The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-03-04

tee of Investigation.
Mr. Davis Of Md, by direction Of the
Investigating Committee, said he had
been directed to make special report in
the case Of Wm.zA A Gilbert, of New York, \
and moved that the repost be printed, aud
stated that he should move, when that
question was determined, to Postpone
further consideration till Monday next.
Mr.. Grow denied that the Committee
had any right to this as question Of
privilege. They must first obtain leave,
especially if the report impiicates members
Of this House.
Mr. Letcher and Others, amid great ex.
citement loudly demanded the reading
of the report. real 5F san
Mr., Grow resumed, saying The commit
tee had exceeded their authority and
violated constitutional rights Of mem
berS
The Speaker and Mr. Davis mnst know
the character OF the report. (Renewed
cries Of Let It be, read.') t.-
Mr.. Smith, of Va, understood The
committee were Instructed to make q re-
port, and not statement merely.
Mr. Orr Remarked, if the House wish
to know the contents of the report let it
be read E
Mr. Grow resumed his speech with
much earncstness, and called to order
several members.
The Speaker said the report could not
be read because it was in the nature of
debate. O 4@o9g
Amid confusion, Bennett, ofuN Y,
moved the report be recommitted. He
was opposed 10 thus proposing to expel1
members by resolution, without due no.
tice. - i
Mr.. Florence-We don't know what's
proposed until we hear the report read.
object TO the motion.
Hall-a-dozcn members. struggled for
the Goor 81
Mr.. Houston insisted on reading the
report. zz s5.sw q
After further proceedings, Bennet said
the report was OF grave import, and eifec-,
ted one ofhis colleagues. NJ man in the
land coud be accused, tried ana condemn
ed without a helring, much less jjaaga--
Tent against a member being brought iilf
there and put through uuder pressure.
of the previous qaestion. The COMMITTEES.
we're appointed in consequence Of an arti-,
Gle in the New Y ork Times, charging cor
rupt combinations of members. 81 !t
NJ Harris, of Illinois, called Bennett
to order. san
Speaker ruled Harris out of order, bnt
Harris continued speaking amid cries of
order, during which the speaker said he
wonId direct The Sergeant TO ar
rest him or any other person violating the
rules. Harris was not heard. Conver-
sation ensued as to the duties OF the
Committee under the authority of the
resolution by which they were appointed.
Finally, Davis, of Md, read the report iii
the case of Mr. Gilbert Special report
concludes with the resolution for the eX-
puIson of Mr. Gilbert. @t9
Report sets forth the evidence in Gill
bert's case, saying the House can Judge
for themselves Instances the conclusions
of the committee. -- ts zsfloe
/ Mr. Watson interposed, saying he un-
Gerstood the duty of the committee was
merely to report evidence, aud that Gill
bert had no opportunity to confront his
accusers. ~ .Tas 81 tiel
Mr.. Orr replied, the gentlemaf was not
correctly informed. Every facility was
offered. ~ ~
Mr. Davis resumed reading report
showing Sweeney and Triplett were wit
nesses against Gilbert; both having beer
examined separately anl given their testi-
mouy reluctantly.
AIluSon was made to summoning wit
nesses to discredit the testimony of Swee-
iney, 10y latter to Sustain his charac-
ter.
The committee gave their evidence in
favor of the trutAfulmess of SWeeney's
statement made under oath, and offer the
following resolutions:
That Wm A. Gilbert, member of this
Z. House from New York, did agree with
F. T. G. Triplett to procure the passage
lol tuC iSSOiutiCh VI plii thi Ob II tuO tICo
eDt Congress for purchase By Congress.o
certain copies of book of said Friplett's
on Pension and Bon@ty- Land Lars, in
consideration said Tripiett should allow
him TO receive a certain sum ofmeney ou1
of appropriation tor the purchase of til,
books; that Gilbert did cast his vote fol
Iowa Land Bib, depending heretofore be
: fore this Congress, for a corrupt consid
eration consisting of seven square mile,
of land and some stock given to him; tha
5 Mr. Gilbert be forthwith expelled from
: this House.
5 The report is signed ny Davis, of Mary
land, Warner, Ritchic, Kelsey; the Chai
dissenting. s-
Mr.. Grow stated that Gilbert was no
: notified of charges against him.
Mr. Orr replied that complete cop,
of the testimony was furnished the accused
and opportunity given for defense
Mr.. Grow said if the reputation of ths
member should thus be stabbed, Ii,
shopid be pernlitte1 to riye his tastt;non,