The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-08-04

would be satisfied with nothing short of that II has not
been read But in the place OF it, we have the report Of
the commissioners sent TO the President time in the
month OF November December and received by
time in the month OF February Our committee have taken
this report and have adopted the conclusions of the major
ny OF that board without ever having read the evidence
upon which IL was founded far as | know with, per-
haps the exception of two members If the evidence
contained in the reports is sufficient TO satisfy the House
that great abuses and great wrongs exist in the manage
ment OF these arores they adopt their recommended
tons They do not contain enough to satisfy me- consist
ing as they do of the opinions of the members than
! OF the facts on which such opinions are founded.
! Let me state one other thing. While committee
were examining witnesses proposed by the minor
ty Of the committee send Springfield for witnesses
but their request granted, and the investigation
was closed by order Of themajor without having heard
these witnesses?
Massachusetts question Did not the minority of the
committee have full liberty all times send for any per-
sons as witnesses they might name? Were not they
tite from day 10 day TO bring forward the OF the
witnesses they might wish TO examine that the chairman
of the committee might summon them Did not they de-
lay to present the OF any one for months during
which time the witnesses which had been summoned
examined and the testimony closed
Mr., DICKINSON win answer the gentlenan's ques
tion cheerfully.
Mr. STANTON. wish to ask the gentleman if the ma
oriy OF the committee did not give notice the minority
OF the committee TO furnish the of such witnesses
they desired to examine and when they delayed to furnish
them, did not the majority propose for their benefit that
the testimony of such persons they desired be taken
from the he, rest and published in the report
both my colleagues upon the committee with pleasure
The circumstances which the gentleman from Maryland
audes were these 1t is true as he states that the major
ity did give notice to the minority that they would
mon such witnesses as we would name, But we not
then acquainted with the Of the persons for whom
wished send and we could not therefore furnish
them at But it is also true that did afterwards
furnish them and that the majority then refused to send
for them and the hearing closed without their ey
dence.
Now reference to the question put by the gentleman
from kentucky, Mr. STANTON whether the majority
did not propose TO take the testimony OF three -four
witnesses taken before the commissioners will say that
they did propose but the minority thought if they could
not have the witnesses before them examine it would
not be satisfactory but the best that could I've done
have the testimony of few Of the witnesses given be-
fore the commissioners at Springfield mboded in the
port of our committee. The committee did thus condo
scend to let the evidence of three four of these
witnesses come levidence taken examination not be-
fore the committee but before the commiss oners and
on all the exact points of our inquiry. 1t is in the
mees majority report That is my answer TO the gen
| tleman.
! do not intend TO reply TO the gcntemans points now
| can do it fully, think but if | am not competent,
know that my associates the committee are and hope
they may be heard Ii the committee desire this
random discussion got up out Of order and think dis
conrteousy to the committee and unwsely for the
try to take action on matter important any which
can come before at this session. wish to be heard and
want 10 hear what other gentlemen have 10 say. But
desire OF all things is what as well as Others expected
beleyethat the matter should be allowed up in
its regular course and business by itself That would
be right 1t is matter of no importance whether the APP
preparation for the armore to be expended year hence
is determined now at the next session, But have
desire to postpone the discussion delay the action of
this body am perfectly ready whenever il be done
legtimateiy have fair and full discussion TO take my
part in it, and to do what can to eucdae truth and
spread the whole case before this body
Another reason 1t cannot have been unobseryed by
large part OF this committee that have twice within the
last two weeks asked leave of the House introduce
resolution irom the majority OF this very select committee
of the gentlemen who voted for the majority report
going with the minoriiy-a resolution to permit the
select committee to visit these armories before this sub
/ ject discussed and decided stated former oc
casion that within few weeks went TO the Springfield
arnory and spent two haldays there for the purpose
investigation learned more facts there within that brief
time than had during the entire three mouths of the
mtees examination, and perfectly satisfied that
the select committee acting in the dark that il had
not the light which the country and this body had right
TO expect the subject remember that for long time
before these reports made again and again suggest
ed visit of the committee the armores but the PROPOSE
| ton WAS not acceded TO.
After had returned from Springfield, having made such
investigation the time spent enabled make OF the
state OF things there then proposed formally to the
mtee that they should visit the armories at Springfield
and apers Ferry, for the purpose of satisfying them
selves With regard 10 the truth OF the charges that had been
made against the then superintendent endeavorsd upon
two different occasions to introduce resolution in this
House making provision for such investigation on the part
OF the committee but leave not granted me Weare
called upon to decide this matter without having had
opportunity afforded as of giving such examination
this subject It's Importance demands at hands Tn
board OF commissioners who were appointed TO visit the
arnories remained three months at Springfield, and they
then adjourned TO meet at Harpers Ferry but the Secretary
OF War who had The authority to do no-
he'd them that their services longer desired
that they need not proceed to arpes Ferry and TO this
day neither of these commissioners appointed by the Pros
dent OF the United States has been there We have
had here from Harpers Ferry witness after wness-men
who have been connected with lbat armory but are moi
now and who Individually have the strongest prejudice
against it and OF course testify under that strong bias
we have then, this sateof facts, and asked
to vote upon this matter without having had the oppori
nifty OF full investigation Of the question not satis-
he'd with it, II the committee ready ADOPT the rego
luton offered that the select committee be thorzed
to visit these arnories after the adournmen Congress
for the purpose of making inquiries into The things
there, willing TO waive the privilege of making any
further remarks ut this time hope the Committee Of
the Whole viii be willing to postpone the discussion Of this
matter and let t up in its Legitimate place and form
and that the chairman OF the select committee win be will
ing 10 Withdraw his amendment If he refuses do this
must so without connected preparation whatever
and must follow the argument of the chairman Of hc com
mlttee as wen as eau with what light have upon this
subject and viii try TO be as brief as possible
| Mr.. STANTON of Kentucky Win the gentleman from
Massachusetts, allow 10 say there any other posi-
bic chance to get this proposition u would withdraw the
amendment have offered in order CRAFTY the gentle
but perfectly conscious that there Is no other
opportunity and that there will be during this session
Of Congress and must therefore, decline withdraw it,
/ Mr. DICKINSON. ! then obliged o ask the ind al
committee for the little time have remaining The
Subjects certainly that requires extended and
rough Investigation at hands. We cannot begin do
Justice TO the matter without having the evidence both
sides OF the question And say here Ia the outset that
without this evidence all action Of Congress will be re-
gardo as having been done In The dark There will be
necessity for renvesgaop of the matter ii we under
take decide il whatever the decision may he f
the friends of military superniendency defeated II
the friends of civil superneudency defeated the de-
al na bas