The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1875-12-17
ByTeIegraph
ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORT.
TO THE DAILY INrELLIGENoER
CONG R E s S,
SENATE,
WASHINGTON. Decer

W NAAhANuAONl 1eGGAAuGI AUs
Mr.. Conkling presented a memorial
Of the practical steamboat.men and per-
sons engaged in navigation designating
certain portions Of steamboat laws which
should be changed, Referred to Commit
tee on Commerce.
Mr.. Conkling said 1t gave him great
pleasure to present such paper because
1t indicated particularly what changes
should be made, and also showed that
men engaged In steamboating had some
regard for the safety Of those travelling
with them.
Mr., Spencer said at the last session Of
the Alabama Legislature q committee
was appointed to inquire whether cor
rupt practices had been used to secure
bis election to the Senate, as the Legisla.
ture which appointed the committee was
not the one by which he was elected and
he had not appeared before II. He de-
MED the charges Of fraud and corruption,
and said the Legislature which appointed
this committee was elected by fraud
the same as one recently elected in Mis-
Sissippi.
The Alabama election, by which their
Legislature was put In like that in Miss
issippi, was part Of the conspiracy to
overthrow lawful government In the
South. He recognized the Senate Of the
United States as the only body having
authority 10 inquire into his election and
his right 10 seat In this chamber. He
therefore offered a resolution that the
Committee on Privileges and Elections
inquire whether Geo. b. Spencer, Senator
In Congress from the State Of Alabama,
did use, or cause TO be used, corrupt prac.
ices TO secure his election, and author.
izing the committee to send for persons
and papers and to ait during the holiday
recess.
Mr., Davis suggested that the resolu-
tion lie on the table and be printed.
Mr., Conkling said the Senator from
Alabama had been assailed and he asked
for an investigation by the Senate com.
mlttee. He hoped the Senator from
West Virginia would not ask postpone
ment.
Mr.. Thurman said he knew nothing
whatever Of the case, but II seemed to
him that the resolution Us drawn simply
directed inquiry as to whether the Sena-
tor himself had used corrupt practices.
The broader question, whether the elec-
tion was secured by fraud, was not COW
cred by the resolution.
Mr.. Spencer said he would modify the
resolution to meet the views Of the Sena.
tor from Ohio.
The resolution was then modified to
read as follows:
Resolved, That the Committee on Priyi.
leges and Elections are hereby instructed
10 investigate into and inquire whether,
In the election Of George /. Spencer as
Senator from the State OF Alabama, there
were used or caused to be used and EN-.
ployed corrupt means and corrupt prac-
liCes TO secure his election TO the seat he
now holds, and that said committee be
empowered to administer oaths, to send
for persons and papers, to take testimony
and employ Stcnographers, and such other
assistance as they may deem necessary, TO
sit during the recess Of Congress, II con.
sidered advisable, and to report the re.
suit Of their investigations as soon as
practicable.
The resolution as modified was then
agreed to.