Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-26
Congressional Proceedings ;.
Washington, D. G.. Feb. 25.

VasulnGtOn, -. -. teD. 70.
HOUSE.
The debate continued on the expulsion of
Mr.. Bowen.
Mr. Beck OF Kentucky, said he wanted to
ask Mr. Poland one question as to the point
he was discussing. They had both been
members of Congress when Mr.. Bowen of
South Carolina presented himself to be sworn
in as member. Mr.. Mullen of Tenn, had
risen that Bowen, while major in the con
federate army, had killed his Col, for which
ne was arrested, tried and imprisoned. That
while in prison the federal army came along
and broke his letters. That he then became
loyal citizen, and Gen. Sicklss had told him
(Mullen) that Bowens conduct had been so
bad that he had incarcerated him again. The
man was known to be bigamist, yet he had
been sworn in and no members of the house
ever moved to expel him. He (Poland) was
member Of the House at the time, and had
not made such move. He himself Beck
had thought the House disgraced by the pres
ence Of men, white and black, of infamous
character sent to Congress from the Southern
States, but the trouble was, the power or
right to expel them.
Mr. Poland did not see the precious points
OF Mr.. Beck's question. He might as well
ask it of himself as of him.
Mr.. Beck.-The gentleman argues that the
House has clear jurisdiction over the past
conduct OF members prior to their election.
Mr.. Poland had not the lightest doubt Of it..
When the question as to Bowen was raised,
it had been raised prematurely. Being muir
derer did not make ineligible as a member Of
Congress. The votes cast for him had to be
counted, and he had got to be admitted, but
as soon as he had got his seat it was the duty
OF the other members Of the House to expel
him, and if what was alleged against Bowen
was true, he ought to have expelled.
Mr.. Poland then proceeded to discuss the
report made by Mr.. Butler of Mass, yester.
day, and denied that that there was any pre-.
cedent in parliamentary law for the assump-
ton on that report On the contrary, with
the little search he was able to make, he had
found in English parliamentary history two
cases subsequent to that of Wilkes One the
case of Ward charged with forgery, the other
that of Atkins, charged with perjury, who
were both expelled from the House of Com
mons, the offences having been committed
before the election. The had never been a
question raised in the English Parliament as
to las power to eNpel unworthy members, no
matter when their offences were committed.
MIR. Eldridge Of Wis.-Does the gentle
man claim that Congress has the some power
as the British Parliament?
MT. Polano.-Certalnly do.
The half hour extension of time having
come to an end, it was proposed by some of
the members that the time be again extend
ed.
Mr.. Butler.-The gentleman Poland said
tlat he would divide his time
Mr.. Poland
Mr.. Bntler.-If lie goes on much longer it
would he dividing eternity. (Roars Of laugh
teri l object to his going on.
Several n1embers.-Oh, no. Do not oh.
jecs.
Mr.. Butler.-I withdraw the objection.
Mr.. Slocum Il object on the ground that
there are fifteen or twenty members who de-
sire TO speak.
Mr.. Poland.-If the gentlemen will with
draw his objection, was about to say that l
did not desire any further extension of time,
daughter at Mr.. Slocums expense as
shall have the opportunity to close the de.
bate.
The Speaker.-The gentleman from Mass,
who is affected by this resolution (Ames), de-
sires to address the House, and sends TO the
clerks desk his remarks to be read. They
will be read by the clerk.
Mr.. Mcpherson then proceeded with great
elocutionary power to read an argument by
or for Mr.. Ames, who occupied one Of the
front seats, and with his head resting on his
hand, watched attentively the effect on the
audience. Some of the keen hits in the ar.
gument elected whispered comments of ap-
prevail and occasional laughter. 1t was list
ened TO throughout with the greatest atten-
ton.
Mr.. Ames remarks concluded as follows;
These then are my offences-that l have
risked reputation, fortune, everything, in an
enterprise of incalculable benefit to the gov
eminent, from which the capital of the world
shrank. That have sought to strengthen
the work thus rashly undertaken by invoking
the charitable Judgment of the people upon
its obstacles and endorsements. That |
had friends, some of them in official life, with
whom have been willing to share advanta-
geous opportunities of investment. That
have kept TO the truth, through good and evil
report, denying nothing, concealing nothing,
receiving nothing. Who will say that alone
am to be offered up sacrifice 10 appease
public clamor or eXpiate the sins OF othcrsf
Not until such an offering in made. will be-
lieye it possible, but if this body shall so or
der it. that it can be purified by the choice Of
single victim, l shall accept its madate, APP
pealing with unfalterng confidence to the i'm
partial verdict of history for that vinllication
" hich it is proposed 10 deny me here.
The peraration was splenddly real SO
that even the sensiblities of Mr.. AmeS him
self could not be restrained sufficiently to
keep the tears from suifiasins his eyes, and
it was received with hnlt suppressed murmnrs
of appreciation all over the house. The read
ing closed at half past two.
Mr.. Potter of N. Y, revertng to the two
precedents cited by Mr. Poland, remarked
that though the persons referred to were ex-
PEELED for acts committed before their cleo
lions, yet they had been indicted for them
during the sitting of Parliament.
Mr.. Farnsworth Of ILL.,; rose and proceed
ed to argue in favor of the accused and
against the conclusions of the select commit
tee. What he asked was the statement of
the committee against Cakes Ames. First,
that he bribed his friends. Second, that
they did not know tina. they were brbed.
Third, that they were not affected by the
bribery; and fourth that neither Ames or the
persons bribed knew what they were to DO or
abstain from doing. And yet this committee
had concluded its report by charging that
Ames was guilty of bribery because he made
these sales Of stock. He (Farnsworth) could
not so understand the law Of bribery. In
the first place one man could not commit
bribery any more than one man could commit
a conspiracy, or more than one person could
commit matrimony. (Laughter.) 1t re-
Qured two parties. Again, there could not