Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-12-16

otngs:
ist. Cd. 3D..
R. c. WrSrRRoe, (Whig,) lO5 100 ITO
R. Mcclellan, Mich, (Loco.) % - ii
J. A. McClernand lll,(Lo-o,) II o y
IL ID 30
In conclusion of the third ballot, Mr. Levin,
Nailve) of Philadelphia, who had twice previ-
ously voted for J. r IngersoIl (Whig) changed
his vote. and supported Mr.. Winthrop Mr..
Holmes QLoco) of =. c., refused TO vote, and an
Vi her member retired from the Hail, thus reduce
ing the whole number to 2lS votes. On the first
ballot Mr.. Winthrop lacked 3, on the second 2
votes Of majority.
Hon RoBkRr e. WINTHROP having received
a majority OF Two OH the 3 ballot was declared
elected Speaker. He was conducted to the
Chair by Messrs. Vinton of Ohio, and Mckay of
North Carolina. Having returned thanks in an
able, eloquent and patriotic address, he was
sworn in by Mr. Adams.
Mr.. Winthrop's Address.
Hon. ROBERT C.. WINTHROP, the Speaker
elect of the House oil Representatives, on being
conducted to the chair, delivered the following
chasie, eloquent and pathetic address:
Gentlemen fthe House OF Representatives Of The
u. !Stntes:
| lam deeply sensible of the honor which YOU
have just conferred upon me by the vote which
press my most grateful acknowledgements to
those who have thus thought Inc worthy of SO
distinguished mark of their confidence.
When remember by whom the chair has
been h'led in other years, and, still more, when
! reflect on the conslitui oDnl character of the
body before me, cannot but feel hat you have
assigned me position worthy of any mans
ambition, and far above the rghtful reach Of my
own.
Iapproach the discharge of its duties with
proiou nd impression at once of their dignity and
Of their difficulty.
Seven years of service member OF TINS
branch Of he National Legislature have more
than suhced to teach me that this is no place of
mere formal routine or ERRONEOUS repose.-
Severe labors, perpexing cares, trying response
bIlitics, await any one who Is called TO II. even
under the most ausplcious aud favorable circum-
stances. How, then, can help trembling at the
task which you have Imposed on me, IN the ex-
lsting condition of tho House and Of the coun-
try?
In q time of war, in time of high political
excitement, in time of momentons national
controversy, see before me the Representatives
OF the people almost equally divided, not merely
as the Votes of this morning have already indi-
Gated, in their preference for persons, but in
opinion and in principle, OH many OF the most
Important questions on which they have assem-
bled to deliberate.
May not reasonably claim, in advance, from
you all, something more than an ordinary MEASURE
OF forbearance and indulgence, for whatever Of
inability may manifest in meeting the exgen-
ces and embarrassments which ! cannot hope 10
escape? And may not reasonably :mplore,
with something more than common fervency,
npon your labors aud upon my own, the blessing
Of that Almighty Power, whose recorded attri-
butte 1t is that she makelh men to be OF one
mind in a house?"
Let US enter, gentlemen, upon our work Of
legislation with a solemn SENSE OF our response
6llly to tind and To our country. However we
may be divided on questions of immediate poll
cy, we are united by the choicest ties of perina-
nent interest and permanent obligation. We
are the representatives of twenty millions Of
people, bound together by com,non laws and
common liberty. A common flag floats daily
over us, on which there is not one Of US who
would see II stain rest, and from which there IS
not one oi us who would see star struck. Aud
we have common constitution, TO which the
oaths of allegiance, which it will be my first
duty 10 administer to you, will be only, | am
persuaded, the formal expression of those senti
ments of devotion which are cherished in all
our hearts.
There may be differences of opinion as to the
powers which this Constitution coufers upon us;
but the purposes for which it was created are
cannot be mlsconstrued. 1t was ordained and
established TO form more perfect union, es-
tablish justice, insure domestic tranquility, pro.
vide tor the common defence, promote the gener-
al welfare, and secure the blessings Of liberty to
ourselves and our posterty"
Union, justice, domestic tranquility, the COM
mon defence, The general welfare and the secu-
rity OF liberty tor us and for those who shall
come after US, are thus the great objects for
lyn ara ia axyha M huu
been entrusted TO US. And hazard nothing in
SAYING that there have been few periods IN our
national history when the eyes of the whole peo-
Die have been turned more intenty and more
anxously toward the Capitol than they are at
this moment, to see what is TO be done, here and
now, for the vindlca'ion and promotion Of those
lofty ends.
Let us resolve then, that those eyes shall at
least witness on our part duties discharged with
diligence, deliberations conducted with dignhy,
and efforts honestly and earnestly made tor the
peace, prosperity and honor of the Republic.
shall esteem it the highest privilege of my
public life, II shall be permitted to contribute
any thing to these results by faithful and i'm
partial administration of the office which have
now accepted.
resolution was adopted, authorizing the ap-
pcintnent OF the usual committees to inform the
Senate of the organization of the House and wait
on he President.
The rules of the last Congress, except the
one hour rule, we're adopted until the third Non
day IN this month A committee was appointed
10 retire and simplify resolution brought for
ward TO appoint Mr. French Clerk of the House.
lanotheI despatch states the facts respecting
'ne election OF Clerk thus After the adoption of
he vote respecting Rules, a motion was made
10 adjourn, which was put and lost. Mr.. Levin
nominated b. b. French for Clerk, when mo-
Ilon to adjourn was made and carried, il@to li0l
TUESDAY, Dec. 2.
Senate Messrs. Calhoun, Niles and Baldwin
appeared and took the usual oath OF office.