Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-04-03
rhirty.Fif,h Consress-First Session.

y SATURDAY, March %, 1868.
House OF REPRRsENTAr1vEs.-The House proceed
ed to the consideration Of the report of the special
committee on the Matteson case, which concludes
with resolution that it is inexpedent to take fur
Their action in regard to the resolution for his expul
sion. tEt 5i.-
Mr. Seward argued in favor of the views express
sed in the report. The House has, by the Consttu-
ton, power to punish q member for disorderly con-
duct, and by vete of two.thirds may expel a MEM
Der, but it never was designed that the charge
should be revived at subsequent Congress, because
there is no power to limit or restrict the sovereignty
of the people in the choice Of their representatives
Mr.. Craige, Of N. c., asked whether any legisla-
tive body has not right to protect itself against
scounderlism and against association with q man
whose reputation is UNANIMOUSLY corrupt
Mr.. Seward replied that there so much d.
versty of opinion what constitutes gentleman,
he should like Mr.. Crage to fix the legal standard.
Mr.. Craige said the House could protect itself
when mans character was pronounced infamous,
and about which there was no diversity of opinion
b Mr.. Seward remarked he was not here prosecu-
tor or defender of Mr. Matteson but he was endeav-
oring to explain the law as he understood it, He
asked Mr. Crage to put his finger on the record and
show that Mr. Matteson was interested in the trans
actions Investigated by the previous Congress.
Mr.. Craige said by universal consent Mr.. Matteson
was not fit associate for any man.
Mr. Seward observed that the gentleman from
Matteson more than he was. There is, nothing to
show that Matteson was engaged in bribery or was
bribed
Mr. Richie moved to lay the whole matter on the
table. Agreed to-yeas Sc, nays e9.
Mr.. Cobb, of Alabama, from the committee on
public lands reported Senate bill to create additional
land districts in the State of California and for other
purposes, and it was read three times and passed.
Mr.. Smith, of Virginia, yesterday made state
ment to the effect that Mr. Norris of Illinois, inform
ed him that 1T the commencement of the present
session of Congress the Democratic portion of the
Illinois delegation had conference and came to the
conclusion that the only chance of Judge Douglas
for reelection to the Senate of the United States
was for him to oppose Kansas under the Lecompton
Constitution.
q, Mr., Shaw, Of Illinois, to-day alluded to this state.
rment and denied knowledge Of any such conference;
certainly he did not participate in any.
Mr.. Morris denied that conference was held, al
though he recollected a private conversation in
which he freely made this gentleman aware of his
views on political questions and sought to effect
some arrangement BY which to avert division liz the
Democratic party. He said that Mr.. Smith had
wholly misapprehended his remarkx
Messrs Robert Smith and MARSHALL both Of illinois,
said that no such conferences was held.
q Mr. BURNETT, who evidently rose with reluctance,
as be did not wish to be mixed up in this matter,
made statement ccrroborating the statement Of
) Nj. Smith. is s. $ ~ -:
INF. Morris remarked that the conversation be-
tween MI. Smith and himself wss private one, ID
the presence Of His lMr Hofris) family, and asked
how ~oIld any xsitleman Ike priylts zion
fo be tfpeated ID ptibliG
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