The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1839-12-19

At L. o'clock the Clerk OF the last
House requested the members to come to
order, and asked leave 10 make statement,
He had investigated his duties most elabo'
rately and anxiously, and he wished, IN
ustification of his course, 10 explain his
+ reasons.
Mr.. Jeniter asked whether he understood
the Clerk had altered his opinion of the
course he ought TO pursue, and whether he
would now call the Wing members of the
State of New Jersey
Mr.. Garland replied that he had mol
changed his opinions; but he wished tc
satisfy the House that he had acted from
no other motives but desire to perform
his duty.
Cries. of Hear him hear him resound-
ed on all sides in the midst OF which, Mr..
Stanly of \. c. rose and protested against
listening to any statement Of the Clerk, I'M
til the New Jersey members were admitted.
Mr.. Wise said he was quite willing to
hear what the Clerk had to say why he
had not performed his duty as imposed BY
the law and practice of Congress-tho he
was of opinion the statement should have
been given yesterday.
Mr.. White of Kentucky, opposed the
request Of the Clerk. He denied that the
members of the House were under any Oh.
legation to hear the Clerk. Are We, he
exclaimed, to SIT here and listen to sou,
sir, reading document which was pre-
pared, perhaps, in Caucus last night =
No matter how Objectionable your paper
might be, no matter what false affldaylts 1t
might contain. no matter how gross its
misrepresentation the reading could not be
stopped. Besides, such a statement would
lead to discussion upon other points Of
which one sided view or erroneous I'M
preston may have been given. lie pro.
tested now and forever against any eluc.-
dation by the Clerk.
Mr.. Wise said that in his opinion, the
Clerk had failed 10 perform his duties; and
he wished to hear his explanation or de-
fence. Tie denied that the Clerk was a
Judge in the case. He was merely a min.
lsterial officer to recognise the Judgment
which had been made BY the properly con.
s;ituted officers Of each State respecting
the election Of members.
Mr.. White, Of ky., again rose and warn.
ed his political friends against allowing
themselves 10 be duped BY this attempt tG
procure the reading Of an er parte argu.
ment. He hoped they would not allow it
! Mr.. Gushing of Mass, commented in Sc.
we're terms on the conduct Of the Clerk 1t
'arresting the organization Of the House, by
I refusing 10 perform the duties imposed on
him. Still be was willing to hear whu!
the Clerk had to say and he would move
that the Clerk be permitted to proceed.
Mr.. Nanderpoel, Of \. u, then took the
Aoor, He, you must know, asplres to be
i regarded as one Of the leaders Of the Ad
ministration party. This, his first speech
was not very credItable 10 his pretenslons
To be sure, he was very complimentary
on all sides; bu. his fine sayings were CIV
en- with such an air OF condescension, a!
to make them exceedingly disagreeable.-
Nr. SandeIpoel seemed to have the utmos
contempt for law and practice and was o.
course declamatoty about the rights Of the
peoPie-the purity OF elections, &c. &c.
The discussion was continued with mucl
warmth on the general merits oF the ques
ton b. Messrs. Pope, Of kentucky, Rhett
Jenter, Of Nd, and Miller, Of Ono.
The debate was still going on when, il
order to be in time for the mail, | was com
/ PEELED to close this despatch. There IS n.
prospect Of the discussion beng brought t
a close for some days, ana indeed It j
thought It viii be continued until next week
It IS therefore probable that you viii 10
hear Of the Speakers Election, or receiY,
the President Message this week.