The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-02-21

Mr. Edwards then inquired how Mr.. Paine felt IN re-
gard TO the proposed bill donating lands TO Minnesota Ter
rtory and was informed that Mr. Paine did not know OF
apy such bill Mr. Edwards then stated that he under
stood such bill in contemplation, ana tnat II IL
came before the House he would IKE Mr.. raines aia
in its passage Mr. Paine replied that the most he could
do would be to vote for suspension OF the rules and the
previous question: he was opposed TO the policy OF sur
rendering the public lands FOR such purposes MT towards
then goes state his approval Of the general pol
icy OF making grants like that proposed, and TO say that
he wished communicate TO Mr. Paine reasons why he
felt peculiar interest in the Minnesota bill and which he
felt would be appreciated by Mr. Paine under such crcum
stances and therefore he asked whether be could talk to
Mr. Internationally Mr.. Paine replied that he could
Mr. Edwards then ad that he had voted for all the land
bills upon principle believing them to be correct but in
this bill for the Territory OF Minnesota he fe deeper In
terest than in the others
He stated that he owned lands at La Crosse and near La
Crosse in connection with his BROTHER which would be
materially enhanced in value if this bill passed also that
he had friends living in the Territory, who felt deep in
erest In the passage OF the bill who had written to him on
the subject Mr. Edwards then makes some remarks show
ing the proprey of this explanation, and goes on to say
ain connexion with other similar bills 1t was rumored 30
be believed by many that considerations had been
awarded in form another for favor deemed necessary
to their PASSAGE but that upon this subject what
might have been his convictions, he had no personal
knowledge but that upon the authority Of the rumors
referred to- after be had stated to Mr. Paine his position In
respect Minnesota and the for his anxiety for the
passage Of that land bill he stated to Mr. Paine that he
thing pecunarily by going for this bill An inquiry was
then made the substance of which as to what amount
Mr. Edwards replied he supposed from ten to fifteen hun
bred dollars Mr.. Paines reply this was IF that
the way they wanted arrange it, he would have nothing
to do with III and very soon left his seat
Mr. Edwards says that in this part of the conversation
he was speaking the authority orumors; but be does
say that he stated to Mr. Paine and the statement
of Mr.. Paine entirely excludes such superstition. He
says that Mr. Edwards declared that he authorized to
TO say that fifteen hundred dollars would be guaranteed
for the support of the BILL il that would be any induce
ment (See statement of Mr. Edwards, page-of general
! report I
However that may be- the committee do not consider
the difference between the statements material The diff
rences in points of form, and in modes of attempting
to accomplish the purpose of the party but in essence they
are the According to each statement Mr. Edwards
first ascertans Mr. Paines real and honest sentiments in
regard the policy and justice of the measure and find
ing them adverse he asks for confidential conversation,
obtains it and under of this confidence attempts to
induce Mr.. Paine to vote contrary to his sentiments OF
policy and justice by the hope OF pecunary consdera-
ton Mr. Paine says tie consideration offered direct
y and declared to be offered by authority Mr. Edwards
says held out in the way OF suppositon on the
thory orumors According to both statements the con-
sideraon mentioned in confidence The request itself
say something in confidence with the intent to hold
out the hope OF pecuniary consideration TO Mr. Paine to
induce him against his declared sentiments Of poll
and justice shows clear knowledge OF the character oil
the proposal he about 10 make the part of Mr.
Edwards If be had supposed the motives he abou,
to present for voting in favor of the bill legitimate
he would have desired Mr. Paine to give them as wide
circulation as possible.
70 put me most ayoraDe construction ON tne conauc
Of Mr. 70 ms own su1,eneut y APPEAR
that after asking Mr. Paine what his sentiments were and
nnoing tne ADVERSE 10 inc pl nc a'ePeu 10 innuence
the vote OF DR. faine py informing MN ,hat ne mr. Ed
Wards} supposed something could DC mace Pscnnary oy
that he spoke upon the authority Of rumor only But this
does not change the character Of the communication he
wards NAV not that he intended himself to make
offer OF pecuniary consideration II shows that he inform
ed Mr. Paine that he Nr Edwards) supposed if person
wa, 40 inclined he might make something pecuniary by
going for this bill. and when asked by Mr. Paine wba
amount he said he supposed from ten 10 fifteen hundred
dollars This must have been said for the purpose of put
,n Mr. Paine mon an inonirv In the hone that for ma
cunary consideration his vote could be obtained for III
, Minnesota bill
The committee however feel constrained to remark tina
the statement of Mr. Edwards not legal evidence anf
that thew cannot act entirely upon this view of the case
without dsreqardine the testimony of Mr. Paine
In view of The whole case the COMMITTEES are Of opinion
that Mr. Edwards did attempt to induce Mr. Paine to vo
contrary TO the dictates of bis Judgment and conscienc,
nm hill making grant Of lands TO aid in the construe
on of railroad In the Territory of Minnesota by hold
inc ont necun;ary for the spport of the said
b and hey therefore recommend to the House the adop
tion' Of The following resolutions:
Pesolped That Francis s. Edwards a member Of this
House from the State of New York did on the 23d day
Tacambar Iast aItemnt IN ndpce Rohett r. Paine Nom