Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-02-19
xXXvTH CoNGREss-FIRsT SESSION.
Fridays Proceedings. At
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12

rTtUuyS ITOceeutagS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. H.
House.-Mr. Hoard said that rumors
were ahoat involving the rights and dignity
of the House, and asked leave to offer a
resolution for the appointment of com
mittee to investigate and ascertain whether
attempts have been made by persons acting
under their advice, to influence the action
of the House, directly or indirectly, by
promise or intimidation, of giving or with
holding patronage, &c.
Lively proceedings followed
Mr. Warren objected to the reception of
Hoard's resolution. If he would put his
finger on the person SO offending he would
vote with him, but not on so sweeping and
indefinite charge.
Mr.. Houston--f the gentleman would
state on his own responsibility the impro-
per influences used, that would afford
tangible ground for investigation, but not
scurrillous articles from newspapers.
Mr.. Hoard read from the Richmond
South, which said that the President had
declared to put the Lecompton c0nstitu-
ton through in thirty days or burst, as
four desirable votes could be procured by
means of Executive appointments, but it
would require nice engineering.
The Speaker thought this did not present
question of privilege. .s..-.. AZ.
Mr.. Hoard read from the correspondence
of the Tribune; II learn that until Mon
day morning it was expected that Burns,
of Ohio, would vote against the Lecomp-
tonites. On the morning of that day,
however, he came to another perception of
his duty on an understanding with the
President that his son in law should retain
the valuable place of postmastero of Keokuk,
Iowa, and that he himself should be graft
fed with the Office of Marshal of the
Northern District of Ohio when his present
term in the House shall be completed"
Mr.. Howard read from the constitution
showing that the Presidents power with
Congress only extends to matters OF iegisla-
ton; and in Washington's farewell ad-
dress he spoke against tresspassing on the
rights of the National Legislature. These
newspaper articles formed basis of action
for the House.
Mr.. Warren said if Mr.. Hoard insinua-
ted that men on the Democratic side of
the House were influenced by cowardice,
hope, or fear, he was very p'Hch mistaken.
Neither the Executive nor others could in
fuence them. He was on the track of
distinguished reporter, and if he could
find him he would expel him.
Mr. Burns pronounced the statement of
the Tribune an unqualified falsehood.
Mr.. Stephens remarked that the move
ment of Mr.. Hoard was founded on
vague rumor. ....a.
Mr.. Washburn, of Nc, accused Mr..
Stephens of attempt to strangle lie in
vestigation.
Mr.. Giddings was sorry to see an un-
necessary excitement. 1t became states
men representing free people to purge
/ themselves of such charges of corruption.
He referred to the fact that a reporter of
the Tribune was once expelled for stating
that his colleague lawyer ate sausages.
The House, by vote of los against
SO, decided Mr.. Hoard's resolution not
question of privilege.
Adjourned till Monday. r
WASHINGTON, Feb. Is.
iSenate.-The Indina election resolutions
were debated.
Mr.. Hamlin thought it was remarkable
that after the Committee on Elections had
reported resolutions directing that testi-
mony should be taken, the Senate should
repeatedly refuse to consider the resolu-
tons.
The resolutions were read.
Mr.. Mason made some remarks on the
admission of Minnesota and
Mr.. Bayard an argument on the admis-
q 10 oh h. DO ~
deciding the question before considering
the admission of new States.
Mr.. Benjamin argued in favor of the
committees resolution.
. Mr.. Collamer contended that the testi-
mony sought was immaterial, and ought
, not to be admitted.
Mr.. Toombs advocated the resolution
. directing the taking of testimony.
. Mcssrs. Simmons and Trumbull OPP
posed.
Mr.. Stuart suggested resolutions limi-
ting the time for taking the testimony
Mr.. Hunter moved postponement until
tomorrow.
. The Senate then adjourned.
+ Correction. In the report of Thursday &
q Senate proceedings it is stated that Mr.
a Pugh made strong points against the reso'
lutious providing for the payment of the
publication of the bred Scott decision
Tho statement was Incorrect. He object
ed to the copyright clause only.]
5 Hotse--Mr. Woleott appeared with q
: written statement disclaimiDg any inten
ton Of contempt of the authority of the
House, but denying the right of the com
> mittee TO require answers TO questions not