The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-12-10


After protracted debate the shades of evening
began to fall, and there was general call for nd
ournment
The Clerk stated it as his opinion that in the
present state of the House Uhe roll having been
only partially called) no question could be taken
either by yeas and nays, by tellers or by count
and that no decision could be arrived at but by
general consent of the House
BY general consent, the House then adjourned,
TO meet again at IL o'clock to morrow
WAsHINGToN, Tuesday Dec. g.
The House makes Lo progress in its organization.
There is no apparent mode by which they can es-
Gaze from the difficulties in which they involv-
ed. If they proceed to call the roll Of undisputed
members, the question will then arise which of
the Jersey delegates shall vote; for it will not prob
ably, be agreed - either side, that neither of
them shall vote. So, if the House go on, in its
present condition, before a quorum is ascertained
to take votes, there will be difficult as to the
reception Of the Jersey votes. All these men are
in their ats and claim to be members It is a.
greed that the State of New Jersey is entitled TO
be represented by six members- neither less nor
more-so they will not all ow the whole TO vo:e
nor agree that all stand aside.
At the opening of the House, TO. day the Clerk
floor was lin the possession OF the gentleman
from North Carolina, (Mr Bynum) and with the
leave of that gentleman, he rose TO make an
appeal to the House. No map coul,. feel more
than he did the delicacy and embarrassment of
the situation in which he was placed, and before
God and his country, he declared he was actu-
ated by one motve,-to discharge his duty faith.
fully and impartally. He was placed in a novel
situation. Conflicting returns were brought to
his office. Two sets of members presented
themselves 10 him in person. Was he to take
upon himself The duty Of the House and, Judge
as to the validity of these returns. He had stud
led attentvely and laboriousy his duties in the
case, with all the difficult and delicate questions
connected with it, and respectfully appealed 10
the House for leave 10 state the grounds upon
which he had acted.
Mr. Jenifer asked il the clerk was prepared 10
abandon the course he had taken.
The Clerk said that he stated to the House
yesterday what would be his course, and he
could not depart from it. All he wished to do
now was 10 State to the House the grounds of
that course.
Mr. Jenifer said no man had objected to call.
ing the names OF the regular certified members
from; Jersey, and the Clerk had taken upon him :
TO interrupt the proceedings of the House. He
would not listen TO an argument in favor OF such
a course.
MIR S,anly objected to any Clerk making an ar
gument here.
Mr. Wise thou ght it was due to the House and
to the country, and 10 the Clerk himself that he
should make statement of his reasons for aban-
doning duty which law and usage imposes up
on him. He hoped all would consent that rhe
Clerk should make the statement.
MIR White of Ky, entered his solemn protest
against the proposition. The Clerk was not re.
sponsible to the House and to the county, and
to what purpose was he to make an argument to
this body.
Mr. Briggs of Mass, said a few words in sup.
port of the request of the Clerk, TO make
his statement on the grounds which he
had acted. He thought it was due TO him
as he was placed in delicate and responsible
situation.
Mr. Gushing thought the circumstance deman
ded an explanation from the Clerk and he wish
ed to hear it, We had right to know on what
grounds, we the representatives o. the States are
INSTRUCTED in our proceedings, by that gentleman
Mr. G.. desired that the country should know why
it was that, with the law and evidence before
him, he had not put on his list, Mr. Aycrigg and
his associates, as well as Randolph. After hear
ing the statement of the Clerk, nc then hoped
that the house would come Ito some practical
point. He claimed, as an inherant right Of this
body, to take votes, prior to organization, and as
the means Of organ iZation. 1t was idle to sup.
pose that we could be prevented, by their in.
gibe distractions from recognizing the
House. Now was the time to test this prime iple
and in order tc test it; he now moved that The
Clerk be permitted to make statements, and up.
on that motion, he asked division. He pro-
tested against the notion that we could not act,
except by common consent.
Mr. VanderpoeI, said the various opinions Civ
en- here, by those who press the claim of Mr.
Aycrigg and his associates, showed that they res.
ted upon uncertain foundation. He spoke in
favor of going through with the roll, when with
a quorum, we could take votes. But, it would
be mons'rosity to take votes,now. What.w
prevent both sets OF the Jersey members from
voting? He read an extract from Mr. Horace