Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1856-05-29
GollqrfssiionaI.

for the improvement OF st. Mary's river,
Michigan.
Mr.. Wilson briefly detailed the circum-
stances attendng the assault upon Mr..
Summer yesterday, by Mr.. Brooks, Of South
Carolina, representing it as not only against
the rights of man, but the constitutional
privileges of members of the Senate.
Mr.. Seward submitted a resolution that
committee of five members be appointed by
the Pres dent pro tem, to enquire into the
circumstances attending the assault
upoL The person of Hon Charles Sum-
ner, member of the Senate, in the
Chamber yesterday, and that the said com.
be instructed TO report statement of the
facts, together with their opinion thereon, to-
the Senate.
At the suggestion of Mr.. Mason the reso-
luton was amended so as to provide for the
election of the com. by the Senate, and it
was then adopted.
Messrs. Cass, Allen, Dodge, Pearce and
Greer were elected said com.
Mr.. Stuart gave notice that he should at
an early day, ask leave to submit an amend
ment to the rules of the Sena te declaring it
out of order in debate to use language re-
hecting upon the conduct and motives of
any other Senator Discount eously or impro-
perly rejecting upon the action of State,
other than the one represented by the Sem
atOr speaking.
A large number of private bills were pas-
sed.
HoUsE.--Mr. Washburn, of Maine, from
the com. on Elections, reported resolution
that James C.. Allen, Of ILL.,, is not, and
William B. Archer is entitled to the seat
now held by the former.
Mr.. Stephens has prepared minority re-
port. The consideration of the subject was
postponed Intil the 9Th of June.
Mr.. Campbell of Ohio, rising to a ques-
ton of privilege. offered the following:
Whereas, on the 22d day of May, the
Hon. Preston G. Brooks and Hon. Lawrance
NJ. KeItt, memters of this House, from
South Carolina, and other members, either
as principals or accessories, perpetrated a
violent assault on the person of Hon. C.
Sumner, Senator of the U. s. from Massa-
while remaining in his seat in the
Senate Chamber, and while in the perform
ance of the duties aPpertaining to his official
station: therefore,
Resolved, That select com. of five men,
bers be appointed by the Speaker to investi-
gate the subject and report the facts, with
such a resolution in reference thereto, as in
their judgement may be proper and neces-
sary for the vindiction of the character of
this House, and that said com. have power
to send for persons and papers, and employ,
a clerk to sit during the session of the
House.
A debate ensued upon point of order.
Mr.. Smith, of Va, suggested to Mr..
Campbell the propriety of striking out the
preamble; it assumed as fact, that which
could not be ascertained as such, only on
Mr.. Campbell was willing to modify the
preamble, which he dId, so as to read, where
as, it is represented, etc. 1t was due the
House and all parties that the facts should
be presented in some authentic form; and
his could only be done fully and fairly
through a committee.
ment in the preamble is a gross falsehood,
but he did not mean that Mr.. Campbell had
made an untrue declaration;
the gentlemen mistook.
The Speaker decided the proposition in
order as question of privilege.
Mr.. Clingman appealed from the decision
of the Chair.
Mr.. Craig was satisfied that Mr.. Keitt
was not concerned in the matter in the way
stated.
Mr. Campbell replied if that should be
proved, certainly no wrong would be done.
Mr.. keitt thonght differently. The House
required the investigation. His personal
relations with The parties had always been
hose o, friendship.
Mr.. Paine inquired is this resolution the
'esult of preroncert ofac;ion outside of this
Hall, or of caucusI
Mr.. Campbell replied, not one word had
lie heard lisped by member of any rarty
IS to such course, he was Influenced alone
" the dictates of his own judgment and
ense Of public duty, as to7who perpetrated
he outrage, he only knew from what he
eard, although he saw Sumner lying in the
nti-room adjoining the Senate, with easies
n his head to the bone and blood flowing
ver him.
Mr.. Clingman repeated that he would
cave Mr.. Brooks to answer to law.
Mr. Letcher said several years ago Post,
laster General Hubbard vas attacked bv
iov. Briggs, member of the House; yet,
either he Letcher) nor Campbell thought
proper to bring the subject to the atten-
on of the House.
Mr.. Campbell said he was not acting in
is official capacity at that time.
Mr.. Clingman appealed from the decision
the Chair
The Speaker made personal explanation;
had not been party to any deliberation
nd consultation in this matter, and had no
1owledge of the proposition until i. was
'ard from the Clerks desk.
Mr.. Brooks explained-I take the entire
sponsibility on myself, and state, on my
NOR as gentleman. that no human being,
sides myself, knew when or where the
was intended to be made.
Mr.. Mcqueen informed Mr.. Campbell that
process Fad been issued against his COL
lgue, Mr.. Brooks, who was amenable to
e laws of the country.
Mr.. Campbell said he had no purpose to
t any party in false position, but merely
shed to ascertain the facts, there being
many rumors prevalent.
Mr.. Haven appealed to Mr.. Campbell to
lit the name Of Mr.. Keitt from the pream-
:.
Mr.. Campbell assented.
Several gentleman wanted him to strike
the words, other members, but he refus-
saying he had reasons to retain them.
Mr.. Kett remarked as his name had been
thdraxn he would say he did not know
time nor place when the act would be
mmitted, ,sand when it was committed, he