New-York daily tribune., 1856-03-26
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

On motion Of Mr.. WALKER, the Judiciary Com
mitee was instructed to inquire whether the Kansas
Investigating Committee had power to coerce the at
tendarce of witnesses, and punish for contempt.
Mr.. CAMPBELL IOhol ssd that when the House
organized, he, very Unexpectedly 10 himself, was ap
pointed TO the distinguished position of Chairman Of
the Committee on Ways and Means, aud yesterday a
distinction was conferred upon him by the Chair
equally unexpected as the former
Finding that the latter involves very srduous and
inportant services, entirely incompatible with the
duties assigned him when the House organized he
asked the House 10 excuse him from serving as the
head OF the Commission to proceed TO Kansas.
He expressed bis gratitude for these two very high
Lonors conferred on him. especially the latter because
of the peculiar circumstances ot this time surrounding
him.
Mr.. CAMPBELL was excused, aud Mr.. SHERMAN
appointed to fill the vacancy
Mr. PHELPS introduced bill authorizing the
President to cause the southern boundary line OF han
sas TO be defined. Referred to Committee on Terrific
ries. 81,
The House proceeded TO the consideration OF the
bill defining the rights of voters and the duties OF
Commissioners of Elections in the City of Washington.
Mr. HUMPHREY MARSHALL offered an amend
ment requiring nsturazed persons to be residents one
year immediately preceding the election to enable
them to suffrage.
Mr.. JONES of Tenn. and Mr.. McMULLEN opposed
the amendment on the ground that it would make an
unjust distinction between native and foreign born
citizens and indirectly extend the naturalization laws
Mr.. DAVIS Nd. considered the amendment No
cessary to protect the purity of the ballotbo He
alluded to the rough and raw material gathered from
the pureus of the city, and marched to the polls not
to vote, but TO be voted by their managers.
Mr.. MEACHAM said the bill had been drawn with
great care, approved by Of all parties, and unsn
mousy supported by the Committee on the District OF
Columbia. The gentleman who offered the amend-
ment belongs to the Judiciary Committee, which has
power to report bill changing the Naturalization
laws for the whole country and yet he forward
with this little patch a measure which
Washington alone.
Mr.. CAMPBELL of Ohio hoped similar provision
would be inserted in the territorial bills to put an end
to the improper influence of foreign votes in control
ing elections.
Mr.. BOYCE advocated equality before the law.
After foreigner becomes citizen, treat hun as SUCH
While protesting TO take him 10 the bosom Of Amer-
can fraternity, do not let il be cheat and delusion.
Let him be citizen in spirit and in name
Mr. HARRIS ILL., referred Mr.. Davis of Md. to tho
fact shown by the Census in $780, in the last named
State that educational intelligence, by comparison
of numbers, largely in favor OF persons OF foreign
birth.
Mr. DAvIS-That conveys no instruction.
Mr.. HARRiS-Then the gentleman u beyond tho
reach of instruction.
Mr.. HALL Mass argued that the amendment Sc
cures equality before the law, and will prevent tho
NntIol Of elections BY persons on public works
saying that the the right OF citizenship was con-
ferredthe better.
Mr. CARLILE contended that if the bill passed
without this amendment, it will confer advantages on
foreigners not possessed by natives.
Mr.. ZOLLICOFFER understood that one third Of
the voting population of Washington consisted Of Gov
eminent employees.
Mr.. WHITNEY believed that the bin was the
product Of effort the part of the Administration
TO se the sentiments Of the people on the American
question by Introducing alien votes.
Mr.. MEACHAM lin response to question BY Mr..
Smith of Tenn remarked that not word was said in
Committee referring to the Administration or to any
political peIty
Messrs. KEITT and GOODE opposed and Mr..
WALKER advocated the amendment, pending which
the House adjourned.