The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-02-15

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,,,Rletter dated Tallahassee, Fla, Fe.
br1ary 8, says:
The MOST unexpected event so far, at
least. as the general public and most Of
the politicians were concerned, and one
whose consequences to the State cannot
yet be accurately estimated. was the inn
pesohment of Governor Reed, which
took place Yesterday. and which was
carried BY the unanimous vote of the
Assembly,
The report Of the special committee
appointed to Investigate the sale of the
Pensacola and Gull Railroad and other
matters, stated in substance that, in the
opinion OF the com mittee, the sale Of the
PENSACOLA and Gulf Railroad WAS illegal
by reason OF the irregular and unau-
thorized proceedings Of the trustees of
the internal Improvement fund at the
time of the ssle The committee then
proceeded to investigate the conduct OF
Governor Reed in connection with this
road after its transfer to the jackson.
vile, Pensacola and Mobile Railroad
company; and after "a very voluminous
synopsis OF the evidence. sum up their
conclusions and charges as follows:
"Your committee charge him fReed)
with u violation Of law, in the immense
over.issue Of bonds upon railroad not
yet constructed.
"His violation of law in issuing one
million of bonds for the purchase Of the
Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Central Rail-
road.
His violation Of law in conspiring in
q fraud In the issue of bonds to the
Jacksonville, Pensacola and Mobile
Railroad Company. will full notice OF the
fraudulent title Of the road and of the
lien existing upon it.
ellis violation of law in obtaining the
Sum Of IS. 500 by corrupt influence, and
attempting to obtain 1928, 900 OF the
proceeds of the sale of bonds.
His violation OF Law in attempting to
Influence a judicial officer of the State
In exercise OF his judicial functions in
connection with these railroads.
"Hls violation Of law in receiving the
sum OF $1,000 to control his official
conduct In the matter of a contract for
internal improvement lands"
The committes closes its report as fol-
lows:
Your committee now close what to
them has been IN irksome, yet an in
valuable task, and in full consideration
OF all the facts in possession OF the COM
mlttee-of the future security and
safety OF tho State-and of our own
deep sense OF accountability, your com
mittee unanimously recommend that
Harrison Reed, Governor, be impeached
for high crimes and misdemeauors aud
lncompetency in Office
The reading OF this report created the
most lntense excitement on the floor and
in the lobby.
MIR. Cessna, of Alchua, Immediately
offered a resolution of impeachment, and
the question being called for, the previ-
Gus question was ordered nn6 every
member voted ''aye." Mr.. Cessna then
moved to reconsider and to lay the mo.
ton to reconsider on the table. and this
motion was also carried by unanimous
vote.
A committee was then appointed to
draw mp articles of impeachment and
present the same to the Senate, and the
Assembly then adjourned.
While these proceedings we're occupy
ing the Assembly, the Senate, uncon.
sclous OF what was taking place, ad-
lourned to o'clock in the afternoon.
AT O'Clock the Senate met, several pro-
minent Democratic leaders being con.
spicuous on til. floor, and as soon as the
roll was called, Mr.. Henderson moved to
adjourn to O'Clock Saturday afternoon,
which motion was carried by vote of
twelve to seven, Messrs. Billings and
Psarce voting with the Democrats in
favor OF adjournment.
The cause OF this sudden adjournment
was the utter bewilderment of the De-
mocratic Senators and their inability to
understand the events of the morning.
They therefore desired time in order to
investigate the situation and decide upon
their course. There appears to be no
question that the Governors impeach.
ment WIS not the result OF any political
combinations. but was the almost spon
tsneons action Of the Assembly, ire
spective OF political considerations, and
forced upon them by what appeared to
be the overwhelming force Of the IT port.
This is apparent from the fact that both
Democrats and Republicans voted to-
gether, and from the further fact that
the result was utterly unexpected to the
Dem ocratic leaders outside and in oppo.
sition to their political plans.
The excitement is gradually subsiding,
and matters will now probably take their
natural course. It il reporfrd to.nioht