Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1876-12-07
SENATE.

WASHINGTON. December 6.-Senator
Window introduced bill to extend the pro-
visions of the act of July 4, 1876, making an
additional grant of land to Minnesota to aid
in the construction of railroads in that State.
Ordered on the table for the present.
The standing committees were then an
nouuced and It was ordered that all bills and
petitions heretofore presented be referred TO
appropriate committees.
Senator Morton said that the resolution re-
garding inquiry into the late elections IN Ger
tain southern States imposed on the commit
tee on privileges and elections important and
Arduous labor. and On his motion three ad-
ditional members were appointed.
On motion of Senator Merton it was or
dered that the testimony taken 10y the special
committee to examine into the question OF
Chinese immigration, be printed.
Senator Withers called up the resolution
submitted by him yesterday, requesting the
President TO inform the senate, II not COM
patible with public interests, under what au-
thOrity and for what purpose troops OF the
United States occupied the city of Peters
burg. Virginia. on the seventh of November,
1876, the day of a general election.
Senator Logan moved that it be referred to
the committee on military affairs.
A lengthy debate followed, during which
Senator W timers afEutu llldl II WAS uOI USUAL
20 refer such resolutions.
Senator Logan said he had heard no reason
assigned for this inquiry. There was no eyl-
denee that troops were sent to Petersburg
for any improper purpose; there was no eyl-
dence that they did anything wrong. Was
the doctrine to be asserted that the troops Of
the United States could have no place IN any
State where they could be toned? The
President of the United Stat ad the right
10 send troops anywhere in the United States
for lawful purposes, and unless there was
some charge against the President for putting
troops in Petersburg improperly, this resolu-
ton should 90 to the committee on military
affairs.
senator Withers said in the absence Of in
formation on the subject he could net say
whether the troops were there lawfully or un-
lawfully. and II was for the purpose OF getting
information that he offered the resolution.
Senator Thurman said the very object of
this resolution Is to find out if troops were
sent to Petersburg for a lawful purpose. He
read from the revised statutes 10 show the
law under which troops could be ordered, and
said the burden Of proof rested upon those
who sent troops to that citytO show that their
presence was necessary 10 repel armed enc
mes of the United States or keep peace at
polls
senator Logan denied that the troops IN
Petersburg were at the polls orintertered IN
the election. There had been no violation
of law IN sending the army there. Suppose
the country should be engaged to-day In a
troublesome war would the senate have a
right to inquire Of the President why ne had
a movement of any branch of the army? Ii
would have the same right to make the m
nuiry that II had to inquire why troops were
eu,-amped in a certain State.
Senator Withers said his information was
10 the effect that troops were ordered there
in respo,e 10 the application OF the United
states marshal for the eastern district OF NT-
syinia. 10 remain during the election.
Senator Thurman spoke Of the British laws,
and said that under an act Of parliament nc
yro,ns cnuld BE- stationed within mile OF q
rolling-plsap on election day. The senator
from I'M, oig II.oganl seemed to think that
the President Of the United 81 ties could hll
q town with troops on AZ election day with
out any vi0laii0n Of law. The senate OF tht
United States had right 10 kno" S,Aethei
or not the Presldent bad been imposed upon
in ordering troops 10 Petersburg.
Senator Logan said that if the doctrine Of
The se,.ator from Ohio fhurman was correct,
solder, s.,uld not be quartered in any State
on the day Gf an election, and he Logan
supposed that arrangements must be made tc
send them Cd in q saloon and leave them NJ
until after the eiactlaE.
Senator Logan argued tk9t the meaning Of
the statute read by the sen%tcS from OhlC
Thurman was that troops should Rot, - D
held al the polls to intimidate men. iht
argument that troops could not be stationed
in a town when an election was beng held
there was contrary 70 common sense.
At the request Of Senator Logan Senator
Withers then modified his resolution 70 reA'
as follows: 4.
Res0lred, That u.u President be and Il
hereby requested TO inform tns senate, If no
incompatible with the public interest Shsthei
any troops o! TIE United States were ste-
ioued at the city OF Petssburg, in the Stat
Of Virginia, on The seventh Of N2yember, th'
day Of general election; and Il -, ,;9del
what authority and for Sghat purpose.
Senator Norton said there was no allega