The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1875-11-29

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zeal to purify the Democratic party, he
always concluded that there was "a cat
in the meal tub" and generally found it
so. he would therefore vote for an in
definite postponement.
Mr.. MILLER, of Kanawha, next fol-
lowed in one Of the clearest, most forci-
bic arguments that has been delivered
during the discussion of this question.
There was no sophistry, no effort to
make display of legal learning and no
effort to appeal to tho rrHjndi"Hs "f III"
members. Yet as lawyer he showed
an acquaintance with the general prInci-
pies of law governing impeachmentS
| equal to that of any member OF the
| House. His arguments were logical ana
| conclusive. He had no assault to make
upon the Investigating Committee; he
would not cast reflections upon their ac-
ton in displaying so much zeal to prose
cute the present Auditor and Treasurer,
and being so indifferent to frauds actu-
ally committed under other administra-
tions. Yet they did deserve a criticism
for coming upon this floor and cracking
the whip over individuals by trying
to force them to stand by their record Of
l., l,,rnl h..
stanccs-the hot haste and ndscrect
zeal-under which the resolutions were
passed last session. The gentleman from
Ohio Mr.. Good offered the resolutions,
and the gentleman from Bcrkely (Mr.
Gettinger) moved the adoption Of the
report before it was read. The whole
thing was rushed through in one day,
and now that gentlemen, after reflection
and a thorough examination OF the case,
find that they committed an error.
these gentlemen of the committee up
braid them for doing what they have IN
homes. right to do.
Admit that Bennett and Burdctt
had done what you allege they
did, does it constitute cor
ruption? Certainly not. The law
defines corruption IAN act done with an
intent to give some advantage inconsist-
ent with official duty and the rights OF
others
What injury has operated 10 the State
or any other party by the acts OF these
parties. None in the world. How
then are you to make out case against
them He was Eot here as the apollo
gist of any one, but as representative |
on this floor he did not want to see this
House stultify itself by prefering charges |
TO the Senate and having that body go |
through the farce OF q trial. when com
mon sense and ordinary intelligence
would teach that an impeachment could |
not be sustained. He then very clearly |
discussed the proposition that an officer
could not be impeached for Of |
fences committed during pre-
you, term of Office. Republicans had |
discussed this question from political
standpoint, and seem to have the interest
of the Democratic party exclusively at
heart. In reply to that he could say the !
Democratic party WAS able to take care OF
itself, and didn't need the advice Of its
enemies. But he was not here to discuss
this question, as aparty man. He looked
at it as II representative of his State, and
only looked at 1t in hight that would
best advance the interests of the State.
Mr., MILLER is agreeable in his man.
ner and impresses his hearers with the
honesty Of his convictions.
Mr.. COOP, the Chairman of the lnves-
tigating Committee, followed Mr. NIL
LER. 1t had become generally known
throughout the city that probably Aessrs.
MILLER and COOP would close the de-
bate on this question, and an immense
crowd of Spectatora-a large number OF |
ladies among them-assembled to hear |
the conclusion of this protracted discus |
sion. Mr.. GooD was well-known to our
people to be a fine speaker, and as he
had ,o mucl at stake in this case, it was |
genera ly supposed that he would make |
an unusually fine effort. In this they
were not mistaken. Mr.. COOP com
menced by paying his regards to Mr.
MCELpOwNEY, whom he charac- |
terized as the Apollo of the
House-the Adonis from Wetzel-
and in view Of MS love for female admi- !
ration, he nominated Mr.. MCELDowSY
as the petticost candidate for Congress.
Mr.. Coon then proceeded to discuss
the proposition that an offence could be
impeachablc and not indictablr, after
which he tool, the position that An oti-
Ger could be impeache1 for offences COM
mittcd during previous term, both of
which propositions he discussed at
length with his usual ability, |
He reviewed the testimony, which,
being yolumrnous, occupied some
time all of this ground having
been travelled over by other gentlemen
it was as matter OF course a little tedi-
Gus and had become somewhat monoto-
nous. Yet Mr.. Goop's agreeable manner
Of speaking seemed to relieve 1t in that
respect. Mr. Goop was particularly Sc
we're in his deuunciation 'characterizing
,I, o..,,,.,l a. r,Lh,rs and Villains and