Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1857-01-16
CONGRESSIONAL.


STNATT.@-Mfs AhHt tdlltu Nhi fNh"NN "
order. and announced that the FIRST business in
order was the election Of a President pro tenn.
Mr.. Hale--What is the occasion'
Mr.. Cass-Because we haven tany. Laugh
ter.
On motion Of Mr. Hunter, the Senate pro-
ccedcd to the election. when Mr.. Mason was
elected receiving 80 votes-Foote II, Wei
Ter /.
Mr.. Harlan moved that the Senate proceed
10 the consideration of the report of the Com
mittcc on the Judiciary, relative to his claim
TO a seat from Iowa.
After a long debate, without any action,
Mr. Barnard obtained the floor
Mr. Fish introduced bill making an app
preparation for the removal OF Diamond Reel
Coonties Reef SC. SC, in New York Har-
Dor. Adjourned.
Housr'-Mr. Boyce gave notice Of an
amendment he intended offering to the tariff
bill lie proposed that from and after Jam
uary /. 1857, all goods, wares, merchandise
and other products. subject, under the cxis-
tins, tariff. to pay a duty of 20 per cent, shall
continue to be admitted at that rate, and that
tea and coffee shall be included in the same
schedule.
Mr. Greenwood introduced bill the more
oHcctually to prevent the introduction Of
spirituous liquors and wines into the Indian
country Referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
The consideration Of the Presidents Mes
sage was resumed. and Mossrs. Stephenson,
Campbell. Davis Of Nd, and Cadwallader
continued the debate at great length.
Adjourned.
FRIDAY, Jan 9.
SrNArr.-1n the Senate today, Mr.. Sc
ward introduced a bill to expedite telegraphic
communication for the use of Government in
Us foreign intercourse 1t authorizes the
Secretary of State, under direction of the
President 10 contract with any competent as
sociation for the aid of the Government in
extending line across the ocean 20 Ireland,
from Newfoundland, on such terms and con-
ditons as shall seem just and reasonable
provided the Government of Great Britain
shall enter into a similar contract with the
same parties.
Tho bin was referred to the Post Office
Committee
The House bill for the payment Of Invalid
and other pensions was passed.
The Senate then resumed the consideration
Of the Iowa election case.
Mr. Seward, who had the floor, based his
argument in favor of Mr.. iarlan's right TO a
scat on the ground that. while Legislative
acts require the concurrent vote of the two
branches of the Legislature. the act of choos-
ing l.. S. Senator is not a legislative act.
but merely an additional duty, which had
been dcyoyod upon the members of the
Legislature When Inexperienced this duty,
10 was in Joint Convention, the individuality
of the two Houses being merged and lost in
the joint body.
Mr. Stuart took the position that the cleo
ton was unconstitutional, and the report of
the Judiciary Committee TO that effect well
formed
Messrs Brown and Hale favored the claim
Of the sitting member.
Messrs Toucy and Douglas opposed it
but no question was taken.
On motion of Mr. Bell of ~ H., roso-
luton was adopted, requesting the President,
If not inconsistent with the public interest.
20 communicate to the Senate information re-
latye 10 interference at the island of AYES.
in the Caribbean sea, of the Venezuelan Gov
eminent with American citizens who arcright-
fully in occupancy at the said island. as they
believed. and were engaged in collecting gua-
no thoreupon the said Government having
forcby elected the said American citizens
from their lawful employment and also to
communicate what measures have been taken
by the Government of the United States to
obtain redress from the Government Of Ven
ezuea
Adjourned till Monday.
HousH.-Thc House passed twenty-ono
private bills.
An adjournment was about being effected,
when Mr. Kelsey introduced as a question Of
privilege. am editorial from the New York
Times. of the 9Th inst, which charges mem
bers of Congress and lobby agents with gross
corruption. mentioning the Minnesota Land
bin In the connection, and saying that cyi-
donce can be produced to carry conviction to
every honest heart and that the criminals
should be driven from the high places which
they have dishonored Mr. Kelsey remarked
that the charges contained in this article ap-
pearod TO have been based letter from
this city TO the Times. and II there exists
such combination as is alleged, he wanted
TO know it, and have the facts 90 before the
people lie concluded by offering the fol-
lowing
Whereas, Certain statements have been
published, charging the members Of this
House with entering into a corrupt combina-
ton for the purpose of passing, and prevent
ing the passage of certain measures now be-
fore Congress, therefore
Resolred, That committee Of five mem
bers be appointed by the Speaker, with power
TO send for persons and papers, to investigate
said charges and that the committee report
the evidence to be taken, and what action, in
their Judgment. is necessary the part OF
House, without unnecessary delay.
Mr.. Paine-I scarcely know whether |
ought to say anything not. | know moth
ing about the editor or his Journal | know
nothing about any communication made to it.
know not how the editor obtained his inior-
nation ! know not whether it is true OF
false, But do know there has been prop
osition made in the House, by member %
the House, on the subject. Sensation.
Cries Of Who is he Expose him -
Paine-l shall not name the gentlemen.
Cries of " Down in front stand out o
the aisles We can't see
Mr.. Pano-l shall mention no member by
name
A voice-you ought to do it,
Mr.. Paine--lt was with feelings of indg
nation heard the proposition.
Impatient demands Of " What was it tel
it'll
Mr. Paine-The reason why did not an
nounce it to the House was, that, pending tn,