The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-06

By way Of bringing this state of things to con-
clusion-
Mr.JOHNSON, of Tennessee, offered a resolu
ton, that if, on the next vote, no individual shall
receive majority, the individual receiving plu-
rality shall be Speaker Of the House of Representa-
tives for the present Congress, and shall be de-
clared by the Clerk.
Mr. HOLMES moved TO lay the resolution on the
table.
Mr.. JOHNSON said that he had offered the resolu-
ton fully aware that the established custom was TO
vote viua voce. As far as custom was concerned he
was satisfied, and he was disposed to comply with
it, Congress have convened 10 dispose the pub
lie business. They had been here three days, try
ing TO make Speaker, and had had fourteen inef
fectual balotings. Speaker elected by plural
ity will answer all useful purposes, far the
public business is concerned, if Speaker should
be elected by majority. The demonstration is
now conclusive, that a Speaker cannot be elected
within reasonable length of time. He was dis
posed to waive general rule, or innovate, for the
purpose Of organizing the House This was a dis
organized body. He repeated, he wished to elect
officers, for the purpose Of proceeding with the
transaction Of the public business. He wanted a
Speaker, either Wing or a Democrat. Let the
House be organized. Here was the same routine
over and over again, with seeming obstinacy.
There was not much excitement manifested. The
House had been brought TO a dead stand but they
could, at the present session, nnoyate, and elect
Speaker
Mr.. HOLMES, Of South Carolina, said that 80
far as legislation concerned, he adhered to the
principles by which the Constitution Of the United
States established The Constitution care
fully framed by the States in convention, and then
submitted 10 a convention of delegates chosen in
each State by the people thereof, and it was con-
currently ratified by majorites not pluralitics.
Those who achieved our independence would never
have entrusted such a work 10 a minority. Does
history teach nothing Of the Of the down
fall OF the republic of Rome , Was il not by man
aging, and bringing in persons from various por-
tons Of the country, and making them citizens,
and then dividing them into different classes lie
desired the spirit Of the Constitution TO be pre-
served otherwise, two hundred and thirty mem
bcrs might be broken into fractions of twelve or
fourteen. Demagoguism is abroad; il cannot be
restrained II is ono of the evils of the age. II was
not for the House TO advance the spirit which
threatens to overthrow all that is conservative and
valuable 10 the Union.
Mr. ASHMUN observed that he was against the
proposition. This was not the time to give reasons.
The purpose MS we'll as the result was perfectly un-
derstood. But if the resolution be adopted, he
wanted il followed up by another, which is univer-
sally observed, and that is that the vote be by bal
lot; and for the purpose Of testing IL, and or
ganizng at once, be rose TO offer amendment TO
the resolution, by adding the words, "And the vote
shall be by ballot"
Mr.. vENABLE was opposed to both Of the pro-
positions He had never known special legislation
TO do good in any case Every known departure
from established custom, for the purpose of effect
ing particular object, is infinitely mischievous in
its results If there be no objection TO the rule,
then let it stand. The proposition submitted by
the gentleman from Tennessee violates the first
principle of the Constitution "The House Of Repre-
scntatives shall choose its Speaker and other Off
ccrs;" and how this be done but bya majority?
A contrary course may arrange that five, even
three, members may choose a Speaker; or only
two men. They who put proper construction on
the Constitution understand the choice 10 be made
by a majority of the whole House Let the respon-
sbility rest those who refuse 10 organize IT, II
half dozen individuals choose to stop the wheels Of
Government, let them do it,. Let the majority dis
charge their duty, and permit the responsibility TO
rest where it should. lie had no idea that half a