The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-05-14
The Rebel Congress.
ONE OFTHE MEMBERS FROM ALABAMA BROUGHT
BEFORE THE HOUSE FOR pIsLOYATY

ONE OF TIE MEMBERS FROM ALABAMA BROUOHr
BEFORE THE HOUSE FOR BIsL0YATY
The House of Representatives met at
twelve NJ on Tuesday, May g. Prayer
by Rev. DR.. Duncan
Mr.. Chiffon, of Alabama, submitted
the following resolution
Whereas, the report is in circulation,
and has found its way into the public
! prints, impugning the loyalty Of the
| Hon. Williamson T. ". Cobb member
elect Of this House from the State of
Alabama, and tending to show that no
Is N completely with and giving aid
and comfort to the enemies OF the Con-
| federate States, and therefore unfit to
be representative of loyal cOnstitu-
ency; therefore,
Resolved, That committee Of FIVE
members be appointed by the Speaker
to inquire into such reports, and TO col
lect and report upon the testimony
bearing upon the loyalty Or dislOyalty
of said member, and report thes to
this House, with such recommendations
as to its further action in the premises
as to said committee shall seem proper,
and that Mr. Cobb be notified by the
committee, if practicable, of the sitting
of the committee. and that said com
mittee have power TO send for persons
and papers.
Mr. Chiffon said he had no personal
knowledge Of these reports concerning
Mr. Cobb, and was barely acquainted
with him; but rumors had been circu-
lated Of his disloyalty, and the charge
- 4 = Il. 4
liner, by Captain Ben. Lane Posey, q gal
liant officer Of his state, and man Of
truth. While he would regret to see a
member expelled, at the same time,
unless these charges were explained ne
would never consent to sit in the House
while treason lurked within its walls,
and he would unhesitatingly vote for
his expulsion. The inquiry was one no
less due to Mr. Cobb than to his State
and the country.
Mr.. FOOte said the investigation was
obviously proper, but he would suggest
a modification of the resolution 30 as
to make it the duty Of the committee
to notify Bfr Cobb
Mr. Chiffon said the committee would
Of course notify Dir Cobb In contem-
platiOn Of law he was already present
No rightminded committee would pro-
ceed without giving due notification.
DIR Foote agreed with the gentleman
precisely, but suggested the amend
ment 50 that the investigation would
not have the appearance Of being -
parts
Mr Garland, Of Ark, questioned the
propriety Of the resolution at this par
ticular time. He thought it high time
to institute an investigation after Mr.
Cobb had appeared and was sworn In
as a member Of the House from Ala
bama Until then, he thought he could
not be expelled nor his seat declared
vacant. Entirely agreeing with the
motive Of the resolution, be moved 10
lay il on the table for the present
Mr. Leach, Of y. c., advocated the
postponement Of the resolution until
che oath should be taken. The charges
were based on newspaper rumOrr and
ae would second the motion 70 10y on
the table for the present
Dir. McMullen, Of Va, hoped the
resolution would be adopted ~ once
which was due 70 the people Of Ala
bama, as well as Mr. Cobb's district
Dir. Chiffon said the object Of the
resolution was not 70 impugn Dir. Cobb.
he introduced il because no felt 30 his
duty. as tie changes were inconsistent
gigh the position OF a representative
rom Allah ans not that ME COBB b.
xDall a. Dut 90 inquire Inl0 tie Ia
aols affecting his loyalty.
81. f7allau s---st luts evidence if any,
ave sc -hal 81 Cobb has oeen elecL-
q a member Of the HOuse2
Sir Chd-On--J u-l IN same - tlat
oy which the name o. every eaner
member elect was read from the a. k
oy the clerk. IT Mr. C. bad a TREND in
lne House be lin do him a greater
justice than 10 usnlaud tDe -htrestsa-
Jion for him IL would BE- uejust 70 Ar.
Cobb constituents, II ho j. daiog ~ 20
them and deprive them o.
the right OF representation IN The
House. He hoped the reports would
prove 20 be false, bat feared % was
hoping against hope II they 81 ~ tflr
1e would be- one ol tha iast lf stia
rom the responsibility that souti c
III as a reprrsfata..
,om Alabama.
salled for the ys.as 49,.
avs on the resolution, which oeing o.
Tered, the vote st0od-Yeas ~, nays B.