The New York Herald Newspaper, March 30, 1860, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 8606. MORNING EDITION—FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 1860, IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. The Inquiry into the Alleged Corrapt Practices of the Administration. , MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. Interesting Debate Between Messrs. Co- vode, Bocock, Sherman and Others. Able Defence of the President by Mr. Bocock. THE ORGANIZATION OF NEW TERRITORIES, Ker Rey ac. Our Special Washington Despatch. f ‘Wasinyctox, March 29, 1860, } , ‘TRE MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. “ ‘fhe President threw a bombshell into the House to day on the subject of the corruption investigations, which pro- 1 dueed a sensation not likely to end in that body. The re- [= publicans seem to like it, and are incited by it toonter fi wpon investigations upon a still broader scale than here- ij tofore, as was indicated by Mr. Sherman’s speech repel- Jing all Executive interference with the legislation of the ‘House. Mr. Bocock met the question with great promptness, and defended the position of the President in an able engaged for two days examining into the charges preferred against the President and Judge Black, by Pettivone, who is a bookbinder here, who swore Defore the committee that certain alterations had been made by Judge Black in a document which came from she President. The facts elicited before the committee how conclusively that Pettibone swore to what was not ue, and will probably be handed over to the courts to dealt with as the law provides in such cases. je ‘MR. SCHELL AGAIN BEFORE THE CORRUPTION COMMITTES. ‘Mr. Covode’s Corruption Committee had Mr. Schell be- ‘ore them again to-day, and did not have time to examine . Butterworth. A DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS. A cancus of a considerable number of democrats, em- sing representatives from nearly every Southern State, held here yesterday, Members of Congress and elegates to Charleston participated. | An attempt was made to effect some union of action ipon Mr. Hunter for the nomination at Charleston. The ‘iends of Mr. Guthrie declined acceding, and the caucus oke up without accomplishing any result. It is under- od that all the delegates to Charleston from Kentucky, cept two, are for Guthrie, It is said these two are for eckinridge. The friends of Mr. Douglas claim that a ority of the Charleston delegates from North Carolina for him. ‘THE NICARAGUA TRRATY. Notwitl ng the reconsideration of the Nicaraguan baty, there is not the slightest reason to hope it will be d. Some of the republican Senators urge as a reason inst it that the provision permitting the United States protect its citizens in the transit route is a abandon nt of govereignty by the Nicaraguan government, ch has no power to give up a right of sovereignty, ch vests exclusively in the people, because, forsooth, government would have no right to abandon any of sovereign rights of the United States to a forcign rermment. But of course there is no propriety in this ment. The question is not as to what the United would do, but whether, for the protection of our ps and the advantage of our commerce, we shall ac- what Nicaragua offers. Meantime, the French and lish governments have concluded treaties with Nicara- of the samefeharacter, tdtatim verbus; 80 that the result refusal of the Senate to confirm the treaty will be all the carrying trade to those countries who can ct it in accordance with their treaty stipulations. , through te stupidity of republican Senators, we ourselves supplanted in Nicaragua, our citizens un- jected, and our trade destroyed. ‘THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. ir, Hateh, of Buffalo, who was appointed to examine the operations of ihe revenue laws aad reciprocity with the Canadas, bas arrived here, and will pre- his report to the government in afew days. It will ubtedly be,adverge to this treaty, and a fullexposure ¢ wrongs which Canada has inflicted upon us in our ional intercourse. Congress has repeatedly mani- H considerable feeling upon this subject, having fre- called upon the, President and Secretary of the uty for all the facts in their possession in reference ‘The roport of Mr. Hatch will present ail the facts on with its workings in a clear and satisfactory leaving it to Congress to take such action in the d from areliable source of an attempt of a pro- coalition between the friends of Hunter and Doug” regard tothe Presidency. It appears that Denio ey, of Amelia county, Va., John Siddon, Asa D. son—the two latter members of the Virginia Legis- |, and all friends of Senator Hunter—had a consulta- h him and Roger A. Pryor and Mr. R. Garnett at Ys Hotel, on Saturday last, on the subject of a coa- ith Douglas. After the conference, these gentle- xcepting Mr. Hunter, called in Mr. Douglas, and ed to him such terms as they had agreed upon. finite arrangement was made. REVISION OF THE TARIFP. : Committee on Ways and Means have agreed to cal ‘tariff in the House on Wednesday next. ? ORGANIZATION OF NEW TERRITORIES. pills for the new Territory of Tihosa, or Peak, and Arizona. The bill for the erritory will be in substance the same as that be- Genate last year. The House will defeat the mea- passes the Senate. Lommittee agreed to postpone unti] next Thursday \deration of the bills for the erganization of Ne- d Dacotab and the admission of Kansas. \bject of destroying the lines of the proposed new inder the name of Wyandot, is seriously con- ‘gnd not yet decided upon. The House will resist uige from the lines approved by # vote of the It is this question that causes the postponement ll for organizing Dacotah, as the lines of that Ter- be affected by it. stion of the abeorption of Utah, before the Com- exciting considerable attention. Mr. Scott, of the House from California, bas been before sittee, and asked in behalf of that State that a the Territory of Utah be set off to California. of Mountania, interpreted the mountain coun- guggested by Jadge Douglas a year ago as the the Pike’s Peak Territory, is quite popular, and be adopted. buse Committee on Territories met this morning the Arizona and Jefferson Territorial bills. y proved, by conclusive evidence, the popu- rizona to be about twelve thousand, exclusive ro, delegate from New Mexico, concurred in Mr. ements, and testified that the organization of regerded as a necessity by the people of New from Jeffereon, gave a statement showing sity for a Territorial Government. Hé estimetes population at eight thousand. THE PACIFIC RAILROAD. Pacific Railroad Commitiee had a meeting Ing, Dut im consequence of an understanding members that no votes should be taken, the was not fully attended. Lonversational