The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-01
THE FORTIETH CONGRESS.
Second Session.
SENATE.
WASHINGTON, June 30, 1868.

WASHINGTON, June ~, 1865.
DISORDERS IN TEXAS.
The CHAIR presented q resolution from the Recon-
struction Convention Of Texas, setting forth the
disorder and murder that prevail in that state.
Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
FLORIDA SENATOR SWORN IN.
Mr. HOWE, trep.) OF Wis, presented the resolutions
OF the Legislature OF Florida, ratfying the thirteenth
and fourteenth amendments to the constitution.
Mr. HOWE also presented the credentials Of Thomas
W. Osborn, elected by the Legislature of Florida to
the United States Senate for the term expiring
March 4, 1878. Mr.. Howe asked that the Senator
elect be sworn in.
The CHAIR replied that II there was no objection
the Senate r elect would come forward.
Mr. FEssESDEN rep.l of Me-, said he was not
aware OF The facts set forth in the different commu-
nlcations, and suggested their reference to the Judi
cary Committee.
Mr. DRAKE rep.) of No. also advocated their ref.
erence to the judiciary Committee, 10 ascertain
whether the documents and the Senator's credentials
were regular. II was too grave matter TO treat
Mr. HOWARD Crepl OF Mich. called attention 70
the words resolving that the amendment TO the con-
siitnt9n be adopted lie supposed p that was sum,
Committee on the Judiciary consider that point
Nj: FERRY, rep Of Conn, asked why it was
Mr.. DRAKE replied that the credentials do not
show on their face the regularity OF the election lie
did not desire TO throw any obstacles in the way of
the Senator elect, but merely to have this point In
vestgated
Mr.. HOWE reminded the Senator that It was not
usual TO call in question the credentials OF Senators
when properly attested unless grave doubts ex.
elected Senators on joint ballot.
,,I Mr. MORTON rep Of Ind, read from me creden
.. said they were perfectly regular
Mr. HOWARD said the recent elections in the lately
and nor under the act Of 1896 in regard to the cleo
ton OF Senator'S, 90 that Congress not bound by
that law His only doubt was in regard TO the use or
the word adoptecp instead OF ratified
Mr.SuMNsR, rep of Mass, insisted that common
usage justified the use of the word adopted" in
htQ lint 4 afrI t,tt
The fact that these the first OF the new senators
that had presented themselves, to scrutinize the
Mr.. CoNKIISa, (rep) OF n. v. suggested deferring
the matter vltil Tomorrow, as the Judiciary Com.
NJ gRe srs rep Of Ill., saw no reason for the
references; the evidence OF the ratification was here
Rt % norm i ana no b scss themselves
Mr.. prAKE said time was no object He was
satisfied TIE action Of the Florida legislature was
not ANNEXATION Singularly enough the Secretary
Of Stat, not Congress, was the only medium OF de-
carng the ratif cation Of the constitutional amend
ment suppose these States and the Secretary OF
State should Join In declaring in future that the Sd,tes
had not ratified the fourteenth Amendment but only
Mr.. FRErISeHuYsEN trep.l of n. j., suggested INIT
an that case Congress could pass q law providinAy
that its own declaration was sufficient.
Messrs. YATES, ,rep.l Of ILL.,, MORTON and HOWE |
adiuced further arguments essentially that n agree
ing TO or adopting the amendment IL was suffcient,
\ Mr. FEssENDEN adhered to the opinion that It was
fefer when doubs was expressed, to have the matter
Mr.. DconrrLE Gsp.l Of wis, presented and asked
for The reading q the document gprportns to be
Mr.. HOWE asked for the signature which wa |
stated TO be David ). walker, Governor OF Florldas
lie objected.
Mr.. HENDRICKS, (dem.) ~ Ind, was In favor OF the
reference to the Judiciary Committee for diTeren
reason. Congress- had no power 10 impose any con-
dillon upon the admission OF these States. In sar
castle vein he asked the reason OF the extra certif
.ale mat ne senator elect presenting himself had re-
~ eost wac not an sdycp,urey3 What was tbe use ]