The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1868-02-26
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS
WAsHINaroN. Feb. 3.

SEN NATE.~-Mr. Sumner read some
half dozen dispatches sent by Minis
ter Harvey In March, 1861, to Mc
Grath aud others, of Charleston, in
forming them of the intended sctiOn
of the Administration relative to re-
infoFcing Fort Sumter The dis
patches were obtained from the Sec
retary Of War. A letteTlof explana-
ton from Harvey was also read.
Chandler presented a cOmmunica-
ton from the Governor of Michigan,
which the Secretary proceeded to
read. 1t expresses the hope that the
Senate will not falter In executing
the law against the Executive, as well
as against all who sympathize with
treason and rebellion.
Before the reading was concluded
Hendricks and johnson objected.
The Chair put the question on the
reception of the paper, and the Sen
ate refused to receive it.
Cameron presented a petition from
citizens OF Pennsylvania for a change
in the mode of warehousiDg.
Harlan introduced bill exempting
property in the District of Columbia,
held for school purposes, from taxa
ton. ea nH
E Wiley presented a bill to provide
for the Incorporation of religious So
cieties in the District of Columbia.
Referred. u
On motion of Williams, the bill to
provide for a proper settlement of
public accounts was taken up, and
after discussion passed as amended.
On motion of Edmonds the bill
regulating the presentation bill to the
President of the United States, and
regulating the same, which was under
consideration yesterday, was again
taken up. a85r ffH
Davis opposed the bill, claiming
that the President had right to con-
strue the Constitution for himself
At a quarter past one O'Clock, while
Davis was speaking, Representatives
Stevens, of Pa, and Bingham, of Ohio,
appeared at the door. A number of
members of the House accompanied
them, to witness the proceedings on
the subject they had IN charge. The
doOr-keeper announced a committee
from the House, who were recognized
by the presiding officer.
Stevens then said: In obedience to
the order of the House Of Represent
atives, we appear before you in the
name of the House Of Representa-
tives and Of all the people of the Unit
ed States We do impeach Andrew
johnson, President of the United
States, of high crimes and misde-
meanors in office; and we further in
form the Senate that the House of
Representative will in due time ex-
hibit the articles against him and make
good the same, and in their name we
demand that the Senate take the order
for the appearance of Andrew john
son to answer said impeachment:
The Presiding officer, Wade, re-
piled that the Senate would take ac-
tion in the premises.
Howard desired to offer a resolu-
tion in connection with the matter
Davis objected and wished to con-
tinue his remarks.
Howard said the Senator was out Of
order, as this was a privileged qpes-
ton and of prior consideration.
Davis maintained that no question
could interpose for consideration
while he occupied the floor, unless he
chose, out Of courtesy, to give way.
Howard said the subject matter of
this question was of great importance
and demanded more immediate atten-
ton than the matter which the Sena-
tor from Kentucky was discussing.
Davis, rather exeitedly, said he was
entitled to the floor, aud would hold
it; and no gentleman had any claim
to address. the Senate, while he was
speaking on the bill under discus
sionz ais C8 818 6 3 .-8
Edmunds said he admitted the
right of the Senator from Kentucky
to the floor, but he questioned the
propriety and delicacy of his asserting
his right to it under the present cir
cumstances.
y Davis said if the Senate decided he
was not entitled to the floor, of course
he should give way; but if it decided
otherwise. he should exercise the
privilege of waving his claim, or not,
as he saw fit.
The Chair put the question to the
Senate, and it was decided the
Senator had a right to the floor.
Davis said as the question was now
settled, he would give way to Mr..
Howard. Laughter.
While this discussion was proceed
ing. Stevens occupied the chair at the
end of the middle aisle of the cham
Der, surrounded by a large number of
Representatives who had come over
from the House to witness the scene.
He spoke to no one, and fixed a
steady eye on Davis, who was claim
ing the floor The audience in the
galleries manifested considerable in
terest. a
When Davis gave way, Howard Of
/ fere1 the fol llnwinr rasnlutinn-