Plymouth weekly banner. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1856, 1856-03-27
Kansas i'm Congress.


Some two weeks ago, the Committee
10 whom was referred the contested seat
between the Kansas Delegates to Con-
gress-Messrs. Reeder and Whitfield
appealed 10 the House for permission to
send for persons and papers. The SUBJ
ieet has been under discussion in that
body ever since--occupying nearly its
entire time. Finally the following prop
osition submitted by Mr.. Dunn Of Indi-
ana, passed the House by a vote Of lOl
to 90. Mr.. DIS. resolutions follow:
Resolved. That a Committee Of three
of the members of this House. to be ap
pointed by the Speaker, shall proceed TO
inquire into and collect evidence in re-
gard to the troubles in Kansas generally.
and particularly in regard to any fraud
or force attempted or prscticed in refer
ence TO any Of the elections which have
taken place in said Territory. either un-
der the law organizing said Territory.
or under any pretended law which may
be alleged to have taken effect therein
since. Tina, they shall fully investigate
and take proof of all violent and tumul-
tuous proceedings in said Territory at
any time since the passage OF the Kan
sss Nebraska Act. wheth engaged in by
residents of said Territory. or by any per-
sou OF persons from elsew here going into
said Territory. and doing. or encouraging
| others to do. any act of violence or pub
lie disturbance against the laws Of the
United States, or the rights, peace and
safety Of the residents OF said Territory;
and for that purpose said Committee
shall have full power 10 send for and ex-
anime. and take copies Of all such papers,
records and proceedings, as in their judg.
ment will be useful in the premises: and
also. to send for persons. and TO examine
them on oath, or affirmation. as to mat
tiers within :heir knowledge touching the
matters of said investiga ton; and such
Committee, BY their Chairman, shall have
power TO administer all necessary oaths
or affirma ions connected with their
aforesaid duties.
RESOLVED further. That said Commit
toe may hold their Investigations at such
places and times as TO them may seem ad.
visable. and that they have leave Of alb
sence from the duties of this House until
they shall have completed such investi-
cation. That they be authorized TO en-
ploy one or more Clerks. and one or more
assistsnt Sergeants at. Arms. to aid them
in their investigation; and may admins
ter TO them On oath or affirmation faith
fully to perform the duties assigned to
them. respectively. and TO keep secret all
matters which may come to their know
ledge touching such investigation as said
Committee shall direct. until the same
shall be submitted to this House; and
said COMMITTEES may discharge any such
Clerk, OF assistant Sergean,.at-Afms. for
neglect of duty or disregard of instruc-
tons in the premises, and employ others
under like regulations.
Resolrcd further. That if any person
sha liz in any manner obstruct or hinder
said committee, or attempt so to do. in
their said investigation, or shall refuse to
attend on said COMMITTEES. and TO give
evidence when summoned for that pur-
pose. or shall refuse to produce any pa
per, book. public record, or proceeding
in their possession or control, 10 said
committee when so required. or shall
make any disturbance where said com.
mittee is holding their sittings, said com
mittee may. if they see fit. cause any and
every such person TO be arrested BY said
| assistant seroeant-at-arms and brought
before said House to be dealt with as for
contempt.
Resolved further, That for the purpose
Of defrayiDg the expenses of said com
mission, there be. and hereby is. appro-
priated the sum Of $4,000 TO be paid
out of the contingent fund of this House.
Rcsolrcd 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 op-
position by bodies Of lawless 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.
RESOLVED further. That when said Com
mittes shall have completed said investi-
CATION, they report oil the evidence so
collected TO this House.