Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-07-03

that the object In asking for this clerk that HI
might act a. Spy upon the majority or the com
mittee ItremInded him Of another recent case IL
which spies we're placed over certain individuals
He was not disposed 70 yield to the request. TIL,
committee had been appointed by the President
who had confidence in their capacity, and he
thought they could perform all the duties expected
Of them without clerk, He had heard nothing
from the minority of the committee on this sub.
ject, but enough had been said by the majority "a
convince him that clerk should not be allowed
Mr.. Evans explained that when the committee
met, the gentleman In the minority desired clerk
He had looked about the building, and happening
70 see Mr. LarneF, he had requested him TO act
For himself he had no desire that clerk should
be appointed. ~
Mr.. Miller said, that he had no disposition "a
enter into the merits Of the matter. This was q
most important committee, appointed to investi'
gate questions regarding the most sacred rights Of
American citizens. He went to the committee
with an open heart and determined 70 do what was
right, under his sacred obligations. Rumors which
were abroad must Of course have their effect upon
the mind Of every man but when testimony was
to be examined, he would do nothing but the most
impartial justice. He thought there was more
work to be done than the members of the COM
mittee could easily accomplish. For himself he
;
the committee, (Mr. Evans, he did not think was
much better; for the third gentleman, he would
say nothing. An Alderman whose seat is con-
tested had asked to cross-examne witnesses. II
witnesses are to be examined and cross-examined,
clerk will be wanted to write down the testimony.
Mr.. Pearson said he had not heard of the request,
Mr.. Miller continued. There had been some
thing said of majority and minority of the com
mittee. He did not know why the committee
should be divided in this way before they ready
to report. He hoped the gentleman (Mr. Evans)
would not force him to make minority report,
but that the committee will agree. He hoped a
clerk would be allowed. As to the idea of a spy,
were the committee going to do anything to be
ashamed OF? He hoped the gentleman would re-
tract that remark. Any one might place spy on
his acts, for they would be fair and open.
Mr.. Busey said he had not demanded speedy
report, he had only said he hoped for one, be-
cause certain local questions depended upon it,
and could not be settled until it was made. 1t was
true that he had given the chairman of the COM
mittce protest against certain atiidavits being
received as evidence, on the ground that the wit
ness had not been suhjsct to cross-examination.
But he did not desire to appear before the COM
mittee to cross-examine witnesses He did not
believe that the committee had any right to con-
stitute themselves judicial body and take testi-
mony. They should determine the case from the
papers before them. They could not take other
testimony without doing injustice. They had no
power TO compel the attendance of witnesses.
Those on one side might attend, and those on the
other might refuse What kind Of justice could
be done in this way. When the committee showed
him their power to compel the attendance Of wit
nesses go that he can get his evidence before
them, he will be willing that they shall take testi-
mony. The gentleman was mistaken in saying
that the question related to the rights of American
citizens TO VOTE That was not the question. Il
was, whether the City Charter should be main
tanned.
Mr.. Miller. Are we going into the merits Of
the question? am not prepared to do that.
Mr.. Busey. do not wish to 60 into the merits
Of the matter; but it is little singular that when
he first went into the merits he should object to
any reply. am ready to 60 into them at any time.
Mr.. Evans said that by majority and minority h.
only meant that the committee was selected from
the two parties In politics to which the members
of the Board belonged.
Mr.. Houston opposed the allowing a clerk on
the ground Of economy. The Corporation was
bankrupt, and he was opposed to all unnecessary
expenditures All the writing of the committee
could be done in half an hour.
Mr. Pepper said he did not see the use of examin-
ing witnesses or for the clerk but the committee
would have only one more meeting, the clerk would
cost only one dollar, which would not 60 far these
Fourth of July times, he would vote for giving
them one.
Mr. Busey declined voting.
The question was taken, and the committee was
allowed a clerk
Mr. Bayly, on leave, submitted resolution en-
titled "Joint resolution requesting the Mayor to
execute the law for the improvement of Fourteenth
street west, immediately" which was read three
times and passed.
Mr.. Pearson, on leave, introduced bill, entitled
:" An act authorizing the gra ling and gravellng Of
Twelfth street, from Virginia to Maryland avenue"
which was read three times and passed.
Mr.. Pepper presented the petition Of John c.
Smith, for the improvement Of an alley In square
No. 529; which was referred to the Committee on
Mr.. Smith, on leave, submitted o resolution In
relation to the grade Of the east side of square
No. 296.
The Chair laid before the Board a communica-
ton from the committee Of arrangements for the
" national celebration of the approaching anniver-
sary Of the nations birth, inviting the members
of this Board 10 unite with them on the occasion
which having been read, Mr.. Houston moved that
the invitation be accepted. Carried unanimously.
THE invitation from the American party was ac-
cepted by a party VOTE all the Anti Americans
voting against accepting it.--Reporter.)
The Chair laid before the Board the nominations
Of the Mayor; which we're all confirmed.
And then the Board adjourned.
BOARD OF COMMON COUNCIL.
MONDAY, July 2, 1855.
The Board met as usual, with the President in