Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-04-15

subject of the proposed investigation OF
Senator Roach, of North Dakota, was
precipitated on the Senate at the very
opening OF to.days proceedings by Mr..
Roach himself. He rose and referring
to Mr. Hoar's resolution for an investl-
gation) said that he was perfectly will
ing that the investigation should be pro-
ceeded with. IL had been his desire
and purpose at first 10 ask such al In
vestigation, but had yielded TO the ad-
vice OF older Senators familiar (as he
was not) with the customs and prece-
dents OF the Senate. Mr.. Hoar inquired
after Mr.. Roach took his seat-wheth-
er the Democratic Senators would per-
nit his resolution To be agreed 20 by
unanimous consent. Mr. Vance, Chair
man OF the Committee on Privileges and
Elections. TO whom the inquiry was
specially directed, said that he could
not speak for other Senators, but that
so far as he was concerned he would
make no objection.
Mr. George, however, said that he
would not be party to any such agree
ment and he denied absolutely tho
power of the Selate under any circum-
stances TO Institute and condnct an in-
vestigation In reference 20 the conduct
OF a Senator, which conduct had trans
pired prior TO bis election and which
had no connection with his election.
At the conclusion OF Mr.. Georges ar
gument Mr.. German gave notice OF
substitute which he Would offer for Mr..
Hoar's resolution. The substitute d.
reefs the Committee on Privileges and
Elections 10 inquire Into the question
whether the Senate has authority and
Jurisdiction to investigate charges made
against q Senator as 70 conduct or of
lenses occurring or committed prior TO
his eleCSon, not relating 20 his duty as
Senator or affecting the integrity OF bis
election.
Mr.. Chandler then proceeded with his
argument in support OF Mr.. Hoar's res
olutlon. For tho facts la the case Mr..
Chandler referred to articles ia the New
York Recorder, the New York sun, the
Philadelphia Press, and the Washington
Evening Star; also TO reports In the
Office OF the Comptroller OF the Curren-
cy; aud he asked whether. II those facts
were as stated, the character OF the Of
fence was not sufficient TO demand an
investigation. Here. he said. was q
grave breach OF trust alleged; an om-
bezzlement on the part OF an officer OF
q national bank.
Mr.. Voorhees, replied TO Mr.. Chandler.
He said the presumptlons were In favor
OF the virtue, intelligence and capacity
OF the States 70 send 20 the Senate men
who were 6t for that high position, and
the presumptions were that the repre-
sentatiyes OF other States would be bet
ter employed Ia mnding their own bus
iness than Ia criticlsing the action OK
state In choosing its Senators. What
was 10 be said OF the Senator
from North Dakota. II was 70 be
said OF him that during all these
fourteen or fifteen years be had been
subject 10 the laws OF the United states,
subject 10 the laws OF the District OF
Columbia, subject 10 every law which
has been infracted. He had not been
In Canada or across the water. He has
stayed under the American flag. aud
stood ont like a man. No Indictment
had bsen found against him. IL stood
a confessed and absolute fact that the
parties said TO have been injured by him
had no word oi complaint against him.
He desired the country 70 know that on
his side OF the chamber they would In
yestigate within the limits OF the con-
stitution and not beyond them.
Mr.. Hoar asked Mr.. Voorhees, 10 de
fine eyactly his meaning.
Mr.. Voorhees--If State should have
the misfortune 10 elect man blacken-
ed with crime. IL 10 the misfortune OF
the State; and | find no power given Us
20 try him for his offences. my Join
with the Senator fro-p Nassachk setts.
70 Try the Senator fra. IpdlanfeI.io
try the Senator from New Hampshlre,
from all that has been alleged against
them. (Sone laughter and applause In
the galleries, which was reprImanded
by the Vice Presldent.)
mean not 70 say an unkind thing
at all. I have heard alleged OF the
Senator from New Hampshire very
grave and ugly things have heard
men say that while be was Secretary OF
the Navy be built three or four ships
which made but one trip, and that was
TO the bottom OF the sea- (More
laughter in the gaiIeries). have
heard 1t alleged that the contractors
retired from their work rich. con-
tented and Infamous all at the sane
time. have heard these things said.
Does the Senator from New Hampshire
believe that these matters should be
taken out OF newspapers and that /, or
any other Senator should without
word OF testimony rice here and ar
ralgn him? What spectacle Is pre-
sented 70 the country Of a great and
strorg party being silent on the
subject OF the alleged sins OF
one Of Its members; while the moment
that 3 speck can be found on anybody
this side OF the chamber. they cIsmor a.
did the Pharisees Of old. when the Say
for said 20 them: .'Teke the beam out
Of your own eye, 50 that you can see
clearly 70 take the mote out Of your
brothers sye." That is what COM
ulsin Of. did not wan, 20 Dc provoked
into an scrlr,onious discussion. but \
ask the country TO take notice thai thf
Democratic party II stsbding on n
rock OF the Constitution. standing
Its Iimita/p /pns which cannot be Ignol
Mr.. n sbrough testified 10 the
oualItlel and high reputation Of
Roach y the tan or twelve year