Tri-weekly journal., 1847-12-14
CONGRESS SIGNAL.
Correspondence of the Baltimore SUM-
WAsHINGToN, Dec. 9th 1917.

w ASHlNGTON, DeC Oln 1911.
The Assembling of Congress-ElectiOn Of off,.
ceys-Eacitenlent in The HouSe-The Vote Of
the AbolitioaistS-Leuin,t the Ndtiuc, DC.
The galleries of the house were thronged
this morning, by crowd of strangers, who
seemed to take deep interest in the pro-
ceedings attending the organization OF the
body.
There are always, on such occasions, many
exciting rumors as TO the course of this and that
member of the House, in rebellion TO caucus de-
crees and party trammels, but, somehow, 1t has.
generally happened that the dissentients corr
tent themselves with little scolding, and then
go into the traces.
Up TO the hour of proceeding TO the election
of officers it was entirely uncertain how some
three or four southern members, and Messrs.
Mes, of Pa, and Tuck, of N. H., and Giddings,
of Ohio, would vote. The number of abb
sences, added to the number of doubtful votes,
rendered the result of the election of officers
rather uncertain, in the opinion even OF the
best friends of the candidates themselves
Five democrats and four wings were abb
sent. s. ...s.. ........ s \. s.
When the ballotting commenced, il was not
known for whom the Democrats would vote;
but, as they had agreed to no candidate in eau
Gus, they, Of course, scattered their votes, Lynn
Boyd, of Ky, receiving the greater number.
Every one seemed to wait, with anxiety, for
the vote of Mr. Giddings, which was believed
to be doubtful. When his name was called he
refused to answer. But Mr.. Gayle and Mr..
Hilliard voting for Winthrop, removed all
doubt as TO the result.
Mr. Levin whose vote has long been held
in doubt, though il was generally assumed that
he would vote for the whig candidate for Speak
er and the democratic candidate for Clerk, voted
for Lynn Boyd, as Speaker.
\ l., Mr., Tuck voted for James Wilson, and after
voted Tor James w1IsoT. Mr.. faIfrey vo-
ted for Major Gaines. John w. Jones voted
for Mr.. Gayle. aar.ro tf
i When it was ascertained that there had been
no choice, the excitement in the House be-
came very intense, and, of course, there was
great deal OF caucusing going on in the
groupe. a r-
MIR. Winthrop lacked three votes on the
first ballot; five wings and Mr.. Levin voting
against him, -
On the second ballot, Mr.. Jones Of Ga, voted
for Mr.. Winthrop, and he received l09 votes
out OF 2lO that were cast-wanting one vote of
election.
1t was said during the second ballot that if
Mr.. Winthrop was not elected upon it he
would be dropped, but it did not so turn out.
On the second vote Mr.. Tompkins did not
vote. On the third ballot, Mr. Holmes, Of S.
c., did notvot At the close of that ballot,
Mr.. Levin changed his vote, and voted for Mr..
Winthrop.
There were 2lS votes given on the third bal
lot, Of which Mr.. Winthrop received 2l0, and
he was accordingly elected
The abolition vote was given against Mr..
Winthrop on every ballot, viz: the votes Of Mr.
Palfrey, of Mass, Mr.. Giddings of Ohio, and
Mr.. Tuck, of n. H. fr54
The announcement of the election of Mr..
Winthrop was received with some manifesto
tons ofapplause by the galleries.
The speech of Mr. Winthrop, on taking the
Chair, was very impressive and eloquent, and
was listened to with deep attention by the
House. That he will administer the duties of
the Chair with dignity and impartiality, his
elevated character as gentleman is pledge.
ION.