Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-02-03
.TLLT. CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, February ., 1856.


Among the measures favorably re-
ported from committee was the joint
resolution by Mr.. Blair. from the Com
mittee on Woman Suffrage, providing
Tor constitutional amendment extend
ing the right of suffrage TO women.
Mr.. Cockrell stated that this report
was not the unanimous Judgment Of the
committee, and that the minority re-
served the right TO present a written
report in opposition to the measure on
the calendar.
Mr.. Riddleberger offered the following
resolution
Resolped. That it is the sense Of the
Senate that the Executive Of the United
States is no; restricted by cOnstitu-
tional law in removing or suspendIng
appointees that the Senate has no right
10 require that reasons shall be given for
such removals or SUSPENSIONS that 1t
is the right Of the Senate to call for
any papers relating to the conduct Of
removed or suspended appointees, or TO
the qualification and fitness Of all per-
sons whose names are presented TO the
Senate for confirmation or rejection,
and it is the daty Of the Executive TO
comply with all demands for same.
In Offering the resolutions Mr.. Riddle
berger said that his purpose was simply
to bring the subject up in open debate.
Ii Gid not involve any sc-called high
prerogative Of the Senate. when il should
20 into secret or executive session, but
only the abstract question as TO whether
the Executive could be called on or re-
ouired TO give reasons for removals.
Mr.. Riddleberger asked for immediate
consideration Of the resolution.
Mr.. Cockrell~ objected. Mr.. Pngh
said be would submit either to-day or
tomorrow q substitute for Riddleber-
gers resolution. The matter then went
over.
Mr.. Stanford offered q concurrent
resolution, which was agreed to, pro-
viding for an investigation by the Com
mittee on Public Buildings Of both
houses Of Congress into the charges
made IN 1853 and now being renewed
against the official conduct Of Samuel
Strong during his superintendent OF
the public buildings.
Mr. Pugh submitted his substitute
for the Riddleberger resolution, and
asked that il be presented and lie over
until tomorrow.
Mr.. Pugh's substitute is as follows :
l. That the executive power is ex-
pressly vested by the Constitution in
the President, so that he shall take care
that the law be faithfully executed.
.. That the power Of appointment to
Federal office is an executive power 10
be exercised by the President under the
limitation In the Constitution that be
shall nominate and by and with the ad-
vice and consent Of the Senate shall ap-
point.
3. That the power Of removal or
suspension from the powers and duties
Of Fedeyal.oiIice is also zn executive
power vested exclusively IN the Presi-
dent, without any such limitation 10
the Constitution as is imposed thereby on
the power Of appointment, and for lts
exercise he is responsible alone 10 the
people. and not to the Senate.
4. That the right Of the President 10
make nominations to the Senate and OF
the Senate 10 advise and consent thereto
are each separate and independent
rights 10 be exercised BY the President
and Senate, respectively and separately
and Independently, within their abso-
lutte discretion but IN relation to the
person or persons so nominated, the
Senate may request information of the
President affecting the character or
qualifications Of those IS to whose APP
pointment be asks the advice and cen
sent Of the Senate.
s. That when the President makes
nominations TO the Senate Of persons to
be appointed by him 70 the exarciss OF
the powers and duties Of Federal Of
6oers who have been removed or sus-
pended BY him no law, public duty, or
puhlic peiicy requires that be shall
ssDd ~ c0nnu2icats 70 the Senate any
casss. sssSon, q inform8tion within
- swn knswisdss, e oostainsd ~ any