The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-05-14
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
WASHINGTON, May IL, 1858.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, May Is, 1858.
SENATE.
The Senate met at ii o'clock, and up to o'clocl
debated what to take up-Nr. Clay urging the fish
cry bill, Mr.. Polk wanting the homestead and Mr.
Hunter insisting on the general appropriation bill
which was at last taken up by vote of 80 agans
81. The bill, containing 81 pages, was read
After some debate the bill was passed, but a re-
consideration was moved with a view of inserting .
clause making provision for the official Reporters
The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Mr.. Phillips said that Messrs. Cayanauph anC
Phelps, members elect from Minnesota, were pres
ent and he moved they be sworn in
The certificates of their election were read
signed by Samuel Medary Governor of Minnesota
and dated in December last.
Mr.. Sherman, from Ohio objected to the admin
lstration of the oath. 1t was known, he said, thai
the Constitution of Minnesota provided for the cleo
tlon OF three members by general ticket and he
desired to be informed where the credentials of the
Mr.. Phillips replied that these were the only Gre
dentials he had seen.
MIR. Sherman said that by another provision of
the Constitution of Minnesota the term of Govern
or does not commence until after the State has been
admitted into the Union and this was the only mode
Dy which the House could Judge who is the Execu-
tive officer of that State Medary is not Governor.
but Postmaster at Columbus Ohio
Mr.. Letcher said, that in Virginia, sheriffs give
certificates of election. The Governor has nothing
to do with the subject.
MIR: Sherman remarked, that these certificates
are signed by Federal oflice-holder in Ohio He
did not know by what power or authority or lottery
scheme two members were selected out of three and
sent here-who is the third person?
Mr. Phillips pointed to the fact that the members
from California elected by a Joint ticket and
yet presented separate certificates
Mr.. sherman replied that a similar difficulty did
not occur IN the California case because there were
only two members. Minnesota elected three mem
pers when only two We're entitled to seats.
referred fact at uh ba
first elected his certificate said he was duly elected
by qualified voters.
The Speaker said he should follow the precedent
in the California case when the chair was referred
to by the House for decision of the question
whether the members be sworn
Mr. Mlson offered resolution that the certifi-
Gates and credentials of those claiming election as
members from Minnesota be referred to the Com
mittee on Elections, with instructions to inquire
INTO and report as to their right to be sworn as
members of the House.
=, MIR. Phillips said he was as much opposed as Mr.
Sherman had been to the admission of Minnesota
but 1t was unfair, now that she was admitted for
him to attempt to keep her without representa-
ton.
Mr. Stanton said he wanted to know who had the
highest number of votes.
Mr. Phillips-These two
Mr. Stanton-The certificates say they have a
majority of the votes
MIR. w ashburne of Illinois, said that Mr. Becker
mad the highest number and had not presented his
certificate here.
Mr. Phillips remarked that all the information
he had was from the credentials.
Mr. Sherman-Does the gentleman saw that Me-
Diary is Governor of Minnesota?
MIR. fmlllps-He was when he gave the certif-
Gates Laughter on the Republican side.
Mr. Phillips was glad the gentlemen had found
something Tor the exercise of good humor and he
commended that Medary had a right to give the
certificates.
Mr. Wilson's resolution was adopted as substi
tute for MIR. Phillips motion that the members be
gun H..
Mr. Sherman moved a reconsideration of the
vote, and to lay that motion on the table.
Mr. Harris, of Illinois, thought it would be better
for the public business that the subject be examined
by the Committee on Elections, who will imme-
diately have meeting.
Mr.. Florence said if, by general consent, the
members were sworn in, he would have no objec-
tion to let the subject go to the committee
Mr.. Hughes moved that the House adjourn
Mr.. Morgan objected to the noise on the Demo-
cratic side, while on the Republican side all was
quiet
The Speaker expressed the opinion that there
was disorder on both Sides and he called for order
Mr.. hughes motion was voted down. and Mr.
Sherman's was agreed to by four majority.
Inc question required on agreeing to Mr.. Phil
ups original motion, as amended by the substitute
OF MI. Mlilson, and it was decided in the affirma-
tive:-yeas los, nays 49,
Mr. kunckel, of Maryland from the Committee
OF Accounts, made report, setting forth that Mr..
II. b. hackney, the door-keeper of the House, has
employed larger number of persons than he is al
lowed, some OF them receiving no CONDENSATION
but depending on the grace and bounty of the
House There is a great abuse of the confidence
reposed in him, which cannot be too severely con-
demned. He has been admonished again and AGAIN.
but still persists in acting against usage and law
and in open defiance of the control of the commit
tee, which also shows great abuses in the folding
room, making false statements to the House as to
the number OF persons authorized to be employed
The economical object of the committee has been
frustrated Instead of $780, the expenses have been
increased to $4,000 or $500 month. False re-
turns are made on the books making the number of
documents folded during the months of February,
March and April, 196, 900 more than the statement
of the Superintendent.
The Committee say there are other charges of
malpractice and of venal character against Mr.
Hackney, but they do not think proper to report
the declarations of his subordinates over whom he
domineers. He is unworthy of the trust and is
either entirely incompetent to perform his duty or
shows a willful and deliberate purpose to pervert
and abuse the power with which he is invested.
They, therefore, report a resolution that r. b.
Hackney be dismissed forthwith from his office.
The subject was made the special order for Mon
day. and on motion of Mr.. Nichols, the Door-keeper
was allowed, meantime to file any reply he has
to make.
Mr.. Harris, of Illinois, from the Committee OF
Elections made report the Ohio contested
electlon case stating that they had given the sub
Ject the most careful and laborous examination,
ana hau heard arguments ON the subject, but from
the points involved, majority were unable to agree.
Four OF the members are in favor of giving il to
Mr. Nallandigham, the contestant and one men,
cant.
The three reports were received and ordered to
be printed
The House then proceeded to the consideration
vi ierri''ai business ana subsequently adjourned.
FROM WASHINGTON
WAsHTNGToN, May l3.-It was inadverton+,r
stated yesterday that the War Department had ~
refusal of the Wiett's Point pronartr G. 80 ''ie