The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-01-29


tails the provisions OF the law of Louisi-
ana governing the acts Of the Board in
regard to the election. They state that
until the full canvass of the election in
theStste was completed, the continuous
control Of the papers wss absolutely
indispensable, and that the moment
thote duties are ended, all such papers
are required TO be deposited with the
Secretary of State. This was done on
or About the 9Th of January, 1877, and
the papers have since remained there,
without these witnesses having any con-
troll over them. The answer then gives
long legal argument against the right
of the Heuse, or o. Congress, to 60 be-
hind the report of the Returning Boards
as 10 the election of Presidential cleo
tors, and chsrscterizing the attempt of
the committee TO possess itself of the ps-
pers as an act OF usurpation which
the committee, or the House, aftor
mature deliberation, would not per-
sist in. They declare that neither
of them knows of any fraudulent or
false return on which they based their
action, but that on the contrary in every
act and conclusion Of theirs they acted
to the best of their knowledge and ac-
cordlng TO law and right. They say it
is not In their power 10 surrender the
papers called for, and they submit that
II they are to be punished by the House
the guarantees OF the Constitution are
the most cruel mockery and unelevsted
folly.
In conclusion, they state that they sub
NIT their rights rs officers and their
Liberties rs citizens to the protection OF
the laws of the land.
Mr.. Lynda inquired whether the an.
swer was sworn 10.
The Speaker, after examining it, said
it was not.
Mr.. Lynde suggested that as u usual
thing such answers were under oath, and
that that was parliamentary law.
The Speaker remarked that that had
recently been the practice, and former
Speakers had intimsted that it was better
10 have answers sworn to.
Mr.. Hale-But only in suggestive
way,
The Speaksr-Ot course; there is no
ruleto govern the case. The witnesses
can be sworn now.
Nh. Lynde-I do not care about their
being sworn. move the eprevious ques
lion on the first resolution.
Mr.. Kssson suggested that the resolu-
ton should define what contempt con-
sisted of.
Mr.. Lynde replied that the record,
showed what offense the witnesses mad
been guilty of. 1t was not necessary in
every order of the House that that should
be reported.
Mr. kasson-This is the first time that
the House has been asked 10 give judg-
ment o. contempt. How can they purge
themselves unless contempt is defined.
Mr.. Lynde-By appearing before the
committee and producing the papers.
Mr.. kasson-Why not say so in the
resolution?
Mr.. Lynde-Becsuse it is not neces.
sary. The resolution was again read. 1t
simply reads that they be atjudged to be
in contempt for the violation OF the
privileges OF this House.
Mr.. Kasson-Tney can afford TO go 10
Jail on this.
The resolution was adopted. Yeas,
l45; nays, 81.
Il was a party vote, with the eIcep-
tion of Mr.. Carr, of Indiana, who voted
no.
The question now recurred on the
second resolution ordering the witnesses
to appear be:ore special committee Of
which A. K. NJ Jrrison is chairman, 70
produce sll the statements votes and tai
ly sheets OF every polling place in Louisi-
ana, together WITH the atfiIavIts &c, and
remsnding them to custody BY the Ser
gesnt alarms. The resolution was
adopted, yeas, l3s; nays, 76.
TIE consideration Was then resumed
OF tie bill authorizing the Secretary of
the Treasury 10 pay 100000 TO James
B. E.ds.
Messrs. Blount and Clymer spoke
in opposition TO the amendment
that me payment be made in bonds and
Mess. Foster and Conger in favor, but
the House without action adjourned.