The New York herald., 1862-02-13

reason for it. shall certainly vote against any delay;
we should have the witness in his hand
writing
Mr.. HIoKxAS-Under the circumstances, there ia
necessity to delay the action OF the House. 1t WAS not
case OF the kind which required time fashion the
answer II it was ] would be willing to submit TO the
,ho, rho,"p oi my colleague, ihis witness tes.ines
or or portion OF the contents, OF tho
Presidents annual message prior to its delivery
10 Congres, and that he caused IL to he communicated
through the instrumentaty OF the telegraph, to the
NEW YORK HERALD and when inquired Of the
from received that information he declines TO
communicate and gives for that he received il
under an obligation of secresy. That is the contempt.
The Judiciary Committee believes that witness is jus
titled in withholding the knowledge of so important
fact under pledge OF that kind This the simple mat
ter, and hope the House will take instant action upon it,
Sc ERAL Ne iBKRs-Agreed.
Mr.. STEyENs-All want is TO have record Of what he
said.
The srzAKxR-The resolution modified is, that tho wit
be brought the bar of the House. and the question
being reduced TO writing he be asked as to its truthful
Mr. wikoT again placed at the bar the igeanat
Arms standing at his side.
TIE spEAKEK--w itness. listen TO the report.
The answer previously given having been reduced to
writing at the reporters desk was handed to tho Clerk
The Clerk then proceeded to read the reply reported
causing mach merriment however, by long pause after
the fist word 'Nothing-so long that appeared as II
the reporter the Cerk could get no further The ST.
lencs was at last broken by 8 monber exclaiming,
'sWe he couldn't say less" This sally created hearty
TO the question of the Speaker whether the answer
read by tho Clerb, correctly given, the witness
merely bowed his head.
Mr.. HJcxMAN-I move the resolution and preamble be
sent to the desk.
Mr. Cox-Before that is done-
Mr.. IIcKNAN-I call the previous question
Mr.. Cox-I wish to mako suggestion.
Er HCKMAN-I insist the resolution being road and
call the previous question upon it.
Mr.. CoIFAx, (rcp) Of Ind rose to point OF order,
which was neither understood the floor in tho
gallery.
Mir. Cox-I do not want to entangle the matter but
mis- yyitnpss
he had any further answer to make wished further
time. Give him fair chance, and lot know what is
contempt to the House.
Mr. HIcRMAN-I object. insist upon tho preamble and
resolution
Tho resolution was then read as follows
Whereas, Henry Wikor witness subpnnacd to appear
and testify before the Committee the Judiciary in the
matter of the investigation by the said committee into the
alleged telegraphc censorship OF the and refusing
propounded to him In his c&ana
failed to satisfy ho House of the proprey of his REFUSAL
therefore
Resolved That the said Henry wikoT by of the
premises contempt this House, that the
Arms be directed to hold the said Wko in close
custody until he Shall himself of said contempt,
until discharged by order OF the House.
Mr. WIcKLurE, (Union) Of Ky, rose to question oi
privilege saying that this man ought to have the prvi
lege of being heard.
The SpxAKER said this not privileged question
Mr. wIcKLRFE-Perhaps not; but it is question o
order
Mr.. OWEN (rep.) Of N. Y. as a member of the Judi
cary Committee, wished to say few words; but
Mr. HICKMAN declined withdrawing his demand for the
previous question: under the operation Of which the reSo
luton a1oped-aycs 50, noes not counted.
Mr.. WkoY thereafter conducted from the
hall by the Sergeant at Arms.
House adjourned