interview, the meeting adjourned forenoon next, at 10 o’clock. , of Maryland, will present a bill to the differing somewhat from that offered by han, Mr. Curtir. He is in favor of a singl* , and will take the groand that States bas the power ww name the , Providing the bill does not interfere with bry, but is confined to the Territories of the Cthers segume that Copgrees has not the power to create a corporation—tbat it must be done by some State Legislature. At te believed that either the bill of Mr. Davis or that of Mr. Curtis will be adopted by the committee, and reported” | tothe House some day next week. If so, there is no doubt that it will paes both both branches, as the Sonate will dislike to make a record against so important a pro- Ject. All the republicans, Northern democrats, and Missouri and Maryland Senators will vote for a central road. The California and Uregon Senators will not oppose any bill Proposing @ road from the Atlantic to the Pacific, OVERLAND PACIFIC MAIL SERVICE. Senator Green, of Missouri, intends to move, as an amendment tothe House bill establishing a daily mail to the Pacific, a clause by which all specifications as to the several routes to the Pacific shall be striéken out, and the Postmaster Genera! instructed to advertise for open bids for the service, which shall be given to the lowest bidder and the ehortest time, leaving the contractor to se- lect his own route. It is believed that this amendment will secure not only a speedier but also more economicat service than the plan of the House, which designates the routes, NEW POBTAL REGULATIONS, ‘The House bill authorziing publishers to print on the papers the date when subscriptions expire, and reducing the postage on town and city drop letters to one cent, nally passed both Houses of Congress yesterday. JACOB BARKER BEFORE THE COURT OF CLAIMS. Jacob Barker closed a six days speech’in his celebrated case before the Court of Claims to-day. Notwithstanding the long time he occupied, it was interesting to the last, ‘as well on account of facts connected with the history of the war of 1812 as of the merits of the claim at issue. CLAIMS OF OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION, Mr. Fenton, from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, reported a bill providing for the settlement of the claims of the officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary ar- my, and the widows and children of those who died in the service. THR INDIANA MARSHALSMP. ‘The President has appointed Major Elisha G. English, a Jong time member of the Indiana Legislature, and an ac- tive democratic politician, Marshal of that State, in place of Mr. Robineon, deceased. ‘THR TARIFF ON THE NEW PONY BXPRES TO CALIFORNIA. ‘The managers ot the principal telegraph lines in con- nection with the overland pony express, have agreed upon the following tariff for private despatches to and from California:—For ten words from any Atlantic city, or other telegraph station to St. Josephs, Mo., or vice versa, two dollars and forty-five cents; for a similar number of words from the first station on the California Telegraph Line to any part of California, or vice versa, two dollars; while the charge for expressing the messages, without regard te length, will be two dollars and forty-five cents each; making the sum total from any station in the Atlantic Btates to any station in California, six dollars and ninety cents for ten words. The charge for each word above that number will be seventy cents for the entire distance. . ‘The understanding is that the telegraph companies wil] refund the entire tolls to parties forwarding any message which fails to reach California, or vice versa, in advance of any other route; and that they will also return to the gender any moneys paid for despatches filed in season to overtake the express at St. Josephs, which through any reason may fail to reach that place before the departure of the express. THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION. Senate. ‘Wasuinctow, March 20,1860. Mr. Cay, (dem.) of Als., from the Committee on Com- merce, reported adversely on the petition for the erection of a certain pier in Delaware Bay. He also reported a bill to provide for the introduction of i. J. Rogers’ code of marine signals. Mr. Green’s joint resolution for an adjournment of Con- grees from the 20th of April to the 2lat of May was taken up. Mr. Axtuoxy, (rep.) of R. I, moved as an amendment that the two houses adjourn sine die of the 15th of June. Mr. Cuncman, (dem.) of N. C., opposed tne recess, and offered an amendment for an adjournment sine die on the 1st of Jnne. ‘Mr. Gregy advocated his resolution. It was well known that during the sessions of the conventions no business would be transacted, and an adjournment would be made every three days. It would add nothing to the expenses of the government. Meters. Bexsamrn, (dem.) of La., and Gwix, (dem.)' of Cal., opposed the proposed adjournment. The amendments were withdrawn, and the resolution yoted down by yeas 12, noys 29. The bill supplementary to the act to authorize protec- tion to the citizens of the United States, who may discover a its of guano, was taken up, amended and jy» tir, Gis gave votice that on ‘this day week he would call up the Pacific Railroad bill. He had lost all hope of anytDing being done in the other Houge. 30 motion of Mr. Davies, the bill to prevent desertions and facilitate enlistments in the army of the United States was taken up and passed. On motion of Mr. Graves, a joint resolution removing certain restrictions upon a grant of five sections of land to Towa, was taken up and passed. The army appropriation bill was received from the House, passed & second reading, and was referred to the Committee on Finance. The Senate then went into Executive Session. Ad- journed. House of Representatives. Wasuivcton, March 29, 1860. ‘The House passed the Army Appropriation bill. Mr. Festoy, (rep.) of N. Y., from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, reported a bill providing for the settlement of the claims of cfficere and soldiers of the Re- volationary army, and the widows and ch‘Idren of those who died in the service. 