American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-02-07

ilottSes nc Shoutu DC Slau 10 occupy
their attention for few minutes, and
then if they deem necessary to proceed
further, he would like to have the OPP
portunity to consult and employ coun-
sci.
The Speaker informed him that it
was his privilege to be heard.
Mr.. Letcher understood that Mr..
Simonton washere to answer questions
and not to make speech.
Messrs. Savage, Stevens and Hum
phrey Marshall severally contended
that Mr.. Simonton's replies should be
in writing and under oath.
Mr.. Grow insisted that the accused
should be heard in his own way.
Mr.. Simonton, 1.-THE House having
decided he might be heard orally, pro.
ceeded to say that he should pursue
the path of duty, according to the con-
victions Of his own conscience, to the
end. One of the first and radical mis-
takes made was statement that this
investigation depended on something
he had written and published. He
repudiated that allegation. His letter
published in the Times of the sixth of
January, contained nothing to justify
such proceedings. He denied that the
House has any just power to punish
for contempt. He stood there protec-
ted by the Constitution, which declares
that no citizen shall be deprived of his
liberty without due process of law
There was no evidence that he had
made charges duplicating members of
the House. Certain gentlemen came
to him and bound him to secresy, he
not knowing what they had to commune
cate. He had a right to receive their
confidence, and had not volunteered
charges against any body which should
make it necessary that he should VIC
late confidence. Having become NOR
ally convinced that corruption did exist
he felt it his right as member of the
press to denounce it. He had stated
to the Committee that he had no per-
sonal knowledge of the fact. Was it
right, he having no corroborating tes-
timony, to press him to answer? He
made further remarks in defence of his
position.
The Speaker asked him whether he
had any thing further to say.
Mr.. Simonton replied nothing, OK
cept to be heard by counsel.
|
Messrs. Clingman and Harris of Ill.
and Sherman, severally offered reso-
buttons that Mr.. Simonton be taken
into custody by the Sergeant at Arms.
Mr.. Boycc proposed q resolution
declaring that it was beneath the Dig
nifty of the House further to concern
themselves with the matter now before
them, and that Mr.. Simonton be no
longer privileged to occupy areporter's
desk in the House.
Mr.. Orr said if this resolution passed
he should feel himself called upon to
ask to be discharged from further duty
on the Committee. He offered the fol-
lowing:
Whereas, J. w. Simonton having
appeared at the bar of the House, ac-
cording to its order, and the causes
assigned for said contempt being suf-
ficient, Therefore
ResolOed, That the said Simonton
be continued in close custody by the
Sergeant at Arms, for the balance of
the session, or until discharged by fur
Their order of the House, to be taken
when he shall purge himself of con-
tempt.
The resolution was adopted in lieu of
all others by a vote Of 100 against II.
The Sergeant at Arms then secured
his'prisoner.
Mr.. Smith of Alabama offered re-
solution proposing that the Clerk call
the roll, and that each member answer
to his name, and indicate whether or
not he is willing to release Mr.. Simon
| ton.
The Speaker decided that this was
not question Of privilege. Adjourn
ed.