The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-09-01
THE UNION.

things have occurred TO him, we would advise him 10
spend the next at elementary school. taught
BY man OF common sense, and pursue that practice
long as he holds seat in Congress In the course OF
time he may possibly understand the law which he has
attempted to explain before the House OF Representa-
tives.
We will admit for the sake OF argument, that there
but three instances in which witness can refuse to
answer after it has been decided that the question is
legitimate and proper But contend that The witness
can demand decision TO the legality OF the inquiry
before he be required TO answer TO give reason
for not answering That is our position; and we. in
The present case, deny the jurisdiction OF the court,
and we deny the legality OF the inquiry II are not
right then the power OF Congress is without limits, and
the constitution is dead letter II the doctrine prevails
that citizen may be carried before committee of Con.
gress and be there compelled to answer all questions
which do not convict him OF a capital offence, or which
DO not render him infamous, which do not subject
him to a forfeiture then is safe long he has
an enemy in Congress. Under such system Of espon-
age, the domestic hearth would be invaded, aud
the sancuty OF domestic intercourse would be outraged
by the invasion of hostile committee. The liberty
OF the press itself would become empty mockery The
terrors OF the Inquison might be employed upon some
editor of weak nerves, to wiring from him the names
Of his correspondents and then sacrifice them the
geance OF men in power. II would be idle for TO
buke Louis Napoleon President Of the French republic
and his supporters in the French Chamber for demanding
that every writer should put his name his piece The
rule of Mr. Ssnly would work the consequences.
We trust we entertain all due respect for the Congress
Of our country and for all the authorities Of the govern
f,ra
fee the rights which we enjoy as an American citizen
and submit quietly Infringement of the liberty of the
press, while congressional committee may claim the
double functions Of the Partisan police and the Spanish
Inquston. Whenever Congress may question US AS TO
coming within the scope of Its legitimate duties
we will not fail to answer prompty-respectfuy at all
tines-frankly and freely in the supposed case but in
the present instance must deny its right, and we shall
call upon the people look to the matter before
too late.
We are happy TO understand since the above remarks
written, that Mr.. Stanly's resolution rejected
by open vote by ayes and noes, and by decided
jorty. And only express surprise that
than three members should be found. much less
forty-nne who would vote for the resolution.
But rejoice at the general result not ouI
own accounts for should have enjoyed the pleas
ure Of being entertained by friend Mr.. Gloss
brenner, the Sergeant at Arms who would have ndug
US, we have doubt with mails and books,
and pen, and and then bailed 10 give us the
pleasure OF listening the debates in Congress- and
seeing for ourselves the varying influence which they
exert upon the Union and destiny of our country.
We trust that we have not dwet too much upon this
subject, when find the House of Representatives, in
moment of great public excitement and OF much peril
to the Union ITSELF turning aside from these high ques-
tons. and devong parts Of three days to the matter be-
fore Yesterday they principally occupied in its
decision and moment devoted to the order Of
the day and the territorial bills before them.