Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-05-27

The INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE OF THE HousE.-
The investigating committee Of the House met yes
terday afternoon at one o'clock at the room of the
Committee Of Ways and Means, and, after organ
izing, adjourned to Mr.. Summers room to take his
testimony. On arriving at his room he was found
on his bed He gave his testimony, and then was
cross-examined, the whole occupying an hour and
a half
The following is Mr.. Summers statement, on
oath: IS s,~
81 attended the Senate as usual on Thursday,
the 22d of May. After some formal business, a
message was received from the House Of Repre-
sentatives announcing the death of q member Of
that body from Missouri. This was followed by
brief tribute to the deceased from Mr.. Goyer, of
Missouri, when, according to usage, and out Of
respect to the deceased, the Senate adjourned.
Instead of leaving the chamber with the rest at
the adjournment, | continued in my seat occupied
with my pen.
"While thus intent, in order to be in season for
the mail, which was soon to close, / was approach
ed by several persons who desired to consult with
me, but answered them promptly and briefly,
excusing myself for the reason that / was much
engaged When the last of these persons left me,
drew my armchair close to my desk, and, with
my legs under the desk, continued writing.
My attention at this time was 80 entirely drawn
from all other objects that though there must have
been many persons in the Senate, saw nobody.
While thus intent with my head bent over my
writing, was addressed by person who approach
ed the front of my desk, so entirely unobserved
that was not aware of his presence until heard
my name pronounced.
!" As looked up, with my pen in hand, saw a
tall mar, whose countenance was not familiar,
standing directly over me, and at the same moment
| caught these words: / have read your speech
over carefully. IL is libel on South Carolina and
Mr.. Butler, who is relative of mine' While these
words were still passing from his lips, he com
menced succession Of blows with heavy cane
on my bare head by the first of which was
stunned 80 as TO lose sight i no longer saw INV
assailant nor any other person or object in the
| room. 6E e& NfW n
"What did afterwards was done almost uncon-
sciously acting under the instincts of selfdefence
With my head already bent down, / rose from my
| seat, wrenching up my desk, which was secured TO
the floor, and then pressing forward bile my as
| saiant continued his blows. i have no other con-
sciousnoss until found myself ten feet forward in
front OF my desk, lying on the floor of the Senate,
with my bleeding head supported on the knee OF
| gentlemen whom soon recognized BY voice and
manner as Mr.. Morgan, Of New, York.
| RI" Other persons there were about me- offering
friendly assistance, but did not recognise any q
them. Others there we're at q distance, looking
| on and offering no assistance, of whom recog-
Missed only Mr. Douglas, of Illinois, Mr.. Toombs, Of
Georgia, and, thought, also, my assalsnt, stand
| ing between them. i was helped from the floor
and conducted TO the lobby Of the Senate, where
I was placed upon sofa or those who helped
me there / have no recollection,