State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-06-07

10 the letter OF Mr. Van Buren, on tins sub
iect, and declared, that ON constitutional
questions, its language was equivocaI and
evasive.
Here Mr. Adams started up, and begged
that the particular portion of the Vice
Presidents letter. which was referred to,
might be read. 1t was read accordingly,
and the manifest and elaborate nUn-com-
initial character OF the expressions excited
much laughter. Mr. Robertson rtng the
changes upon them with great felicity and
success. MIR Van Buren,, it appears, "could
not satisfy himself that Congress had not
the power" &c. lie could not feel himself
safe &c. ellis Impressions" were so and so,
but he would readily yield them up, upon
conviction Of error, &c. Nothing, surely
can he farther from free, manly, direct
expression of sentiment, than such Ian
guagc. MIR Robertson said, that the words,
81 do not feel myself Sqie," were tue to
the chara Ctcr OF the author - who To- kcd
more to his own political safety and advance
meni, than to the security Of the South or
his country.
When the able Nirginian resumed his
seat, MIR Adams who had taken up posi-
ton precisely in front of the chair attempt
ed 10 get the flonr but Mr. Owen of Ga.
was more fortunate, and after some apollo
ogistic paaver did his pnrizan duty, in
calling for the previous question. A strong
effort was made to prevent the application
of the political axe Ivy calling tortue orders
of the day, the morning hour having rlaps-
cd, but a majority were against it. The
speaker then decided that the next step
was to ascertain, whether there was q sec
Ia. ia, Al,
ton. From this decision MIR Adams ap-
pealed and was proceeding to speak in II
most energetic manner with arm raised
alott and finger ponted-.when the speaker
Interrupted him, and required his point of
order TO b. reduced to writing.
Mr. Adams, with great vehemence, "Lct
the chair put this decision to wrtlng!-
"Order, order," was vocferated on all sides.
The speaker repeated his remark. The
eX-president then took his seat and his pen;
but after writing few words threw it aside
- started up and commenced to speak in
an exceedingly high key. His words, how
ever, were lost amid the noise and conill-
sion that prevailed. Mr. Gideon Lee called
him to order more Justify than | could
have imagined it possible for that venera-
BILE person To do. But Mr. Adams never
faltered. His pallid cheeks grew crimson
over with Indignation, and high above all
the din and commotiOn was heard m fine
and clear tones, " Sir, do not think there
is a majority here who will sanction this
attempt 10 siNe debatcr' ("orer ORDERLY
and therefore ! withdraw my appeal"
Several members now called upon Mr.
Owens to Withdraw his demand for the
previous question-but he declared him
self memorable.
The previous question was seconded
Mr. Adams asked what the main question
would be. The Chair replied, that it would
be OH concurring in the resolutions rcpor-
ted by the committee. MIR Adams appeal
ed from this decision; and cried out with
much warmth 81 am aware there is Il
slave-holding speaker in the chairm
Several members then attempted TO adj
dress the house; but were successfully as
sailed with loud cries of "order," mingled
with shouts of ego on" The confusion
became immense. 1t is almost impossible
to trace the exact course of proceeding.
AT last, upon the chair stating that the eff
feet OF the main question would be to cut
Oft all amendments and incidental motions;
and contne the question TO concurrence in
the resolutions reported, Mr. Adams again
appealed; and was proceeding to argue
on this point, but was told he would not
be permitted to debate it. "What" he ex-
claimed, san appeal from the speakers de-
cison not dchuteable!'
The Chair. "Thc House has so dcci-
ded."
Some discussion took place on this head,
at the end of which the Fix President arose
with a very puzzled look, aud asked, "Nr
Speaker, am | gagged, or not"' He then
should he put in writing. The Chair de-
cided he had no right TO make such de
mand. MIR Adams again appealed! The
Chair replied, that appeals could not be
multiplied thus, and piled ono upon another.
A motion was then made for call Of the
House and negatived.
This act being played ont, the prelmi-
nares TO the main question were got over
with great despatch, and then Il call was
made for division Of the question on con
curing with the select committee in their
resolutions which call was sustained.
The question on the first resolution
(Which denies to Congress the authority TO
interfere in any way with slavery in any Of
the states) having been stated
Mr. Adams again rose. and, amid the
greatest camor and confusion, implored
the house TO allow some discussion of this
resolution. "Ths is the ONE he added,
(which am most anxious to have debated.
and if the house will give me five minutes,
pledge myself to prove the doctrine OF the
resolution to he false and unconstitutional"
But the house would hear nothing more.
The ayes and noes were then called MIR
Of Georgia, Mr. Pickcns of South
Carolina, MIR Robertson of Virginia, and
Waddy Thompson of South Carolina sew
orally requested to be excused. Niv Wise
positively refused to vote.
Mr. Adams referred to the rule ON the .
subject, and insisted that the gentlemen
should state their special reasons. He was
sul lnnlIL nll lnIILll nnlllAl |.