Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-01-20

Iron our Evesiae Ediliop ofyesterdsy.l
washington Correspondc nee.


sonal history. TWAS understood that the report Of
the Committee on Elections on the clam OF the two
members from Mississippi Messrs Prenhss and
Ward would come up for consideration, and that
some good debating might be expected. The galarles
were. therefore, crowsd at an early hour especially
that usually occupied by the beauty and fashion of
the city Ogden Hoffman, it was thought, would
address the House on this occasion, and as he now
stands high an orator, all were DESTROYS 10 hear
him. As preliminary step resolution was adopted
allowing Messrs Prenuss and Ward TO take seats
within the bar. The ladies were anxious to ses the
new members as they entered the house and leaned
forward to catch a view of two very ordinary looking
persons who made their appeara ce, escorted by some
of the officers OF the House. 10 seats provided for
them in the main aisle. Mr. Howard now presented
a paper of considerable length, written by Mr. Clay
borne one of the sitting smbers, containing an Ella
borate defence of his right and that of his colleague
TO their seats and the reasons why they had SO small
avcte at the last election and asking that II might
be read and printed for the better information OF me
House. This was objected 10 by MIR. Wise on the
ground that the statement made by Messrs Prentss
and Ward, had been printed al heir private expense,
and therefore il would not befilr 10 cause Mr. Cs
statement 10 be printed at the expense OF the pubic
Gholson disclaimed any wish 10 seek the charity oi
the House. and made personal remark which called
up Mr. Wise, who evidently highly excited, and
with great energy, bat with an expression OF marked
contempt he concluded by declaring mat III impu-
dence and gnor nee constituted blackguard, that
man (pnnting 10 and sinking his hEger nj Choson)
was one" Polk immediately called ont order order.
But the shaft had fed-Gholson sprang up lmmedi-
atcly foaming at the mouth ana looking as vid
corps, and exclaimed Mr.. Speaker, regard the man
who could use such language thisflooT as a coward
and scoundrel." Order order, was again demanded
by the chair The House was mute with astonish-
ment-ihe audience sprang upon their feet as If cleo
trhcd the ladies looked shocked; but all was breath
less attention. Such language had never been used
in the House before il felt as degrading to its
dignity, and a silence Of some inmates ensueu. Col.
Mercer was seen in earnest conversation with Wise,
who afterwards took Col Jennifer aside 10 engage
him, as il conjectured, as his second Gholson
remained in his seat, with his arm in sling, and
looking daggers. The paper was read and finally or
dered 10 be printed; when To test the question,
solution was submttedby Mr. Bronson of New York,
declaring that Messrs. Prentiss and Ward are not
members Of the 18th Congress, and not entitled to
seats such. The subject was made the order OF
the day al o'clock every dav till finally settled
Mr.. Dawson feeling that the House had been nsuted
by the language employed by Messrs. Wise and
Gholson, offered resolution requiring them TO make
Immediate submission TO that body. Wise arose, and
while he apologzed 10 the House, made personal
reflection on Gholson, as beneath his Indignation and
only deserving his contempt and scorn Gholson
retaliated and threw himself upon the indulgence of
the house. They were both called to order by the
Chair.
"Dear me-" said beautiful blue eyed maiden from
Philadelphia, TO whiskered beau behind her, do you
think they will fight? should be SO soiry-cant it
be prevented y
"Oh, there's not the least danger" observed the
youth. If they go 10 the field they will have TO
fire oftener than Mr. Jennifer TO strike each other
they lathy and thin-and bullet could do them
no injury, for If il should pass through the body of
either, it would only be skin wound"
ooh hope they will not fight, it will be such a
pity" and a tear gstened in her soft blue eye.
al cant see how thew are to avoid H." said the
youth ''The insult has been public and toe gross 10
be atened for in any other way than by cold lead
II Ghoson, however, should fall, II will be great
relief to our friend COL Webb who has been anxious
10 visit this CITY, bat Ghoson has always been IN his
NJ
the table and Col Mercer offered resolution making
it the duty Of the Speaker to require Wise and Ghol
son to "declare in their places that they will not pro-
secuie further the quarrel which has arisen this day
between them" jenifer moved 10 lay iion the table,
but il was negatived by considerable majority, and
a long discussion arose upon its adoption which did
not terminate that day.
Idoubt whether IL be possible to prevent the meet
ing Of these bellgerents, even should the resolution
pass unless they not quite so willing 10 fight as
they seem to be. The decorum of the House has
been most grossly violated, and the character and
responsibility OF that body require that both these
members should be expelled. The language used was
better suited to cockpit tipping shop than to
hall Of legislation 1t evinces a too fiery temper
and vulgar tone Of mind, with which dIgnified le-
gislative assembly is not at all congenal and such
scenes and such language must not be tolerated any
longer in this body or all respect for its dignity will
be destroyed, and will be the laughing stock Of the
world Such incorporate and supplementary Ian
guage Of receut origin and would not have been 10
lerated for moment ten or fifteen years ago.
The resolutions of the Vermont Legislature relating
20 the abolition Of slavery &c;, in this district were
before the Senate yesterday, and elected good deal
Of eloqaence. Mr.. Preston acclaimed spiendidly,
though one of his arms 10 st in sling from having
had an artery cut in being bled. Calhoun and Judge
White also particpaed-ihe latter gave history Of
slavery from The origin Of the world and was decided
in his opposition to the resolutions, which were finally
laid on the table
But the most important measure introduced was
new sab-treasury scheme, by Mr.. Wright from the
COMMITTEES on Finance, which differs essentially from
the former of the extra session. copy Of this
bill will send you as il is printed. Its chief
provisions are, however that the new treasury build
ing is TO constitute the Treasury Of the United States
that the mint and is branches to be repositories
of the public money-that Receivers General are 10 be
appointed in Boston. New York and Charleston as
special depostores-that exclusive specie payments
10 be required for all dues and debts the government
after five or SIX years, &c.
The resolution concerning the controversy between
Wise and Gholson laid upon the table today, and
the House has thus decided that they may fight it
as they please. Gholson looks very paid and sckly
and will not OF course be prepared TO fight for some
months, when il will perhaps be settled V
Preniiss was permitted to address the House today
on his claim 10 a seat and made most lucid, elogcent
and able speech occupying the attention OF the House
from enc o'clock all three when the House adjourned
20 enable him to conclude tomorrow. He Is q small
man, and lame in one leg from wound received IN
d,oI Ha ccrts,nlv nosaesaea A deal Of talent