The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-05-06
Final discussion on LecOmpton.


FOR TREASURER.
@. Lawrence, Rep. 1903 e. washburn, Dem. 1O7
Final discussion on LecOmpton.
WASHINGTON, April 80.
HoUsE.-Mr. English called for the regu-
lar order, being the Kansas report from the
committee of conference.
Mr.. Clark, OF N. Y. had intended TO give
the reasons why he should vote as ,inst il. but
nights sickness had left him physically un
unable to undertake the task. He would
therefore now merely say that he regarded the
new scheme as eminently objectionable in
FORM and still more dangerous in substanc e.
He would seek the floor On future occa sion
Mr.. Shorter SAID that he had with five or
six other Democrats uniformly resisted the
previous question. He wanted time for dis
cnssion, in order to arrive at a correct con-
struchon Of the bill. He now found that the
general construction of il did not refer the
Lecompton Constitution back to the people of
Kansas. IL he believed it did, he would vote
against it, even with the Black Republicans.
The gentleman from Ga, Mr.. Stephens, said
the Constitution was not to be submitted, and
the gentleman from Ind, Mr.. English. by his
silence acqniesced in this view, therefore he
Shorter, would now cooperate with the
friends of the measure and vote for the pre-
vious question.
Mr.. Campbell said his colleague. Mr. Cox.
at the commencement of the session took the
banner of popular sovereignty in his hand and
triu'nphantly defended it, but now in full view
of glorious victory, he beat retreat
Mr.. Cox wished to say that he thought the
amendment which the Honse opposed was the
best. as this could not become a law. he was
willing to take this amendment, but under the
circnmst tnceS-
Mr.. Campbell row asked Mr.. Cox wheth-
conference as submitting the constitution to q
vote of the people.
Mr.. Hughes. of iri objected TO Mr.. Cox
answering the question.
Mr.. Cox replied, alth ugh the constitution
was not submitted directly, yet in effect The
people of Kansas will have all opp rtunity to
say whether they want it.
Mr.. Campbell wanted an unequivocal an
swer. He then produced a letter written by
Mr. Cox, dated February 9th, in which the
latter said, while he had vote it should new
er be drsgged in the Lecompton mire, and
that, so help him Goi. he should never do
otherwise. Yes, remarked Mr.. Campbell. my
colleague said he would vote for no PROPOSE
tiou which would not submit the constitution
to vote of the people.
Mr.. Cox said he still endorsed the letter.
Mr.. Campbell referred TO the fact that
about twenty anti Lecomp'on Democrats were
pledged on high point of personal honor to
stand to the ehd by the Montgomery amend
ment in company with the Republicans.
Mr. Groesbeck replied that he had made
no such pledge. aid had 40 such unders tand-
ing or consultation.
Mr.. Campbell replied that he did not make
the assertion with reference to the gentleman,
asking Mr.. Groesbeck whether he understood
this bill as submitting the constitution.
Mr. G.. In effect it does.
Mr.. Owen Jones, of Pa, rema rked that he
had never given pledge to Mr.. Campbell, or
any one else.
Mr.. Campbell asked whether he did not
meet with what was known as ant-Lec omp-
ton Democrats, and whether or not commit
tee was not appointed with power to represent
( and speak for them to another body.
Mr.. J. replied that he met with them Oh
one OF two occasions with certain Democrats,
but no committee of that kind was appointed
or authorized to pledge his vote on that sub
ject.
Mr.. Campbell asked him whether the Con-
stitution was to be submitted.
Mr.. Jones replied that he was willing to LEI
the people construe that for Themselves
Laughter.
Mr.. Burnham moved the previous ques-
ton. .. .@0.s ... ...#.. a.
Mr.. Grow moved, but unsuccessfuly, call
| of the House. ~ ~.'f@H. .""+-."T.
Mr.. Haskin, of N. Y, obtained consent to
make few remarks. He said that Mr.. Cox
at certain time, was not only opposed to the
Lecomrton Constitution, but on Monday last
late in the afternoon, came to his desk and
read letter which he hafwritteu to the Ohio
Statesman, denouncing the report of the Com
mittee of Conference as the most infamous
that could be made, denouncng the Chairman
for having mace such report. .t. ... f,ts ..
Mr.. Cox, earnestly-That's not true.
Mr.. Haskins-I can prove it by gentleman
from Illinois, Mr.. Harris. ..r 81
Mr.. Cox-Ican furnish the letter. [Crie.
Of Order ~ na.. ... E.-..#t .... +. tE
The Speaker requested the gentlemen t.
take their seats. .r .-.u"u r.u
MIR. Florence called Mr.. Haskins to order OF
the ground that he was impuguing Mr.. Cox
motives. ..E r..- m..aaat arr
Mr.. Houston, of Ala, interposed, sayin,
that the remarks Of Mr.. Haskins were IRE
h.a rae.rass saf n7irrag ies E7a-aaf .re~ar