The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-01-10

Congress that he was of the opinion the whole of them
should be investigated. He did not see how the
House. consistently with its dignity and seresPec could
refuse investigate this matter after the statement OF the
gentleman from North Carolina. due TO the char
Of the members and their constituents that the IN
quiry should be broad possible III was true that
the editor of the Times could give information in support
Of these charges the House had the authority and the right
to require him TO come here and testify
Mr.. GROW, OF Pennsylvania agreed WIN the gentle
man from South Carolina Mr. oRR that grave charges d.
recy made by the editor Of newspaper OF any character
position the integrity OF deoeratye body was
proper subject for nyesgaon therefore, he would raise
no question its proprety while he would not stop to
notice newspaper innuendoes
Mr.. HOUSTON OF Alabama, understood that the edi-
toria article was based the Washington letter from its
correspondent who admitted here as matter of priv
tlege
referred the of Mr. PRARcE of Pennsy pend
ing election of Speaker stated that the fact simply
that both gentlemen had made statements to the House
from which it that there msunderstand
ing between them. Whether it jest joke of the
day, or whether Mr.. PRARcEs remarks seriously
meant, the question While Mr.. MMLwARD regarded
the matter serious the other gentleman denied such
intention The House seemed 10 draw the conclusion that
il was playful psstime of the morning.
Mr. BROOKS, OF South Carolina remarked that il was
amportant to the honor and dignity of the House that
this matter should be investigated The duty of appoint
ing committee should not rest any individual He
did not wish to mpugn the fairness of the Speaker and
proper for him to say that he had such intention
He wished simply to throw the the House We
elect committee Tomorrow to investigate all the
charges of corruption which been brought the
tice OF the House, and the committee will be empowered to
send for persons and papers
Mr.. WALKER, of Alabama could have distrust of
the Speaker He took it that he had just estimate
of the dignity and honor OF the House any member
The gentleman had fallen into great mistake Where
charges made involving the fairness OF their action, or
the fairness Of their votes they lost sight OF their personal
dignity If they failed TO look at the whence they
emanaed He did not care whether they came from the
lowest of all species Of partisan newspapers of high
position. 1t sufficient that charge had been made
fslt ,hors fha raf
House. and therefore the proposition of the gentleman from
New York Mr.. KELSEY the which they should
base their action. His first impulse to move the ex
pulson of the correspondent of the Times without dgn
fyng him by investigation but when the charges
endorsed by the editor the changed He hoped
the action Of the House would be prompt and conclu-
sive.
Mr.. BRENTON, of Indiana, remarked that perhaps it
due to himself to say something before the resolution
voted upon because 1t was known to all the members
Of the House that the Minnesota land bill had been placed
in his hands alone member of the Committee on Pub
lie Lands for examination and report He had acted on
this other subjects and would receive information
from men residing in Minnesota and would act indie
pendeny every proposition which might be submitted
for his consideration AS to whether any influence had
been exerted upon any member Of the committee with
view to Its favorable action efforts made TO induce
other members to vote for against the BILL be did not
know but had this say with regard to himself that no
man. either in out of the House. had had the courage
dared approach him the subject in any way to in
fuence his way the other And he would say
in the face of this correspondent that he WAS nearly al
charges had foundation in truth within the limit of his
knowledge. Therefore, it due to him, personally
that the Investigation should take place. and not because
an irresponsible newspaper thus arraigned members Of
this body; for If any class of individuals should be
treated with contempt by members of the House. or If
not with contempt, should excite their commiseraon
il was that poor miserable class that hang around the
hail. in the shape Of demented fragments of humanity
for the purpose of gathering up every whisper and word
even private conversation and circulating it throughout
the land.
Mr. CLINGMAN OF North Carolina stated that as there
seemed to be difference in the opinion OF the House as
to the proprety Of this investigation he preferred that the
committee should have broad field as the different
propositions would admit He hoped therefore, that the
original resolution with the pending amendment, would
be adopted He did not with his friend from South
Carolina Mr. Brooks that the committee should be elect
ed because it might occupy several days. and hoped that
he would not press his amendment.
Mr.. PAINE, Of North Carolina, did not know that 1t
necessary to yindcate his He had stated
simple fact known to every member of 'he House. that
when during the election of Speaker member had risen
in his place and charged another member with attempting
to influence his vote by promising him lucrative place
Of the committees he was only laughed at for ma
king the Shortly after he had been APP
preached in the manner he had stated be informed the
gentleman from Tennessee SNEED of the facts in the
case and told him that he would not name The member
Mr. SNEED of Tennessee, then obtained the floor, and
corroborated the remark made by Mr. PAINE lie was I'M
der5tood that the 23d of December that
Mr. PAINE had given him information similar to that which
the House already in possession Of Mr. T. had asked
his advice and he had nnocenty referred him to the case
among other things, that certain member came TO Eim
and asked him he could give his confidence TO him that
he granted it, supposng that there was nothing wrong IN
it, and that then the bride offered Mr. had advised
Mr. p await events without compromising his own hon.
and obtain the necessary evidence OF the corrupt p0po
siton and then expose the member.
Mr. s. further advised Mr. r. to slap the scoHndre In the
face if be failed obtain the necessary evidence He was
positive that the conversation had taken place the 23d
of December for he had made written statement from
memory. [Cries of aRead r "Read itW]
Mr. SNEED declined to do So
Mr. BROOKS, of South Carolina then Withdrew his
amendment that the committee be elected instead of APP
pointed again stating that it not his intention to inn
pugu the fairness of the Speaker
Mr. ORR of South Carolina again urged the investiga
ton of the matter in order to ascertain all the facts in the
case
Mr.. STANTON, Of Qhio-remarkng that there could be
but one result and that from what had taken place. there
vestigation-moved the previous question; which was
seconded.
The question was then taken the amendment offered
by Mr.. CAMPBELL, Of Ohio, Whereas member of this
House has stated that the article is not wanting in truth
and il agreed TO.
Mr.. BARKSDALE, of Mississippi, wished to amend, by
directing that inquiry be made as to whether any
member of the House had sold specnlaed in books pur
chased for distribution but objection made.
The resolution, amended then agreed to when,
Alta quarter past o'clock, the House adjourned.
PETITIONS, ere.
By Mr.. FLoRENrP -
:, memorial of citizens of Phladel-
pha demonstrating against the renewal of the Woodwob
patent Tor planning boards, &c referred the Committee