Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-12-11

spirit of the declaration of rights in the
constitution, sections IL, Il and Is. He
hoped the investigation would be thorough
iy prosecuted, but hoped the resolution
would be printed, SO that members might
act intelligrnt3v
Mr.. POu said the arguments that had
been urged for delay tended more strong
~ to convince him that there was no ne
cessity for it. He agreedithat the result of
the investigation could be nothing more
than the expulGion of member from the
Assembly if found guilty. II a man com
mItted perjury that was a case for the
criminal courts. He referred TO the analo-
gous case of G. ". Woolley, incarcerated
by the House of Representatives of the U.
). Congress for contempt, to show that the
legislative body could commit person for
contempt.
Mr.. Downing favored the investigation,
thought every member wanted it made;
but he wanted to act intelligently, and de-
sired the bill printed.
Mr.. Seymour expressed surprise at the
motion to delay for q moment. Every
gentleman must have read the bill. He
knew of no law by which a person testify
ing falsely before committee could be
punished for perjury. He did not think
any member would desire to shield himself
under a constitutional prerogative He
hoped every member would come through
unscathed.
Mr.. Estes had not seen them, but his
attention was called to two sections, and
he was told by some of the ablest lawyers
of this city that they were infamous, that
they delegated more power to the commit
tee than any committee ever had in the
United States.
Mr.. French said he was not a member OF
the Assembly when this alleged corruption
took place, and he could speak disinterest-
ly. He agreed that any action ought to be
made unanimous and could not see why
the phraseology of this resolution could
not be changed so that it would agree with
the views of every member. No member
could be so base that he would not seek an
investigation. He objected to extending
the investigation to persons not connected
with the State government, and hoped the
matter would be postponed.
Mr.. Argo said it was legitimate for the
Legislature to arraign any citizen or any
member for ever Offering bribe to pub
lie officer.
Mr.. Ingram opposed delay.
Mr.. Durham said the resolution gave no
power to compel witnesses to criminate
themselves it only gave the same power
that court has to compel witnesses to an
swer. The Constitution of the State pro-
vides that no witness shall be compelled to
answer question which eliminates him
self, but there is no provision which pre-
vents O court or committee to ask the ques-
tion. If any member refuses to answer. he
must take the responsibility.
Mr.. Sinclair said there was no PROPOSE
tion to delay the investigation, but he did
not see what object would be attained by
hurrying it on. What new incentive has
been offered here, he asked, to hurry it
through this House when it passed the Sen
ate !; but it was attempted to be rushed
through the House, as much as to say that
it is this end of the building that the stig-
ma is cast upon. He wanted to meet the
charge, and hoped every member of the
House would be put upon his oath.
Mr.. Harris, of Wake, said legal gentle
men told US this was a law, and it must be
read three times, and must go over until
to morrow. Every man needed time to
read it, so as to be able to act intelligent
ly. He could point out a dozen instances
in which investigation had been made, and
never had such power been given. He
would vote for resolution to send for per
sons and papers F.; but should hesitate to
support an act like this.
Mr.. Bowman at IL o'clock moved to take
recess until o'clock to attend the meet
ing of the Electors.
The motion was agreed to.
At l o'clock Mr. Pou resumed the chair,
and the House adjourned until tomorrow
at II o'clock.