Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1888-02-25
NOBLE WORDS.
spoken in Congress by Democratic
Member from New York.

SPOKEN in Congress by Democratic
Member from New York.
In the House of Representatives a,
Washington, a few days ago, the
question under consideration being
the report of the Committee on Priv
ileges and Elections in the case
against Captain White, Republican
'nember from Indiana, Mr.. Cochran,
Democratic member from New
York and an old Union soldier, said:
Mr.. Speaker, have listened with
great attention to the speeches which
have been contributed to this dis.
cusslon by both sides of this House.
| have read with great interest the
speeches which were delivered at the
session of this House last Thursday,
and think it but fair to the side with
which am affiliated, to state at this
stage OF the proceedings the con
c!usion which | have reached.
| believe, Mr.. Speaker, that in dis
cussing a question of great public
policy, one that involves the SOW.
ereignty of the people, we are not
bound by the technical rules which
have been prescribed for the deter.
animation of disputes between citizens
when they are compelled to submit
their contentious to tribunals organ
lied for the purposes of settling
hem. We are here, take it, on a
broader basis. We have to inquire,
in the first instance, whether the peo-
pie OF this district in Indiana have
lawfully expressed their choice. Now,
the only question in dispute is that
which goes to the qualifications of the
sitting member, under the laws and
Constitution of this country, to occu.
ply the seat to which he was undoubt.
eddy elected; and the objection which
has been advanced to his claim is one
which, in my judgment, turns upon
question of fact.
| do not believe that there is any
fair question OF law before this House.
| do not regard record as ANYTHING
but the proof of a judgment. The
Judgment is the act of the court.
which stands independent of any
thing that clerk may do or fail to do.
Now, there is no record of what this
court has done. We are therefore
driven to inquire into the facts OF the
transaction, and Captain White stands
before this House declaring upon his
oath that in 1865 he attended before
a court in this county in Indiana
where his naturalization is said to
have taken place, accompanied by
that he complied with all
the requirements of the law, and that
a certificate of naturalization was is
sued to him by competent authori-
ty. Holding the views that | do of
the record, there is nothing left for me
to decide but whether | will believe
the statement which is made by Cap
tain White under the solemnity of all
oath, and which is corroborated by
character against which no. one word
has been uttered in the course of this
debate. Applause on the Republic
an side.
Mr.. speaker, on this side of the
House we claim to represent popular
sovereignty in the fullest meaning of
the term, To our party belongs the
mission of extending to its utmost
limits the power of the people at the
ballot box, and so far as the people of
the 18th district of Indiana could
speak, they have declared their wish,
heir will, their command that Cap,
lain White shall be their representa-
i've throu ghout all the sessions Of the
Fltieth Congress. Renewed APP
olause.
Against this command Of the peo-
ole, against this decision, solemnly |
accorded at the ballot-box, we have a
number Of circums anres advanced by |
he Committee on Elections which it
5 asserted form in law a reason why
he decision of the people should be
'eve!sed.
for my part accept the statement
which has been made by the gentle
nan from Illinois Mr.. Rowelll. l
believe that either Captain White
vas natu,alized in Indiana or he has
perjury. l believe that he
$ duly qualified member of this
House of Representatives, or else his
place is at the bar of criminal cour,
% answer an indictment for crime.
Holding that view, Mr.. Speaker, to
What circumstances must the mind be
directed in order to ascertain the
cgitimate course for a member ol
his body to pursue under the solemn
l. I;-..;,o, e L., o,tb of ,.E,o . H. |