Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-31
stewards Congressional Debut.

HOW HE TRIED TO PUEGE HrMsEIF, AND
DIDNT-A FULL HOUSE AND No EMPTY
LrE'-SoE LECTURES THR HOUSE As TO IT'S
DuTTEs-HE WARNS THAT EODY TO "a Be
wARE!!!P'-THES CoSsIGN HIN TO THE TEN
DER MERQEs OF oRDwAY.
Mr.. J0eeph b. Stewart, the contumacious
witness, who had the honor of making his dkbst
IN Congress yesterday 10 purge himself Of con-
tempt, spoke with considerable force for an
hour, and had large and appreciative audi
members, being on the floor, while the galleries
were crowded. Among those on the floor were
Secretary Robson, Gen. Ambrose Z. Burnside,
g nntant 1she ns Uramo S seymour Ut ~. ~
$3.50 ,O0o;) Augustus Schell, Of New York; j. NJ.
Ashley, and several Senators who had
CONE OVER To SEE THE SHOW.
When Stewart and Ordway came down the
aisle towards the Speakers desk, a page ac-
eompanied them, bearing an armful Of ponder
Gus law books, which he deposited i'm q chair
doomed up in front Of the Speaker. Journalist
In the reporters gallery remarked soto roce, and
In dramatic manner, closely watching joe
meanwhile" This Is the proudest moment of
me he! stewart began speaking in a slow,
deliberate manner, hut his voice soon swelled
In volume until il filled every part of the hall
and galleries. Warming with his subject, he
Saxed vehement at times, and occasionally
struck the desk near him violently with the
back Of his hand. He seems to fully under
stand the value of
in oratory, and in speaking kept his body and
arms in constant motion. While speaking of the
sacred rights of citizens guaranteed them by
the constitution, and which cannot be interfcred
with even by so august body as the Congress
OF the United States, warning the House to be-
ware how they trife with the privileges and
lmmunities Of American citizens, he evidently
roused the ire of many members, and earnest
colloquies ensued, the opinion seeming to be
pretty general that he was abusing the privilege
granted him of purging himself of contempt by
featuring the House as to its duties. The Speak
er, however. was inclined to put a liberal con-
struction on the order adopted by the House,
and In reply to inquiries as to how long Joe
would be allowed to crate, said Zone hour. -
The PerOrati0n of Mr.. Stewart was very impress
sive. ending with MAY God preserve and per-
petuate the constitution Of the Upited States,
At the conclusion Of his speech the House pro-
cteded to discuss the question,
"wHAT SMALL WE DO WITH HIM?''
After considerable debate, and an effort on the
part Of Mr.. Sargent, of California. to have
stewart committed to jail the resolution of Mr.
prevailed. 1t was to the effect that the question
originally propOunded TO the witness be asked
him by the Speaker, and, in case he refused to
Sergeant alarms until he be ready to answer.
or until otherwise ordered by the House. The
question being asked by the Speaker and
stewart still refusing to answer,
Mr. ORDWAY AND HIS PRISONER
lett the hall by the main entrance.
hr. Stewart was allowed to 90 home last
evening Tor such articles as he might need, and
on his return was placed In the prison cell, near
the crypt, where he passed the night, and where
he is now confined. HIS room Is about 20 by Is
feet in size, and contains half dozen chairs
some OF them cushioned, three-Quarter bed a
water closet, large table, a snail marble
topped table, and a number OF small boxes. 1t
is carpeted and has two large windows. both of
which are vertically barred. 1t is lighted with
gas. The only picture in the room is a large
representation of the steamer I" Bristol" under
fuu sail, and over 1t the words: 90 Fall River,
New York and Boston Line, via Newport and
Fall River"
MIR. Stewart held levee all day to-day his
room being thronged with sympathizing visitors
tic has received q number Of kilograms and let
teis approving his course before the House yes
teiday and appealing to him to stand firm
This advice he says he intends to follow at all
b Yards, and without reference to consequences
Hi. table is covered with books and papers, and
he has evidently prepared himself for imprison-
me mt for some time to come.