The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-03-18
EXTRA SESSION OF THE SENATE.
WASHINGTON, d. c., March !

WASHINGTON, d. c., March II,
The Vice President submitted papers and
documents signed by members of the Legisla-
ture of Missouri and Others alleging that there
was corruption in the election of Bogy as Sena-
tor from that State. Referred to the Commit
tee on Elections.
Resolutions enquiring as to the expediency of
altering the rules of the Senate relative to de-
bate, were offered and laid over.
The resolution declaring the seat of Alexan-
der Caldwell, of Kansas vacant was then tax
en- up, and Mr. Salisbury addressed the Senate,
arguing that there was nothing in the prece-
dent that could bind the Senate as to the prop
er course to be pursued in this case. He pre-
ferred the resolution of the Senator from Mis-
sissippi to that reported from the, COMMITTEES.
declaring that Mr.. Caldwell was not duly and
legally elected. If any Senator had obtained
his seat by corrupt influences, the Senate owed
it to itself to see that the body was purged of
such an unworthy member.
AT 12.45 o'clock Senator Boutwell, came into
tina Senate chamber accompanied by Mr.. Sum-
ner. The former took his seat next to the lat
ter gentleman. Mr. Butler temporarily occu-
pied a seat on the right of Mr.. Boutwell,
Senator Sumner presented the credentials of
Mr.. Boutwell,, elected Senator to supply the
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of
Henry Wilson, which were read.
The Vice President requested Mr.. Boutwell,
to come forward, and he did so escorted by
Mr.. Sumner. The Vice President then admin
istered the oath, after which the Vice President
welcomed him by shaking hands, and also with
Mr. Sumner. Mr.. Boutwell, took the only va
can't chair on the extreme left of the chair.
where he was congratulated by many Senators.
Mr.. Pratt argued in favor of the resolution
of the committee, invalidating the election of
MI Caldwell for bribery.
The Senate then went into executive session
When the doors opened, CaldwelPs case was
resumed
Mr.. Bayard said the Senate could ascertain
only whether the Legislature had chosen fine
Senator, and beyond this the Senate could not
60 There was nothing in the pending case
which could justify the passage of the resolu-
lions declaring the election invalid, but the
power of expulsion was clear in vndication of
the honor and dignity of the Senate. He had
come to the conclusion that large sums of
money were paid to secure votes for Mr.. Cald.
well, and Mr.. Caldwell had knowledgs thereof
and so was implicated in the transaction. The
man who committed such an offence was I'm.
worthy OF a seat here. His conduct demanded
his expulsion, with all others like him.
subject before them be disposed of before adj
iournment on Wednesday evening MI. Sher
man doubted whether any order of the Senate
should be taken on the subject.
No further proceedings took place on the
pending question.
Mr. West offered resolution that the select
committee on the levees of the Mississippi
river be allowed 70 set during the recess and to
investigate and report upon the condition O.
the levees of the Mississippi river; also upon
the propriety of the United States Government
assuming charge and control of the same, will
view to their completion and maintenance
Ordered to be printed and laid over.
The Senate then adjourned.