The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-03-04

its infrmlties. IL 1t had lnnrmltles IN
1873, it had infrmities now, and fatal in
trinity was a fact that the body which
elected the claimant was not the body 1t
pretended to be. He could not allow
any hopes of the party or the heat Of af-
fection to draw him away one hair from
the spirit of the constitution and letter
of law. If they were given up there
would be nothing else to rely on. The
Senators should pause before taking the
first sad step in making Senator'S instead
of deciding on the leg ality Of their
election.
Mr.. Morton said that from the be-
ginning of this question he had been
governed by political aspects and conse-
ouences, and he would do so fearlessly.
In 1872 the Republictn msjority IN
Louisiana was from 160 900 to 10000. L!
was then that conspiracy was formed to
overcome that majority by violence.
The great question before the Senate to-
day was whether that conspiracy should
be success. Ge believed 1t
was not success, but t. re.
fuse to admit Mr.. Pincnback
would be declaration that it had been
successful. Witness what took place at
Colfax in cold blood. Look at the muir
ders at Coushatts and the frequent muir
ders in the State from time to time.
He next referred to the Wheeler ad-
justment, and said the Democrats had
violated it. Now chey proposed to real
ize the results of the murder, violence
and fraud which had begun as far back
as 1866. If the Senate should reject
Pinchback it must declare that there was
a vacancy. and the present Legislature
would have right TO fill 1t.
The Democrats understood this,
and when Plnchback should be rejected
they would demand the admission OF
Euslis. The rejsction of PInchback
would be confirmation Of the bloody
scheme inaugurated in that State; 1t
would be trampling down of every prece'
dent of the Senate and to satisfy the peo-
pie of this country that such action was
Just would be an arduous task. Inc
recent history OF Louisiana showed that
while the
Democracy Kept 10 Firth with the
Republieans.
They had recently attempted to dc.
stroy Mr. Kellogg by impesching hun
on the most frivolous grounds. The SEN
ate knew what they were doing in Mis-.
sisslpp, and would 1t give them aid and
comfort?
Mr. Frelinghuysen said he proposed
to vote agaiast the amendment OF the
Senntor from Vermont Edmunds.
Mr.. Edmuads called up the resolution
of the House of Representatives in regard
to the impeachment OF VIM. w. Belknap,
late Secretary of War, which was read,
together with the statement of the com
mlttee above mentioned.
Mr.. Eimunds then submitted the fol-
lowing:
ordered, That the message Of to
House OF Representatives relating to the
impeachment of William w. Belknap be
referred 10 select committee, to consist
Of five Senators.
Mr.. Edmunds said he submitted this
order in accordance with the usual GUS
tom, though he did not see whythe mat
ter should not 60 to one OF the regular
commit.ees of Senate, as 1t was the Gus
tom to have secret committee. lie
asked that order to be adopted.
Mr.. Salisbury said he was not familiar
with the prece tents, and inquired II the
order submitted b. the gentleman from
Vermont, Mr.. Edmunds, was in accord
ance with them, Edmund5 said yes.
The ordar was then adopted and the
chairman was authorized TO appoint q
committee.
sir. Bruce spoke in favor ef seating
Pinchback. He said when he entered
on the discharge of his duties IN the
Senate, the question had already been
elaborate.y discussed, aud it was not
necessary tor him to make any extended
remarks. He believed that whatever
seeming irregularities might be attached
TO the manner IN which the will oi the
people of Louisiana was ascertalned
Pinchback had majority OF the legal
voters and WAS entitled 10 q seat IN tho
Senate If the Senate refused to admit
PInchback, it would be an admission tnat
the legislature which elected him, and
which had been making laws for tic
people, was mob. Louisiana was entitled
to a full representation on this floor, and
the Senate could not ignore It's Obligation
to give that State full representation.
Whatever wrongs had been done IN
Louisiana, the present order OF things
had been occepLed by the nation, and
by the people He thought Pinchback
should be admitted in theInterest Of good
will.
Mr.. Morton withdrew his motion to
reconsider the vote by which the Senate
agreed to adjourn over till Monday next
Mr.. Edmunds called up the message
from the House of Representatives re-
la,ng to the impeachment OF Secretary
BelkI ap ard submitted an order that the
message be referred to select commit
tee of five senators Agreed to.
The President pro tenn was authorized
to appoint such committee.
Tie President pro tenn, here announc-
ed as the select committee to consider
the resolutions Of the House in regard 10
the Impeachment OF William w. Bel
k.ap, late Secretary Of War Messrs.
Edmunds, Conkling, FrelInghuysen,
Thurman and Stevenson.
After 40 executive session the Senate
adjourned over till Mord.y.