New Orleans Republican., 1871-05-31
Senatorial Dignity Deranged.

This is a special [ q the 81. LOUIS DemO
crat:
WASHINGTON, May 25.-After to-day's
proceedings, it may be said that the Sena-
torial dignity is deranged, beyond all hope
of surgery, from investigating correspond
ents. The abilities of Senators for this
kind of business were turned in another
direction, and many secrets of the execu-
tive sessions were brought to light in open
debate which would probably have other
wise forever remained undiscovered.
The first thing after the Senate assembled
this morning, Mr.. Wilson offered a resolu-
ton releasing the correspondents from Gus
tody at the end of the session. This caused
some little discussion, which was suddenly
cut short by motion from Mr.. Cameron to
90 into executive session.
- After three hours had been spent in
finishing up executive business, the doors
were again thrown open, and the Senate
proceeded to vindicate its outraged dignity.
The investigating committee submitted
report containing all the voluminous testi-
mony taken during the examination, which
Mr.. Carpenter insisted should be read. At
ter the reading had progressed for about
one hour, its further progress was inter
rupted by motion to lay it on the table,
which was finally adopted by 6l to l9.
Mr.. Wilson then called up his resolution
to the effect that the correspondents be dis
charged forthwith. The sentiment elected
in the running debate which took place on
this resolution was SO strongly in favor
thereof. and so denunciatory of the course
which had been pursued toward the recall
citrant correspondents, that Messrs. Conk-
ling and Carpenter felt called upon to ex-
plain their reasons for pursuing this investi-
cation with so much vigor. This explana-
ton appeared to be rendered doubly neces-
sary from the fact that Messrs. Trumbull,
Sumner and Garrett Davis have all along
been in favor of dropping the whole subject,
especially when it appeared that the copy
of the treaty used was not Senate docu-
ment.
Mr.. Conkling's explanation was entirely
personal, and went to show that he did not
ask for the investigation and had taken no
interest in it, and that it was immaterial
to him what course the Senate should ulti-
mately adopt in the matter.
Mr.. Carpenter being little unwell,
although in his seat, Mr.. 7Conkling acted as
spokesman, and explained for him to the
same effect.
The impression produced by these expla-
nations was very pleasant, until Mr.. Wilson
rudely destroyed the harmony by denying
the truth of the statement. The latter
Senator stated that the original resolution
offered in executive session, calling for in
vestigation, was drawn up by Conkling and
proposed by Carpenter.
This disclosure caused a regular sensa-
ton, and COnkling, who was out at the
time, was sent for to reply to it. He came
in, evidently i'll a towering passion, and
made very effective half hours speech as
far as manner was concerned, but failed to
controvert the facts as alleged by Wilson.
He commenced by declaring that mas
much as Mr.. Wilson had violated faith by
revealing executive proceedings, he would
do the same to vindicate himself let the
consequences be what they might. With
this defiant outburst, he proceeded to drag
in others on whom, he claimed, rested the
responsibility of the investigation fully as
much as upon himself He named several
Senators in this connection, who, at the first
opportunity, got the floor and disclalmed
the burden placed gratuitously upon their
shoulders.
Feeling that unwittingly he had been the
cause of all this bad feeling, Mr.. Wilson
rose to apologize for having made the reve
latiCns at which SO much ctftnse had been
taken, and SO much bad blood aroused.
For his part he was willing to share in
the responsibility Of ordering the investiga
ton.
Others followed in the same strain, and
the responsibility being shifted to the shoul
ders Of the entire Senate, and the burden
taken, as far as circumstances would per-
nit, from the only two members of the
committee, something like good feeling was
restored.
1t being at a late hour when all these ex-
plantations lad been finished, the Senate
adjourned until eleven o'clock tomorrow
morning. when it is understood Mr.. Car
penter, ii not unwell, viii have something
to say on hls own account.
Mr. Wilson's resolution releasing the cor
respondents nom custody will undoubtedly
then hc PASSED 10y Il large majority, and the
Senate then adjourn sine die