Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1858-02-09

committee and divulge private transac-
tions. If he were here to divulg conf
dental matters entrusted to him, it would
destroy his business, which he conducted in
lawful manner, and impoverish his fam
| ily. The Constitution does not prohibit
private affairs from being entrusted conf
dentially to an agent who does not violate
the law of the land. lie had intended to
test before the Court the power of this
House to compel his attendance to testify
concerning private business transactions,
but he was taken from his bed by force
and brought here. He always hoped to
show due respect to thelegal and constitu
ted authorities.
In reply to the question whether he
was now ready to answer such proper
questions as might be put to him, he said
that he will answer all proper questions,
but none that will affect his integrity, or
violate his oath, or his sacred promise
not to reveal confidential COMMUNICATIONS.
Mr.. Stanton said the Select Committee
had not yet had. an opportunity of deciding
what course they would pdrsue, and moved
that further consideration of the subject be
postponed until tomorrow, and also sug-
gested that the witness answer be print
ed, and he committed to the custody of
the Sergeant-at-A Arms.
MIR. Millson replied that the witness
distinctly takes issue with the House and
defes its authority. 1t was not now a
question between the witness and the
Committee, but between the witness and
the power of the House to compel the atten-
dance of persons in the prosecution of any
investigation. The witness, according to
the language of his reply, stood in an at
titude of contumacy.
Mr.. Cox offered preamble and resolu-
ton, to the effect that as Mr.. Williamson
has not purged himself of contempt, be
be continued in close custody of the Ser
geant-at- until discharged by fur
ther order of the House, OF until he shall
purge himself of the contempt.
Mr. Wright, of Ga, submitted pre-
amble concluding with a resolution that
Mr.. Williamson be committed to the COM
mon Jail, and. there be detained until he
shall answer all legal questions pro-
pounded to him.
Mr.. Burroughs said that the House had
before them a question of frauds and vii
COuucCLCu Will llle ldSG SOHS IeSS'
This was not the first time that men have
claimed superiority to the law He rec
objected that men had appeared before
Courts, and set up the Plea that they had
taken obligations higher than the laws of
the land and the Constitution. Such per-
sons should be put in Jail and kept there.
1t was charged that nearly 100000
was paid members to procure votes for q
measure calculated to strike down the in
terests of the South. He was for putting
this man in Jail, and keeping him there un-
til he tells the whole truth.
He would keep him there until his flesh
withered on his bones, unless he answered
honestly. They should compel the wit
ness to answer in order to elicit facts.
He believed that the further existence of
this Government depends upon the integ
rity of Congress. He put it to the con-
sciences and hearts of the gentlemen to
say whether they should let men come
here to defy the power of Congress.
Mr.. John Cochran said that he was au-
thorized by Mr.. Williamson 10 inform the
House that he was now ready to answer in
writing as the Committee might direct,
and asked to withdraw the papers. presented
in the early part of the proceedings.
1t was finally agreed that Williamson
should have leave to withdraw his answer
to the summons, and submit an answer
tomorrow, and that in the meantime he
be remanded to the custody of the Ser
geant-at-Arms.