4 Mr. Roycs, (rep.) of Vt., from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, reported the French Spoliation bill. ‘The consideration of the bill was postponed for two weeks. Mr. Grow, (rep.) of Pa, from the Committee on Terri- tories, ok the bill for the admission of Kansas into the Union. He desired a vote to be taken on it atan early day. Mr. Ceawronn, (dem.) of Ga,saw no necessity for a lengthy discussion uy it. He presumed the minds of gentlemen were leup. He was willing to afford an GP eer ow rage Cm ae om to lay the bill on the table. Mr. CLarK, (dem.) of Mo., wanted till Tuesday to pre- pare a minority re} Mr. Vattanpicnam, (dem.) of Ohio, said he had an ut- ter contempt for that equivocal position which sometimes gives factious importance to members of the House, from doubt as to how they shall vote upon important messures pending here. To relieve himself from any such position he desired to say when a candidate in 1858 before the peo- ple who have honored him with a seat inthis house, he said that whenever Kansas should present a republican form of constitution, framed by a convention assembied and acting under a valid law of her Territorial Logislia- ture, and submitted to and ratified by afairand honest vote of her people, she should have his support for im- mediate admission, whetber she had ninety-three thou- rand inbabitants or not; and at the last seasion, when the Dill for the admission Oregon was pending in this house, he said whenever Kansas should come as Oregon had come, peaceably, orderly, and with a constitution express- ing the will of ber people, legally and honestly ascertained, he would vote for her admission. These pl he pro- ported to make good. Kansas was here, having, in his jadg- ment, substantially complied with these eeveral conditions, and upon all motions made in good farth, whether direct or incidental, be should so vote as to eccure her early ai- migsion into the Union. As @ gentieman and ss a man of honor, be was bound ao to vote. Having said thus much, and leavivg ber here to the motherly nurture and solici- tude of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Grow), skilled as he was, too, in civil obstetrics, he now bade farewell—a word that must be and it hath beon said that | makes us linger yet—farewell, forever, to bleeding Kapeas. Mr. Ganvert, (dem.) of Va, said it was well known that the English bill never would have been passed had it not been provided that Kansas should not be admitted ‘until she has a population of ninety-three thousand. A legislative compromize binds nobody but those who vote for it. Asa gentieman and a man of honor he could not vote for the admiseion of Kansas until the conditions of the English bill shall be compied witb. Mr Davis, (A. LD.) of Ia., said be should vote at the first favorable opportunity for the aimission of Kansas, and this would be consistent with his political life. Mr. Grow proposed to postpone the conrideration of the bill till Wednesday. PP ged a St Mo. was prepared to vote now. jer Proceedings were interrupted by the reception ofthe following id COMMUNICATION FROM THE PRESIDENT. To Tum Hover or ‘TIVES: — Aiter a delay which bas me ample time for re- fiectop, and after much and careful deliberation, I find myself constrained by an imperious eenee of duty asa co ordinate branch of the federal government to protest againet the first two clauses of the first resolution adopted by the Houre of Representatives on the 6th inst., and published in the essional Globe on the sueceeding day. These clauses are in the following words:— enotred, That a committee of five members be appointed cer for the pu », first, of inventigating whether ys the Un Btalee oF au ciioa of the govern- ment hag. by money, patronage or proper means, sought to Iniivence the passage of any law appertaining to the ee na ee nen wr rote sam = — ——— ars ree of any Biste or Territory; and, second, a's to inquire | lated to foster a band of interested and inform. Mr. Bovock—Weil, sir, the meaning of all this is, that in fio and inves whether ‘any oficer of oflcers of t+ | ere, ever ready for their own advi to swear before | Penneyivenia the grand juries can act as witnesses: reramenh bave by meets fp ty See Qf | eX parte comunittess to pretended private conversations | but, again I say that you cannot, before a Grand Jury of { See ee cae Cece nek’ Chelkee ibs | between the President and themecives, incapable, from | Penpsylvanis, or before avy tribunal, in any civilized Py jaw jent ave failed or re. ted to compel the execution of any Tcoptine myself exclusively to these two branches of | the resolution, the portions es of it whieh fol- Jow relate to alleged abuses in the Post Oftice, wel wom public Doildings and other public works of the United In such ‘cases inquiries are Lae gite'y velo themselves, and belong eq) tothe Senate and House, ‘as incident to their legislative and being necessary to enable them to discover and provide appropriate legis- lative remedies for any abuses which may be ascertain- ed. Although the terms of the latter portion of the reso- lution are extremely vague and general, yet my sole pur. ny in adverting to them at present is to make the broad 6 of distinction between the accuratory and the reme- dial clauses of this resolution. The House of Representa tives poesess no power under the constitution over the first or accusatory portion of the resolution, except as an impeaching body, whilst over the last, in common wi-h the Senate, their pppboriy les @ legislative body is fully and cheerfully admitted. It is solely in reference to the firetor impeaching power that! propose to make a few observations. Except in this single case the conbtitution has invested the House of Representatives with no power, no jurisdic tion, no supremacy whatever over the President. In al! other respects he is quite as independent of them ar they are of him. Asa co-ordinate branch of the government he is their equal. Indeed, he is the only direct represen. tative oh earth of the people of all and each of the sove reign States. To them, and them alone, is he ible Tespousil whilst acting within the sphere of his constitutional duty, * and not in any manner to the House of Representatives. ‘The people have thought proper to invest him with the most honorable, responsible and dignified office in the world, and the {udividual, however unworthy, now hoki- ing this exahed position will take caro, 80 far as ia hita lies, their rights and prerogatives shall never be violated in his person, but shall pass to his successors unimpaired by the adoption of a dangercus it. He will de- fend them to the last extremity against tal attempt, come from what bed the constit right of the ve, and subservient to apy human » The people have not President cise of the executive duties; have upon him ae large measure of bill can become a law without his approval, as represent wg the people of the United States, unloes it shall pass Pypths deas of two-thirds of both Houses, legislative capacity Renate and the House, fe at redo i agg ehh grag on ‘The trial of ‘an impeachment of President before the Senate on charges preferred and prosecuted him by the House of Rey itatives, would be an im spectacie for the world. In the result, not removal from the Presidential office would be involved, but what is of infpitely greater wo x % both im the eyes of the present and of future geno: rations, might possibly be . dis- gn cast upon hi would in some d reflected upon the character of the American jle who elected him. Hence the 6 constitution to secure a fair trial. On such a trial ‘The precedent established in the case of Judge , of Missouri, in 1831, after a cargful review of all the former Precedents will, I venturp to predict, stand the test of time. In that case Take Ed tee, supposed to be special case, and at all tines is presumed to be composed of the most eminent lawyers in the House, from different portions of the Union, w: acquaintance with judicial pelea, St whose habits of int qualify mm their po- sition and character, could in the nature of things be ‘tial. In the case of Judge Peck the witnesses the committee itself with a view to ascertain the truth of the charge. They were cross-ex- amined by him, and everything was conducted in such & mannef as to afford him no reasonable cause of com plaint. In view of this precedent, and what is of far greater importance, in view of pregpe vert nal and principles of eternal justice, in what manner has the President of the Uuited been treated by the House of Representa- tives? Mr. John Covode, a representative from Pennsyl- vania, is the accuser of the President. Instead of follow- ing the wise precedents of former times, and especial- ly that in the case of Judge Peck, and relerring the accusation to the Committee on Judiciary, the House bave made my accuser one of my judges. ‘To make the accuser the judge ie a violation of the princi- ples of universal justice, and {s condemned by the prac. tice of ail civilized nations, Every freeman must revolt at such a epectacle. Iam to appear before Mr. Covode, either personally or by a substitute, to cross examine the witnesees which he may produce before himself to sustain his own accusations against me; and perhaps even this poor boon may be denied to the President. And what is the nature of the investigation which his resolution pro- poe to institute? It is as vague and general a3 the Eng- ish language affords words in which to make it. The Committee 1s to inquire, not into any specific charge or charges, but whether the President has by “money, pat. romegs or other improper means, sought to influence,” not the action of any individual member or members of Congress, but ‘‘the action of the entire body of Congress itself,” or any committee thereof. The President ht have had some glimmering of the nature the offences to be im ted had his accueer pointed to the act or acts of Congress which he sought to pass or to defea: by the employment of ‘‘ money, patron. age or other im r means.’’ But the accasation is pounded by no such limits; it extends to the whole circle of legiglation, to interference “‘ for or against the [ered of any law appertaining to the rights of any State or Territory.”’ And what law does not appertain to the rights of some State or Territory? And what law or laws has the President failed to execute? These might aay. bave been pointed out had any sach existed. Had Mr. Lawless asked an inquiry to House whether Jadge Peck, in general terms, had pot violated bis judicial duties, without specification of any particular act, I do not believe there would have been a single yote in that body in favor of the inquiry. Since the time of the Star Chamber and of warrants, there has been no + uch proceeding in The House of Representatives, the high lam teow! os Ho ie Presi- country, wi to word tion, have endorsed this accusation against th - dent, and made it their own act. They even refuse to permit a member to inquire of the President's accuser ‘what were the specific chai him. Thus, in this preliminary accusation of “ crimes and misde- meanors”’ agains: & co-ordinate branch of the government under the impeaching power, the House refused to hear asingie oop even in regard to the correct mode of proceeding; but without a moment’s delay passed accusa- order to enable him to prepare There are other principles which I might enumerate not lesa eacred, presenting an impenetrable shield to protect every citizen falsely charged with a criminal offence. These have been violated in the prosecution instituted b; the House of Representatives against the executive bran of the government. Shall the President alone be de- prived of the protection of these great principles, which prevail 1p every land where a ray of liberty penctrates | the gloom of deepotiem? Shall the Executive alone be deprived of the rights which all his fellow citizens enjoy? ‘The whole proceeding against him justifics the fears of those wise and great men who, before the constitation was adopted by the States, apprehended that the tendency of the government was to the aggrandizement of the legislative at the expense of the executive and judicial de 8. in declare emphatically that ‘make this protest for ro reagon personal to myself, and I‘do it with perfect 1e- spect for the House of Representatives, in which I nad the honor of serving for five successive terms. 1 have lived long in this goodly land, and have enjoyed all the offices aor | honors which my country could bestow. Amid all the political storms through which I have passed the pre- gent is the firet altempt which has ever been made, to my knowledge, to assail my pereonal or official integrity, and this has been done as the time is approaching when I eball voluntarily retire from the service of my country. I fee] proudly conecious that there is no public act of my life which will not bear the strictes:' scrutiny. I defy investigation. Nothing but the basest perjury can sully my good name. I do not fear even this, 4 cherish an humble confidence that Gracious. Being who has hitherto and protected me against the shafts of falsehood and malice will not desert me now, when gray-headed.” I can declare before God and my coun. try that no human being, with an exception worthy of notice, has, at any period of my life, dared to approach me with # corrupt o1 and, until recent develope! into my imagination that any person, even of exasperated political excitement, would in the most remote degree, with having ee to any human being. I may now, however, exclaim, in the ianguage of et employed by my first and greatest predecessor, T have been abused “in guch exaggerated and indecent terms a8 could fcarcely be applied toa bet to a notorious defaulter, or even to a common pickpocket.’’ 