Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-01-10

SENATE.
| Several petitions were presented, includ-
| ing one for an appropriation for the benefit
of the heirs of DR.. Morton, the ether discov-
| erer. Also a memorial from the American
Temperance Mission.
Mr.. Scott made special report from the
| joint ku-Klux committee, involving the
question of privilege. He said the commit
tee in investigating the condition of affairs in
Arkansas, found no Ku,Klux outrages in that
State for more than two years, but testimony
was given by two witnesses from Arkansas,
named Wheeler and Whipple, duplicating
one Senator from that State, Clayton and
member Of the House, (Edwards,) which
evidence the committee thought it their duty
to lay before the Senate, so that the Senator
implicated might have an opportunity to
move for an investigation.
The testimony charges that, Clayton while
Governor of Arkansas, made bargain with
the democratic members of the legislature to
disregard the regular returns of election for
members Of Congress in the district now rep
resented by Edwards. and give Edwards the
certificate, although Boles was really elected;
and that in consideration for this was prom
Use of the democrats to vote for him for L.. S.
Senator.
Mr. Scott in submitting the report, said if
the charges were found true, it would be the
duty of the Senate to consider whether the
Senator from Arkansas was a fit person to
bold a scat in the Senate; and if on the con
trary they were untrue, the Senator was en-
titled to have them investigated and himself
eXhonorated
Clayton-I suppose under the rules This re-
port will have to lie over one day.
Vice Presdent-lt would.
Clayton-Ihen sir. as | ala the Senator
,.,,f Il ,
this imputation one day longer than can pos
sibly be avoided, ask the unanimous CON
sent to proceed at once 10 the consideration
of the report
No objection was made, and Mr.. CLAYTON
reed long address, reviewing the evidence
Of Wheeler and Whippie and. vindicating in
detail his own acts as Governor of Arkansas.
He described Whipple as foreman OF the L.
S. Grand Jury, and Wheeler United States
District Attorney, who moved only as others
pulled the wires. He said the charges as
well as his ind mt by the grand jury,
were made pa; t a systematic persecu-
ton, to which lie had been subjected by enc
mics at home.
At the expiration Of the morning hour the
amnesty bill came up as unfinished business
but on motion Of Mr.. Summer it was made
the special order for Monday, ard Mr.. Clay
ton continued his remarks.
In conclusion, lie asked the Senate to APP
point special committee to investigate the
charges.
On motion of Mr.. Wright, 4 res solution was
adopted TO refer the matter to special com
mittee Of three, with power to report upon
the charges against Clayton.
Mr.. Conkling gave notice that on Thurs
day he should call the pending Join; reso.u-
ton, (Sumner's) to limit the President TO one
term, and would address the Senate on the
subject.
Mr.. Morrill, moved to take up the concur
rent resolution. ACCEPTING TIE statue Of Roger
Williams presented by the State of Rhode
Island.
Mr.. Sprague in brief address, presented
the statue in the name and on behalf of Rhode
Island.
Mr.. Anthony delivered an address on the
same subject, and the concurrent resolution
was adopted.
Mr.. Thurman moved to take up the pend
ing resolution to admit Mr.. Goldthwaite of
Alabama to a seat. Pending the investigation
of the validity of his election, and in response
to the question by Mr.. Conkling, said that it
was the unanimous Judgment of the commit
tee on elections that the resolution should
pass. The resolution was then adopted
Mr.. Morton called up the resolution to pay
Foster Blodgett of Georgia, late contestant
for seat in the Senate. the usual compensa-
ton. Adopted.
A bill was introduced by Mr.. Wilson au.
thorizing the appointment of a superintend-
ent Of national cemeteries.
Mr.. Pomeroy introduced bill to enable
honorably discharged soldiers and their
widows and orphans to acquire homesteads.
Adjourned.