Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-03-02
rHIRry.FIPTm CONGRESS -Firs. Session
RsDAY, February IS, 1858.

SENalE.
Mr.. Mason offered series OF resolutions asking for
information as to the condition OF the navy during
many years past Also relative to the capture VI
vessels and prize money during tho late war.
Mr.. Crittenden presented a letter from General
Sbiela and he moved that he take his seat az Sen.
ator from Minnesota. The letter argues that Mime.
sofa is sovereign State, and one OF the members o..
the United States confederacy referring to several
precedents.
A discussion ensued whether it was privileged
question.
Mr. Pugh thought it WAS, but commended that Min.
nesota had not complied with the terms OF admission
as entitled her Senators to bs sworn without sonic
ton by Congress-.
MIR. Crttenden here sen, up General Shields Gre.
denliss.
citing the of Louisiana, and urging the impor-
lance Of considering the subject at once, and admit
ting the applicant. lie considered General Shields
right 10 q seat HI good "a his own.
Mr.. JOhnson's motion to lay the subject on the ia.
BILE WA disagreed to-yess 22, Maya To-
Mr.. Seward thought II WAS question OF privilege,
which. he wished considered at this time.
Mr.. Stuart said that in deciding this to be ques
ton of privilege it WAS not deciding Gen. Shields ell.
titled tn seat
Mr.. Toombs said the whole question was: Is Min
nesota State OF the Union1 He submitted resolu.
ton, referring the question of Gen. Shields admis
sion 10 the COMMITTEES on the Judiciary, with instruc
tons to inquire whether or not Minnesota is State
wHe agreed to.
The Senate then resumed the consideration of the
army bill.
The Senate amended the bill by authorizing the
President to accept the services Of three thousand
volunteers, and then killed it by vote Of G yeas 10
IS nays. Adjourned till Monday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MIR. Quitman, from the committee on military af.
fairs, reported bill authorizing the organization of Il
regiment OF mounted volunteers for the defence OF
A.
to call out as emergencies may require, four add.
tonal regmsnts of volunteers. He thought the bill
more indicative of public sentiment than any yet pre-
sented. The bill was postponed till Wednesday,.
The case OF Mr.. Matteson WAS then called up.
Mr.. Seward said more important question could
not be presented. He voted for the expulsion Of Mr
MsttesoD because he thought it just, but he would
defend his constitutional rights. The House 1t the
last Congress- exhausted lie constitutional power over
the subject, and he 8sked where ia the law or clause
in the Constitution prohibiting the people from elect.
ing any man they choosel
Mr.. Harris of Illinois, expressed his firm belief that
the House had power, and it was its duty to pass
resolution, and do it at once. All the facts were in
the form OF deposons, with which the members are
probably familiar.
Mr.. Ket said that on former occasions he had
moved &C. of justice, the postponement Of the
case having been informed that Mrs. Mattesen was
sick Since then he has learnt that the statement
a fabrication. Some accounts say she il SICK and
others that she is enjoying better health than ever
He read letter from the family physician, saving
Mrs. NJ. has scarcely seen well day for six months
past and during the few last weeks she hss suffered
more than usual.
Mr.. Stanton ccntended that the House must kser
within the Ppirt OF the constitutional rule and the
rules of common law, namely, that no man shall be
punished twice for the same offence. Mr. Mattesor
had already been tried, convicted and punished.
Mr.. Taylor of La, argued that the Constitution
gave the right TO e1pe a member only for dsorderlJ
conduct, but that there should be rule to expel mem
bers for other causes. He could no good from act
ing in this cass now, as next November the people o.
Mr. Mattesons district would set brand of condem
nation on his conduct.
MIR. Giddiugs said that the confined absence of Mr.
Matsson from this hall shows conclusive that b,
ought not to be here. lie asked the majority to come
10 decision.
Mr.. Hughes, while believing the House has tn,
power TO eIpe Mr. Matteson, was against hssty &C
tion and moved that the subject should be referred
for consideration to the committee on the judiciary
Mr. Smith, Of Va, said that the House ought to ex
pei member for proper causes, but that tbs act ough
TO be controlled by high moral considerations.
Mr.. Nichols said it was not clear in bis mind tba
the House has power again to eIpe The member. H.
protested against furnishing member twice for tn
same offence.
Mr. Curtis said that a. Mr.. 81 stteson was unwor,h,
Of association with gentlemen, self respect require,
his expulsion.
Mr.. Harris, of Illinois, replied to the argument
ing they were not about Furnishing twice for tb
same offence, but removing oathsoms eIcrescenc
which did not deserve place here.
Mr.. Sherman of Ohio, moved that the subject b
laid upon the table; which motion disagreed to-
yeas 81, nays I'D.
The resolution finally referred to special com
mittee, after which the House adjourned.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26. 1858.
SENATE.
The Senate not III session to day, havipg at
journed over TO Monday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
The further consideration of Mr.. Hoard's resoluto