Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-03-24


The following is the proposition, in full,
which has been adopted by the House in re.
gard to the Kanzas troubles. 1t is Justly re-
garded at Washington, and may well be ev-
erywhere, as positive triumph of the side of
freedom and right and truth. The riends of
the settlers of kanzas, and those settlers them
selves. have just reason to rejoice at its pas
ssge. 1t is the second congressional victory
of freedom over the slavery interest. fer
though achieved on a less direct issue than
that won in the election tf speaker, it was
carried against the combined positive pro-
slavery vote of all parties:
Resolped That committee of three of the
members of this House, be appointed by the
speaker, whe shall proceed to inquire into and
collect evidence in regard to the troubles in
hanzas generally, and particularly in regard
to any fraud or force attempted or practised in
reference to any of the elections which have
taken place in said territory, either under the
law organizing said territory, or under any
pretended law which may be alleged to have
taken effect therein since. That they shall
fully investigate and take proof of all violent
and tumultuous proceedings IN said territory
at any time since the passage of the Kanzas-
Nebraska act, whether engaged in by residents
OF said territory, or by any person or persons
from elsewhere going into said territory, and
doing, or encouraging others to do, any act
of violence or public disturbance against the
laws of the United States. or the rights, peace,
and safety of the residents of said terri
tory; and for that purpose said committee
shall haze full power to send for and examine,
and take copies of all such papers, records,
and proceedings, as in their judgment will be
useful IN the premises; and, also, to send for
persons, and to e2 anime then on oath, or af-
trmation, as to matters within their knowl-
edge, touching the matters of said investiga-
ton; and such committee, by their chairman,
shall have power to administer all necessary
oaths or affiImations connected with their
aforesaid duties.
ReSolUed further, That said committee may
hold their Investigations at such places and
times as to them may seem advisable, and that
they have leave of absence from the duties of
this House until they shall have completed
such investigation. That they be authorized
to employ one or more clerks, and one or more
assistant sergeants- at arms, to aid them in
their investigations and may administer to
them an oath or affirmation faithfully to per-
form the duties assigned to them, respe ctivelv,
and to keep secret all matters which NAV come
to their knowledge. touching such investiga-
ton as said committee shall direct, until The
report of the same shall be submitted to this
House; and said committee may discharge
any such clerk, or assistant sergeants- at arms,
Tor neglect OF duty, or disregard of instruc-
tons IN the premises, and employ others under
like instructions.
ReSolred further, That if any person shall
in any manner, obstruct or hinder said COM
mittee, or attempt so to do, in their said in
vestigation, or shall refuse to attend on said
committee, and to give evidence when sum
moned for that purpose, or shall refuse 10 pro-
duce any paper, book, public record, or pro-
ceeding, in their possession or control, to said
committee, when SO required, or shall make
any disturbance where said committee is hold.
ing their sittings, said committee may, if they
see fit, cause any and every such person to be
arrested by said assistant sergeant at arms, and
brought before this House, to be dealt with as
for contempt.
RESOLVED further, That for the purpose of
defraying the expenses of said commission,
there be. and hereby is, appropriated, the sum
of $4,000, to be paid out of the contingent
fund of this House.
Resofeed further, That the President of the
United States be, and is hereby requested to
furnish to said committee, should they be met
with any serious opposition by bodies of law.
less men, in the discharge Of their duties
aforesaid, such aid from any military force as
may at the time be convenient TO them, as
may be necessary to remove such opposition,
and enable said committee, without molesta-
ton, to proceed with their labors.
ResotDed further, That when said commit
tee shall have completed said investigation,
they report all the evidence SO collected, to
this House.