1 do, therfore, for the reasons stated, and in the name of the people of the several States, solemauly protest agatast there ge of the House of Rapresentatives; be- cause ‘are in violation ot the rights of a co-ordinate executive branch of the government, and subversive ite constitutional independence; because they are caleu- &F aq their nature of being disproved; thus furvishing material for harrassing bim, Cee | him in the eyes of the country, aud ev ould he be a weak or timid man, rendering iu) vient to improper influences in order to avoid such persecutions and annoyancey; be- cause they tend to destroy that harmonious action for the common good which ought to be maintained, and which 1 sweerely desire to cherish, between the co-ordinate branches of the government; and finally, because, if un- resisted they would establish a precedent dangerous an’ embarragsing to ail my successors, to whatever political party they might be attached. JAMES BUCHANAN Wasuincton, March 28, 1860. Mr. SuERMAN, (rep) of Obio—Mr. Speaker, the Prosi- dent of the United States has, for tho first time in the h's tory of the country, taken issue with this House upon th moet 3 ent constitutions! power which it ses that. is pregented in the communication just read. 1 am willing to give to that communication all the con: sideration ite seriousness and importance demands. I am willing that this House should resolve itself into a Com- mittee of the Whole on a motion to consider whether or not it has the power to investigate into anything and everything that msy be done by any body, from the Prest- cent of the United cown to ths humblest individual, Becaure, ifthis privaege-which the Presidentof the United States sete up is a uc one, you must extend it to every subordinafe officer of the ment. The constitation declares that the President of the United States, the Vico President, and all ¢,vil officers shall be re’ from office by Le ype. moved or conviction of treason, of bribery and corru} 5 high misdemeanor: crimes and 8, Another of the. deciares that this House Fhall have tbe power of impeachment. By these two clauses this House hes the right to examine into any matter that may affeet the conduct of any public officer of the government, whether he be President of the United ‘States or the youmg page who runs our little errands. Every public man im the country is subject to the power of this House. But the President of the United States says that we cannot make this inquiry except by impeachment. But how can we find an impeachment? How can wedraw up articles of impeachment without making a prelimi- nary examination? This prelimivary examination done than by taking testimony, by an examination, by inquiring whether the President or any other officer of the government has violated his public duty. How else would the resident of the United States have ‘us proceed in so grave and important a matter on mere rumor—upon the mere rumors which float up and down the street, or which flad their way into the newspapers of the day. Would he have us found an impeachment upon rumors like these. No; but they show the necessity of the case; they show that we havea it to iny for ourselves. When we see the Presi of the Us leges ao President of ae quiry into his public conduct. is the distinction be- tween him and asy member of this House? [I have [esojpo nas every oltgar of tbe goverument, and’ no ex” 0 every ol a no ex- eas wieutes naliiala dares of the President of the United States, But he bas set up a doctrine. This doc- trine which he has set up is that doctrine which has go- verned in Europe for # thousand yeare—the doctrine thay the king can do nowrong. is the amount of tho President’s doctrine, that he cannot be impeached because he cannot do wrong. This was the doctrine which sent Charles the First to ‘Dlock—the doctrine that the king Bat the people would that he was be: also, which sent quietly oa permit the matter to go uncontradi Mr. Sugrmax—I must then have misunderstood the tenor of the if he does not deny the pore of the House f appoint a committce of inv a jon. PR tee - ) of Pa.—He does ae seny the pees jouse 7 joes not that be adusiee ‘ots Comailtise ‘of the’ House, inquire; but he to his accuser (Mr. Covode) being upon that committee. ‘Mr. Baxrman—I have already answered. What other mode could we adopt? How else can we investigate and decide whether or not we shall impeach any officer of tho government? I do not speak of the merits of the accusa- tion— but how else can we know whether we should im- peach or not, except Ry ‘an investigation by a commitice of our own number? Here is the position he places him- self in. Ho says we must refer it to the standing Judi- ciary Committee, Sha)l, then, the President tell us how we are to proceed? We can refer it to a select committee if we choose, or to a standing committee, or even toa sipgle member if we choose, and the President bas no right tosay no. We formed mmittee of five; of all political ‘ies, to inquire into allega- Uors. ey report to us, and when they report we as- certain whetber the allegations are well founded or not. Ihave already said more than I intended tosay. The President of the United States has entered his protest against our proceedings, and J am willing that this House should accept the challeoge and inquire whether we pos- sess this power of investigation or not. I therefore simply make this motion—that this communication be re- ferred to the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Harn, of Md.—I have one ion to make. Mr. Bocock, (dem.) of Va , interrupting—I wieh to say that as I was the member of this House who asked that the regolution should be taken up tor consideration, I had a right to expect that the Speaker would have extended to me the Keyed to ethers to make Ad poe for dispoeing of the message. Ido not say this ‘& spirit of complaint to the Speaker, for I know that the Speaker is pot aware of the usaal rules of the House; but no mem- ber of the House knows better than the gentleman from Ohio that the member who brings forward a proposition is by courtesy entitled to make the motion for disposing of it. I intend to submit a few observations, I foa it of calmness, im dignity worthy of It is an important ty and courtesy, and with Pennsylvanio, Wins, BY vaya Snags fsa ant is always any man vote ‘against an Trrcntigetia tae more #0 because country cannot always understand the technical points or constitutional gronnds which lie at the bottom of the objections that may exist to euch a course. I rose to to that resolution when offered, but the gentleman from Pennsylvania at the time insisted on the rules bein; Tree cst deny to any member the speaking at that stage. ote the resointion, and would i bpoaetie de time. I voted raion for the Bin oemnon sane oe in the President’s Message. The gentleman f.om Ohio pened hag, in my humble judgment, greatly mistaken the bn which -the President has placed is protest The Presi- dent does not object to our instituting an inquiry againet him with » view of founding an impeachment, but he asks that we should troat him as we would any other