Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-02-26
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.
SENATE.

w ASH1NGTON, FeD. 70.
SENATE.
Mr.. SUMNER read some half dozen dis
patches, sent by Minister Haryey,in March,
1861, to Mr.McGrath and others, OF Charles
ton, informing them of the intended action
of the administration relative to reinforc-
ing Fort Sumter. The letters were obtain
ed from the Secretary of War. A letter of
explanation from Mr.. Harvey was also
read.
Mr.. CHANDLER presented communi-
cation 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 SYM
pathize with treason and rebellion.
Before the reading was concluded, Messrs.
Hendricks and johnson objected.
The CHAIR put the question on the re-
ception of the paper, and the Senate re-
fused to receive it.
Mr.. CAMERON presented the petition
of citizens of Pennsylvania for change in
the warehousing system.
Mr.. HARLAN introduced bill exempt
ing property in the District of Columbia,
held for school purposes, from taxation.
Mr.. WILEY presented a bill for the in
corporation OF religious societies in the
District of Columbia. Referred.
On motion of Mr.. WILLIAMS, the bill
to provide for proper settlement of public
accounts, was Caken up, ana alter discus
sion, was passed as amended.
On motion of Mr.. EDMUNDS, the bill
regulating the presentation of bills to the
President of the United States and return
of the same. which was under considera-
tion yesterday, was again taken up.
Mr.. DAVIS opposed the bill, claiming
that the President had right to cOnstrue
the Constitution for himself.
At quarter past one o'clock. while Mr..
Davis was speaking, Representatives Ste
vens, of Pennsylvania, 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 hal in charge.
The doorkeeper announced committee
from the House of Representatives, who
were recognized by the presiding officer.
Mr.. STEVENS then said: In obedience
to the order of the House of Representa-
tives, we appear before you in the name of
the House of Representatives, and of all the
people of the United States. We do i'm
peach Andrew johnson, President of the
United States, of high crimes and misde-
meanors in office, and we further inform
the Senate that the House of Representa-
tives will, in due time, exhibit articles
against him and make good the same, and
in their name we demand that the Senate
take an order for the appearance of Andrew
johnson to answer said impeachment.
The presiding officer (Wade) replied that
the Senate would take action in the premi-
ses.
Mr.. HOWARD desired to offer resolu-
tion in connection with the matter.
Mr.. DAVIS objected, and wished to con-
tinue his remarks.
Mr.. HOWARD said the Senator was out
of order, as this was privileged question
and of prior consideration.
Mr.. DAVIS maintained that no question
could interpose for consideration while he
occupied the floor, unless he chose, out OF
courtesy, to give way.
Mr.. HOWARD said the subject matter
of this question was of great Importance,
and demanded more immediate attention
than the matter which the Senator from
Kentucky was discussing.
Mr.. DAVIS, rather excitedly, said he
was entitled to the floor and would hold it,
and no gentleman had any claim to address
the Senate while he was speaking to the
bill under discussion.
Mr.. .EDMUNDS said he admitted the
| right OF the Senator from Kentucky to the
! floor, but he questioned the propriety of
his asserting his right to it under the pres
ent circumstances.
Mr.. DAVIS said if the Senate decided he
was not entitled to the floor, of course he
should give way but if it decided other
| wise, he should exercise the privilege of
waving his claim or not, as be saw fit.
The CHAIR put the question to the Sen
ate, and it was decided that the Senator had
a right to the floor.
Mr.. DAVIS said as the question was now
settled he would give way to Mr.. Howard.
[Laughter.l
While this discussion was proceeding.
Mr.. STEVENS 5 occupied chair at the end
of the middle aisle of the chamber, sur
rounded by large number of Representa-
tives, who had come over from the House
/ 60 xxyif Ia nlyn IN,
| but fixed a steady eye on Mr.. Davis.
When Mr.. DAVIS gave way, the House
offered the following resolution:
Resolued. That the message from the
House of Representatives, relating to the
| impeachment of Andrew johnson, be re-
4 ferred to a select committee of seven, to
consider and report.
| Mr.. BAYARD said the Senate had nc
| constitutional jurisdiction to appoint Sc
1 lect committee for this case, and concluded
| that it could only resolve itself into high
court to impeach, the Chief Justice of the
| Supreme Court presiding. 1t had no right,
he maintained. to anticipate the trial of a
case of impeachment by reporting mes
sage of the House.
The resolution was put by the Chair and
carried, after which Mr.. Stevens and a
great number of the Representatives
present on the floor took their departure.
! Mr.. PATTERSON, of N. H., next took
the floor on tine reconstruction bill. and
read long address relating to the political
situation at the South.
4 The Senate, on motion of Mr.. T.RUM NJ
BULL. took up the supplementary Recon
struction bill. allowing majority of votes
cast to decide elections, and registered
voters to vote many part OF State. Aftel
debate, Buckalew's amendment, requiring
a residence of ten days in the district be-
/ fore election. was agreed to.
4 ant
adding the words son affidavit or Other
satisfactory evidence" alter the require
ment of the voters certificate of registra-
ton. Without this provision he claimed
half the electors would be practically dis
franchised. 1t was agreed to.
Mr.. SHERMAN moved as an additiona
section, the following:
| Be it further enacted, That the constitu
tional convention of any of the States
amendatory, may provide that at the time
of voting on ratifying the constitution thu
registered voters may vote also for mem
bers of the House of Representatives o
the United States, and for all elective Off
GERS provided for in said constitution, ant
the said election officers who shall maxi
the return of votes cast on ratification o
rejection of the constitution shall enumer
ate and certify the votes cast for member
lof Congress. Agreed to.
The bill was then passed.
The Chair appointed as the select com
imittee called for by Mr.. Howard's resolu
tion on impeachment, Messrs. Howard
Trumbull, ConkliDg, Edmunds, Morton
POmeroy and johnson.
1 Adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Under call of States a large number o
bills and Joint resolutions were introduced
and referred, including the following: II
/ limit the liability OF common carriers be