The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1858-02-26
xxxvth Congress--First Session.
WAsu,xG1ox. Feb 25-u

HousE.-Quitman, OF Miss, from the Com
mittee on Military Affairs, reported u bill, |
authorizing the organization OF regiment Of
mounted volunteers, for the defence of the
frontiers of Texas. IL also authorizes the |
President 70 call out, AS urgencies may re-
quirc, tour additional regiments Of volunteers. !
He said he thought this bill more in accord |
ance with public sentiment than any present |
ID for their consideration.
The bill was postponed till mex: We inesday |
Expulsion OF Matteson.
The Mattcson expulsion resolution was |
called mp.
Mr.. Harris, of Illinois, expressed his firm
b.lief that the House had the power, and |
thar it was its duty 10 pass the resolution |
expelling Matteson, and to 10 it ut once. All |
the facts were in form, and with the deposit |
tons all the members were familiar.
Mr.. Keitt said, that OIL q former occasion |
be had moved, as an act of justice, u post |
pOnement of the case, having been informed |
that Mrs. Maltese. " as sick. Since then he
had learned that the statement was fabri-
Gated. Some accounts say she is sick, and
Others that she was enjoying better than usual
health. lie read letter from the family
physician saying that Mrs. Matteson had
scarcely seen well day for six months past,
aud lately has suffered mere than usual.
Mr.. Seward said that q more important
question could not be presented. He had
voted for the expulsion OF Matteson, because
he thought it was just, but he would now
defend his constitutional right. The House,
during the last Congress, exhausted its power
over the subject. He asked, Where is the
law, or the clause in the constitution, pro-
hibiting the people from clecting the men
they choose.
SIR. Stanton contended that the House
must keep within the spirit OF the Censtitu-
tiUnal rules, and the rules OF the common
law, viz: that no man shall be punished twice
for the same offence. Matteson had already
been tried, convicted and punished.
Taylor, Of La, believed Matteson guilty.
His conduct was tlisgraccfnl "a an American
citizen, but he conten,led that the constitution
gave no power 10 expel n member, excepting
for disorderly conduct.
SESATE.--Mr. Mason, Of Va, presented d
resolution, asking for information rs to the
condition OF the navy for many years past,
aud also relative to the captures of vessels
and prize money of the War of 1919.
- Minnesota senators.
~ Crittendcn, Of KY, presented letter from
Mr.. Shields, and moved that he take his scat
rs Senator from Minnesota. The latter argues
one Of tho members of the United States,
referring to several prccadents in support of
his point.
4 discussion cnsued as to whether this was
u question Of principle.
Pugh thought it was privileged question.
but corsended that Minnesota had not so far
compiled with the terms Of admission. as to
sntitlc her Senators to be sworn, without
some action by Congress.
Crtteudcn sent up the credentials of Mr..
Shields.
WASHINGTON, Feb 25-rM
IIorsE.-Taylor continued-he antici pated
no good result from deciding this case OF
Matteson again. Mattescn's constituents
would doubtless, next November, place the
seal ofcoEdemnation upon his conduct. Each
constituency has the right to decide on the
character of its own Representatives.
GillIngs said the people of congressional
districts had the right to be represented on
the floor of this House. Sickness in his fam.
IL should not detain member from his post
lie rejoiced that the work Of publication Is
commenced by the Republican party; and ht
invoked the House TO establish q preccden,
BY an immediate decision. 4
Hughes said he was opposed to hasty action
aud therefore moved the reference Of the res
olutions to the Judiciary Committee.
Smith, of Va. contended it was the righ
and the duty Of the House to expel member
for improper conduct; but IL should be con.
trolled by good and sufficient reasons. II i
due 10 Matteson's constituents that the Hous'
should act, in order to give them an oppor
;unity TO pass upon his conduct. He favoreC
che reference TO n Committee.
Nicholas said he would refer to the Jude
larry Committee. He doubted whether tn
House had the power to expel again. lie bc
licvcd Mattcson's trial was fair; the punish
ment had followed, yet Smith would punis
him again. He protested, in the name Q
Justice, sgainst such proceedings. lie wants
the power OF the House limited by legislation
rs to o particular manner Of dealing wit
such questions.
Jones, of Tenn. said he would expel Ma,
teson. not only rs II punishment. but for Oh
purlfcation of the House. lie would exp,
him rs long as he Jones should be u mem
Der of the House, if Matteson's constituent
should continue TO re-clect him. He consid
cred him morally disqualified for member
ship.
Curtis considered Mattcson unworthy
association with members, and self respe'
required his expulsion.
Harris, of Illinois. said the country d,
manded the expulsion.
Morrill, asked whether Matteson's constitr
ents had demanded it; or whether there wei
any petitions for il. I.
Harris said he had received patches
letters and newspapers, but did not know
care about petitions. The House was actin
independent of Matteson's constituents.
Grow said the letter on which the charg
his constituents at the time of his electio
The gentleman from Illinois had said
would not sit here with rogues and villain
but, continued Grow, the people choose Of
associates. II members have this right, tn,
can say who shall sit here. They could exc
else the power Of tyrants. Suppose u ma
convicted Of murder were sent here. could
majority drive him outl He protested again
such assumption.
Sherman, Of Ohio, moved to Law on I
table, which was rejected, Gil against IL
Referred to a select committee, 90 against
Minnesota Senators.
SESArE.-Crittenden argued the ouesti
os privilege, AID contended that Shiel,
seat was as good as his own, and urged ,
importance Of immediate action.
Johnson Of Arkansas moved that the =
olution he tabled. Lost 20 to %.
Toombs said the whole question was
Minnesota n State; and submitted ~ reso
ton, referring the question of tho right
Shields to his seat to the Judiciary Comm
tee, with instructions TO inquire whet
Minnesota was State Of the Union.
Personal explanations between Bell {
johnson. Bell remarked he would not {
regard the Tennessee Legislature, but wo
not obey them in the Kansas question.
Adjourned until Monday.