Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1857-01-14

not b. so honorcd.
Mr.. Phelps. II understand correctly. the
| charges read from the Times were made In the
editorial columns Of that paper. learn that
| the editor Of the Times ex-Lieutenant
| Governor Of New York and when gentlemen of
such standing make such charges. ask whether
j, il not worth our while to make the inquiry.
| especially after the statement of the gentleman
| from North Carolina.
Mr. A. X. Mnr-hnll. resumng. | don't care
what character the editor had don't care
whether he was Lieutenant Governor. or Cover
nor, or not. Partisan editors Influenced. are
controlled by positions and interests which do
not control men in other pursuits. ak .sheih
or il does not more become our character and
dignity, 10 base action on the statement of
one nf our own members. rather than on that of
mn tx Lieutenant Governor or Governor; or that
of an editor If paper. There have been other
matters and limitations thrown out. besides those
in the editorial article A distinct charge has
been made OF AN attempt to corrupt the members
OF tins House. Let the committee inquire into
oil the alleged oorruptions. suppose the reso-
luton is sufficiently broad for that purpose.
Mr. Campbell. Of Ohio. During the past eight
years it has been my lot to serve in this House,
and have generally been present when impor
tani votes were taken. With but "a single ex-
ception have voted for bills granting lands in
alternate sections for railroad purposes. have
given MY reasons for doing on former occa-
slons. We are startled now by the gentleman
from New York who sends to the Clerk desk an
editorial article from the New York Times. The
gentleman from Missouri lAIr. Phelps attempts
TO dignity 1t by saying that it was written by an
Tx Lieutenant Governor of the State of New
York.
1t is however, at best. but an article from n
newspaper. don't care whether it comes from
the West or the East every intelligent member
OF this body ought 10 have learned that it is not
hpcnmibU in tha m otoil
during short session like this. when bills nf
fectng the interests IF the whole country are at
stake, to stop and inquire into charges Of this
kind which based solely on the idea that
some editor or assistant, or newspaper penny
a-liner," has seen fiji to malign this body.
Having felt, in my own person. within the last
two years, the weight OF assaults of this kind.oc
cupying the relations do to this body, the
country. should not favor the investigation pre-
| Dictated on the charge made by the writer, through
manufactured rags and ampblack and oil,
it not for the statement distinctly made by tho
gentleman from North Carolina. | concur with
the gentleman from Kentucky CIR. MarshnlD
| that this places the whole matter on a different
footing. As the gentleman from North Carolina
| says he knows there was a proposition Of corrup
| tion made to him, | am for the investigation
l move to amend the preamble, by adding land
whereas, member of this House has stated on
his own authority that the article Is not wanting
! in truth"
! Mr.. Orr. think this debate is an unnecessa-
ry consumption of time. Charges of Il similar
character have been so frequently made relative
to the members of Congress think the whole of
them should now be investigated. do not
how the House consistently with its dignity I'd
self respect can refuse an investigation, after the
statement of the gentleman from North Carroll
na. 1t Is due to the character of this body and
oar constituents, that the inquiry should be
| broad us uOssibla IF frue the p1tor of the Iinea
can give information in support of these char
! ge@ The House will have authority and the
right to require him to come here and testify -
Voices That's right" your right.
Mr.. Grow. l agree with the gentleman from
South Carolina (Mr. Orr that a grave charge d.
rectly made by the editor of newspaper of any
character or position. on the integrity of DELHI
erative body lisa proper subject for investigation.
| Therefore raise no question as TO its propriety
while | would not stop to notice newspaper inu-
endoes
Mr.. Houston | understand the editorial arti-
Gle is based on the Washington letter e its
respondent, one WHO'S admitted here as matter
of privilege.
Mr. Grow resumed. and in reply to Mr. Paine,
who bad referred to Mr.. Pearce, of penn- Viva
! MIA, approaching Mr.. Millward. pending the g.
! lection OF Speaker, to induce the latter to vote
for MIR. Banks, said the fact simply that
both of these gentlemen made statements TO the
! House, from which 1t was seen that there was
misunderstanding between them whether it was
n jest or oke of the day, or whether Mr.. Pearce's
remarks were seriously meant, was the question.
While Mr.. Millward regarded the matter as
serious the other denied such mn intention. The
House seemed to draw the conclusion that it was
a playful pas,ime of the morning.
Mr.. Brooks. It's all important to the honor
and dignity of the House TINT this matter be in
vostigaed. The duty of appointing the commit
tee should not rest on any individual. | wish
not TO impugn the fairness of the Speaker, and it
is proper to say that | have no such Intention
| w sh simply to throw the onus on the House
we can elect committee tomorrow to inyesti-
gate all the charges of corruption which have
been brought to the notice of the House, and the
committee will be empowered to send for persons
and papers.
Mr.. Walker can have no dstrust of the
Speaker. take it, he has as Just an estimate of
the dignity and honor of the House as any other
member. Gentlemen have fallen into great
mistake. Where charges made inv living
the fairness ct our action, or the fairness of
votes we lose sight of our own personal dignity.
! if we fail To look at the source whence they EN-
anate. | don't care whether they from
the lowest and most miserable of all species of
! partizan newspapers. or men of high position; it
is sufficient that charge has been made against
nue. and my fellow members this floor; and
therefore the proposition of the gentleman from
Now York, (Mr. Kelsey,) is the on which
we should base action.
| My first impulse to movo the expulsion of
| the correspondent of the Times without digni
flying him by an investigation, bat when the
charges were endorsed by the editor, the case
was chanl ed. Let action be prompt and
conclusive
Mr. Brenton, perhaps it is due to myself to say
HIM 1,ts,, Al a.