Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-02-02

cusers. The former committee called profgates from the streets to blacken the characters of members of Congress, and secret chamber all lowed them to give evidence in the absence of the accused. He protested against raising a | committee and witnesses being called without the accused being permitted to confront them The characters Of members of Congress should not be held in less esteem than those of petty thieves, who are entitled to fair trial.
 MT. SHERMAN, with the records before him, called attention to the fact that only thirty re- publlcans voted for the tariff bill on its passage. with ninety eight who opposed the republican party among the nays. Only two democrats voted against it, while seventy republicans voted against 1t. Therefore he thought the chances ot being involved in charges would be against his friend iron Illinois.
 Mir. LETCHER replied that one good turn deserved another. He did not consider that the charges rested against the democratic party, because, with the practical illustrations of the last Congress before them, the republican party stands guilty.
 Mr. SHERMAN responded that, if there was anything wrong, or fraud or bribery engrafted Tn the legislation on the tariff bil it was not done by the republican party, for thirty repub- llcans only voted for and seventy against it, while only two democrats voted against it.
 substitute was offered by Mr. Letcher, that select committee of five members be appointed to investigate the charges preferred against the members or officers of the last House, growing out of disbursements of any sums of money by Lawrence, Stone & Co.,, or other persons and report the facts to the House. with such recom- mendations as they may deem proper, with power to send for persons and papers.
 Mr. STANTON withdrew his preamble, as the House had seen fit to throw the subject into the hands of the democratic side
 Mr. HARRIS, of Illinois, rising to question of privilege, offered preamble and resolution proposing that Matteson's case be investigated, looking to his expulsion from the House. As Matteson was not present, it was postponed.
 The House took from the speakers table the Senate bill making appropriations to indemnify the slaves which were carried from the south ern States during the last war.
 MT. GIDDINGS obtained the floor, and the House then adjourned till Monday.
 WASHINGTON, January 20.
 Senate.-Mr. Hale spoke, making strictures on the Dred Scott decision
 Mir. Iverson introduced bill for retiring and disabled army officers. Referred to the con- mttee on military affairs. He also gave notice of hls intention to introduce bill to change the mode of appointing the cadets, to West Point
 House-Bills introduced-bv MT. Davis. of Mass, the French spoaton bill-by MT Scott for better security of passengers on ocean steamers-one by Kepper, granting alternate sections of land to California for and in aid of a railroad
 The House debated the Pacific railroad Bill, and finally resolved that that part of the Pres- dents message relating to the Pacific railroad be referred to select committee of fifteen, with power to report d bill or otherwise. Ad journed.
 WASHINGTON, January 21
 Senate.-Various bills were reported by Va. rous committees.
 House--Mr. Yulee's resolution was adopted. asking the secretary of war for the estimates for the unpaid volunteer force employed in Florida last year.
 MT. Johnson, of Tennessee, reported back the homestead bill, and recommending that the passage of it be made special order for the second Monday in February
 MT. Davis introduced bill for increasing the military establishment It was made special order for the 25th
 Mir. Glancey Jones, from the committee on ways and means, reported bill for appropria- tons for Qualifications, naval services, the civil, legislative executive and judicial expenses.
 On the resolution for presenting Commodore Panlding, with a medal, MT. Doolittle spoke in favor of the medal Messrs Crown and Pugh against it. Mr. Pearce obtained the floor Ad- joumed.