New-York tribune., 1873-03-19
u. s. SENATE-SPECIAL SESSION.


Senator BoGY Dem., Mo- said that during
his absence yesterday a memorial presented from
certain members OF the Missouri Legislature asking the
Senate to investigate charges of improper means,
bribery and corruption in the procurement Of his cleo
tion He then proceeded to relate the circumstances
under which he was elected In that contest IL
alleged money had been used but at no time he or
his distinguished competitor charged with using money
large fortune was charged with having made up his
mind TO buy the seat lmmedhtely a1ter ms
the House OF Representatives for the appoint
ment of a committee OF five to inquire whether
election After nearly one month the Committee made
lengthy report in which it said there was no ey-
dence directly indirectly 20 crminae the senator
elect Bogy) and fully exOnerated him. The Committee
found that member Of the General Assembly re-
ceived money directly indirectly to influence his vote
his the Committee extended the nyestIga-
morn nS and aSed to be dshaTred This matter
thought ended hat 1t appeared some OF the RepnD
for an investigation. This memorial was in general
terms IL did not say anything could DC proved ms
was a matter of great Importance Here State
which had as bright record, and whose escutcheon
clear of stain as any other state ana therefore
he might well claim, right due to hmselt ana the
state that the Senate take up the case. If he
had any reputation for anything above tanotheT u was
that he was an ardent politician he had never been
charged with corruption He did not ke 10 De hela up
before the country a who had obtained his seat
here by improper means He could not Vote 10 eHR os
subject Investigation. Under these circumstances he
should suspend his functions on all such questions.
THE CALDWELL CASE.
Tho senate then resumed the consideration Of the
Caldwell case.
Mr. NORWOOD Dem, Ga) argued that In THIS case
Senators shOnld judge OF the law only They had no
right TO consider anything else No partisan eonsdera
tion should enter into the No fear as 10 any
prospective danger to the rights OF the minority snVu
be considered conclusion, he said the senate hh
the perfect and absolute pow TO declare NOu an
election procured by bribery and fraud ana remit 'hc
matter 10 the State for a new election. . .,
Mr. THURMAN Dem., OhOl said the result OF bls eA
ANIMATION of the testimony was that The election Oh MI
Caldwell was thoroughly corrupt. lie had examines
much evidence In his time, and never nad no seen .F
dence 40 conclusive and damDDg as this lie 1Ouhd lne
COMMITTEE on Privileges and Elections unanimously
reported the most material facts. A.. . n nam -
Mr. CARPENTER QRcp., Wis., replied that as mem
her of the Comittee he dissented from the hndng OF
the facts but had not me 10 write dlssenuhg report
Mr. THJJRMAN did not deny what the Senator said,
but Inc found the facts in the report upon when tbey
were called To act, IL they dd not turn out man
whose election wes procured by fraud, or declare .ne
vacant until they obtained stronger testimony ne
power 10 do 80 might as well be stricken from tne oon
sttuOn. The legal argument was In harrow comP"ss
The Senate has the power under the constitution 10 10
judge OF the election, qualifications ana returns ol ~.
members and therefore it could not DC Eolalon W VI
State nights 10 exercise the power conferred III tna' III
sIrument.
No further debate took place.
TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN THE INTERIOR AND ThE sEA-
BOARD.
hr. WINDOW Hep, hnn) offered a resolution thai