Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-01-16
CONGRESSIONAL.

""iu ihtfotucoa btt 10 oApeditc tctc-
graph communication for the use Of the
Government ia It's Foreign intercourse
IL authorizes the secretary Of State, under
the direction OF the President, 10 contract
for the aid OF the u. s. In laying down
tho submarine cable TO connect existing
telegraphs.
Seward based his argument In favor OF
Harlan's right TO his seat on the ground
that while Legislative acts require tho
concurrent votes Of the two branches Of
Legislature, the act OF choosing U. 5.
Senator was mot legislative act, but
merely an additional duty which had
been dcyolyed upon the members Of the
Lcgislaturo--when they PERFORMED this
duty II was In joint convention, tho indI-
viduality Of the two Houses being mer-
ged and lost In the joint body.
Stuart took tho position that tho cleo
ton was unconstitutional, and the report
Of the Judiciary COMMITTEE ~ that effect
was we'll founded.
Brown and Hale favored tho claim Of
tho sitting member. Tousey and Doug.
las opposed II. No question was taken.
On motion Of Bell, Of New Hampshire,
a resolution was adopted requesting the
President IT, In his opinion, not InconsIs-
tent with tho public interest, 10 communI-
nicato TO tho senate such information as
may be on file In the Department Of State
relative TO tho interference at tho Island
Of AYES, In the Cauabean sea, OF the
Venxuelean Government with American
citizens, who woro rightfully In occupan-
ey Of said Island. rs they believed. and
were engaged In the collection Of Guano,
therefrom, said Government having forci.
bly, elected the said American citizens
from their lawful employment; and also
10 communicate what measures have been
taken, II any, by tho Government Of tho
United Staels 10 obtain redress from the
Government Of Vonezula.
Senate then adjourned until Monday.
HousE.-Tho House passed twonly-ono
private bills. Adjournment was then
about being effected when Kolsy lntrodu.
cod a subject which caused much excite
mont. lilo presented as question Of
priviloge-hrst causing TO DO read at tho
Clerks tablo--an editorial from tho Now
York Times Of tho 9th inst, which char
god members OF Congress and lobby agents
with gross corruption, mentioning tho
Minnesota Land Bill In tho connection,
and saying evidence can be produced 10
carry conviction TO every honest heart
that the criminals should DO driven from
the high places which they have djshon-
ored.
Kelsey remarked that the charges con-
tanned In this article appeared to have
bcen based on letter from this city TO the
Times. Under ordinary circumstances II
would perhaps DO a waste OF time to no.
tlce articles Of this character appearing in
newspapers, but tho editor Of the Times
occupied position before this country
which entities his statements TO credit
aud II he Is In possession Of facts therein
charged, he should substantiate them be.
fore committee OF this House, so that
members who may be guilty Of such con-
duct be known to the country. AS itnow
stood he, Kelsy, could neither vote for OF
against a certain proposition without
bringing himself directly under the char.
Cos contained in that article. If there ex'
lists such combination as alleged, he
wanted to know Il and lot the facts go be
fore the people. He concluded by offer
ing the following
Whereas certain statements have beer
published, charging members Of the
House with entering into corrupt combi'
nation for the purpose Of passing and
preventing the passage Of certain meas
ures now before Congress; therefore
RESOLVED, That a committee Of five
members be appointed by the Speaker
with power to send for persons and papcr
to investigate said charges, and that thu
committee report the evidence TO DO takcr
and what action, in their judgment, Is nee
cssary on the part of the House, withou
unnecessary delay.
Paine-I scarcely know whether ough
10 say anything or not know nothing
about that letter nor his journal. know
nothing about any communication made
to il. know not how he obtained thu
information. / know not whether IL j
true or false. But do know there ha
been propo sitions made In the House, b.
members of the House, on the subject
(Scnsation-cries Of "Who is he ?" "Ex
pose him.") | should not name the gen
tleman. (Cries Of "down in 'front.'
"stand out Of the isle; We can't sec.')
shall mention no member by name. q
voicO-"You ought to do it.") II wa
. with feelings Of indignation heard th
proposition. Impatient demands 0
"What was it''-"Tellip'-"rhc rea
son,") Why I did not announce to tn
House, was, that pending tho organiza
ton Of this body, when member rose II
his place and stated that fellow mem
Der had directly made attempt TO ta.npe
with him for his vote for speaker, tn
only credit no received was, ho was laugh
cd at. And it was charged that no die
not accept tho prclIcrcd bribo because Their
was no such profitable place to bc had.
say distinctly, thorc Is not want Of trutl
In the allegation contained In the Time
article. A distinct proposition was mad
TO me by member Of this House, In 70
, gard to tho Minnesota Land Bill, and tina
fifteon hundred dollars would DO given il
, consideration of a vote for that bill. /