The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1857-01-12
The Charges or Bribery and CorTuption
In Congress- iting Debate.

Ia Congress- ittng DeOates
The telegraph has mentioned the excitement
created in the House Of Representatives, by the
notice taken by Mr.. Kelsey, of New York, OF .
communication In the New York Times, charging
members Of the House with bribery and corrup-
ton. He presented It as . question Of privilege,
arst causing to be read 1T the Clerks table an
editorial from the New York Times of the 9Th
lost which charged members of Congress and
lobby agents with gross corruption. mentioning
the Minnesota land bill in the connection, aud
saying that evidence can be produced 10 carry con.
vietion to every honest heart-that the criminals
should be driven from the high places which they
have dishonored Mr.. kelsey remarked that the
charges contained In that article appeared TO have
been based on letter from that city to the Times
Under ordinary circumstances, it would per
haps, be waste of time to notice articles of this
character appearing liz newspapers But the
editor OF the Times occupied position before the
country which entitled his sentiments to credit
II he is In the possession of the facts be therein
charges. he should substantiate them before
committee of this House. that the members who
may be guilty Of the conduct should be known to
the country As the case now stood be (Mr. KeI-
sey) could neither vote Cor nor against certain
proposition without bringing himself directly un.
der the charges in that article. If there exists
such combination, as alleged, he wanted t. know
It, and the facts to go before the people. He COM
cluded by offering resolution for the appointment
OF committee of five to investigate the matter.
Mr.. Paine, Of North Carona.-I scarcely know
whether ought to say anything or not know
nothing about the editor and his journal. know
nothing about any communication made to it,
know not how be obtaided the information
know not whether it is true or false But do
know that there has been proposition mad, in
this House by members of the House on the sub.
ject lSensatinn and cries of "Who ia he -
Expose him y shall not name the gentleman.
(Cries of down in 'front.'" "stand out of the aisles
= we can't see"l shall mention no member by
name. voice. you ought to do it," 1t was
with feelings of indignation that heard the prop
osition. Impatient demands of " what was it"
"tel it"l
The reason why / did not announce it to the
House was that, pending the organization of this
body when member rose in his place and stated
that fellow member had directly made an at.
tempt to tamper with him for his vote for Speak
ar, the only credit he received was that he was
laughed at, and it was charged that he did not
accept the protfered bribe because there was no
such profitable place to be had. l say distinctly
that there is no want of truth in the allegation
contained in the Times article.
A distinct proposition was made to me by
member of this House in regard to the Minnesota
land bill; and that 81 500 would be given 10 con-
sideration of vote for that bill If the purposed
committee shall be raised and am called on as
witness, shall give my evidence.
Mr Campbell of Ohio-During the past years,
II has been my lot to serve in this Houte, and
have generally been present when important votes
were taken; with single exception have voted
for bills granting alternate sections for railroad
purposes. have given my reasons for so doing
on former occasions. We are startled now by the
gentleman from New York, who sends to the
Clerks desk an editorial article from the New York
Times
The gentleman from Missouri (Mr Phelps) at
tempts to dignity it by saying that it was written
by an ex-Lieutenant Governor OF the State of New
York. 1t ia, however, at best, but an article from
a newspaper. don't care whether 1t comes from
the West or the East, every intelligent member Of
this body ought to have learned that it is not be-
coming In the American Congress, especially du-
ring short session like this, when bills affecting
the interests of the whole country are at stake, to
stop and inquire into charges of this kind which is
based solely the idea that some editor assis.
tant, or newspaper penny liner" has seen fit to
malign this body.
Mr.. Orr-I think this debate is an unnecessary
consumption of time. Charges of similar char.
aeter have been SO frequently made relative to
members of Congress, think the whole of them
should now be investigated. do not see how the
the House, consistently with its dignity and self.
respect can refuse Investigation after the state
ment of the gentleman from North Carolina. 1t is
due to the character Of this body and our con-
stituents that the inquiry should be as broad as pos
sible If true the editor of the Times can give
information in support of these charges The House
will have authority and the right to require him to
come here and testify. Voices, That's right -
You're right."]
Mr. Grow-I agree with the gentleman from s.
Carolina (Mr. ORR that the grave charge directly
made oy the editor of newspaper OF any charac-
ter or position on the integrity of deliberative
body, is proper subject for investigation. There
fore, raise no question to its propriety, while
would not stop to notice newspaper inuendoes.
Mr.. Houston.-I understand the editorial article
is based on the Washington letter Of its cores
pondent-one who is admitted here as matter of
privileged
Mr. Grow resumed, and in reply to Mr.. Paine,
who had referred to Mr.. Pearce, of Pennsylvania,
approaching Mr. Mlward, pending the election
Of Speaker, to induce the latter to vote for Mr..
Banks, said the fact simply that both of these
gentlemen made statements to the House from
which 1t was seen there was a misunderstanding
between them. Whether it was jest or joke Of
the day, or whether Mr.. Pearce's remarks were
seriously meant, was the question. While Mr..
Millward regarded the matter serious, the other
denied such an intention The House seemed to
draw the conclusion that it was playful pastime
Of the morning.
Mr. Brooks-It is all important to the honor and
dignity of the House, that this matter be investi
gated. The duty of appointing the committees
should not rest on any Individual. ] wish not to
impugn the fairness of the Speaker, and it is pro-
per to say that have no such intention. i wish
| simply to throw the onus on the House. We can
elect committee to morrow to investigate all the
charges of corruption which have been brought to
the notice of the House, and the committee " ill be
empowered to send for persons and papers.
Mr.. Sneed now obtained the floor and corrobo,
| rated the truth of the last remark of Mr.. Paine
He was understood to say that it was on the 23d
of December when Mr.. Paine gave him information
similar to that of which the House is already In
possession. He asked Mr.. Sneeds advice, and
MIR. Sneed innocently referred him to the case al
the commencement of the present session of Con.
gress, namely, that between Mr.. Pearce, of Penn
sylvania, and Mr.. Millward relative to the Speak
ership
Mr. Paine informed him among other things, that
a osrtsin member came to his seat AND asked him il
he cou d give his confidence TO him; and that he
granted 1t, supposing nothing wrong. Ii was then
that the bribe was offered. Mr.. Sneed advised MIR
Psiue without compromising his own honor. to wait
obtain the necessary evidence of the corrupt
proposition. and then expose the member; and Mr.
sneed further said to Mr.. Paine that he would
slap the scoundre in the face; and Mr. Paine left Mr.
Sneed with the in the mind of the latter
that he would adopt that course.
Mr. Sneed was certain a. to the conversation tax
ing place on the 23d of December, for he made
written statement from memory. Cries from Va
rous directions, tread it, "Tead it" But Mr.
Sneed replied, 1 will not read it.
Mr Brooks here withdrew his amendment that
the committee be elected instead of appointed b.
| the Speaker.
Mr. Orr again urged an investigation, in order Il
ascertain eli the facts in ,he case.
Mr. stanton said that there could be but one rssu
From what has taken place. NO doubt the Esuse will
order the invest CATION. move the previous ques
| tion. Loud and prolonged cries of "Thsts right
Hold on to the motion"
Mr.. Snesd.-Let Us vote down the amendment