The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-03-12
EXTRA SESSION OF THE SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March IL.
| Mr.. Clayton, of Arkansas, asked that the
Senate, after the Caldwell case row before
them shall have been disposed of, take up and
| pass upon the questions relating to hlmseiI.
Mr.. Wright of the special committee OF the
late session, introduced a resolution that the
charges against the official conduct OF Powell
| Clayton are not sustained and that the commit
tee be discharged from further consideration OF
| the subject
John B. Gordon, Senator elect from Georgia
was introduced and took the oath of office
Mr.. Ferry introduced a resolution authorlz-
ing the Secretary of State to consider and re-
port as to the expediency of setting apart por-
ton of the Island of Mackinaw for public
park.
Mr.. Salisbury gave notice that he was OPP
posed to all such propositions
MIR. Casserly thought that under proper re-
strictions there could be no objection, where
these reservations were not decided for govern
ment purposes, to convert them into public
parks for the benefit of the people, and such he
believed was the best use to make of them.
Mr.. Hamilton, of Maryland, interposed an
objection to the consideration of the resolution.
Mr.. Ferry, of Mich, said this was mere
question of inquiry.
Mr.. Hamilton remarked that there were va
r:ous other localities just as sacredas the Island
of Mackinaw. A national park was simply
sink hole in which to waste money. The Sen
ate passed the resolution by vote of 81 to 10.
On motion of Mr.. Chandler, the Secretary of
the treasury was requested to furnish the SEN
ate at the next session, information as to how
many superficial feet of clear space is accorded
10 each steerage emigrant on shipboard, and to
nave the atmosphere of such portions of the
ship to which they are assigned chemically an
alyzed by proper and reliable experts, and to
ascertain and report upon the general treat
ment accorded emigrants, and to suggest such
modlhcatons in the existing laws as will assure
the better comfort and treatment of such emil
grants
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
Caldwell case. His statement was read. He
puts his defence upon these grounds: First,
the election of Senator. like the enactment of
law, is the act of the State in its sovereign
capacity and the motives of members voting
cannot be inquired into for the purpose of in
validating it. Second, In judging of the quail
hcatlons, the Senate cannot add to those pre-
scribed by the Constitution; in judging of the
returns the legal requirements cannot be am
plited, and in judging of elections the only
questions to be considered are, was it the Leg
islature of the State that made the election,
was it held at the time and place, and in the
manner prescribed by act of Congress, and did
the certified person receive majority. In this
case these questions are all answered in the
affirmative. Third, Not dollar is traced from
Mr.. Caldwell, or by his authority, or from any
body else to any member of the Legislature as
consideration for his vote.
Mr.. Caldwell concludes by solemnly declar-
ing that he never directly or indirectly, paid or
caused to be paid, dollar or any other thing of
value, or any consideration whatever for any
man s vote for the Senatorshp, and by denounc-
ing the wicked conspiracy against him.
Mr.. Carpenter spoke in defence of Caldwell.
The testimony against him was not such as
would be submitted by count to a juryman as
to Caldwell's guilt. He should vote against
the expulsion of the Senator and ask Senators
before they cast their votes to disgrace him at
least to read and study the testimony He
would ask for Caldwell what he would ask for
any man charged with crime. He would ask
the court to discharge its duty no matter what
might be said by mobs outside.
Without proceeding further in the debate,
the Senate at 2:30 went into executive session
and soon after adjourned.