Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-01-07
ineludss ths pr0oeedIngs Of ths last twO

includes the proceedings of the last two
days.
Mr.. Beck read dispatch from Gen
Sheridan to the Secretary Of War, suggest
ing proclamation Of martial law and trial
Of offenders in Louisiana by drum-heac
cOurt-martial, and also read the decision Of
the Supreme Court Onthe question Of mar
tial law, and he remarked that the Presi-
dent should instantly remove that com
mander, and put in his place man who
has some regard forthe rights Of the people
Mr.. Randall was glad to see that not one
Republican had recognized the propriety Of
Gen. Sheridan's suggestion that the Stale
Of louisiana should be turned over to him.
At last Mr.. Starkweather. who had
charge of the appropriation bill, succeeded
in putting a stop to the political discussion,
and in having the bill considered. The
bill was finished in committee. The COM
mittee rose and the House passed the bill.
Then the Sergeant-at-Arms appeared at
the bar Of the House having in his custody
r. B. Irwin, the contnmsciOus witness in
the Pacific Mailship investigation.
The Speaker, addressing Mr.. Irwin, said,
It is my duty under the order of the House
to address to you this question: Are you
ready to answer the questions which have
addressed to you by the committee, and
which you have heretofore refused to an
sWer?
Mr.. Irwin.-I am not, Mr.. Speaker.
The Speaker.-The witness is at liberty
to make a statement if he desires.
Mr.. Irwin then proceeded TO read q
lengthy statement to the effect that be is
not in contempt of the House, because this
House never ordered the Investigation;
that he did not employ any person subject
to the jurisdiction Of the House to the ex-
tent Of these inquiries; thzt the House has
no right to deprive him of his liberty, and
that the only practical effect Of any action
the House may take in insisting upon an
swers, will be to supply mass Of valuable
and interesting testimony.
When Irwin had completed reading his
statement, Mr.. Dawes offered a resolution
directing the Speaker to propose to the wit
ness the following questions:
/. Give the names ofperSons whom you en-
ployed to aid you in procuring the subsidy
from Congress in 1872, for the Pacific Mail
Company.
2. What was the largest sum paid BY you
10 any one to aid you in procuring that
subsidy?
The resolution was adopted, and the
speaker proceeded to put the questions to
Irwin.
To the first question he replied, "8Ir.
Speaker, am compelled to decline doing
so for the reasons which have already
stated"
To the second he replied: "s275, 600"
[SensatiOn.l
Mr.. Dawes then offered the following
resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That R. B. Irwin, having been
heard by the House, pursuant to an order
heretofore made, has failed to show cause
why he should not answer, and that he be
considered in contempt Of the House.
A long discussion then ensued on the
resolution offered by Z. r. Hoar directing
the Sergeant-at-Arms to keep Irwin in Gus
tOdy. Finally the resolution was modified
so as to read,
Resolved, that r. B. Irwin be remanded
to the custody Of the Sergeant alarms TO
abide further orders, and that while in such
st0dy be be permitted to be taken by the
before the committee, if
he shall declare himself ready to answer
such questions as may be put to him.
The resolution was adopted.
A further cOlloquy arose on the question
suggested by the Speaker, as to whether
the time had not arrived when it was his
duty, under the law on the subject Of con-
witnesses, to certify the fact Of
Twins refusal to testify. NO decision was
arrived at on that point, but the Speaker, as
the House was about to adjourn, said that,
in the absence Of instructions from the
House, he would feel it his duty to certify
the case to the District Attorney.
The House then adjourned.