The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-02-20

LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT ELECT.
The VICE PRESIDENT presented to the Senate
letter from the Hon. JOHN TYLER, acknowledging
the receipt of letter from the Vice President Col
Johnson) transmitted TO him at Wiiamsburgh by
special messenger, communicating official intelligence
of his election Ia the office OF Vice President Of the
United States. Mr.. TYLER expressed his deep sense
of gratitude for this high mark Of confidence from his
fellow citizens and To Col Johnson himself he wishes
much health and happiness.
The letter having been read, ordered to be
printed, and to be laid on the table
TAXATION ON SILKS.
Mr. BUCHANAN presented memorial from GER
tain citizens of Pennsylvania, asking Congress to inn
pose duties on foreign silks.
Mr. b. said that at this late period Of the session.
he did suppose there could be any action the sub
ect 1t referred to the Committee Finance.
PUBLIC DEFAuLTERs.
The resolution submitted by Mr. PHELPS, Of Yer
mont, was taken up and adopted
Several private bills were matured and finally dis
posed of.
ELECTION OF PRINTER TO THE SENATE.
The resolution offered by Mr. HUBBARD, of
New Hampshire, designating day to proceed to the
election Of printer TO the Senate taken up for
consideration, and
Mr. HUBBARD addressed the Senate at length
in reply to Mr. Huntington. He contended that the
motion was only proposition to carry out the joint
resolution of 1919 on the subject of the public printing,
which, he argued, was compulsory and that the Sc
bound, according to law, to so into the cleo
ton at this session.
Mr.. HUNTINGTON made a few remarks reca-
pitulating his able aud ingenious argument Of yester
day. He suggested also The important fact that the
resolution, if II compulsory would be in conflict
with the right Of the Senate secured by the Constitu
ton TO elect its own officers The Joint resolution
however was in fact only arrangement under
standing between the two Houses The House of
Representatives had abandoned it; and there no
obligation proprety In the Senate now adhering to
the provision in the present circumstances OF the
MIR. SEWER said it evident that the continue
ton Of the discussion would not alter the decision OF
either party in the Senate. He and his friends had
exercised their power long they had il and the
gentlemen opposed to him. he believed would do the
same. He, for one would adhere to power as long
he could and when he is beaten, he would submit
like man.
Mr. MANGUM said that if the House had adhered
to the resolution he would not have been the first to
violate it. But, under the circumstances, Of this case
he could not treat it, but actually abrogated There
no proprely in having officers opposed to the
timents of the majority and he would for one give
his exertions to nullify the appointment if it now
should be forced 1t would be an outra ago the re-
cent demonsira ions Of public sentiment it men should
be appointed who would feel it their duty TO assai the
majority Of the body in the manner. they might think
proper. He concluded by declaring that, if the cleo
lion should 90 on he would cooperate with bis friends
in removing the Printers who might be appointed as
there should be reversal of political power in
the Senate
Mr. SEWER rejoined. lie said the documents
which had been read showed only that both sides Of
the Senate changed with the times As to what had
been said about the certainty Of the persons who
should be elected, being removed on the fourth Of
March he hoped such erpun ging process would
be resored to at least he hoped the Senator from De-
laware would not participate in it.
Mr.. BAYARD said that if the resolution
garded by him obligatory, however unpalaable he
would support it, even if the election resulted in the
choice of who had been assailing his friends and
his party with every species of abuse, calumny, and
deraction But he maintained there obliga-
ton whatever in the matter The Printer is an Off
Ger of the Senate las much the Secretary or
any of the Clerks. The tenure Of the Printer also
was like that OF all parliamentary officers al ioiH-
This being the Case is it wise or expedent in the ma
orty to force upon US a person obnoxious to usl-
There is necessity for expunging. This resou-
lion will not be expunged But the Senate will ex-
ercse its constitutional right to remove obnoxious
officer The "expunging resolutions will come up
soon enough for gentlemen
Mr. BENTON. "When}"
Mr. BAYARD. "At the next session probably"
Mr.. BENTON Extra session."
Mr. BAYARD. "That nay be"
Mr. BENTON. "a summer work, sir g
Mr. BAYARD. "No, sr-it will not be sum
mer's work 1t will require very little time to discuss
question as to removing this stain from the Senates
records.
Mr. b. again asked, whether il was fair for the de-
feated party just they retiring from power, TO
leave spy in the Wing camp. II he was lett, ne
would not he hanged but the Senate may be assured,
he would begot rid OF.
Mr. HUBBARD modified his resolution so as to
designate Monday next, for going into the election.
Mr. LINN reminded the Senate that this day was
assigned for Mr. Clay's resolution TO repeal the Sub
treasury and there also the Bankrupt System
pendinq and vast amount of public and private
business waiting the action of Congress, and he hoped
the matter would be disposed of without delay
The debate was further continued by Messrs Prem
ss, Dixon Henderson, and Mcrrick, in favor Of the
motion to postpone the resolution, and against the
election of printer at the present session. and ny
Mr. Clay, of Alabama, the other side
The CHAIR being about TO put the question on
the pos,ponement; and the ayes and noes being de
manded,
MIR. CLAY of Kentucky, rose, and said he had
hoped the majority would not have continued TO press
this proceeding. lie was surprised at the avowal o.
the Senator from Arkansas that because the Adin-
ns,raton would have the power here for eight or ten
days longer they would force on their opponents an IN
dividual most unacceptable TO them in every respect,
and whom il they should act like men, they would
not allow to remain in office day after the political
power Of the body had changed hands. lie rose only