The true Democrat., 1857-01-27
Later from Washington.

Later from Washington.
 Washington Jan. 9.
 SENATE.-In the Senate to-day, Mr. Seward introduced a bill to expedite telegrsphic con- municaion in the use of government for ex- tending line across the ocean to Ireland from Newfoundland on such terms and conditions as shall seem just and reasonable, provided the government of England shall enter into smi- lar contract with the same parties.
 The bill was referred to the post office com- mttee.
 MT. Seward based his argument in favor of Mir. Harlan's right to seat, on the ground that while Legislative acts require the concurrent votes of both branches of the Legislature, an additional duty devolved upon the members of the Legislature When they performed this duty 1t was in joint-session, the individuality of the two houses being merged in the joint body.
 Mir. Stewart took the position that the cleo ton was unconstitutional and the report of the judiciary committee to that effect well founded.
 Messrs. Brown and Hale favored the claim of the sitting member.
 Messrs. Toucey and Douglas opposed it, but ne question was taken.
 On motion of MT. Bell, of New Hampshire, a resolution was adopted, requesting the Presi- dent-if, in his opinion, it is not inconsistent with public intercsts-to communicate to the Senate such information as s filed in the de- partment of State relative to interference at the Island of Avis, in the Caribbean sea, of the Ve- neZuelan government with American citizens who are rightfuIly in occupancy Of the said Island, as they believe, and were engaged in collecting guano therefrom, the said govern ment lorcibly ejected the said American arte- zans from their lawful employment, and also to communicate what measures have been taken, if any, by the government of the United States, to obtain redress from the government of Ve- nezuela.
 Adjourned to Monday.
 HoUsE.-The House passed twenty-one pri- vate bills.
 An ad journment was about being effected when Mr. Kelsey introduced a subject which caused much excitement. He presented it as question of privilege, first causing to be read a: the clerks table an editorial from the New York Times of the 6,h inst, which charges members of Congress and lobby agents with gross corruption, mentioning the Minnesota bill in conneXon, and saying that evidence can be produced to carry conviction to every honest heart, and that the criminals should be driven from the higa places which they have dsho. nored.
 Mir. Kelsey remarked that the charges con- taned n this article appeared to have been based on letter from this city to the Times
 Under ordinary circumstances 1t would be waste of time to notice articles of this charac- ter, appearing Tn newspapers; but the editor of the Times occupied position before this coun- try which entitled his sentiments to credit If he is in possession of the facts he therein charges, he should substantiate them before a committee of this House, that members who may be guilty of such conduct should be known to the country. As the case now stands, he Kelsey could neither vote for or against the proposition, without placing himself directly under the charges of that article. If there ex- sts such a combination as is alleged, he wished to know it, and have the facts before the peo- pie.
 He concluded by offering the following: WHEREAS, as certain statements, charging the members of the House, with entering into corrupt combination for the purpose of pass ing and of preventing the passing of certain measures, now before Congress, therefore Resolucf, That committee of five members be appointed by the speaker, with power to send for persons and papers, to investigate such charges, and that the committee report the evidence so taken, and what action, in their judgment Is necessary on the part of the House without unnecessary delay. Mr. Paine. 1 scarcely know whether ought to say anything or not l know nothing about that editor or his journal. know noth. ing about any communication to it. 1 know not how the editor got the information. I know not whether it Is true or false, but do know there has been proposition made in the House by members of the House, on this sub- lject, Sensation, and cries of "Who is he?"- "expose him!"] shall not name the gentle man. Cries of "down in front" "stand out | of the asles; we can't see."] I shall mention no member by name.
 voice-You ought to do it. It was with feelings of indignation heard the proposition. [Crics of "What was it?" |" tell it."
 The reason why did not announce it to the House, was that pending the organization of this body when member Is in his place, and stated that fellow member had made an at- tempt to tamper with him, for his vote for Speaker, the only credit he received was that he was laughed at, and it was charged that he did not accept the proffered bribe, because no such profitable place was to be had 1 say dis tinctly there is not want of truth in the alle- gation contained in the Times article. A dis tinct proposition was made to me by mem. Der of this House, in regard to the Minnesota land bill, and that $l 300 would be given in consideration of vote for that bill. If the proposed committee shall be appointed, and am called on as witness, shall give my evil dence.
 After some further debate, the resolution was adopted.
 The Speaker will announce the committee 1 to morrow.