The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-12-25
DOings in Congress.

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+ On FRrDAr, the 18th inst. Mr.. Wise sub
niited proposition. which Was unanimously
accepted. that the House would decide by di-
rect vote whether the commissioned New Jer-
sey members should be allowed TO vote; and
the question being taken thereon it proved TO
be ayes III, noes 1l7-s tie. So the resolu-
tion was lost. il having been put in the sffinna-
tive form, aud il was decided that they should
not vote.
On SATURDAY, Mr.. Wise and his party with
drew their opposition to proceed TO the election
Of a Speaker, and six baIlotngs were had with
out any result, and the House adjourned over
till Monday.
On MONDAY the balIotngs for Speaker were
resumed. and five more baloiines were tskep,
on the last Of which, Mr.. Hunter having receiv-
ed ll9. being two mure than was necessary for
4 choice, was declared to be elected, and having
taken the Chair. the House Immediately ad
ourned, to relieve the embarrassment, caused
by the unexpected honor conferred upon him,
and his want Of prepared speech for the occs-
sion.
] On TUESDAY, lie addressed the House rs
/ foIIows:-
! Gentlemen Of the House OF Representatives /:
/ The high and undeserved honor which you
have conferred upon me has been so uuexpect-
| ed, that even now | can scarcely find terms in
which TO express my grateful sense OF your
kindness. trust, however. to be able 10 offer
1 a better evidence Of that sentiment in the ear
/ nest efforts which shall make TO discharge my
duties Justly and mpartislly. Called as have
been 10 this high station, not so much from any
merits Of my own from the independence OF
my position I shall feel it rs especially due
! from me TO you to preside as the Speaker, not
Of a parry, bat the House. Whilst | shall
deem il my duty all proper occasions TO sus.
tain the principles upon which. stand pledged
before the country. ! shall hold myself bound
at the same time to afford every facility within
my power to the full and free expression Of the
wishes and sentiments OF every section OF this
great Confsdcracy. You will doubtless deem
il your duty, gentlemen. as the grand inquest
of the nation. to investigate all matters OF which
! the people ought 10 be informed TO retreDch
! expenditures which are unnecessary or uncon-
/ siituional; 10 maintain the just relations be-
tween all The great interests OF the country
and 10 preserve inviolate the Constitution when
YOU viii be sworn 10 support; whilst II VIII ne
! mine 10 aid Won in such labors with all the
means within my power. And although deep
~ impressed with painful sense OF my inexpe-
rencc and of the dIfc cultles of new and nm
tried station. | am vet cheered by the hope thaf
you will sustain me in my efforts TO preserve
the order of business and the decorun' OF debate
| am aware that party tsrvor is occasionally in'-
| patient Of the restraint which it is the duty OF
the Chair to impose upon the asperi,y of debate.
| but at the same time know thar the Just oi all
parties will sustain the Speaker who is honestly
endeavoring to presene the dignity oithe House
aud the harmony of its members.
/ Permit me in conclusion, gentlemen, to ten
der YOU the homage of my heartfelt thanks for
the honor which YOU have conferred upon me.
and to express the hope that your councils may
be so guided by wisdom rs to redouDd TO your
own reputation aud the welfare Of our common
couutry.
The Speaker then proceeded TO administer
the oath to the members, and after he had gone
throush IA with all the other states, Mr.. Randolph
with the five commissioned members from New
Jersey came forwa and demanded 10 be sworn.
The Speaker said he would administer the oath
to Mr. X. (aud afterwards did SOY and if the case
of the other members had not been previously
before the House. would swear them also. but
as it was he submitted it to the House TO decide
whether they should be sworn or not. This o.
pened the debate again and on Thursday night
(our latest date) no further progress had been
mT,de Mr.. Adams obtained the floor jus, be-
fore the adjournment, and expressed his uten-
ton Of addressing the House the next day
Two members. Mr.. Rhett of 5. G. and Mr..
Shepherd of n. c. who voted in support Of the
commissioned n. J. members 90 the former
questions, have expressed their reasons and gave
notice tha, they should support them no more:
so there is no expectation that they can be ad-
mitted and the debate is wilful waste Of time.
debate. on points OF order. and speech hom
J. Q. Adams, and others, the question was ia
ken upon the swearing in OF the New Jersey
members, and resulted, ayes l12. noes ll6; so
they rerc again rejected.
A resolution was then offered by Mr.. 1Ioif
man that the rules of the last House be adopt
ed for 10 days, with the exception of the llth.
which prescribcs that in the election Of officers,
the House shall vote riro roce; and the report
here closes.
The Senate have got regularly TO work the
committees have been appointed and annonnc-
ed. but nothing OF much note has yet been done.
Many resolutions OF enquiry on various sub
ects, have been proposed and adopted. and work
enough has been carved out TO keep the scrbes
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