Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1857-02-26
oYrcE, coRNER 7yATFR AND aIoNRoE sraEErs.

4
BY THE NATIONAL LINE.
OFFICE, CORNER lyArFR ANp aIoNRoE STREETS
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 90.
SESATE-The Submarine Telegraph bill was
I taken llp JF.
Mr. Toombs resumed his remarks against the
BILL calling it violation of the Constitution and
| of justice, and scheme which would subserve
no interests excepting those of spectators aud
jobbers
Mr.. Thompson, of KY, moved to postpone
further consideration of the bill till the 9th of
March. Lost; 90 against 90.
HoUsE.-Mr. Davis of Maryland, called up the
resolution of the select committee for the GX-
pulsion of VIM. A. Gilbert
! Mr.. Bennett (ofN. ~ said certain parts the
testimony Of witnesses, Sweeney Simonton,
was not published with the evidence. The sup
pressed testimony deemed it material to Gil
bert's defence.
Mr.. Davis, (of Md remarked that there was
no evidence which was not printed.
Mr.. Bennett said hecould prove that Sweeney
Every honest man would rebel against such
conduct
Mr. Warner asked on what authority Mr..
Bennett made his statement.
Mr.. Bennett declined to answer, and said that
if the gentleman would go to the printing Office
Mr.. Humphrey Marshall, wished TO know
whether Gilbert wished to;have a trial.
Mr.. Bennett replied, Gilbert not only wished
to have it but demanded a trial on the present
ment against him.
Mr.. II. Marshall said, that being the case, it
did not matter whether all the testimony was
printed or not, as he supposed tho witnesses
themselves would be produced here.
Mr.. Craig, understood the accused had put in
an answer to the charges. -a
The Speaker remarked that it had not been
filed
Mr.. Nichols said in this particular case an
answer has been made and printed, and would
be filed to-day by member particularly i'm
plicated
Mr. Bennett caused to be read paper from
Gilbert who denies the truth of the charges pre-
ferrcd against him, and demands trial, and
asks that certain testimony &c parte of Sweeney
and Simonton be produced and printed, deem
ing it to contain matters material to his defence
Mr.. Bennett offered resolution having the
lattor object in view and moved to recommit the
report
Mr.. Orr, on the part of the committee, said
Simonton declined to give the names of certain
witnesses except condition that they should
be published as evidence. He (0rr) assumed
that this was not testimony affecting the merits
of the case. 1t was merely surniises of Mr..
Simonton. He had no objection to sending to
the printing office and obtaining everything
suppressed @
right of Simonton's statement which would
show that Sweeney swore to the order
| Mr.. Davis, of Md, said the committee arc not
aware of any suppressed evidence touching any
facts touching the person of the accused, or
which could bear on the fairness of the pro-
ceedings. Simonton did give the names of wit
nesses by whom testimony was given, but ST.
monitor was not compelled to give them as tes-
timony.
Mr.. M'GTullen said it was the duty of Con-
gress to give the accused fair trial. This was
accorded to the meanest criminal. In his opin-
ion the committee have performed their duty
credtably to themselves and the nation, but he
was for giving the accused everything he could
in fairness ask, sincluding the suppressed testi-
mony, which is deemed by the accused to his
defence.
Mr.. Orr said he had sent to the printing Of
flee for the original document; this was subse-
quently compared in some parts with the print
ed volume, which it appeared omissions were
among others made to the following effect
When Sweeney was examined, as to Gilbert he
said 81 do not wish TO launch on a sen of this
kind, as shall be liable to break down the tes
timony l have already given" In another part
Sweeney says: sit seems to me you already
have evidence enough to convict him (Gilbert)
and again witness said to the committee "You
should not lead me so far off as to make what
have said improbable"
Mr. Orr now said the charge of Sweeney,
who wished to present his testimony fairly and
properly before the House.
Stanton enqulred whether the committee con-
sented to this mode oftriai9
Mr.. Orr repicd-It was for the House to de-
termine if this should pass, but for himself he
would not consent to give the accused members
higher and greater privileges then those which
have been enjoyed by the members heretofore,