Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-02-04
TIE ELLIs-HOUsTOy CASE.
Memorial or Contestee-Proposed
Visit 20 Roanoke.

Visit 10 Roanoke.
The Senate Committee on Privileges
and Elections met yesterday morning TO
further consider the contested case OF
Ellis rs. Houston from the Fourth dis
trict. Mr.. Charles 7. Jones presided.
Mr.. B. B. Munford. as counsel for Mr..
Ellis, was present, representing that
gentleman, and Mr.. Houston was pres
ent in person. The committee first con-
sidered the memorial of Mr.. Houston,
the substance OF which was published
yesterday, asking that Ellis be not al
lowed to take testimony as TO the charges
set forth in his notice because the speci-
fications thereto were not sworn TO.
The committee after hearing both sides
refused TO grant the prayer, holding that
the committee was proceeding under
n resolution OF the Senate and was
not bound by any provision of
the statutes with reference to election
contests. Mr.. Blackstone made the
point that while he did not think the
proceeding should be dismissed because
the contestant had not sworn to the spe-
cifcations, still he thought Mr.. Ellis
ought to indicate what portion there
of he was willing to make oath to
before the investigation should begin.
This appeared to be the sense OF the
committee. Mr.. Ellis. through counsel.
waived the question of his being allowed
further time to reply to Mr. Houston's
reply, and said that he was willing to
proceed upon the record as it stood.
TO GO TO ROANOKE.
The committee adopted the follow
ing:
Resolved. That the subcommittee OF
Privileges and Elections proceed on
Tuesday the 7th day OF February. 1888,
to take evidence in the tcsted-election
case Of Ellis rs. Honston at the city oil
Roanoke that the said Ellis shall pro-
duce his testimony first and then at the
same place said Houston shall produce
his testimony, so that all the evidence
taken at that point shall be completed
at one sitting that the subcommittee
will then fix the time and place Of fur
ther taking Of testimony in which the
same order shall be observed; that by
consent of the contestant and contestee
this resolution shall be equivalent to
personal service OF notice ; and that said
subcommittee be empowered to sit as a
whole or as part.
CONGRATULATIONS.
The following was also adopted and
presented to the Senate by Mr.. Jones:
Resolved, That the Scrgeant-at-Arms
OF the Senate attend the subcommittee
of Privileges and Elections in the taking
of testimony in the contested election
case of Ellis Us. Houston and be subject
thereto.
Mr. Hunt moved to pass 10y. He did
this in order to confer with senators and
ascertain if it was not better in their
judgment TO substitute some other one
for the Sergeant-at-Arms.
This motion met with vigorous oppo-
sition and Was finally defeated.
Mr.. Hurt then moved 10 amend by
substituting the First Doorkeper for the
ScrCcant-at-AIms.
MIR. Wickham thought if the United
States Senate could send its Sergeantat-
Arms with its grand bodies there was no
reason why the Virginia Senate should
not send is Sergeant-at-Arms with It's
grand bodies.
Mr. Hurt said he did not know this to
he the practice Of the United States
Senate. He thought the Sergeant-at-
Arms should remain here. Should there
he a difficulty or call of the Senate his
services would be needed.
Mr.. Mcdonald at this iuncture OBJ
tained the floor and offered the follow
ing:
Rcsolrcd, That we, the members of
the Senate OF Virginia, hereby agree TO
behave ourselves during the absence Of
the SerCesDt-at-Arns.
The Chair ruled the resolution out of
order.
Mr.. Mcdonald, who was about to ad-
vocate his motion, said 81 am sorry,
Mr.. President. | hoped the senator's
would enter into this agreement" "
Mr. Hurts amendment was defeated
and the resolution WIS adopted.
The Subcommittee leaves for Roanoke
next Monday afternoon.