The Evansville Daily Journal

LOBBY CORRUPTIONS AT WASHINGTON.

Our telegraphic dispatches in yesterday's paper mentioned the appointment of a select committee to investigate certain charges of corruption. The disclosures were made in the following manner. Mr. Kelsey of New York made a question of privilege, and read a letter to the New York Times from Washington, charging members of Congress and lobby agents with gross corruption, generally, and particularly in relation to the Minnesota Land Bill, saying that evidence could be produced to carry conviction to every mind, that the criminals should be driven from the high places which they dishonored. Mr. Kelsey concluded by offering the following preamble and resolution.

Whereas certain statements have been published, charging members of the House with entering into a corrupt combination for the purpose of passing and preventing the passage of certain measures now before Congress; therefore,

Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed by the Speaker, with power to send for persons and papers to investigate said charges, and that the committee report the evidence to be taken, and what action, in their judgment, is necessary on the part of the House, without unnecessary delay.

Mr. Paine rose and said I scarcely know whether I ought to say anything or no. I know nothing about that letter nor his journal. I know nothing about any connection made to it. I know not how he obtained the information. I know not whether it is true or false. But I do know there has been propositions made in the lobby, by members of the House, on the object—

(Sensation—cries of "Who is he?" "Expose him.") I should not name the gentleman—

(Cries of "down in front"—"stand out of the aisle; we can't see.") I shall mention no member by name. (A voice—"You ought to do it.") It was with feelings of indignation that I heard the proposition. (Impatient demands of "what was it"—"tell it"—"the reason.")—Why I did not announce it to the house, was, that pending the organization of this body, when a member rose in his place and stated that a fellow member had directly made attempt to tamper with him for his vote for Speaker, the only credit he received was he was laughed at. "And it was charged that he did not accept the proffered bribe because there was no such profitable place to be had."

I say distinctly, there is not a want of truth in the allegation contained in the Times' article. A distinct proposition was made to me by a member of this House, in regard to the Minnesota Land Bill, and that fifteen hundred dollars would be given in consideration of a vote for that bill. If the proposed committee shall be appointed, and I am called on as a witness, I shall give my evidence.

The resolution, after further debate, was adopted.