Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-07
c q N G r E S S.


For Andrew Stevenson, of Virginia, 90:
For Joel B. Sutherland, of Penn. 81:
For C.. A. Wicklitfe, of Kentucky. IS.
For John w. Taylor of New York, 10:
For Lewis COndict of New Jersey, 4: scat
tering S.
The whole number of votes given being 1876.
The hon Andrew Stevenson, of Virginia, ha-
viug received 90 votes, the exact number ne
cessary to choice,) was declared to be duly
elected Speaker of the House of Representatives:
whereupon, being conducted to the Chair by the
don. Ihos. Newton, f Virginia, the Speaker adj
dressed the House as follows:
GENTLEMEN. In accepting. a third time, this
exalted station, cannot adequately express the
deep sense | entertain of the honor YOU have
been pleased again to confer on me, or my warm
feelings of gratitude, for this distinguished proof
of your continued confidence, and unchaneing
kindness.
It's an honor, too, gentlemen, which has been
conferred IN manner, and under circumstances
peculiarly calculated to crafty and flatter me;
and shall ever cherish it as the most valuable
reward for past services. The office OF Speaker
OF this House has, at no period in our history,
been without its embarrassments and trials; and
fin times Of profound tranquility and repose,
its duties have justly been regarded by the most
eminent Of the distinguished individuals who
have filled the chair. as arduous and responsible,
how greatly must its labors and responsibilities
be enhanced in times Of high political and party
divisions!
| certainly am not vain enough to suppose that
it will be in ms power to discharge the duties of
this high office, in manner suitable to its digni
ty and Importance, or as could myself wish; in
deed there is no man, am very confident. be he
VIII IN he may, who could at such time assume
its responsibilities, without distressing greatly
his own abilities. | shall not, however, despair.
Actuated bv an honest and manly Zeal, shall en-
deavor at least to justify the choice of my friends,
and merit the confidence and respect Of the House.
Whoever shall fill this Chair, to his own honor
or the advantage of the nation, must possess not
only this confidence of the House, but the esteem
and respect of the honorable and high-minded
men, over whom he presides. Neither station or
p0rer can coerce esteem or respect. They can
only be acquired by integrity, lmpartiaity, and
nor or lustre on this station, and make it, both
as it regards the House and the nation, what it
should be.
unfeignedly assure you, Gentlemen, that l
shall need aud expect your cordial and kind CO.
operation. in preserving order and dignity IN
deliberations and sustaining the authority of the
Chair; and earnestly hope so to discharge its
duties as to insure to its decisions not merely
reluctant support. but steady and cheerful ac-
guiescenoe in their justice and propriety.
tender you, Gentlemen, my cordial co-ope-
ration in the discharge Of your high duties, and
ardently pray That we may, by our conduct and
deliberations, render this House Sorthy of the
high name and character of our beloved country
The oath to support the Constitution Of the
United States. as prescribed by the act entitled
IS An act to regulate the time and manner Of adj
ministering certain oaths," was then administer
ed to the Speaker, BY Mr. Newton, one of the
Representatives from the State OF Virginia, and
the same oath Tor afirmation) was thereupon adj
ministered by the Speaker, to all the other Mem
bers present.
Matthew st. Clair Clarke, Esq. was re-appoint-
ed Clerk Of the House.
The election Of Speaker was very close one.
1t is generally understood, we believe, that, had
there failed to be choice on the first ballot, the
scattered votes would have been nearly oil con-
centrated upon Mr. Sutherland