Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-02-13
CONGSE SS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. u.
SENATE.

HOUSE.
The Sergeant-at Arms having reported that
he had in obedience to the order of the House
arrested John w. Wolcott. he was reouired
to bring him before the bar.
The Speaker, in pursuance of the resolu-
ton passed yesterday, asked him what ex-
cuse he had for not answering the question
propounded him by the Select Committee.
and whether he was now prepared to answer
that and all other questions.
The witness was sworn by the Speaker,a s
to the truth of his written reply, which is to
the effect that he was here IN obedience to
the order of the House, to answer for an al
legged contempt committed by him.
He assured the House, in all sincerity that
he did not design nor suppose he was guilty
of such an offence, and respectfully asked till
Monday to purge himself from the charge of
contempt and fully justify his conduct. He
wished again to consult his counsel.
MIR. Stanton of Ohio moved that the indul-
genee be granted, and that he be remanded
to the custody of the Sergeant alarms, and
have the benefit of counsel Adopted.
Mr. Hoard of n. Y said rumors were afoat
involving the rights and dignity of the House
and asked leave to offer a resolution for APP
polntment of a committee to investigate
whether attempts have been made by per
sons connected with the executive depart
ment or persons acting under their advice, to
influence the action of the House, directly or
indirectly, by promise or intimidation, or the
giving or Withholding of patronage, &c.
Mr.. Warren objected to the reception of
the resolution. If Mr.. Hoard would put his
finger on the person so offending he would
vote with him, but he could not do so on
such sweeping indefinite charges.
Mr.. Houston said if the oeutleman wonld
state, on his own responsibility, that impro-
per influences had been used, that would af-
ford tangible ground for an investigation,
but not sCutrillous articles from the newspa-
pers.
Mr.. Hoard read from the Richmond South,
al article which said that the President had
declared that "he would put the Lecompton
Constitution through in thirty days or burst,
as the four desirable votes could be procured
by means of executive appointments, but it
would require nice engineering
Mr., Millson read from Jefferson's Manual,
to show that Mr.. Hoard himself had commit
ted breach of privilege.
Mr.. Warren said that the Speak err must see
that this was not a question Of privilege. He
thought this attempt to attack gentlemen
who stand fair before the nation radically
wrong.
question of privilege
Mr.. Hoard read from the correspondence of
the New York Tribune, of Thursday, the fol-
lowing I'll learn that, until Monday morn
ing, it was expected that Burns of Ohio
would vote against the Lecomptonites. On
the morning of that day, however, he came
TO another perception Of his duty, on the un-
Outstanding with the President that his SON
in-law should retain the valuable place of
postmaster at Keokuk, Iowa, and that he
himself should be grathed with the office of
Marshal Of the Northern District of Ohio,
when his present term in the House is com.
pleted."
Mr. Hoard read from the Constitution.
showing that the Presidents power with
Congress only extends to matters of legsla-
ton, and from Washington's Farewell Ad-
dress against treSpassing on the rights of the
National Legislature, adding that these state
ments formed basis for the action OF the
House.
Mr.. Warren said that if Mr.. Hoard insinu-
ated that men of the Democratic side were
influenced by cowardee, or hope, or fear he
was very much mistaken. Neither the exc
cutlve nor others could influence them. He
lie was on the track Of distinguished repor-
ter, and if he could find him he would expel
him. If gentlemen wanted to attack Demo-
Gratis, they would be met, but they don't
want stab under the ribs.
Mr.. Burns pronounced the statement in
the Tribune an unqualified falsehood.
Mr.. Stephens remarked that the movement
of Mr.. Hoard is founded on vague rumor.
1t was time, and past it. to end such proceed.
ings.
Mr.. Washburne of Maine accused Mr.. Ste
phens of an attempt to strangle investigation.
MIR. Giddings was sorry to see unnecessary
excitement. 1t became statesmen, represent
ing free people, to purge themselves Of such
charges of corruption, He referred to the
fact that the Democrats once expelled a re-
porter of the Tribune, for stating that his
colleague, Mr.. Sawyer, ate sausages.
The House, by vote of los TO So, decided
that Mr.. Hoard's resolution was not ques.
ton of privilege.
Adjourned till Monday.