Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-06-16
the gentlemen (Mr. Wood) present in his seat.
Mr. B;ngham-He was in his seat moment

the gentlemen (Mr Wood) present in his seat
Mr. B;ngham-He was in his seat a moment
ago.
Mr. Phelps said he weuld not oppose the pro-
ceedings, but it seemed to him but courteous to
the member of the House that he should be
present under such circumstances.
Mr Bingham ! understand the gentleman
is in the refreshment room. Let page be sent
after him This is no question for discussion
When | received the communication from the
government, l recognized it as my duty to rise
in my place and Cffer the res ,luiion. | desire
to say that the communication was made TO me
aud received by me- state as a member Of the
House that | believe the communication has
been communicated to tho government The
resolution has been carefully woTded, and does
not allege. even by intent, that the information
IS true. It is purposely guarded, and refers to
the conduct OF the member without the slightest
intent 10 prejudice the case.
Mr.. Wood at this point came into the hal and
resumed his seat.
Mr. Richardson, Of Illinois, asked leave TO
make suggestion
Mr. Bingham. l will defer to the gentleman.
Mr.. Richardson. The gentleman from Ohio
(Alr. Dngham) states that this information has
been received by the government; but as the
government Is composed Of several departments,
I would like to know what department has re-
Ohio sits in his place and makes certain grave
accusation against m; ;mber of this House, aud
when member on his own responsibility makes
an accusation, / shall vote for an inquiry.
Mr.. Bingham. I again remind the gentleman
| have made no accusation ] repeat the state
ment that certain information has been furnished
to the government Of the character indicated.
NJ. Richardson repeated his ques ton as to
what department of the government had To-
ceiyed the information.
Mr. Bingham replied b,lieve originally
the Department of State. The government is a
unit, and when it transfers information to this
House it seems hypeTc~itical to be called upon
to specify through what channel Or specific de-
psrtment it comes.
Mr. Noble The gentleman ftom Ohio Mr.
Bingham) has stated that the information was
communicated to the House from the Executive
Department, ], as a member, have heard of no
such commuri cation. This is entirely new to
the House.
Mr.. Bixgham. My colleague did not hear
distinctly. | said | had a communication to
make to the House, and upon my responsibility
that the preamble to that resolution is true, and
such information has been communicated to the
government. / will say that as a matter of JUS
tice to the gentleman Mr.. Wood aud myself, |
carefully guarded my words so that the resolu.
ton does net uyen by intent accuse him Mr.
Wood) of anything. l. is simply resolution
Of inq liry, and nos OF accusation.
Dir. Wood. l hope the resolution will be
adopted aud committee appointed TO give me
an opportunity 10 defend myself. I also desire
TO thank the government for-giying me what
they have denied to so many others, viz an
opportunity to be heard
The House then considered the Senate bills
relating to the employment Of Convicts in the
Districs Of Columbia peni:entary Tor their im-
provement and benefit.
A mo'io.. TO strike ont the section providing
for the discharge Of soldiers and volunteers con,
fined in tie pehi entiary under sentence Ofcourts
martial, and prohibiting such imprisOnT. s in
future, ives disagreed to-thidytwo to sixty
six.
Mr SsevenS from the committee on ways and
means, reported bill which was ordered to be
printed, authorizing the issue Of one hundred
and fifty million OF treasury notes, not bearing
interest. of the denomination of not less than
five dollars, TO be receivable in payment of all
loaus made to the United States and of all taxes,
international duties, excise debts and demands
of every kind due, excepting duties on imports
and interest and of all claims and demands
against the United States, excepting for Interest
upon bonds. notes and certificates of debt or de-
posit, also to bs lawful money and legal tender
in payment Of all debts, public and private, ex-
cepting duties upon imports and interest on the
public debt, etc.
The further consideration Of the bill was then
postponed until tomorrow.
On motion Of Mr.. Sheffield, the judiciary COM
mit:ee were instructed to report bill providing
that courts martial shall not hereafter sentence
to the penitentiary officers and men found
guilty, and also to discharge all persons now
held by virtue Of commitments made by suck
courts for offsEses not deemed Infamous by the
common law.
Adin1lrrnh