The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-03-03

valuable considerations eorruptfy, tor tne
purpose of procuring the passage Of said
Joint resolution through this House.
Resolued, That Orsamus B. Matteson. in
declaring that large number of the mem-
bers of this House had associated them
selvesfogether and pledged themselves each
to the other not to vote for any law or reso-
luton granting money or land unless they
were paid for it, has falsely and willfully
assailed and DETAINED the character of this
House and has proved himself unworthy to
be member thereof.
Resolued, That the Hon. Orsamus B.
Matteson, member of this House from the
State of New York, be, and hereby is ex-
PEELED therefrom-
Mr. Kelsey made a report. in which he
says he dissents from the several reports of
his colleagues. He is of opinion that ac-
cording to the rules of the House and par
limentary laws, the Committee have no
power to institute proceedings against any
member of this body under the resolution
by which the Committee were appointed.
The Committee having ascertained that
members are involved, it is their duty in his
judgment to report the fact to the House
with the evidence by which the fact is dis
closed, togetherwith a recommendation that
the said members be tried upon definite
charges, and to submit the subject to the
House for their direction, or such other pro-
ceedings as they see proper to adopt. He
dissents from and protests against these
resolutions.
All the Committee join in general re-
port, in which they say the delay in making
their report was beyond their control
They did not feel at liberty TO notice, in any
ications received by them, and no proceed
ing or inquiry has been instituted upon any
such communications; but in every case
where respectable person has requested
an inquiry or pointed to witness who
could probably prove material fact, the
investigation has been made as full and
thorough as it was in the power of the Com
mittee to make it.
They say no such general combinations
as have been charged are proved to exist.
Four cases came to their knowledge in
which individual members were implicated.
The Committee 1--WE the question and an
swers in the examination of James w. ST.
monitor at different times, and state that
his last answer was decidedly contradictory
of his previous testimony. Itappears, they
remark from his testimony, that while oc-
cupying seat as reporter on the floor of
the House, he personally aided in the pas
sage of the Wisconsin Land bill under the
promise of receiving a certain compensa-
ton if the bill passed. He also aided an
old friend of his in passing private bill
through the Senate, for which service he
accepted a small compensation. They say
from the testimony taken it appears that
the general charges of corrupt combinations
in Congress originate from men who expect
to make money by creating a belief that
such combinations exist.
They report the following resolution:
Resolved, That james w. Simonton be
expelled from the floor of this House as re-
porter.
They likewise reported bill to protect
the people against corrupt and secret in
fuence in matters of legislation.
1t provides that no person shall directly
or indirectly offer or agree to give any
money other valuable things to any per-
son on the contingency of the passage or
defeat of bill; that no person shall ap-
proach, converse with or explain to, Or in
any manner attempt to influence any MEM
Der of either House relative to such meas
ures. without first distinctly explaining
whether he is interested personally in his
own right or as agent for any other person
in the passage or defeat of any measure
This offense is made misdemeanor, to
be punished on conviction with imprson-
ment for month, or year, and fine of
$500 or $1,000. All combinations to infu-
ence legislation are declared null and void;
and persons offending are to be punished
for such misdemeanor by Imprisonment in
Jail for six or twelve months, and fine of
$500 or $1,000.
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