Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-01-10
CONGRESSIONAL.
Ku.Klux Charges against Clayton
A Special Investigation Ordered.
Amnesty Special Order Monday.
CONGRESSIONAL.
SENATE.

OANAA6s
WASHINGTON, Jan 9.-Several petitions
were presented including one for an appro-
priation to benefit the heirs of DIR. Morton,
ether discoverer. Also memorial of the
American Temperance Mission for a Ma
tional prohibitory law. v.s,g--
Clayton ON the Defensive.
Mr.. Scott made special report from the
Joint Ku-Klux Committee involving ques-
ton of privilege. He said that the Com
mittee IN investigating the affairs of Ar
kansas had found that these Ku-Klux
outrages were alleged to have occurred in
that State for more than two years, but in
cidentally testimony had been given by two
witnesses from Arkansas, named Wheeler
and Whipple, duplicating one of the Sena-
tors of that State, Clayton, and a member
of the House, Edwards, which evidence the
committee laid before the Senate, so the
Senator implicated might move an investi-
cation.
The testimony charges that Claytonwhen
Governor made a bargain with the Dem
oeratic members of the Legislatures to dis
regard the regular returns of the election
for member of Congress in the district now
represented by Edwards, and give Edwards
buC CCIbluCdbC Ol DOltS
was really elected;that in consideration for
this there was promise that the Democrats
would vote for him for United States Sena-
tor.
Mr.. Scott said if the charges were found
true it would be the duty of the Senate to
consider whether the Senator from Akan-
sas was fit person to hold a seat in the
Senate; TINT if they were untrue the Sena-
tor was entitled to have them investigated
and himself exonerated.
Clayton-I suppose, under the rules, this
report have to lie over one day.
Vice President-It would.
Clayton-Then, sir, as l am the Senator
implicated, and as do not desire to lay I'M
der this imputation enc day longer than can
possibly be avoided, ask unanimous
consent to proceed at Ouce to the considera-
ton of the report.
No objection being made, Clayton read a
long address reviewing the evidence of
Wheeler and Whipple, and vindicating his
conduct as Governor. He described Whip
pie as a foreman of a United States grand
jury, which was a mere political machine,
and Wheeler, the United States Attorney,
as a mere factotum, who moved only as
others pulled the wires. He said these
charges, as well as his Indictment by the
grand jury, were made as part Of system
attic persecution to which he had been sub
jected by his enemies.
After the expiration of the morning hour
the amnesty bill came up, but it was made
the special order for Monday next.
Mr.. Clayton continued his remarks, and
in conclusion asked the Senate to appoint a
special committee to investigate the charges
against him.
On motion of Mr.. Wright, a resolution
was adopted to refer the matter to a special
committee of three with power to send for
persons and papers, and report upon the
charges against Mr.. Clayton.
One Term.
Mr.. Conkling gave notice that on Thurs
day he would call up his joint resolution to
limit the President to one term.
The Senate accepted the Roger William
statue.
GOIdthWaite-BIOd
On motion of Mr. Thurman a resolution
was passed admitting GOldthwaite, of Ala
bama, to his seat, pending the investigation
of the validity of his election.
On motion of Mr.. Morton a resolution
was passed to pay Foster Blodgett, of Geor-
gia, the usual expenses while contesting a
seat.
The Senate adjourned.