citizen, even the humbiest inthe land. Let me ask the gentle- man from Ohio—let me ask any fair, impartial minded man in the House, if you designed to found a criminal ac- low # sneering raking ‘against bim with a view of finding an indictment against a charge.to be raked up against a , “Do you know this gentleman guilty of any wrong?” Did you ‘@ course to be adopted in the whole criminal actions? what do youdo? You require specific H i tosay I inves as tien metiare can time and with limits, did @ certain thing which is criminal act; and you interrogate your that man with reference to this i H f sithicce ies ill country , cal] a witness and require of him to say whether he knows of any wrong done by any particular individual, apart from that of which he stands accused. You must direct the witness’s attention to the specific wrong com- plained of to a specific and well dedued charge, before you force a witners to testify, What, sir, would be the condition of things if it wes not so’ If you allowed Grand Juries to go out and indict apy maa iM the country they had a dishke to, to inquire of this person and that if they chanced to know anything wrong done by another— wby, sir, if this was allowed, who would be safe? Unter such a state of things we would have no security for our property, for our safety, our reputation, or honor, or our lives. Then, why not extend to the President of the United States the same meagure of justice you extend t the humblest citizen in the land? If the gentleman (Mr. Buchanan) was even opposed to mie in politics, yot I would still remember that he was the President of the United States, invested by the majority of th people with the dignity of the firet oflice, not only of this land, butof the worli—the representative of the nation before the whole world—I should at least, if not for his own sake, yet for the sake of justice, for the dignity of the country and for the honor of the country, extend to him the same measure of justice and of fair play that I would extend to any other—the humbileat individual in the land. What the President objects to is not the accu ration; the gentleman from Ohio does him iojnatice there. It is the sweeping allegations brought against him. It is, that the geptieman from Pennsy!vania aske! far @ committee to inqnre whether he, the Presiden:, has been of using corrupt means to have a bill passed through this house. It is to the vague an¢ indefiaite ac- cueations brought against hind that he objects; for that member himself is not ableto say that he has rea- son to believe that there is even any groucd for the charge. Great confusion existed among members on the repub lican side, and Mr. Barksdale called on the Speaker to ee be mad Oy ws i same to hear the remarks 6 gentleman who was ressing the house. Mr. Bococx resumed—Under these circumstances, the President was justified in coming forward, and, in the Bame of the people he represented—in the name of the” people by whose voice he had been elevated and chosen first office in their gift—in their name he was jus- tied in coming forward defend the rights conferred upon him, to preserve these rights intact, and to surren- der them, at the . time, into the po er! successor unimpaired. It was my original int " 1 got the floor in time, to move that the be laid on the table and printed, and thus to leave members op pee take any course they might think proper Mr. Wasmvny, (rep.) of Me.—Does the gentleman move to lay the yr on the table? Mr. Booocx-—-No; 1 merely referred to what I might oe was I hope th . WasBuRN—_ e gentleman will not make that motion. Mr. Bocock—Wait a liltle. Mr. Covops—If the gentleman p to make such a motion I ought to be allowed an opportunity to explain this matter which the gentleman seems not to fully under- derstand. In the meantime I submit this resolution. (Resolution sent to the Clerk’s desk. ) Mr. Covops—I deny, Mr. Speaker, that I made any ident ies phy atep pong inquire was used money and what precise object it was intended to aren if The noise that was still eet ior wen bus congregated round tables outside seats here in- Mr. Covode, and the Speaker again called on come to order. ir. CLARKE, (dem.) of Mo., asked that Mr. Covode’s resolution be read before they went further. Mr. an (rep.) of fe eee aogtion ef very importance, for it pertains to his and dd. ties of tha apd te op rdnale branch of the Legian, Alleuch ag this must be important, and ought red calmly and deliberately, with a view of eettling the conetitutional ri; of each department of the ernment. Your com: has no power to impeach President of the United States. That is not one of our whether any and what influence may have been used by any man, no matter who, affect. tog the legislature of the country, is one of the privileges of the representatives of the people. Bat, of course, no penalty ws our action that far. We inflict no punish- ment. The const itution provides how that is to be done. Suppose, in this case, your committee should ascer- tain that the President of the United States had eT eer ene of = eee discharge of his duties, supposing only that such was the cuse, for I make no assertion. Your committee would simply ascertain the facts of the cage, and report the same to the House, and leave it to the House to impeach the President. But, then, this carrics no penalty; you inflict no punishment. That is the difference between an impeachment of federal officers;and on inquiry of the Hovse as to apy influence appertaining to the legislation of the House improperly used by any one, we have ex- amples of similar instituted bers of a former ‘Then, will it be said that the House cannot exercise the same rights with respect to the executive officers of the government that it can ex:rcise towards our other citizens? The President of the United States stands no higher than any other freeman of the country. He is liable to the same course of are, ‘and liable to the same punishment in case of derelictioa of duty as any other citizen. Mr. Winrxrxy, (Gem.) of Del., would ask the gentieman from Pennsy!vania, was be willing to investigate the con- duct of the President of the United States without any specific charge being preferred against him? Mr. Frorence, (dem.) of Pa. suddenly rising and speaking vehomentiy : is what the President objects to. (Loud laughter.) The President complains that the fame courtesy wae not extended to him that would ordi. narily be extended to a common pick-pocket (Continued laughter.) That is the objection, and the gentlemen who rag discussed the subject lose sight altogether of this ct. Mr. Covopk—I will call for the reading of the resolution and then explain my position. The resolution wag then read, as follows: Resolved,’ That a committee of five members be appotuted by the Speaker