The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-12-19

now introduced and which You deny our right to debate
Is itself as much violation OF the previous resolution
referred %, as debate would be,
leman from Kentucky [Mr. JOHN B, THoMPsoSl had
obtained the unanimous consent OF the House only to
explain his resolution. The gentleman from Texas Mr.
KAUFMAN having obtained the same favor, had exer
cised it. ANY further remarks his part therefore,
would be trenchng the only right to the floor claimed
by that gentleman. He (Mr Al insisted that he must
Mr. WOODWARD here made remark which was
MIR. TOoMBS said that the resolution adopted day or
two before chat Of Mr. DlMMcK) was moi intended 70
apply TO debate upon resolutions Ii gentlemen will
bring forward propositions after the adoption OF that
they had right to resist their discussion For ONE he
would insist on exercising the privilege OF expressing his
views upon them. He repeated, he would be heard il
gentlemen introduced resolutions IN violation OF the
rights OF the States OF the constitution such as he
conceived that under consideration to be.
Mr.. JOHNSON OF Arkansas said he must ask the at
tenton OF the House moment He would send TO the
Chair resolution and ask that il be read for inorma-
ton The resolution was read as followsi
Rovsd, That until otherwise ordered by the House, de.
bate shall be in ORDER and restrained only by parliamena-
ry law.
Mr. J. said this could not be otherwise than subject
The resolution recently adopted had destroyed all debate,
and in adopting such resolution the House had stult-
fed itself Debate should be had-fIee debate-ful de-
bate. For than two weeks we have been thus en-
gagged and all efforts fruitless for organization.
Now sir, this state OF things must have an end; i
must end at last Where will il end, and how end
II cannot last We will adjourn and 80 home, II we
can do no better, and commune with our people.
But how will il then be' Ii the resolution which cuts
off debate shall be adhered to- the country will be in utter
ignorance OF the motives which influence members on
iris floor Those motives Should be known, in justice
gentlemen, justice 10 the whole country The evils
that aflict us should be published
would hide I'll The South should know il the North
should know it. Ii individuals in fault, publish
but il principles produce our differences, discuss them
I hope discussion will be allowed 1t gives light
acknowledgement knowledge and wisdom alone can ar
rest and remedy our evils.
Some fear the influence of discussion both upon our
time and our action. donot fear IT, wish to hear IL
full Tree debate upon all that touches our present con-
dilion--he value OF the Union and all.
At the first opportunity, shall present the resolution
Just read for action and give further notice that shall
call Tor the ayes and noes on The proposition.
Mr.. ROOT saw no necessity for making change in
the resolution under which the House is at present act
ing While the House is balloing under that resolution,
he conceived that proposed by the gentleman from Texas
Mr.. KAUFMAN] not 10 be in order. It's adoption, ne
thought, would be virtual abroga,ion OF the resolution
ruling their proceedings at that time The mind OF any
man who would think over this view would easily per-
Mr.. VAN DYKE desired 10 call the attention of the
House to the resolution adopted days since The
object which the House had in view by the adoption oil
that resolution prevent all further debate on the
subject which engrossed their particular attention, VIZ
the organization OF the House. until that result was ac
compshed. This his understanding OF the matter
He thought at the tme and still thought, that no debate
TO take place upon any subject until Speaker shall
have been elected II upon any or all OF the numerous
resolutions offered to obtain organization debate was
be permitted he thought il would in effect set aside the
decision OF this body nasmuch as any member had but
TO offer resolution bearing upon the subject OF oganza
ton, 10 reopen the whole question to general discussion
Ii the House disposed to open the same sub
ec to debate (he understood 10 say he thought 1t
should be done pro formally resembling the resolution
already passed He ndisposed, alter that action, TO
listen debate upon any subject until an election had
been eieced more especially AS 1t would be clearly out
OF order until that resolution Mr. DMMIcKsl had been
rescinded Until that had been done he should feel
strained TO call any and all gentlemen TO order who might
undertake TO debate the subject.
Mr.. KAUFMAN was not very fond OF addressing the
House. all knew. He had not trenched upon its per,
mission TO explain, did he desire to do He would
not have asked TO do that, had not the House. on
the day BEFORE granted like favor TO the gentleman OF
Kentucky MR. THoMPsos.l He only asked for direct
by yeas and nays upon his proposition II adopted,
and ii il should 90 into effect tomorrow, would result,
he thought in the choice OF Speaker by majority vote
in two days to the infinite satisfaction OF the country
Mr.. WOODWARD disclamed any disposition to draw
gentlemen into general debate; but he desired that all
members should have an opportunity TO express their
sentiments upon all resolutions proposed :.
Mr. JOHNSON oil Arkansas conceded IN the views
expressed by the gentleman from South Carolina OF the
popey and importance OF debate upon resolutions be-
ing offered
Mr. TOOMBS. Mr. Clerk, insist upon the point OF
ORDER and amend il include the resolution well
debate upon IT, Under the resolution passed on Fri.
day last this House confined itself TO the simple duty OF
electlng Speaker, without debate .unl election Is
effected" The resolution reads thus: Resolved, That
this House proceed TO the election of Speaker and con-
its efforts 10 effect such election, without debate
from any member OF this House, until an election is
effected" construe this resolution TO exclude all proPo-
sitions, well as all debate. The construction which
admits all manner OF propositions yet excludes all de-
BATE ought not for moment 10 be tolerated by the
House. IL is dangerous in the extreme. Propositions
may be made volave Of the constitution Of the United
Texas MR. KAUFMAN is, in my judgment, OF that char
aeter Whether my opinion OF II be correct or errone
GUS is certainly desirable 10 me, and ought 10 be TO
every member who wishes 10 discharge his duty prop
ery TO hear the argument both sides therefore, can
never consent TO the destruction of the liberty oil speech
proposition OF the gentleman from Texas asserts power
in this body in its present condition, 10 adopt rule by
which less than majority of the members voting may
elect Speaker.
Mr.. KAUFMAN Gnierrupting MIR. TooMss, said
Does the fifth section OF the first article OF the
sttuiion say that each House may determine The rules
OF its proceedings This is now a House. The consu
tuition says the House Of Representatives shall choose
Their Speaker, without prescribing any mode OF choice
The House, therefore, exists before the Speaker My
resolution ii adopted will be moJority OF the House
determining its rule OF proceeding" in regard TO the
election OF a Speaker.
Mr.. TooMBS deny this proposition. The consii.
their Speaker and other ohcers We are now House,
competent TO the performance OF those duties, bat we
must perform them according TO the constitution and ex-
isting laws We aN not in condition 10 make any new
rule Of action even our authority TO 81, here has not
been produced We have taken the oath prescribed
BY the constitution; and until that Is DONE we can no
more enact parliamentary than we can any other kind
NIL w We DfeeC a N d