The New York herald., 1876-03-08
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

WASHINGTON, March z, 1875
Mr. CLrMsR, of Pennsylvania rising TO a question of
privilege, stated that subpoena had been served on
him last evening" issued by the Supreme Court of the
District OF Columbia sitting criminal Court to ap-
pear before that Court and bring with him all papers,
checks, documents, &c, and TO testify in regard to
charges pending in that Court against Sccre-
tary Of War. Two of his colleagues (Messrs. Robbins
and Blackburn had been, similarly subp@naed He
(Mr Clymer had appeared before that Court and had
stated that in obedience tho law he appeared Mt its
bar to obey It's order; but that a member OF a
mtee of the House he thought It would be prejudicia
10 the highest interests Of the country that himself
and his colleagues should be compelled to state what
had transpired in their committee room He (ir
Cymer) believed that such course would
not only close the mouths OF all witnesses but that in
many 1t would drive them from the land
He had sad furthermore, that while pleading their
privileges members of the House they must
theless, protest against being examined and would
only consent to be examined after order being
made specially to that end by tho Court The Court
had taken time for delberation and had determined If
II needed their attendance thereafter, send for them
He had felt It his duty bring the matter the
tenton OF the House. in order that the House might
take such action in the matter might be right just
and necessary.
Mr.. BLAINE, (repl of Me-, asked Mr. Clymer II the
Court had asked or desired to ask for any information
that was not contained in the published report and
not matter of record and OF general notoriety.
He could very well conceive that the gentleman from
Pennsylvania might wish be called upon in that
Court 10 testify OF what still committee secret
but what point decacy could arise as to those mat
iers which were as common as history could make
them be could not see.
Mr. CLYMER replied that the Court had not proposed
10 ask them any questions at ali; they 10 be
amned before the Grand Jury. II the questions
50 have been asked by the Court the presence of the
public he might not have as great objection, but he
and his colleagues felt tnat II they go before
grand jury whose proceedings necessarily secret
that fact would strike terror everywhere throughout
the land and would close all the avenues of testimony
to the House and its committees
Mr.. BLAINE reminded Mr.. Clymer that his own prIvi-
loge a member protected him aud that there
power 10 compel HIM to testify.
Mr. CLYMER repeated that he had stated to the Court
that he did intend 10 plead his privilege that 1t
might be said that he intended 10 exclude uythng
which should DO rightiuly known to the public.
hr. ROBINS, dcm.l OF \. C., another member Of tho
committee, made a like statement IN reference to his
bong subp9nacd &C. and declared II as his belief that
the effect If not the design intimidate wit
nesses and throttle investigation.
Mr.. DANFoRrn, (repl OF ONO, another member OF
The committee, said he had had no subpoena TO go be-
fore the Court but he would like 10 know from the
;hairman whether any additional testimony had been
nken before the committee.
MI. LAMAR, of Mississippi, objected 10 that ques-
Non.
Mr.. BLArSE-The objection must come from most
nconcevable motive
Mr.. LAAAK-lt may bo a motive that you
ceivc but, nevertheless II is a motive which have,
and that - the preservation OF parliamentary ordcr
MAINTAIN that no member has right 10 reveal tho
secrets OF The committee room.
MT CLrAEK said that there had been no additional
testimony taken before the committee. but he re-
pcatcd hat the attempt drag forth what occurred IN
ommt.ee would result in nothing else bat detrment
Mr. BLMSr--rhcre should be 20 division or seeming
avSion between tho two sides Of House regard
TO The vigorous prosecution of public criminals What
was the object ot this investigation except TO bring
offenders TO criminal Justice Committees could not
punish ANYBODY Everybody knew that this was a
brutuir ttiimcn
Mr. C.YNEE--I have stated the facts OF the case to
the House, and u necessary mrutatiOn arises that
some one IN tnis District WISHES 20 close the
OF evidence all the country ID is not who make
tho charge, but the facts OF the case
Mr. BLAISE-The gentleman closes the avenues him.
self
Mr. CLYxgR-I will not permit the gentleman from
Maine TO imputc TO me motives which do not under
stand or TO put insnuations my mouth which /
have not uttered.
Mr. BLAcKEunN ldcm.l OF Ky. (anotncr member Of
The coinmittec said he was surprised at the un.
easiness and nervousness manifested by the gentleman
from Maine. He (Mr. Blackburnl did intend TO
charge that t was the purpose OF the Executive in