Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-01-19
we're endorsed BY the editor, the case was changed.

were endorsed by the editor, the case was changed.
Let our action be prompt and conclusive.
Mr.. Benton, perhaps it is due to myself to say
something before the resolution is voted upon, Tor
tue reason that il is understood or known by oil
! the members of this House, that the Minnesota
iaad bill has been placed 10 my hands alone.
As a member OF the Committee on Pablo Lands,
for examination and report have acted on this as
on other Subjects and viii receive Information from
men residing in Minnesota. acting independent on
every proposition which may be submitted. As to
| whether any n1ueuce has been exerted upon any
member of the COMMITTEE with view to iaYOra-
bic action, or efforts made to induce other mems
bers 70 vote for or against the bin, know not -
But have this to say with regard to myself 10
uan, either in or out Of this house, has had the
courage or dared to apptoaeh me on the subject, IN
any way to influence my vote one way or The other.
And say, in the face of this correspondent, /
am nearly always in my room when am not here.
These charges have 80 foundation in fact within
the limits Of my knowledge Therefore, it is due
me, personally, that investigation should take
place. And not because an irresponsible newSpas
per thus arraigns the members OF this body; for, il
any class of individuals deserve to be treated with
contempt by the members OF this House, or, if not
with contempt should excite thsr commieseratiOn,
il is that poor miserable class that hang round this
hall in the shape of demerted fragments of hu-
mainly, for the purpose Of gathering up every
whisper and word even in private conversation,
and circulating it throughout the land.
Mr. Cingman. There seems TO be no difference
G the opinion Of the House 20 the propriety Of
this investigation; and prefer that the committee
shall have as broad field the different PROPOSE
tons will admit. l hope, therefore, that the orig
inal resolution with the pending amendment will
be adopted. | do not concur with my friend from
South Carolina. (Ar. Brooks that shall elect the
committee This might occupy several days. /
hope he viii not press his amendment.
Mr.. Paine. l do net know that it is necessary TO
indicate my course. | stated simple fact, known
to every member of the House, that when, during
the election of Speaker, member ia his place
aud charged another member with attempting to
influence his vote by promising him a lucrative
place in one of the committees, he was only laugh.
ed at for a in the announcement Shortly after
was approached in the manner have stated.
informed gentleman from Tennessee (Nr. Sueed)
of the facts in the case, but told him | would not
name the member.
Mr. Sneed now obtained the floor 0nd corrobora-
ted the truth of the last remark Of Mr. Paine. lie
was understood to cay that it the 23d Of De-
cember when Dir. Paine gave him information Sim
liar to that Of which the house is already in pos
session. III asked Mr.. Sneed's advice, and Mr.
Sneed innocently referred him to the case at the
commencement OF the present session OF Congress,
namely-that between Mr.. Pearce, of Pennsyiva.
MIA, and Mr., Milward, relative to the Speakershp.
Mr.. Paine informed him among other things, that a
certain member came to his seat and asked him if
lie could give his confidence to him; and that he
granted IT, suppOsing nothing wrong. 1t was then
that the bill offered.
Mr. Sueed advised Mr. Paine without compro-
missing his own honor to await events, obtain the
necessary evidence of the corrupt proposition and
then expose the member; aud Mr.. Sneed further
said to Mr.. Paine that he would slap the scoundrel
in the face; and Mr.. Paine left Mr. Sneed with the
impression on the mind Of the latter that be would
adopt that course. Mr.. Sneed was certain to
the conversation taking place on the 2Sd OF Dee
cember, for he made written statement from
memory. Cries from various directions, " Read
it," " Read it, but Dir. Sneed replied, | will not
read it
MIR Brooks here withdrew his amendment that
the committee be elected, instead of appointed by
the Speaker
Mr. Orr again urged an investigation 10 order to
ascertain all the facts in the case
Mr. Staunton said that there could be but one
result. From what has taken place, no doubt the
House will order the investigation. | move the
previous question Loud aud prolonged cries Of
That's right" "Hoii on TO the notion
Mr.. Sneed. Let us vote down the amendment
[Cries in stentorian tones of "No, mol" Question,
question:"
Mr.. Ready, amid the confusion, said he thought
the resolution too indefinite. lie wanted to
insert the words 'New York Times"
hr. Washburn, of Maine objected, saying: Let
the inquiry be general
During great confusion, the demand for the pre-
vious qus stion was seconded.
Mr.. Campbelps amendment to the preamble
namely: "Wheress a member Of this House has
stated the article is not wanting in truth" was
agreed to-, and the original resolution with this
amendment adopted by reclamation.
Mr.. Birksdale wished to amend by directing that
an inquiry be made whether any member OF this
House has sold or specialized in books purchased
for distribution. Laughter and a voice: "aso in"
quire whether any memoer has sold his seat.
Objection made to the introduction OF Mr..
Barksdale's dment. Several members ex-
claimed, Let it 20 on the record"
The House then adjourned.