Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-03-14
UNITED STATES SENATE.
EXTRA SESSION.
MIR. Edmunds Moves that Pinch
back be Not Admitted.
Messrs. Thurman and Whyte
Speak Against the Nor
ton Resolution.

WASHINGTON, March 13.-The unfn
isbed business being the resolution for the
admission of P. b. S. Pinchback as Senator
from Louisiana, was called up Immediately
after the reading Of the journal.
Mr.. Edmunds, of Vermont, moved tC
amend the resolution by inserting the word
'snot" before the word admitted so II
would read, s'ResOlved, that 2. B. ). Pinch
back be not admitted as Senator from
Louisiana" etc.
The question being on the amendment,
| Mr.. Edmunds said it was the understand
/ ing that g vote should not be taken to-day,
and he would not therefore ask the Sena c
/ to vote now.
Mr. Thurman. of Ohio, then took the
floor and spoke in opposition to the admis-
sion Of the applicant. BE said the Loui-
siana matter had been discussed up hill and
down hill, but if no Senator was ready TO
speak now, he would say few words by
way of taking his leave Of the subject. In
the course Of his argument be referred to
the decision Of the Supreme Court Of Lou
isiana recognizing the kellogg government,
and insisting that the court had no juris-
dietion whatever in the case. The decision
of a State court was not binding on the
Senate. The Senate was the exclusive
| Judge of every question in regard to the
election, qualification and returns Of its own
members, and that could not be surrender
ed. No tribunal under heaven had any
authority over the Senate in deciding on
this question. He read from various decis-
ions in support Of his position.
Mr.. Morton said the decisions of State
Courts were binding upon the Supreme
Court Of the United States in cases involY-
ing the constitution and laws of State,
and not involving the constitution and laws
of the United States.
Mr.. Thurman said Senator Morton had
been away from the bar so long he had be
come rusty in law. he again quoted from
various legal authorities, that decisions Of
State courts were not binding upon the
Supreme Court Of the United States.
Nj. Morton desired to have read certain
decisions.
Mr.. Thurman hoped he would not be
further interrupted. If Senator Morton
desired to read for the purpose Of enlight-
ening himself, il would take more time
than he could spare. Laughter,l
Mr.. Morton then read several decisions
Of the Supreme Court Of the United States
in support of his argument.
Mr.. Thurman, r6suming, referred TO the
argument of the Senator from Indiana MIR.
MOrtOn) made few days ago, to the effect
that the action Of the President in recOg-
nizing the Kellogg Government was bind
ing, and said it was Just the opposite. 1t
was the decision of the Senate and House
of Representatives which was binding up
on the President, ana not his decision bind
ing upon Congress.
Mr. Morton said the Senator from Ohio
had been guilty of the discOutesy Of ac-
cusing him (MortOn) fleeing rusty, though
he must Say it was a very rare thing for
that gentleman 10 be discourteOus. Sena-
tor Thurman had also charged him With
being ignorant Of the laws. Mr.. Morton
then argued that the Senator from Ohio, by
his own citations and arguments, had
proved himself ignorant Of the law.
Mr.. Thurman disclaimed any intention
Of being discOgrteols, and if be dsbeen
away from the bar rs long as the Senator
from Indiana, he would not take 1t Is such
if any Senator should accuse him Of being
usty.
Mr.. Whyte, Of Maryland, followed IN
fa7oz OF Mr. Edmunis' amendment, aud
on concluding ms argument; the Senate
went into executive session, ana sOoN IA
terward adjourned till Monday.