Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-05-18


But having been requested to present the paper which
contained nothing which not perfectly respectful he
wished NIGH, be read for the information of the House
MIR. Burgess asked what the paper was!
MIR. +. Everett wished the gentleman from Virginia
would state the substance OF the paper.
Mr.. Archer said the accused about TO be brought TO
the bar OF the House receive judgment offence OF
which he had been declared guilty. 1t was perfectly
within his constitutional privileges, TO state at that time
the considerations in that paper by way of protesting
against the competency of the House pronounce such
Judgment The accused might have done this without
permission it being his undoubted right but he thought
more respectful TO the House TO communicate his intention
beforehand. lie assured gentlemen there nothing
disrespectiul in the language of the paper.
Alter conversation between Messrs. Barringer,
Vinion and Archer, in which the former gentleman
jeced to the reading of the paper. Mr. McDuffe said
the proposed form the nexceponable one for
the accused do what he had an undoubed right to do
Any man brought up to receive sentence, has right
state the reasons why ii should not be pronounced.
Mr. Archer said the accused had doubt of the right
and the only reason OF presenting the paper by the hand
OF member of the House, manifest his respect to
the House Mr. n. said for his part, he did not
whether was read or nothe had the slightest wish
on the subject The accused willing 10 apprise the
House OF what he proposed 10 say when called before
them for judgment. He had been requested by friend
1--WE understood him say the counsel of the accused TO
oer this paper for the previous information of the House.
Whether it was read or not the contents of the paper
would be known throughout the country.
Mr. Barringer withdrew his objection aud the paper
was read as follows
Tic the Honorable the House of Representatives of the
United St9tes:
The accused now at the Bar of the House, asks leave
! respectfully TO state,
That he understands he is now brought before the
House. TO receive reprimand from the Speaker, exc
cumon OF the sentence pronounced upon him.
Vas he TO submit in silence TO such sentence il might
imply that he recognized the authority of the House to
impose il.
He cannot consent that shall be thus implied He con-
slders IT mode OF punishment unknown laws and
IL not forbidden by the prohibition of the Constitution
against unusual punishments yet inconsistent with the
spirit Oh our institutions, and unfit TO be inflicted upon
free citizen.
lie thinks proper to add in making this declarations that
he has been unwilling to trouble the House.
ihat though he believes the whole proceeding against
hm as weas the sentence he objects to- unwarrant-
cd by the constitution of his country vet circumstances
may exist justify excuse citizen in determining las
he has done on this occason TO suffer in silent patience
whatever the House may think proper to enforce.
May IL. SAMUEL HOUSTON.
TO present this paper to the House at the bar which
agreed TO.
The Speaker then ordered Gen Houston to be placed h
the barr he soon afterwards appeared accompanied by the
Sergeont-@' A''"o
The Speaker informed him if he had any thing to offer
to the House before the judgment was pronounced upon
his case, it would be received.
Gen. Houston rose and delivered the above paper
The Speaker then addressed him as follows:
SAMUEL HoUsToN You have been charged with
violation OF the rights and privileges of the House of Re
personalities in having offered personal violence one of
It's members, Tor words spoken in debate In exercising
the nigh and delicate power of ascertainng and vndcat-
ing their own privileges, the House have proceeded
throughout this investigation, and in relation Your ndi
vdual rights, with all that deliberaon and caution which
ought TO characterize the dignied and justice of
such assembly!
You have been heard in person in your defence: You
have been ably aud eoquenty defended by eminent coun
sell and every facility afforded you, place your cause
fully and fairly before the House. and to urge upon its
consideration matters of principle well as fact in cx
PLANTATION and justification of your conducts
Whatever the motives may have been which
led TO The act oil violence committed by YOU your con-
duct has been pronounced by the solemn judgment of the
House. TO be high breach of their rights and privileges
and to demand their marked dsapprobaon and censure
III, IN iuhing the order of the House. were called m
on as It's presiding officer reprmand an individual u-
educated and uniformed, it might be expected that
should endeavor far as was able TO impress upon him
me Importance and proprety, of seduousy guarding from
voouon the rights and privileges secured the members
OF the House by invaluable consution:-But when
addressing citizen OF your character and intelligence
and one who has himself been honored by the people with
seat IN this House. cannot be necessary, that should
add TO the duty enjoned upon me- by dwelling upon the
character or consequences OF the offence with which you
have been charged and found guilty
hatever has tendency TO impair the freedom of de-
tlory OF the constitution ITSELF derac from the indie
pendence of the Representatives of the people in the right
n discharge oil high functions you SEN
sible, must in the proportion weaken and degrade
not only the Legislature of the nation ITSELF but the char
acter OF our free institutions.
Your mind will suggest TO YOU probably more s;ta
BILE reflections than any thing which can saw could con-
yey; 10 those reflections, prepared TO trust not
doubling, that had you at the time considered the act of
violence which you have committed the light in which
1t has been regarded by the House, you would have been
spared its dapprobaton and censure and the duty of
declaring to you the result oft!
iorbear to say more, than pronounce judgment of
me House, which is that you have been guilty OF high
preach oil It's privileges, and thayou be repnanded there
or al Bdr by the Speakers and in obedience the order
OF the House, do repnmand you accordingly.
You will be conducted from the Bar ri tho ITou.o
and discharged from the custody of the
Alter Gen. Houston had left the bar Mr. Archer moved
that his protest be entered the Journal-which was
agreed to-
Mr. Sanbery then moved the rules of the House be sus-
pended to enable him to offer resolution enduring into
me contemplated fraud between John H. Eaton and Gen
Honston-which was carricd-Ayes 100, Noes 49,
Inc resolution was then, after conversation adopt
ed. P
Mr. E. Cooke presented the following letter from Dr.
E. S. Davis:
Browns HoTEL, May I2 1892
Hon. E. Cooke - -'-'
SIR: During my examination before the House of Re-
representatives. in the OF Gen Houston you very imper
neny asked among other question my business i'm this
city Whilst the trial of Gen. Houston was bending I
deferred calling on you for the explanation which now
demand through my friend, General Denetry.
am, very respectfully, your most obd
T. S. DAVIS.
Mr. Crane then offered the following resolutions
HeS0tred, That the communication of the Hon T.
Cooke, member from Ohio, be referred to Select Com
tee consisting oil seven members report the fact and
their opinions whether the establish contempt and
breach OF the privileges OF this House or not and that said
Committee have power send for persons and papers
Upon which discussion arose i'm which Messrs Jcyct
Cooke, Burgess, Whlesey j. Reed, Taylor Hoffman
Doddrdge Polk, McDufle, Arnold Stanbery and Blair of
South Carolina took part, when the question was taken
and the resolution rejected ayes So noes ST. Mr. Adams
presented report upon the Bank investigations of which
win other reports and documents 600 copies were or
dered to be printed Mr.. Polk moved TO postpone all te
orders OF the day. for the purpose OF taking up the appor