Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-12-13


until the House has decided upon their title 10
q sfafn 49,
This settles the matter. All that has been
contended for is yielded. Why could not Mr.
Adams have said this on the first day \ His
opinion carries authority with il, and what Is
OF more consequence, il carries with il votes.
There Is no longer any thing for the meeting
to talk for and they might as well agree 10 or
ganize upon the basis of MIR Adams proposition
All the alarm aud confusion which Yesterday
prevailed In consequence of Mr. Adams de-
cision, has, Of course, subsidized There may
De great delay in the organization Of the House
still, particularly should there be long trial
on examination before the House, in regard to
the title Of the disputed members to vote, but
there is no longer the slightest apprehension
OF q breaking up of Congress, or even Of any
serious difficulty in its organization.
After the Chairman Mr. Adams) had called
the meeting to order this morning, long dis
cusslon took place 90 various motions for the
amendment Of the Journal Of Yesterdays pro-
ceedings. Much time was spent on PROPOSE
lions 10 tx Mr. Adams decision in a way 10
suit every body. Mr. Adams being apparently
quite indifferent 10 the matter, though Mr. Mer-
Ger suggested 10 him that be might modify his
decision as be pleased Finally, the question
was called for, aud tellers were demanded
Mr. Bynum, one OF the tellers, wanted 10 know
whom he Should count MIR A. repiied that he
must count the legally commissioned members.
Then, said Mr. Bynun. cannot serve as teller
TO this meeting
Mr. Adams, perceiving that he was misun-
derstood, explained. "The tellers will report
whether there are any vvtes in dispute, and
the meeting will decide on the question: This
struck every one with surprise, and as CON
tradiction TO the decision Of Yesterday The
motion to amend the Journal was lost, none
oil the disputed members offered 10 vote.
The Journal OF the Charman's decision was
left thus:
The Chair decided that those gentlemen
from New Jersey who had produced the CON
missions from the Executive of that State as
evidence OF their rights TO seats, should be
counted by the tellers.
The Chairman further stated that be had
given this opinion before be was placed 10 the
Chair.
Mr. Graves moved an additional amendment
to the Journal. The Journal says Mr. fDrom-
gooe stated that, if he acted as teller, he would
count every gentleman who presented himself,
s'uaiess otherwise directed bR the House,
The gentleman from Virginia did not use the
last phrase. II be did, il would vary the ques-
ton. as decided by the Chair. This clause in
the Journal would give color to the charge that
the Chair had usnped power.
Mr.. Adams. The Chair certainly under
stood the gentleman 10 put the question tothe
Chair, who he should count; aud that unless
otherwise directed by the Chair he would
count all that passed through the tellers--
This induced The Chair 10 make the decision
which IS called an usurpafion- The Chair
gave his opinion as 10 the course which the
lellers should take when his opinion was asked
II those who charge him with usnpafion in
this matter, do 50 for The purpose Of intimidat-
ing him from the discharge OF his duty in this
Chair, they are mistaken. The Chair does not
decide what the House shall do in regard to
the disputed votes. As soon as the House is
organized, the Chairman will call upon the
House TO elect Speaker; and. then, the
House must decide who shall vote for Speaker.
The vote must be given, rird roce, under the
rule; and, when any one whose vote is disput-
ed, shall offer 10 vote, the House will decide
whether be shall vote.
Let the representatives from New Jersey
vote; for above all things, would avoid the
suppression of the votes of the representatives
Of state my opinion, however, is, and has
been, ! appeal TO my resolution Of the
last session for an evidence of it--that the dis
puted members from New Jersey ought not to
vote, until the question is settled BY vote Of
the House, as 10 their right to vote"
MIR Cave johnson, said he was convinced
that i was the desire Of this House TO settle
this question.
Mr. Dickerson, one OF the New Jersey con-
testing members, rose, and opposition was
made 70 his being heard
Mr. Jenifer moved that Mr Dickerson be al
lowed 10 speak as an act of courtesy.
Mr. Wise. If Mr. Dickerson proceeds to ad-
dress this House, will call for his credentials,
and test his rightto appear on this aoor
Here there was much confusion 10 the House.
Mr. Duncan took the floor and smoke al great