The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1857-03-18
Confessional.

WASHINGTON, March 13-SENATE.-
The Senate adopted the resolution of
the Committee on judiciary, discharging
it from further consideration of the pro-
test aud papers furnished them in rela-
ton to Mr.. Cameron.s seat.
Mr.. Benjamin from the Judiciary
Committee, reported a resolution, uu-
thorising testimony to be taken by
Messrs. Fitch and Bright and those con-
testing tho right to the seats from In
diana. Mr.. Trumbull wanted the case
disposed of at the present session, and
offered a resolution to that purpose.
Mr.. Biglcr said that he intended to
make no issue with the report of the
committee. He supposed an opportuni,
ty would be afforded to the members of
the legislature making the allegation to
substantiate the charge.
He had some hesitation as to what
course he should adopt. He had re-
ceived a telegraphic dispatch, signed by
four members of the Legislature, in
which they informed him that they had
sent a statement by mail, no doubt but
with reference to his colleague.
The communication had not reached
him. he asked that the question might
be postponed until to morrow morning
Mr.. Butler could could not agree to
a postponement, as he had no idea of
making the Senate a tribunal, before
which political parties were to bring
their controversies. If the members of
the Legislature of Pennsylvania have
been dabbiing in dirty water, let Thorn
wash themselves before they come here.
Mr.. Bigler supposed that his PROPOSE
tion was so reasonable, there could be no
objection to it.
Mr.. Seward stated the reason why Mr..
Cameron had made no reply, was because
he acted under the advice of personal
political friends.
The resolution of the committee was
then adopted.
Mr.. Benjamin, from the Committee
on judiciary, reported a resolution that
all parties to the contested election in
Indiana, take testimony before a judi
cial tribunal of hat State.
Mr.. Trumbull moved to adopt as a
substitute for the resolution, the follow
ing
That it is the duty of the Senate to pro-
coed to a consideration of the question
as to the sitting members from Indiana,
at the present session and to dispose of
the same before an adjournment.
Mr.. Fitch remarked that Mr.. Trum-
bull had reiterated his previous state
ments, that there were no questions Of
fact at issue, in tho very face Of a
knowledge on his part to the contrary.
Mr.. Trumbull replied that he had
spoken of the question as was his duty
as a member of the State instead of q
senator, showing that he had a right to
his seat. The Senator, like the culprit.
sought to occupy the place of judge
He did not say that there was no issue
of facts. AS to the Journal being of an
authorized mob, let the Senator answer
to the members of the Indiana Legisla.
ture. It was sent to him as a true
transcript, and as such he presented it.
If the case was different from what be
supposed, and proved untrue, let the
fact be shown.
Mr.. Fitch replied that the Senator
from Illinois, in occupying the attention
of the Senate, had shown that he feels
approximate to which was perfectly con-
sistent with the relations which he bore
to the case.
The Chairman, MI. Mason, (tempo,
rarily presiding,) called Dir. Fitch to
order, for personal remarks.
Mr.. Fitch, resumiBg, said he had a
right tt complain, because the Judge,
in which capaity the Senator had hereto
foro acted, had prejudiced this case,
thus departing from the law and path OF
duty.
The Senator had reiterated his former
positions in seeking by teasing and i'm
pIication, in and out of the Senate, to
worry out the question. The Senator
wanted to rely upon the journal of a mob
to make out his case. He owed an
apology to the Senate even for this brief
reply, and desired q vote to be taken.
Mr.. Bright said he did know in a leg
i~slative form that his right to . seat was
questioned. No formal reference had
been made of his credentials, but OF
course a settlement Of the right of his
colleague to his seat, settled his own
right to his seat. Cat this point an ex-
tract from. the journal was read by which
it appeared that on motion of Mr.. Trum-
bull it was ordered that the credentials
of Messrs. Bright and Fitch, together
with the papers on file, relative to their
election as Senators, be referred to com
mittee on judiciary
Mr.. Bright enquired of Mr.. Trum-
bull, "Did you ever make that motion ?"
Mr.. Trumbull replied that he sup
posed that he did, though he had no dis
tinct recollection when he made the mo-
ton.
Mr.. Bright said that the Senator was
mistaken, his credentials were not re-
ferred.
Mr. Bright maintained that a large
majority of the people of Indiana were
in favor of his remaining here as a Sen
ator, and unless there could be found
some arithmetic showing that "a is not
a clear majority of 100, it could not be
demonstrated that he was not legally
chosen a Senator from Indiana. This
same revolutionary party protested
against their right to seats. If he was
not elected a Senator, he did not desire
to remain.
He felt that he was representing his
! State in the U. S. Senate. If the Sen.
ate had thought to claim jurisdiction OF
so great an outrage, Notwithstanding the
denial of the Senator from Illinois, then
there was no law in reference to election
of Senators on the statute books of In.
diana.
Two years ngo a Democratic Senate