Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1857-02-26

With expelled from this House. The
1T is signed by Davis of Nd, Orr,
Warner, Ritchie and Kelsey.
The Chairman dissenting.
Grow stated that Gilbert was not no.,
tilted of the charges against him.
Orr replied that a complete copy of
the testimony was furnished the accused
and opportunity given for defence.
Grow said that the reputation of the
member should thus be stabbed who
should be permitted to give his testi-
mony in his own way. He charged the
committee with violation of the consti-
tutional privileges of members in their
Star Chamber by their proceedings in
summoning witnesses from the streets
to blacken his character He denied
Sweeney was entitled to credit any
where, and while the committee are
ready to stab the reputation of this mem
Der, they stood as a wall of fire around
the character OF Sweeney, who could
sit there during the examination while
Gilbert was denied that right. 1t was
proceeding unheard of in the history
of the country, and God grant 1T may
be the last. If men are to be assailed,
let it be in daylight. The committee
had taken the testimony of this witness
who, his neighbor declared, could not
be believed under oath. AS to the 9TH
er witnesses, Triplett was discharged
from Office for malfeasance; this was the
kind oftestimony adduced.a
Tn h. - he L
Sweeney is witness. Was there meni-
Der who believed that Gilbert told him
he was to receive seven square miles
and some stock for his vote for that
measure. Ifhe was correctly informed,
Chase did not corrOborate. Davis of
Nd, replied the committee had not pro-
posed to put any man on trial, they had
done what the House ordered them to
do; a task of which they would have
most cheerfully relieved themselves
They had examined as to whether there
were corrupt combinations among mem
bers to which they were directed by an
almost unanimous vote they had taken
testimony and reported it to the House,
and because that testimony duplicates
member it ought not in the judgment
of Mr.. Grow, be reported. Were the
committee to stop with the mere, report
of the evidence? The resolution requir
ed report of what action, in their opin-
ion was proper to be taken. He should
treat Grows suggestion with utter con-
tempt. Were the committee sent on q
child's errand to hunt UP. eonspiracies,
and then conceal them? If the House
had sent him on any such GRAND, they
were mistaken in the instrument. He
had resolved to do what was right.
Mr.. Bennett of New York, did not
design attacking any member of the
committee, but questioned their juris-
diction. The report was nothing but
an ingenious argument against the ac-
cused, coupled with the resolution of
expulsion. Was it ever before heard
of that under resolution for their APP
pointment they could act as grand and
petit !juries and as court to condemn
him. Ifthe committee were angels from
heaven instead of Congressman, he
should object to their jurisdiction. We
have tried nobody they say; no, but they
have condemned men without a trial.
The committee should have made gen
eral report only. What if Simonton
publishes lie in the Times, were we to-
take it up as true, and pass a law to milk
corruption out Of corrupt witnesscs?-
Sweeney was apoor miserable specimen
Of degraded humanity. He understood
the report Of evidence was already i'll
the hands of two or three New York
papers, and it would have effect to ex-
cite prejudice against the accused
There must be victim, and hence the
cry of mad dog is raised There is alb
scnce of manliness in such a course
Extreme injustice may be done by this
course Of proceeding. The accused
should have fair hearing, and he pro-
tested against the course of the commit
tee.
After long debate, the various re-
ports recommending, in addition to Gil
bert's expulsion, Edwards, Welsh and
Matteson.
Kelsey disscn;s from reports in the
case of the above members. They are
signed by all Of the committee except
Kelsey All matter ordered to be print
ed. Further consideration postponed
until Wednesday next.
Adjourned.