for the purpose of investigating whether the President of the United States, or any other offic ment bas by meney, pi sought to influence the action of C thereof for or ageinst the passage a the rights of any Btate or Territory; also to inquire into and investigate whether any ofliogr OF oflcers of the govern- ment have, by combination or otherwise. prevented and de- feated, or attempted to prevent or defeat the execution of an: law or laws now on the statute book, and w’ the Prea- dent has failed or refused to compel the execution of any Iaw thereof. That said committee inventigate and inquire into the above at the Ubicago or other Post offices, and Philadeipbia and other Navy yards, and as to any abuses In conn: ‘with the public buildings and other public works of the United States. in yom prove that the President of the United States was himself privy tothe use of ay te Pennsylvania. We have that testimony in writin, the President was himself a lender of money for the express purpote of influencing the elec- tions in Pennsylvania, and that he handed over a letter to the Secretary of the Navy for that purpose. My object ‘was to ascertain how and for what in this money was used. The President himeelf having made the charge, it was but proper to investigate it, and find out who were the guilty parties. I have been engaged in that business, and, to show that no advantage was intended to be taken of the President, the commitice agreed to sqpd him the testimony. (Laughter from democratic benches.) It was agreed that we should have a printed copy of testimony, to see what reply he would have to make against it, and what rebutting evidence he could produce. (Ironical laughter from democratic benches. Mr. Bransox—Mr. Speaker, as it is impoeaible that House can understand the subject unless they had the whole matter printed, I move that the whole subject be portponed till this day week. Mr. Covonk—We have it in evidence. Mr. Braxcu—I rise to a point of order. of the Committee, Covode, has no right to divulge, upon the floor of the House, any e parte statement of testi- mony. Mr. Covonr—I charge that I have the best reason to be- of the United States himself was consulted with reference to the use of money, and af- but he denied that had brought any specific ry ‘against him; that is w! he objected to. Ye does not ol yah aod v3 Mr. ce—That’s just it (laugher)—which drowned rest of bis words. Mr. Covops—I have an interest in investigating this I feel, Mr. Speaker, that Pennsylvania is to be use . ir jm demo- want yak er ‘want attach » my i E & . 5 F re Fr #2 fi 3 Ef I : fl ‘i E FF : : 5 i! Af 1 E 3 z 5 5 : e i fl it F i z i i 2 z 3 ; i { ss a Ft @ H i By ty E ge the job. (Vehement applause from the -benches ) PRICE TWO CENTS. President's courgs in thie matter is without precedent, If lremember aright, a distinguished democratic Presi- dept wrote an able document against some act of the Senate of the United States. Now, sir, in reply to the gentleman from Pennsylvania’ (Covode), I do not think that in his remarks he made any expla- nation which takes away the point of my argament on his regoluuon. Has he shown that this Ly was di- rected to avy specific charge or issue which ident has an opportunity to detend bimeelf agalost. Hes he done that? We are not to take into consideration wh the can do. The President docs not protest against what he can do, but rotests against whathe has¢ =, and it is of that Iam gpeaking. Well, sir, we have .a apology offered for the adoption of these proceedings, to the effect ‘oat the President himself bas complained that money was used in the election in Pennsyluania, and hat made that accusation we are called to inquire into it. Does the gentleman undertake to say that his resolution has reference eolely to thogo remarks of the President. If T remember aright the President in bis letter merely alluded to the use of money in Penneylvania. This reaolu- tion talks of corrupt means of influencing the of bills through Congress, butstates nothing apecifloany. It alludes also to charges with reepect to the Post Offices, certain public buildings and to certain navy yarde, ke. Ido nd: think the gentleman mended his case at all’ by taking it on bimeeif to gay that money was used to control eleo- tiona. Mr. Speaker, | would be the laet man. to rise on this floor and the corropt use of money for a ing on elections. gentleman’ from Pennsylvania, 1a the wido latitude be assumed and the declaration he ‘bes made, has proved nothing. The information which has come to his ears he bas not intimated to us, but he says that the President aided in the corrupt use of money. 1 ask him does he mean tosay that the use of money is prima, Jacie a corrupt use of money in olections. if he does, the gentleman stands before tho House as his own accuser and the accuser of his Bovode ap: peared in a paper i ‘among others, calling upon tl everywhere to come forward and voluntarily con! money for the use of their committee, and to enable them to carry on the next Presidential election, (Applause from the democratic benches and general noise.) I wili give way to eman (Covode) or any of his friends who will rise in bie place pow and say thathe (orcaey did not call upon friends of the reputiagn party. everywhere throughout the United States to come forward and contribute money to be used. at the ext election for President. Dir, Wasnnurne, (rep.) of IU.—The noise is 80 great , Mr. Speaker, I cannot hear the question. Mr. Kucoxs, (rep.) of Ind —There wasa taining a recommendation to our republican to conti ibute money for the purpose of enabling us to dis- setinate useful information among the people, just in the same way as missionary societies raise money to send to the heathen. (Loud laughter.) Mr. Bocock—Oh, you wanted money to digseminate the Bible, but, sir, the Bible you desired to spread abroad. ryt iy — bet Wen Lent full ot _ doctrines: je teachings o! rophets. (Applause f democratic benches Se Oo cad Mr. Kncors—I oid not speak of Bibles. Mr. Eocock—This is the spectacle that is presented to the country by the republican party. The gentieman from Pennsy!vania rises in bis place on this floor and asserts a8 a ground of sweepihg inquiry into the manner of ducting the Custom House department, the Post Offi bred Public buildings, &c. ; that the President Jnited States has spoken of the use of money in \- vania. He now jes the Proaident that be to the manver in which this money was used. do we see on the other side? Why, it comes out feeaion of the gentlemen themselves that they a general and widespread invitation to all the their section of the Union, and all connected party, to come forward and. pour out their enable them to ivfluence the coming the men who bring forward vague, inde! Et gure on ine