In 1900 the right of a senator to a seat in the Senate was challenged by the citizens of his State on the ground that his election was secured through bribery and corruption.  In a memorial of the citizens forwarded by the governor, the matter formally came before the Senate.  The case was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections, which unanimously reported, after careful deliberation, that the senator was not duly and legally elected by the legislature of his State.  The committee found that he had obtained through illegal and corrupt practices more than eight votes which would otherwise have been cast against him and changed the result.  Before a vote was taken in the Senate on this resolution the senator resigned his seat.

In the House the name of the person possessing the certificate of election signed by the governor of his State is entered on the roll of the House, but the seat may still be contested.  Many cases of contested elections are considered by each new House.  There were thirty-two seats contested in the 54th Congress.  Such cases are referred to the Committee on Elections, which hears the testimony, and presents it to the House for final decision.  Each of the cases when presented to the House consumes from two to five days which might otherwise be used for the purposes of legislation.  The law provides that no more than $2000 shall be paid either of the contestants for expenses, but even then, it is estimated, these contests cost the government, all told, $40,000 annually.  When the decision is rendered by the House, the vote is, in most cases, strictly on party lines, regardless of the testimony.  In view of these facts, it has been suggested that the Supreme Court decide all contested elections.

How a Quorum is Secured.—­If it appears, upon the count of the speaker, or upon the roll-call of the House, that a majority is not present, business must be suspended until a quorum is secured.  Fifteen members, including the speaker, may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members.  This is accomplished as follows:  the doors of the House are closed, the roll is called, and absentees noted.  The sergeant-at-arms, when directed by the majority of those present, sends for, arrests, and brings into the House those members who have not sufficient excuse for absence.  When a quorum is secured, business is resumed.

Rules and Discipline.—­Section 5, Clause 2. Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.

The Journal.—­Section 5, Clause 3. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal.