Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-03-06
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.

In the SENATE, on the Z0tn, speecnes were
made by several members on Louisiana affairs.
The agricultural college bill was sent to the
committee on conference. In the House, the
Credit Mobilier business occupied the entire
day. Speeches were made on the proposition
to expel Brooks and Ames. Ames had his
defence prepared in writing, which was read
from the Speakers desk by the Clerk. 1t is
a lengthy and well-written paper, said to have
been prepared by Caleb Gushing, and gives
and elaborate history of the rise and progress
of the Union Pacific Railroad Company.
Ames denies all corruption, declaring that his
transactions were not with the secrecy that
attests corrupt motives. He wound up by
saying that if sacrificed, he should appeal
with unfaltering confidence to history, for
that vindication which it is proposed to deny
him here The debate was continued in the
night.
In the Senate, on the 26th, after tabling an
amendment opening all the regiments of the
army to the enlistment of colored men, the
army appropriation bill was passed. The
House bill paying southern claimants was re-
ported without recommendation, and went on
the calendar. Utah matters were discussed.
In the House, the resolution expelling Brooks
and Ames occupied the day. The House was
thronged with eager visitors, and the debate
was much more earnest and imposing than on
the day before. Brooks and Ames were pres
ent, the former looking Somewhat worsted,
and the latter extremely detected, which was
increased by palor and feebleness incident to
recent sickness. Mr.. Beck made the first
speech. He denounced the Credit Mobilier
business from beginning to end, but declined
to make any distinction in men, and while he
thought Brooks and Ames both cul pable alike,
he thought other men were not guiltless. He
took the ground that the House had no right
to expel members for acts committed prior to
their election, and referred, among other cases,
to G. G. Bowen and John Morissey, who we're
charged with various crimes, and yet the
House refused to take note Of acts committed
before their election. Mr.. VOORHEES, made an
earnest defence of Brooks, whose long life of
usefulness he highly eulogized. Mr.. Banks
made lengthy speech, which is characterized
by letter.writers as the best effort he ever
made in the House. He denounced the con-
centration of wealth to control legislation,
which, he said, though invisible, was then at
that moment hearing every word that was
said, and seeing every move. He supported
the report of the Select Committee, and as
serted that Congress must protect itself from
the influence of wealthy corporations, which
now permeate the atmosphere of the Capitol.
At the night session Butler spoke in favor of
Ames, his speech, as reported, abounding in
special pleading, sharp criticism of the report
and hits at the Committee. His effort is re-
garded as the argument of sharp criminal
lawyer, and Oakes Ames as his client. He
spoke for nearly two hours and was followed
by Shellabarger, in legal argument in sup
port of the Committees report. Mr.. Wilson
also spoke in favor of the Committees posi-
tion.
In the Senate, on the 9th, Louisiana af-
fairs occupied the greater part of the day.
Speeches ere made on three points-one up
holding Kellogg as Governor; another in sup
port Of McEnry, and another in favor of or
dering new election. The debate was Bit
ter. The (Senate) Credit Mobilier Committee
reported resolutions expelling Senator Pat
terson, of New Hampshire. There was no
resolution regarding Senator Harlan, and the
Committee report that they have no jurisdic-
tion over Vice-President Colfax. In the
House, according to previous understanding,
Judge Poland proceeded to close the debate
on the resolution to expel Brooks and Ames.
Before Poland commenced his speech, howev-
er, Mr.. Sargent, of California, offered reso-
luton that inasmuch as the offences charged
were committed more than four years ago, and
that as serious doubts exist as to the power of
Congress to punish offences committed before
individuals became members, that the House
onlv condemn the conduct of Ames and Brooks.