Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-02-05
ROUSE.
FRIDAY. Feb. 4.

ROUSE.
FRIDAY, Feb f.
Prayer by the Chaplain.
Mr.. STAPLES Of Parsonsfeld;
Mr.. Speaker, rise this morning to ques-
ton of privilege, and wish TO introduce an
order.
Speaker HATCH: Will the gentleman give
way until the Journal of the House is read:
Mr. KEEGAx of Van Buren, ITO Mr..
STAPLES You have the floor. IL is all
right.
THE SPEAKER: The House will give atten-
ton to the reading of the Journal, at the
conclusion of which the gentleman from
Parsonsfield will be recognized
Gu motion Of Mr.. KEEGAN of Van Buren,,
the reading of the Journal was dispensed with
Mr.. STABLES of Parsonsfield:
Mr.. SPEAKER: take this opportunity to
introduce an order appointing Com
mittee of this House to investigate
certain charges preferred against one
of our members. The order | will coon
pass to the SPEAKER.
THE SPEAKER: Will the gentleman read
his order?
Mr.. STAPLES: 1t is being copied now.
Mr.. McKusIcK Of Calais I have an order
already prepared.
The SPEAKER: 1t is not in order to intro
duce orders without the unanimous consent
of the House. or suspension Of the rules.
Mr.. MORRILL, of Augusta: | object to the
introduction of the order
Mr.. KEEGAx: AsI understand it, this is a
question of privilege. The gentleman from
Parsonsfield rises to Il question of the high
est privilege, and it is properly in order.
The SPEAKER: If the gentleman from
Parsonsfield has any thing personal the
House is under obligations to hear it, but
not otherwise After the expiration of the
morning hour it will be in order TO intro
duce-
Mr.. STAPLES: Mr.. Speaker. the order will
be ready in very few moments. haven't
had time to copy it, but l wish to Introduce
it early, prior TO attending to other busl-
ness.
The SPEAKER: will say to the gentleman
that the rule will have to be suspended in Or
der to have the order introduced, and the
gentleman will be obliged to make motion
to that effect.
Mr. KEEGAN / regret to differ with the
chair; but this is a question of privilege,
which will take precedence Of any other
question. | think that is the rule.
Mr. TALBOT of East Machias | suppose
it can hardly be known whether it is a ques-
ton of privilege or not, until we can get the
order before us. think when it does come
that the Speaker will decide that it is a ques-
ton of the highest privilege, and will take
precedence Of all other business.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman will read
his order.
Mr.. STAPLES then read the following and
sent it to the chair:
Whereas Grave charges of criminal
character have appeared in the public news
papers of this State against Thomas b. Swan,
member of this House, therefore
Ordered. That a committee of seven be AZ
pointed BY the chair for the purpose Of inves-
tigating such reports and ascer-
tanning the truth of them, and what action,
if any, should be taken. and make report of
their doings to the House, with power to
send for persons and papers.
The SPEAKER: The chair is of the opin-
ion that this hardly comes under privileged
question. The gentleman can take excep-
tons from that ruling, and the House can
take vote upon it,
Mr.. TALBOT: Does the chair decide that
it is not in order?
The SPEAKER I so decide.
Mr.. TALBOT: appeal from the decision OF
the chair. | presume there is not an honora-
bic member of this House, who wishes to sit
here longer with that grave charge upon a
fellow member. For my own part, do not.
And il you will consult parliamentary
law, which / suppose the Speaker has no,
had an opportunity to do, you will find thai
there cannot be the least doubt that this
is question of the highest privilege. Be.
cause it goes directly to purge the character
of this House. This body, laboring under ar
imputation of this kind, ought not to attempt
n single legislative act, or to do any thing
whatever until it purges itself from this re-
port, which is circulating throughout the
length and breadth of our State. And from
my short acquaintance with this House, be-
lieve every member here will be anxious to
act upon this matter before proceeding to any
other business, even if it is not question OF
the highest privilege.
Mr.. SrRoUr Of Portland; Mr.. Speak
er, do not profess to be very we'll
versed in parliamentary Law. Nv first
impression was that this matter, properly
called to the attention of the House
would be a question of the highest privilege
and would take precedence of other business
| do not conceive, however. that it is of such
intense importance that it must be entertained
at the present time. And | think If the
House will wait an hour-for that is the
longest that we should ask it to wait
that it could be disposed Of as we'll at that
time as any other. 1t is a newspaper charge.
1t is quite possible - although from nv
knowledge of the gentleman and his past
character and career. I think it quite i'm
probable-that the gentleman from Minot
Mr.. Swan may appear in his place in this
House to answer to this charge that is made
agaist him in the newspapers. It would
certainly seem to be the part of fairness to
him that the House should not take anv
hasty action. / don't think any mem
Der will suppose for an instant that should
have the slightest objection to an investiga-
ton of charges of this kind when they come
from such a source, and with such backing
as to bring them properly before the House
1t is a sort of thing that the House ought to
investigate; and if they find him guilty of
this fraud which is charged against him.
they should purge the House by expulsion
of the man from its midst
Mr.. TALBOT: Just as soon as possible
Mr.. SrRoUr: But still, while entertain
this sentiment, cannot think that anything
is to be gained BY = hssty and perhaps indec-
orous zeal in the matter when that gentle
man 10 absent, and We have no absolute know
ledge that he will mot be here TO answer this
charge for himself Itssems to Ne that We