Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-03-21

Mr. Dawes objected TO the tone of the gentle
man in charging him with making up an issue,
when, heretofore, the house had passed reso-
luton, by large majority, almost similar, and
with like purpose.
Mr. Hoar inquired why Kentucky had been
excluded from the inquiry.
Mr. Dawes replied that he followed the reso-
luton as it has been received from the senate.
Mr.. Butler, of Massachusetts, said he saw,
from the newspapers, that the democratic eau
Gus had suggested such an amendment as his
colleague had offered, and had submitted it to
his colleague.
Mr. Dawes replied that his colleague knew
more about the affairs of the democratic party
than he did.
Mr.. Buter-"And they knew more aboutyour
affairs than do"
Mr.. Dawes-"T knew nothing about what
took place in the democratic caucus, nor has
anything been submitted 10 me"
Mr.. Butler-"l saw it in the newspapers
Mr.. Dawes replied that he had seen, in demo-
cratic newspapers, statements more acceptable
TO his colleague than this.
Mr.. Shellabarger said rs the senate would
keep the house here several days, they could
employ their time usefuly in debate Nothing
could be more useful to them, as legislators,
than fair and thorough discussion.
Mr.. Butler of Massachusetts said the public
mindwas sufficiently instructed to know the leg
islation necessary. They already had report
from the senate committee, and there were gem
tlemen on the floor from the south who could
tell how the matter stood. If the committee
could be appointed and 70 south, such state
OF things existed as to peril the life of any loyal
man who should come before it, and the mo-
ment the committee was withdrawn he would
be driven from the country; whereas, the dem
ocrats could bring southern democrats before
the committee, whose testimony the committee
would be bound to report, as giving the true
condition of affairs, because they could report
nothing else. He thought the democrats acted
wisely in establishing this committee. A sim
gular spectacle was exhibited; that resolution
was to be forced through the house without de-
bate, except, perhaps, by the courtesy of five
minutes debate, but without examination. 1t
was TO be forced through, with the aid Of the
votes of the democrats, and then be followed
with motion to adjourn sine die. When he
proposed his bill he offered long debate, but
this did not meet with favor
Mr.. Dawes deprecated all appeals to party in
this matter, and thought members should rise
above party in acting on question of peace
like this. He would do nothing to add to the
partisan flame. If Gen. Butler had anything
practicable he would support it, but he believed
discussion led both houses away from the shore
and into a troubled sea and dark night He
believed a committee could be selected which
would command respect and confidence, and
that after their report congress would be better
able to act.
He argued that he who attempted to ap-
peal to party considerations, in view of the
gravest question which could meet them, came
short Of the full measure of his duty, and he who
set himself up for some particular measure and
came here saying "Out Caesar, dUt RuJiUS," would
in his, Dawes, apprehension fail in working out
the problem which was found in this congress,
as to whether, out OF all this debris and disin-
tegratlon, they were competent to rebuild this
Union. They could pass the resolution first,
with all propriety, and then 90 on and debate
any bill which may afford the required remedy.
.Hr. Dawes substitute for the senate Concur
rent resolutiUd wac .N.s,., 80 .n'''e peSOlvc3,
that joint committee of seven senators and
fourteen representatives be appointed, whose
duty it shall be to inquire into the condition of
the late insurrectonary states, so far as regards
the execution of the laws and the safety Of the
lives and property of citizens Of the United
States, with leave to report, at any time during
the next or any subsequent session of congress,
the result Of their investigation TO either or
both houses OF congress, with such recommends
tons as they may deem expedient and
said committee be authorized TO employ
clerks aud stenographers; to sit during
the recess; TO send for persons and
papers; TO administer oaths and take testimony );
to visit at their discretion, through sub-com-
mittees, any portions of said states during the
recess of congress, and all expenses of said COM
mittees shall be paid out of the contingent fund
Of the senate, upon vouchers approved by the
chairman of said committee"
The resolution, under the operation of the
previous question, passed-127 TO 60.
Among the negatives were Messrs. Bingham,
Brooks of Massachusetts, Butler of Massachu-
sets, Garfield, Hoar, Hooper, Kelley, Shellabar-
ger, Sprague, Stevenson, and Twicbell.
Mr.. Butler, after the vote was announced =,
said "Now let Mr.. Wheeler introduce his reso-
luton TO adjourn without day."
Mr.. Wheeler-"If see it is right to be done,
| shall do it,"
Mr.. Pierce introduced bill, to remove all
political and legal disabilities, with the excep-
tion of four specified classes.
The house refused to suspend the rules for its
cOnsideration-95 to SO.
Mr.. Wheeler said, lest the gentleman from
Massachusetts should fall out of the line of the
prophets, he would offer the following resolu-
ton: Claughter) Resolved, that the president,
the senate and the speaker of the house be au-
thorized to close the present session on the 23d
of March, instant"
Mr.. Butler-'I withdraw all objections to all
motions to print made this morning"
Mr.. CoX-"I congratulate the house that the
gentleman has come around in favor of amneS-
ty."
Mr.. Wheeler's resolution was adopted-121 to
Stand the house adjourned.