The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1862-01-17
Congressional PROCEEDINGS.

Conkllng. rising to question of privi-
lege, called attention to the fact that on
the second day of the session resolution
was adopted with reference TO the battle of
Balls Bluff. ...s
The resolution proposed no investiga-
tion into any future transactions whatever
1t only requested the Secretary of War to
inform the House whether any steps have
been taken to ascertain who was response
ble for the disaster.
ConkIing, in the course of his remarks,
said the government is spending two mill
| ion dollars a dav with over six hundred
thousand men in the field; wherever we
have made an advance we have been out
numbered and ANONYMOUSLY defeated. and
yet the House and the country are denied
the right of knowing who are responsible.
If we cannot have indemnity for the past
in the name of humanity let US have secu-
rity for the future. Let us know who is
responsible fol- the disgraceful disaster at
Balls Bluff. He said after the publication
of AdJt Gen. Thomas report relative to
Gen. Fremont, certainly no publication
of anything connected with the army sho'd
be suppressed.
Mr.. Conkling was very pointed and se>
we're in his comments. He offered pre-
amble reciting the resolution heretofore
adopted and the response, concluding with
a resolution that the answer to it is Meth
er responsive nor satisfactory to the House
and that the Secretary of War be directed
to return further answer.
Mr.. Richardson said he was opposed tc
the whole resolution. 1t was a subject
with which they had nothing to do, and
the sooner they stopped the proceeding:
the better for the country.
Crit.enden thought the House had nc
power under the Constitution to inquire
into matters purely military.
The army is under commend the Pres
ident, who is responsible for its operations
To interfere with this therefore would b,
an attempt to extend our civil jurisdic
ton.
Even if We had the right to make sucl
an enquiry, did not public policy forbid it
Could war be successfully conducted O,
such principle /? If faults have been com
mitted, they are to be examined into, AN,
furnished by the military tribunals. Sue
an inquiry now, would lead to future sim
liar endorsements.
He believed that the whole country ha
confd ence in Mcclellan. We had bette
J weaken our prejudices than weaken ou
confidence in the General in Chief A
, army of hares, led bv hon. is more TO b
, dreaded than an army Of lions led by
hare.
Conkling further explained the objec
and purpose Of his resolution, replying I
} Cri:tenden.
ValIandigham said he would at all time
maintain the subordination of the militar
e to The civil authorities.
: The British Parliament has exercise
2 the right of inquiry into the conduct
the Crimean war, but here the Secretar
of War had only exercised discretion a
= lowed to him by the House. 1t was no
too late to complain of it.
S Mr.. Lovejoy entered his protest again
S the principle enunciated by the Senate
t from Kentucky, having always believe
d the military was subordinate to the civ
J, power.
IS We are waiting with the fruitless hol
g that the rebellion will put itself down.
The idea is. if we don't hurt anybody, Il
rebels will return to their allegiance.