Bedford inquirer and chronicle. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1854-1857, 1857-03-27

ne Cenate OF the DHlted StatSS seems
to have been otlivious of that part of the
prayer-5ook in which sinners admit that
the, have left undonc those things which
they ought to have done. Some tune ago,
two impostots from Indiana, TO whom were
affixed the names of Fitch AMI Bright, with
an impudcnce akin to that of California
ticket swiudler, claimed seats iu the Senate
Chamber. We do not now propose TO de.
monstrate at length the utter hollowness of
the swindle thus attempted, for we have
already done so; but it nay not be aniss to
state a few facts as succnctly as possible
|. b ighi and Firch claimei to haze been
elected Sen tors by Joint Convention of
he W. branches of the Indiana Legislature.
1t i, as certain as anything in this world
that the Indi4nl SeuAte never, litesily or
Indirectly, agreed to 90 iato Joiot C,nven-
ton, for the choice Of Senators.
/ IL. While the sham Convention was going
on in the Hall of the House, maj1riy OF
the Senate, with all its elective Officers, re-
mained in the Senate Chlnber.
III Ia the Conaeniou which elected ,bese
pretended Umfed States Senator's, only "a
Senators out Of so were present, and only
23 voted for Fitch and bright.
". This joint Convention did not dare
to proceed TO the cleciion Of State Officers:
bat adjourned sine die.
V. The rule enforced in the case Of Mr..
Harlan, Who was unseated because mqior-
ity Of the Iowa Senator's we're not presen:
a; his election, would, if applied to Fitch
and Bright, hoist those worthless into the
LOBBY in the twinkIing of an eye.
Here one would have thought-that is, i!
he were very green and unknowing-w u
case in which the Senate of the United
States, out Of self-respcct and in obedience
10 the rules of common decency, would have
acted with celebrity. So il would have done
undoubtedly, if the intruiers had been Re.
publicaus. But, in the present posture oi
affairs, it will not do lightly to dismiss two
Dough Democratic Senators from a Free
State. Such godsends are becoming ex.
ceedingIy rare, aud must, if possible. be lin.
proved by the majority. The remonsfrauts
with their arms full Of confirmation strong
were at the door clamo:ing for immediatc
action, and for very good reason. The
Indiana Legislature was still in session. and
if Fitch and Bright were forthwith sent
packing g-as they must finally be--a new
! election might be had But upon the 10Th
of March the Legislature would adjourn for
two years; an then it would be in the power
of the Governor to appoint Fitch and Bright
should they he unseated. The only chance
! Of justice was in absolute promptness of ac-
ton. DIR. Trumbuli stirred up the Senate
vigorously, but still it went very leisurely
and iaziIy TO work. The preteusion of DR..
Fitch was referred to the Judiciary Com.
niitee, whioh took the matter easily, and
dil not exhibit the faiDtest sign of reporting,
until Alr. Trunlbail again administered the
long pole. Then Mr. Toam5s arose and
nsdc five believed verbal report. Tue
Committee. after carefully considering the
ease, had come to the conclusion that it
could not come to any conclusion at all
Il would be necessary to take testimony in
the Courts of lodiana--- 70 appoint com
missioa-io do this thing and thar thing--
IN short, to dc anything but put the iulru-