Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-02-27


is proposed until we hear the report read.
1 object to the motion of the gentleman
from New York.
Half dozen members struggled for
the floor.
Mr.. Houston insisted on the reading
of the report.
After further proceedings, MIR. Ben
nett said that the report was Of grave I'M
portance, and affected one of his col
leagues. No man in this land could be
accused, tried and condemned without a
hearing; much less could judgment
against a member be brought in here and
put through under the pressure Of the
previous question. The committee were
appointed in consequence of an article in
the New York Times, charging corrupt
combinations on the part of members.
Mr.. Harris Of Ill. called Mr.. Bennett
to order.
The Speaker ruled Mr.. Harris out of
order. but he continued speaking, amid
cries of order" during which the
Speaker said that he would direct the
/ Sergeant-at-Arms TO arrest him or any
other person violating the rule.
Mr.. Harris's reply was not heard.
A conversation ensned as to the duties
of the Committee under the authority Of
the resolution by which they were ap-
pointed, and finally Mr.. Davis of Nd.
read the report in the case Of Mr.. Gil
bert.
/ The report sets forth the evidence in
Mr.. GiIbert's case, saying the House can
Judge for themselves respecting the just
ness Of the conclusion of the committee
Mr.. Watson interposed, saying that he
understood that the duty of the commit,
tee was merely to report the evidence
and that HIr. Gilbert has had no oppor
tunity to confront his accusers.
Mr.. Orr replied that the gentleman
was not correctly informed; every faei
llity was accorded Mr.. Gilbert.
! Mr.. Davis resumed the reading of tht
report, showing that Mr.. Sweeney an(
Mr.. Triplett were witnesses against Mr.
Gilbert, both having been examined sep
arately, and given their testimony reluc
family. Allusion is made to the sum
moning of witnesses to discredit the ties
timony Of Mr.. Sweeney, and by the latte
to sustain his character. The Commit
tee give their opinion in favor of tn
truthfulness of Mr.. Sweeney's statements
made under oath, and offer the folIowin
resolutions:
THAT VIM. 4. Gilbert, member {
this House from New York, did agre
Y with f. F. c. Triplett to procure tn
passage Of a resolution or bill throug
the present Congress, for purchase, b
4 Congress, of certain copies of the boo
= of said Triplett, on the Pension an
"a Bounty Land Laws, in consideration th'
said Triplett should allow him to receiy
= a certain sum of money out of the al
preparation for the purchase of the bool
h That Gilbert did cast his vote on IL
If Iowa Land bill, depending heretofore
= this Congress, for a corrupt considerable,
: consisting of seven square miles of Ian,
J. and some stock, given, or to be given,
; him.
\ That Mr.. Gilbert be forthwith e.
! PEELED from this House"
The report is signed by Mr.. Davis
Nd, Mr.. Orr, Mr. Warner, Mr.. Ritcht
Of and Dir. Kelsey (the chairman) disser
3 ing.
= Mr.. Grow stated that Mr.. Gilbert W
j, not notified Of the charges against him
v Mr.. 0rrreplied that a complete copy
a the testimony was furnished the accuse
and an opportunity given for defence.
lie Mr.. Grow said that the reputation
no member should thus be stabbed. Al
he that he should be permitted to give
ad testimony in his own way. He eharg
IN that the committee had violated the co
K. stitutional privileges of a member
I'd, their Star Chamber proceedings, in SUI
en- moning witnesses from the streets
ST. blacken his character. He denied th
AIr. Sweeney was entitled to credit an
zee where.
q While the committee were ready
'st stab this member, they stood, like a WI
NJ Of fire, around the character of \
us Sweeney, who could sit there during +
examination, while Mr.. Gilbert was &
ne MED that right. It vas a proceeding L
ID heard OF il the history of the COUNT
and God grant that it may be the last.
NJ 1t men areto be assailed, let it be in d.
nd light The committee had taken the +
he timony Of this witness, who, his neighb,