Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1860-04-13

be removed from Office, and another clause de-
clares that the House shall have the sole power
of imLeachment. Under these clauses the
Honse has the right to inquire into anything
whether affecting even ene of the little pages
here, or the President. The President, how
ever, says the House can only make inquiry
into bis official conduct by impeachment, but
how can it be ascertaiBed whether the Presi-
dent has violated bis duties, unless It be by an
examination. There is no other way. Would
the President have them found articles OF Inn
parchment on mere rumora MOI The very me-
cessity of the case implies that the House has
the power, should there be probable cause, then
they could prefer articles Of impeachment.-
Every session they examine into the conduct of
spme officer or msmber. What distinction was
there between a member and the President as
to their constitutional rights, that should induce
them to make an exception in favor Of the Pres
ident! The doctrine ayoWed by him was the
same that prevailed in England when Charles
the First was brought to the block, namely,
"the King can do no wrong" The same that
led to the death of Louis the Sixteenth. The
doctrine of The President was the worst that
had been intimated since the foundation of
thls government.
Mr. Uraige, of North Carolina said that the
President does not deny the power, and there
fore the argument of the gentleman falls to the
ground. The President admits the right Of the
House 20 impeaeh, but denies that his accuser
(Mr. Govode) shall sic on the case. He would
not sit quiet and permit the allegation to 90
uncantradicted:
Cries of ssorder," from the Republican side.
Mr. Graige-He objects to the mode.
MIR. Sherman-By what other mode can the
charges be investigated
Mr.. CraiGe-Refer it to the Committee on
the Judiciary, as heretofore in such cases.
Mr.. Shermaa-Why should the President
| tell us hog to refer the subject? We can re-
| fer it as we choose, aud the President has no
| right to say nay. We appoint gentlemen to
examine into the truth of the allegations, so
! they may ascertain whether they are veil
| founded. As the President has entered bis.
protest, / am willing that the House shall ac-
cept the challenge. move that the measure
! be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary,
with leave to report at any time, by bill, reso-
/ luton or otherwise.
! Mr.. Boeock, Of Virginia, said that inasmuch
as he had asked that the message be taken up
! for consideration, the usual courtesy should
/ have been extended to bim to make the motion
! concerning its disposition. He knew the
i speaker was not aware of the usual custom,
/ but the member from Ohio Mr.. Skernan)
knew better. He intended to submit the very
! few remarks he had to make in spirit of
/ calmness. 1t was an important matter, calcu-
/ lated to create discussion throughout the
country. 1t vas grave, able and important
message, and he hoped gentlemen would come
to its consideration in manner worthy of
the occasion. The President does not object
to an inquiry concerning his conduct, but asks
to be treated as the humblest individual would
be undor allegations Of any character, and the.
charges against the President we're vague and
indefinite. When Mr.. Covode offered his res
olutions lie found himself In an embarrassing
position, and did not vote for the reasons
shadowed forth.
Dir. Campbell, of Pennsylvania, said 9
grand jury have the power not only to found
an indictment ON specific charges, but uniimit-f
ed power to make presentGient to the court
OF all matters, which come to their knowledge.
| Mr.. Bocock replied-The proposition was
that grand juror can act as witness if he-
knows Ut a criminal act, bus cannot in Penn
! sylvania call up witness and ask him whether
he knows OF any wrong of any particular per-
| SON. You must call attention to some wrong
! before you can force him to testify. He re-
peated that the honor and dignity of the coun-
try demand that you ought to extend to the
President the same fair dealing that you
would to the huinbles: individual.
| MIR. Covode explained that in his resolution
ne did not make The charge. The President
himself made it in his centennial PittsbuIg cel-.
/ ebration letter, when be said that money was
used for the purpose Of carrying the elections
IL Pennsylvania. He (Mr. Covodef had mere
| ly stepped forward to see who used the money.
| Mr.. GROW agreed with MIR. Bocock, that was
matter of consequence, as it pertainsd to the
rights OF coordinate branch of the govern
! ! ..aeut. Ii the House proposed to impeach by
any committee, the President would be right in
his conclusions. The House lLust prefer the
| articles of impeachment and the Senate must
try the case, but an inquiry as to what Influence
| had been used to effect the legislation of the
country, of course carries with it no impeach-
msnt. Your committee should ascertain whether
the President was guilty of violation Of duty.
Suppose that was the case. Your COMMITTEES
would simply report the fact.
MIR. Whitley, Of Delaware, asked the gentle
man whether he was willing to investigate the
conduct of the President without specific
charges.
Mr. Florence of Pennsylvania. That is what
the President objects to. daughter from the
Republican side.) He complains that you will
not extend to bin the courtesy you would 20
common .pickpocket.
DIR. Coyode repeated that the President him
self made the charge. The testimony On a
previous occasion induced the belief that the
Presidents party in Pennsy lvania used money
to affect the elections. The President handed
over letter to the Secretary of the Navy for
that purpose. Gould they not investigate, and
ascertain in what districts the money was
used.