Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-03-30
TnIRTY.FTFTH CONGREss-1-r Sc,
SATURDAY. MARCH q. 1858.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
The House proceeded To the consideration of the
report of the special committee the Mateson case,
which concludes with aresouton that il is ineIpe
dent to take further action in regard to the resolution
for his expulsion.
Mr.. Seward argued in favor of the views expressed
in the report The House haa, by the Constitution,
power 10 punish member for dsordery conduct,
and by a vote of thirds may eIpel n member,
but it never WAS designed that the charge should be
revived at subsequent Congress, because there ia
power to limit restrict the sovereignty Of the
people in the choice Of their representatives.
Mr. Craige of n. e. asked whether any Legislative
body has not right to protect itself against scOun
dresm and against association with man whose
reputation is UNANIMOUSLY corrupt.
Mr. Seward replied that there was much divers
~ Of opinion az 10 what constitutes gentleman, he
should like Mr.. Crage 10 FL the legal standard.
Mr. Craige said the House could protect itself when
a mans character was pronounced Infamous, and
about which there was 10 diversity Of opinion.
Mr. Seward remark ed he no; here as proaecu
tor defender of Mr.. Matteson, but he endeavor
ing 10 explain the law ~ he understood it. He asked
Mr.. Crags to put his finger on The record and show
that Mr.. Mstteson was Interested in the transactions
investigated by the previous Congress.
Mr.. Craige eGid by universal consent Mr.. Matteson
was not q fit associate for any man
Mr.. Seward observed that the gentleman from
North Carolina WAS not bound to aslocihte with Mr..
Matieson than hs There IL nothing 10
show that Mattesou wac engaged In bribery or wa
brib-d.
Mr. Ri'chia moved 70 ay tho whne matter on The
tabla. Agreed to-yeas 96. nays CO.
Mr.. Cobb of Alabama, from the committee on pub
lie ,lands reported Senate bill crente additional
land disrGs in the State OF California and for Other
purposes and il va, read three time. and passed.
Mr.. Smith, Of Virginia yesterday made Statement;
to the effect that Mr.. Norris Of 1llDoia informed him
that at the Of the present session oi
Congress the Democratic portion OF the IllnO dele.
Cation had conference, and came 10 the conclusion
that the only chance NJ Judge Douglas for re election
to the Senate OF the United States for him tn OPP
pose Kansas under thu Lecompton Constitution.
Mr. Shaw, Of lllinos to-day alluded to this state.
ment and denied knowledge Of any such conference
certainly he did not participate in any.
Mr.. Morris denied hst q conference was held, el-
though hs recolected aprvate conversation in which
he freely made this gentleman aware of his views on
political questions, and sought 10 Effect some arrange
ment by which to ev.rt divi.ion in the Democratic
party. II. said that Mr. Smith had wholly mIsaprre-
hended his remarks.
Messrs. Robert Smith and Marshall, both ni Illinois
said that such conference WAS held.
Mr.. Burnett who evidently rose with reluctance,
he did not wish TO be- mixed up in this matter, made
a statement corroborating tha statement OF MIR. Smith
Mr.. Morris remarked that the conversation be-
tween Mr.. Smith and himself was a private one,
in the presence of his Mr. Morrs'l family, and
asked how would any gentleman like private CONVEX
sation to be repeated III public.
MIR. Smith replied, in substance that he had no pn'
ltca secrets himself and could zee M difference he
tween public men and public acts. But IT CONVEX
sation was under the Injunction OF confidence he, OF
course, would not repeat il.
The House went into committee, when MIR. Lane oil
Oregon made a speech in favor Of the admission OF
Kansas under the Lecompton Constitution, ami
MIR. Hall of Massachusetts, against 1t, and IN de-
fence of The pilgrim fathers.
The House adjourned.