Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1861-1862, 1862-02-25

IL deyeloped would enable the enemy to obtain any adj
vantage over w. there is man that would be more SO.
ctous to hold private consultation with the members OF
this body than myself But with reward to other quts
tons sba never give nv consent close these doors
10 the sovereign people Of the land. shall never con-
sent not to soW them at all times to participate In our
deliberations and thus preclude us f"om the opportunity
of ascertAinng what their deliberate convictions are
Sir am an humtls bu. JEALOUS believer in the
Wholesome influence Of the popular sentiment upon our
action here ard Of free discussion to the extent that
have iudcated-that is in regard TO all matters except
those TO which have referred believe that the free
dom Of public discussion aud Of the press constitute the
great pillars OF liberty and never shall consent TO I'M
pair or diminish in any degree, these wholesome prvi-
eses don't disrust the peopls. They have not act
ed such part as to awaken sentiments OF dstrust In the
minds of any reasonable Thus far our people have
shown themselves to be trustworthy. feel confidence
in their judgments They have shown themselves TO be
entitled TO responsible trust and full and implicit conf
dence Why is H. them that the people shall not know
what is going oni What right have we TO prevent the
public press Of the country from noticing in calm aud
becoming manner everything that say or do so that
every man can be held strict account 10 his constit-
uens for what be says and does for bis recreancy 10
duty aud his disregard OF the solemn obligations rest
ing upon him 10 this hour of trial and OF peril IL is
with this view that oppose this motion. go further,
and say that 10 my opinion If this motion prevails, you
might as well quit your struggle for independence at
for tell you that under God, the people now must te
mainly depended upon for their own security from the
peris which surround them; ana IL We shut them out
we might as well submit to the despot at once.
Mr. HOLT. / rise to question of order.
understand the chcir TO have construed the rule to
be- that when motion is made to 60 into secret session
and seconded by any member, that be has right TO
solve this House into secret session.
Wi very great Difference TO the chair / must say
that understand the rule differently. believe that in
order TO Justify the chair in resolving the House into
cre session upon motion to that effect being made and
seconded, the member making the motion must state
that he has business TO bring to the attention Of the
House which should be considered in secret session.
Nc. F00TE Is 1t not too late TO discuss this sui oct
noNS
The SPEAKER. l. is competent for the gentleman
at any time 10 make point OF order.
Mr.. HOLT. TIE rule was as follows "on motion
made and seconded by another member to close the
doors on the discussion OF any business which may In
the opinion Of member require seoresy the PRECEDENT
shall direct doors TO be closed aud during the dscu
son of sucl question shall be permitted 10 re
main upon the floor but members Of the body and its
Officers"
Now, It strikes me that unless there be some bust
ness suggested OF character requiring secresy in
its consideration il is not 10 order under the rule To
entertain n mloa TO 60 into secret session.
The SPEAKER. Tue Chair, after its decision few
minutes ago. considered the rule carefully, and
feels satisfied that statement BY the member making
the motion, somewhat Of the character referred to,
necessary
into secret session. The practice in the Provisional
Congress was for member to state that there i'm
portant business TO be brought up, which, in his opiu.
on ought to be received in secret session. The Chair
differs from the gentleman in far he consIues the
rule 20 require the business in reference 10 which the
motion to 90 into secret session is made should ee
made known when the motion is submitted. That
would to extent defeat the very object sought to
be accomplished.
Mr. HOLT Arc we to understand that the House is
10 20 into score. session Whenever in the coatemp-
ton Of any two members, business Of character
curing consideration in secret is 10 be introduced?
The SPEAKER. That is the understanding of the
Chair After the House shall resolve itself into secret
session. it will be competent for GRITTY to order the
doors to be opened II the business introduced is OF
a character requiring secresy in its discussion.
Mr.. SWAMI. 1 rise 70 point of order. beg leave
TO assure my colleague Mr. FoOrE) that do rise
Tor the purpose Of interfering in any with the
discussion which he Il disposed TO pursue
TIE pon. Of order which make is this: NOV tn
the House resolve itself into session. Before tia
motion was seconded the gentleman Obtained the Aoor
No debate certainly, was in order until tae motion
seconded The question was not properly before the
House until the motion seconded
The SPEAKER-The Chair Is no! inclined TO sgree with
the gentleman. Debate would not cerairly be in order
after the motion was seconded.
Mr. MILES, would state my recollection OF Il mar
ner in which the rule enforced in the Provisions,
Congress. The question was never raised whether or
not there was reason for going into secret session.
was enough that member made motion and that that
motion Wfs seconded TO the House to 60 into
cret session The question never rose whether it
necessary for 10 state his for moving
90 into secret session. When member made mo ion
nothing could be said until il seconded The object
OF the rule TO prevent all discussion because it may
happen that in the discussion of the formal question
Que might inadvertently enter into the merits Of the
question which il designed by the member making
tha ,ntin tn haV in M
sense of the rule wac that il intended to obyiae al
discussion Whatsoever.
The SPEAKER. The gentleman is couest.
The present occupant Of the chair not member
Of the Prov sonal Congr, until rule adopted "a
20 into secret session every day Strictly speaking
motion l. not ia order until il is seconded.
The gentleman from Tennessee (hr Foote) having the
hoor the chair will indulge him until he finishes his
marks.
Mr. LYONS. desire simply to inquire what was the
Judgment ct the chair. have been Unable to hear dis
ncty what the chair stated because Of the noise
by the rafting of the windows.
Is the decision OF the chair that motion to go into
seore; session, made by member and seconded, pre-
cludes all d, bate?
The SPEAKER Hereafter when a member rises auC
ssys that business is TO be brought forward which ough
to be discussed in secret and makes motion go intC
secret session, and that motion Is seconded the cha
will order the doors to be closed.
Mr.. LYONS | trust tbs gentleman from Tennessee
Mr. Foote) u be allowed to proceed with bis remarks
The SPEAKER The chsir has already expressed biz
purpose TO indulge the gentleman.
Mr. F0OTE. feel deeply gratided to the members o.
the House for allowing to proceed, and am deermin
ed to reciprocate that courery by espsssiug bu. very
briefly on the time OF the House. ! shall make but
o! t~o remarks mere.
This proposition itself in my Judgment, when It goes
before the country is calculated at the present TIM u
alarm the popular mind and to awaken disrrst In
soir II ia call Ito In m ID
10 encourage the foe; aud il is in that view Of he mat
ter that earnestly press upon the members here tba
they will not allow this motion to prevail have sad
that whenever any gentleman Of this body shall say in
his opinion that /. Is indispensable TO the public safety
tina. the doors OF this Hall shall be cosed shall be pre-
Jared myself TO for closing the doors in regard to
any question tppertsinng to such matters as have
heretofOre referred to. Blu: in gard TO general ques
tons in regard to questions connected with our foreign
policy in regard TO the general principles Of policy upon
which this war shall be conducted in regard to the NAL
fessnc,s of in place. ia regard to acts CT misman
ha rfN ID In III