Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-02-13
CONGRESSIONAL.
Thirty.fifth ConSrexs-Firxt Sessia,

THE SENATE was not in session yesterday.
In THE House, yesterday, after the close of our
report
Mr. Boyce, ofS C, from the Committee on
Elections, presented the report In the cases of
the contested election between Messrs Brooks
and Davis, of MARYLAND.
The memorial of Mr.. Brooks, the contestant,
states that the election was one wherein gross
frauds were perpetrated, ard large numbers of
citizens deprived, by violence, of their right Of
franchise. To prove this declaration by calling
up witnesses and taking testimony, Mr.. B. says
would be almost impiacticable, because of the
dangers which such witnesses would incur. He
therefore, asks that, instead of proceeding in the
usual way of conesting an election, the House,
on being satisfied that frauds and violence were
perpet ated in the Of the election referred to-
order u new election to be had
Mr.. BIS statements are sustained by numerous
weli-known and respectable citizens of Balti-
more; but they are denied by Mr.. Davis, the sit
ting member.
The Committee tend to the opinion Of the lat
ter gentleman, and cite the circumstance that Mr.
Whyte, a contestant against Mr. harris, from
the same city, Is now engaged In taking testimo-
ny in that city, and all is proceeding quietly.
They, therefore, report against the contestant,
aud submit the following resolution:
RsscIred. That it is nexpedent TO grant the
p' aver of the nemorialist to appoint committee
to take testimony.
Mr.. Phillips, from tine same committee. sub
mitted minority report in the same case La
this, the position is taken that the statements of
the memorialist are sustained by competent and
reliable witnesses, among whom is the late Gov
ernor OF maryland, who in his message makes
especial allusion to the lawless proceedings at
the elections in Baltimore. They hold that the
| cas- is an extraordinary one-involving a gross
violation of the rights of American citizens, and
the subverson of the institutions of ths country
| and, therefore. this House has the power 10
frame laws respecting the rights of members to
seats, that it should set aside the usual forms in
this case, and adopt such extraordinary snres
as will be adequate to meet the emergency, in
order not only that justice may be done in this
case but that 1t may be made apparent that Con
gress will not sanction violence and fraud in cleo
tlons. They submitted the following resolution:
ResoIrsde That the Committee Of Elections
have power so send for persons and papers, and
to examine witnesses and evidence In the case of
| the contested election Of the Hon Henry Winter
Davis, in the fourth cong ressional district of
| Maryland.
Tie reports were ordered to he printed. and
their further consideration postponed until Mon.
| day next
Mr.. Hoard submitted the following resolu-
| ton:
| RssOlred, That a committee of five he appoint
| ed by the Speaker to inquire and investigate
| whether any improper attempts have been made.
| or are being made by any persons connected
with the executive department of this govern
ment, or ny any persons acting under their advice
or consent. TO influence the action of this House
or any of its members, upon any questions or
measures upon which the House has acted or
which il has under consideration, directly or in
directly, or any improper promise, offer or init
| under the government, or in any department., or
| service, tn he conferred withheld In consider
| alton of any vote given or TO he given, withheld
o. to he withheld, with power to send for per-
sons and papers. and with leave To report BY bill
OF otherwise
| MIR. Warren, of Ark, DECEASED the. re solution
! al insult {" the House. II was also opposed by
MesSrS. stephens, Houston, Millson and Burns
Mr.. Ii lard averred taat he had raised the
question In what he believed to he the DISCHARGE
| of his duty to the Housr and the country lie
read several extracts from WASHINGTON cores
pondence, from which he had been led to be-
iieVe there was an undue influence PyeTt-d j.; the
executive department
The resolution was submitted as 4 question uI
privilege, and The Speaker was of opinion that
IS II 'oataintd n" assertion of fact IL was not en-
Tilted to lie received lie would however refer
IL 10 the House, when
ON motion al Mr.. stephens, il Wa laid on the
tabe--veaS lta. nays ~
Mr.. Underwood submitted a resolution which
was agreed to. requiring the Military Affairs Com
mlttee to inquire the eXpediency of confirming
bounty land warrants to the heirs of those who
died before receiving them.
On motion of Mr.. Chatite, the House went into
Committee of the Whole. After a brief period
| in the consideration of adverse reports from the
Court of Claims, the Comm ttee rose and re.
ported to the House, with the recommendation
that the report Of tue Court of Claims lie con
Cured in
The report was agreed to, and the House then
adjourned till Monday.