Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-02-21

The resolution involved an extraordinary power
OF Congress, and one which should not be resoried
10 hastily or harshly. The House ought 10 in
quire whether a necessity had arisen for the ex-
ercise OF this power before granting il TO COM
mlttee. and particularly when il was 10 be applied
10 distant Territory. The Committee of Elec-
tons had not informed the House why they had
made this application and he would move that
the resolution be recommitted with instructions
10 the committee 10 report the grounds upon
which they had asked this power to send for per-
sons and papers. He then argued 10 prove the
validity OF the law under which Gen. Whitfield
was elected.
Mr.. CAMPBELL Of Ohio in view of the
element in the country with reference 10 the
state of affairs in Kansas, thought IL remarkable
that gentlemen should inerpose objection 10
full, free, and fair examination OF the facts con-
nected with the contested election from that
Territory. He apprehended that the great point
involved in the whole matter was ~ 10 The vail
dity of the Legislation which had taken place in
Kansas, and he held that II was wellsetlled
principle OF law that any statute might be vItiated
by fraud and that that fraud might he proved
orally. He should not undertake 10 say, until he
should have the testimony before him, whether
or not the Legislation in Kansas was fraud upon
the principles OF the Nebraska act The very pur-
pose OF the resolution was 10 ascertain, by proof
such as would satisfy the House, whether that
Legislation was or not valid. If the testimony,
when taken, should prove 10 be fraud, the House
would have the power 10 disaffirm and repeal any
Mr.. MILLSON of Virginia, would say, in all
sincerity, that he had formed no opinion whatever
upon The subject of This contested elections aud
desired TO approach the question with as much
information as could be fairly and properly OBJ
tanned; but he was not willing 10 resort 10 means
which seemed TO him TO be as much opposed 10
the letter and spirit of the law they were TO
every sentiment of propriety and public policy.
Mr.. TAYLOR, of Louisiana, then replied 10
Mr.. WAsHBURN, of Maine.
Mr. DITNN nj Indiana xuas nnxu; llipg N clo ha
the committee with unlimited power. He was in
favor OF recommitting the resolution, that the
committee might report 10 the House the extent
of the power they desired, the number Of wit
nesses which they might wish TO call on each side,
ard the points in the controversy for which these
witnesses were 10 be summoned.
Mr. WASHBURN, of Maine, opposed the re-
commta of the resolution. He did not think il
would be in the power Of the committee 10 ascer-
tain and state what witnesses il would be neces-
sary 10 produce on either side, nor could they
come TO different result from that at which they
had arrived. He demanded the previous ques-
ton.
Mr. HOUSTON, OF Alabama, stated that the
Delegate from Kansas desired the most extended
investigation into the merits of the controversy
The previous question was then seconded
Mr. HICKMAN, of Pennsylvania, as the men,
Der reporting the resolution under consideration,
then proceeded TO close the debate on the resolu.
ton. He had formed no opinion 10 the rights
Of the contestants, and should not do so until he
should have all the facts necessary to enable HIM
10 decide between them. To enable him 10 do
this he had joined with the committee in asking
the adoption of the resolution which he had sub
mited this morning He conceived il 10 be I'M
safe, if not highly unjust, 10 form opinion
against either the one or the other Of the contest
ants without having evidence of most reliable
character. He replied at length to Mr. STEPHENS,
OF Georgia.
The Hou.e refused TO recommit the resolution
yeas 6s, nays 6S; the Speaker voting in the mega
tive.
Mr.. GREENWOOD moved that the resolution
lie on the table; pending which,
The House adjourned.
Senate-W ednesday, February go, 1856.
Mr. DOUGLAS, at his request was excused
from serving on the Committee on Foreign Rsa-
tons
Mr. BROWN presented petition from the
Pr. sdent and Directors of the Central Meiropol-
tan Railroad Company, praying for the privilege
of running railroad track through such Of the
streets and avenues Of Washington city as they
may find most convenient; and also praying an
appropriation of land or money in aid Of the
slructlon OF that road.
Mr.. b. stated that he presented the petition he
cause he had been requested 10 do so, as the
chairman of the Committee on The District of Co.
lumbia but he took occasion 10 say that, so far
"a that portion of the memorial was concerned
which asked the occupancy Of The avenues of the
now, he had always been. opposed 10
granting that request. There was already one
railroad running across Pennsylvania avenue, as
he believed, in direct contempt of the authority OF
Congress These encroachments were being
made from day TO day and from year to year upon
the public property in this city, and if Congress
did not lnierpose 10 prevent il. the evil would
continue 10 increase. He desired 10 enter his
protest against this abuse. The petition was re-
fsrred 10 the Committee on The District Of Coum-
bia
Mr.. b. also introduced bill 10 incorporate the
Friends Aid Society, IN the District of Columbia
which was read twice and referred 10 the Com
miltee on the District OF Columbia
Mr.. MASON stated that on an eat ly day of The
present session the Committee on Foreign Reia-
lions caused a map of Central America 10 be pre-
pared by officers OF the Coast Survey. That map
had been prepared, and was now nearly ready 10
be printed lie would remark that the existing
maps OF that country were nearly all OF British
origin, or compiled under direction Of th. British
government and il was considered by the com
mitiee, In view Of the conflict OF opinion between
this government and the English government, as
emnently important that O correct man Of that
country should be made, for diffusion throughout
The United States. As II would take some time
10 print V, he submitted resolution " hch wa-
agreed 10. providing that ten thousand copies or
said map shall be printed under direction Of the
Committee on Foreign Relations Two hundred
copies for the use Of the State Department, and
the residue for the use Of the Senate
Mr.. HAMLlN gave notice Of his intention 10
introduce bill further 10 amend the act entitled
An act 10 provide for the better security Of the
lives OF passengers on board Of vessels propelled
IN whole or IN part by steam, and for other pur.
posesn
Mr. WELLER, from the Committee on Military
Affairs, reported bill making appropriations tor
certain Notifications in Florida. Texas and Cali
fornia; also. a bill for the relief OF officers and
soldiers Of the United States army who sustained
losses 10 the disaster 10 the steamship San Fran.
cisco.
Mr. HAMLlN, from The Committee on Com
merce, reported a bill establishing the collection
districts Of the United States and designating the
ports Of entry and delivery 10 the same; also a
bill for the relief Of Levi Robinson: also. a bill
authorizing the Secretary Of the Treasury 10
change the names Of vessels in certain cases and
TO establish rules for that purpose.
Mr.. CRlTTENDEN inquired OF the Chairman
OF the Committee on Judiciary how soon a report
might be expected from that Committee in rels-
ton 70 the seat Of The Senator from Illinois, (Mr
IRUABULD which has been contested The sub
Ject was referred 10 that Committee nearly Two
month. ago and il was due 10 the Senate as well
asto the gentleman whose scat was contested, thar
the matter should be brpuoh a., a su..J,