come printing gave out the con the public understanding that they should Teoalve half the Fg, Hite rblestees® é f i lai Mr. Ki1core—Let me explain. ape Mr. Booock—No doubt the gentleman could give a good reason. They charge the President with a the ure of money, and upon this vague charge they would bave their committee armed with a sweeping power to settle everything, while they themsclves, = Eclences, écmand balf the Prods of, the ublic print ag to emable them 10 carry on the Presidential (Ap- plause {rom democratic benches. ) Mr. Hasxm, (A. L dem.) of N. Y., roge, bat Mr. Bocock would not yield. The ES Ned by Mr. Bo- cock af that disseminated by the republican party asking for voluntary contributions, was here read. The docu- ment called upon all republicans to come forward to the aid of the pu the coming election. It stated that their opponents had levied large sums of money by forced contributions from fede- ral oflicers and public contractors for party operations. Therefore the republican party must rely upon the volun- tary contributions of their frien is, therefore, re- commended that every person, as far as his means would alow, should send contributions for the purchase of cer- tain pamphlets or documents which were Oxed at a cer- tain price, This circular was 04 by several republi- can members, and — others by the Chairman of the committee and mover of the resolution, Mr. Covode. Mr. Wasnevrys, (rep.) of Il!.—What circular is that? Mr. 5 it Mr. submit being discussed is unworthy of end thi the discussion forth. (Ironical laughter from democratic benches)—the mes- Sage from tho President of the United States. To descend, therefore, this day, while not in Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union, to the discuesion of dirty poli- tics, ig not, in my humble judgnient, in order. The mo- tion is to refer this commuuication, this plea in abate- ment presented by the President of the United States, to the Committee on the Judiciary. T insist, as a point of order, that this is the only question for consideration of this body, and the only one oa which discussion cau be had. The only question is with reference to the Judiciary Committee and the legislative power of the government, which bas been insulted by the Napoleonic decree of the President of the United States. The point of order was overruled. Mr. Bocock—The gentleman from New York some time ogo presented himself before the House as the ally of the republican party for this session, and he has now come forward in hia character of ally to read usa lecture on the subject of the dignity and the proper pro- per proceedings of this house. Vaneniee from the demo- cratic benches.) For§ myself, 1 bow in bumble acknow- ledgement of the debt of gratitude under which that gen- tleman has placed us for bis lecture on dignity. And ® very proper man he is (oo, to gige us a lecture on the pro- prieties, (Loud laughter.) 1 saying, Mr. Speaker, that neither the gentieman from Pennspivania (Covode), nor the gentlemen from Indiana (Kilgore), had not parti- cularly helped their cause by the explanations they made this morning. Their defence of their begging circular goee for nothing. It scems that the emallest amount would be thankfully received, while the largest sum could not be objected to. (laugter.) While they think {t consistent with what is right and proper that they should raise money in Fmali sums and in large sums, by ispor ing of circulars, they assume that other parties use money not for such honest Porposes as they use it for, but for corrupt purposes. ‘hat right have they to as- that others use money corruptly? Wh; others as well as themselves use and not be cor- rapt? With regard to other point gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mi claims that the House has the ipg inquiries. He says that the is the judge of these matters in two ities. First, there is the impeaching body, who draw up the impeach. ment and eend it to the Senate for trial ; the other is ita Tadmit the ated to keep the source of legislation pure atee =! that Position, and that t has s anything necessary and proper to carry out in that respect. The House of Representatives has a right to fe such an inquiry as they may think fit to secure wholesome legi m. The House has a right to insti. tute specific charges, and to put ® man upon his de- fence on these specific charges before sending charges before the Senate for trial. But if under cover of a pretence of intending to legislate, or if under to institute an impeachment, the House ing charges ageinst a high official , which personage bas no means of knowing and which he has no power to dcfend himself against, you then convert your legitimate functions into an instrument of wrong » ‘The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Grow) says that reference to the Presiaent, per! ‘no punishment;was in- tended, and that none would be likely to follow from the courte adopted by the House. Why, sir, is it not known to the country that the President of the United States is cbarged with corruption. not the door been opened for men everywhere to come here and swear to conver- gations and other things with the President of tne United States’ Though you may not have intended to found an im it him, will jou say thet no punishment has been flicted upon bim. Is it mo punishment to a man of high position, who knows the dignity of his bigh office? Is it corruption, and fo bave charges brought, sgalast hes ox corruption, we charges brought on the vaguest testimony? Is it not a to have witnesses called to swear to every thin, to remember of private conversations? very thing to fll any honorable man’s sensitive nature with # high degree of pain. to mystify thesubject. Let no gentleman, upon such a rave occasion, do injustice to the issue which the Preti- lent of the United States has raised. The President docs not deny the right of the House to institute specific imo bi emia He hae not ee ey ne tO te an jpeachment on Pi oper ‘What he demies i the propriety of the House to institute 8 «against hi with. may be taken with regard the motion, but I wish to have the 0 that we can better understand of Mr. Saanman the message was referred to aouuadery Committee, with leave to report at any Mr. Hicxwa, the Chairman of that Committee, said would be made, and a fair opportani- allowed for 5 Mr. Sixmmax, from the Committees on Waysand Means, reper the Consular and Diplomatic bill. House then went into Committee of the Whole on fe gg nth eae Mr. Montcommry made a speech in favor of the Douglas view of slavery in the Territories: He advocated his no- mination for lected he would carry not a disuntouist, North or a Dovglas. His friends will meet the cry of leston. ‘The committee here rose, and the House adjourned. ne