, as also to fix the charge
on these corrupt actors, that witnesses should
be summoned from remote parts Of The state
When it is considered that the present legis
iaiure must adjourn in few days, am de
cidedly of opinion, and in that ] a,n confirm
cd by my counsel, were the committees dis
posed to make thorough Investigation, the
short space Of time allowed for il will not ad
init OF such investigation. | will not Disguise
the fact, that poblic confidence in the purity
ofthe present legislature is so impaired. thai
il is unfit, il the opinion not only of myself
but my counsel, that such an important en-
curry should be conducted by them, or by a
nv committee raised under their authority -
When il is considered, also, that several o
ihe members of both houses are deeply i'm
pca1ed, public justice would be better pro
inoted by deferring the investigation until til,
meeting Of the next legislature.
owe it to myself TO add, that il is my fix
ed determination to prefer charges TO the Dex
house Of assembly against severaIpersons who
have had n corrupt agency In procuring the
passage Of the act incorporating the Chemi
cal bank; and whatever construction may he
put on my DECLINING to appear before YOU
honorable committee, by those who are i'm.
plica,ed,i beg you to believe, shall not shrink
from the responsibility have assumed upon
myself. Your obed't ssrv't
WILLIAM j. CALDWELL.
Hon. John G.. Tiilotsoa, Esq.
chairman of the committee"
Dir. Whiting offered the following resolu-
lions -
Resotred, That the communication Of Will
liam j. Caldwell, dated November IL, 1891
addressed 10 the hon John e.. TiIIoisop
chairman ola select committee of this house.
Is gross and indecent libel upon, and con
tempt of this house.
Resoired, That his honor the Speaker be
objected to issue his warrant TO The sergeant
alarms, to arrest the. said Caldwell, and bring
him forthwith to the bar of this house.
In the course Of conversation which FOL