Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-04-07
Correspondence Of the N. Y. Com. Adv.
WASHINGTON, March %.

Correspondence Of the N. Y. Com. Adv.
WASHINGTON, March %.
The scenes in the House of Representa-
tives on Saturday and Sunday are without O
parallel in the proceedings of any Legislative
assembly that ever met in civilized country
II is almost impossible for man of any ar.
dour or sensibility to speak of them with de-
corum. 1t Is temperate and measured Ian.
guage to say that this reckless and indecent
course of the leaders of "the party" mus,
disgrace them in the opinion of every person
deserving the name OF an American patrio,
or American Christian.
| Too much praise cannot he given to the
minority for the noble stand they took in de-
fence of their liberty and independence as
Legislators, and of the rights Of the sitting
member. They fought the battle bravely;
and though Mr.. Graham will be inundated,
they have succeeded in fixing the eyes of the
country upon that species of DEspOTIsM
which "THE PARTY" now boldly exercise over
that gallant band of independent and patriot
ic men, whom the palace slaves honor with
the title of DIsAFFECTED.
The North Carolina contested election
was under discusson-the particular point
being whether the additional testimony which
Mr.. Graham has procured, and which fully
establishes his claim to the scat, should be
received by the house. II was debated till
four O'clock, by several members. Mr..
Graves, of Kentucky, then took the floor
In the beginning ofhis remarks, he comment
ed on the strong party bias which was likely
to influence different members in this case.
He spoke of the politics of the petitioner and
ehe sitting member. They had both pro.
fesscd to be in favor Of Judge White for the
presidency, during the canvass. But it was
now certain that the latter had attached hnl-
self to the cause of Van Buren,. Here New
land gave sign Of assent. Mr.. Graves was
shortly after interrupted by motion to adj
jOurn. Loud cries of "no," from the party,
followed the proposal. Ayes and noes were
ordered, the question negatived-all the
siegen,cn voting against it in solid column.
Mr.. Graves proceeded in his remarks, but
again gave way to a motion for adjournment
which was also negatved by strong party
vote.
Mr.. Mercer, with the hope of procuring an
adjournment, about six o'clock, tried to get n
suspension of the rules for the purpose OF
giving to this contested election the prefer
ence over all other business, until it should be
settled. This was also rejected. 1t became
evident, now, that the party had made up their
minds to press the main question. and expel
the sitting member before they went to din
ncr. They had made their arrangements
accordngly-some oftheir rank and file were
placed all around Graves, ready, as soon as
he should be unable to go on, to spring up
and apply for the gag of the previous ques-
tion, and tins, too, when the whole debate, as
yet, had been confined exclusively to prelim-
mary points, and the main question had not
been touchcd-and when the opponents of
the claim of the sitting member had occupied
the whole day, up to the time of Graves taxi
ing the floor, which was at the customary
hour of adjournment! But the Independent
members of the House saw this odous effort
to trampIe upon the whole power they possess,
the power to deliberate, the freedom of re-
monstrance and discussion, and took the fix
ed resolution to oppose it with all their
strength and resources. Graves behaved
most gallantly. lie declared he had taken
note of all the arguments that had been ad-
vanced on the opposite side of the question,
and meant to examine them in detail. lie as
sailed the tactics of the party in strong terms,
pointed to Il notorious parsonage who had
been sent over from the other side of the
House to call the previous question. He
was several times interrupted by motions to
adjourn, which were successfully negativcd.
The time consumed in calling the ayes and
noes on each motion, gave him an interval to
recruit his strength. lie recommended with
additional spirit and force. Lights had in
the meanwhile been brought in-the atmos-
phere became most oppressive-notwithstan
ing which, Graves still went on cutting up
the arguments of Bynum, Hawes, and Ilamer,
who preceded him, and lashing the party in
general in capital style. Some of the more
of the administration party began
to grow tired and sgusted-perhaps, too,
they felt they had burned their own fingers.
Mr.. Mason Of Va. tried an appeal to the
sympathes Of his allies. lie said the sitting
member was indsposed-that he wished to
address the House and therefore he hoped
the rules would be suspended so as to make
this subject the special order for Monday.
He thought his frie ends would have some COM
passion for sick man, whose rights were at
stake. lie was mistaken. The motion was
rejected by clamorous chorus Of noes
Graves went on. Several motions were a.
gain made to adourn-and successfully re-
ccted. Graves went on. and evinced n spir-
il and energy une exhausted, and inexhaustible.
lie bore himself nobly. Some time after
W ards Mr.. Garland of La. repeated the mo-
lion mado by Mason. In WAS cLAMoURED
Down! Graves proceeded. lie had occasion
10 refer to a document as an integral part Of
his arguments; and as is usual, Sent it 10 the
chair, to be read. The chair said it should
be read ,f not objected TO. Some voices
raised cry of object! object!" The chair,
'It is objected to-" Graves, with great cner-
", "Let the objcctor rise in bis placeP' up
'p'ang Cambrelcng. and with al the impo-
ience of his poor voIcc, and pompous gesti- Z