To pass a resolution concerning the investigation of publicity and the treaty of washington.

On May 17, 1871, the Senate voted 42–14. Result: passed. By party: Republicans 36–7, Democrats 6–6, Others 0–1. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 13 members voted against their own party.

During the 42nd Congress (1871–1872), Ulysses S. Grant was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 42
No: 14
Did not vote: 19
Date: May 17, 1871

By party

Republicans36 yes · 7 no · 13 didn’t vote
Democrats6 yes · 6 no · 6 didn’t vote
Others0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Benjamin Franklin Rice R-AR voted no
Eli Saulsbury D-DE voted no
Oliver Hazard Perry Throck Morton R-IN voted no
Charles Sumner R-MA voted no
Henry Wilson R-MA voted no
George Vickers D-MD voted no
William Thomas Hamilton D-MD voted no
Francis Preston Blair Jr. D-MO voted no
Thomas Weston Tipton R-NE voted no
Reuben Eaton Fenton R-NY voted no
Allen Granberry Thurman D-OH voted no
William Sprague R-RI voted no
Henry Gassaway Davis D-WV voted no

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To pass a resolution concerning the…: Senate Vote, May 17, 1871,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/42-S-69/to-pass-a-resolution-concerning-the-investigation-of-publicity (accessed 2026-10-17).