The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-24

PNctfS
what right that intruder (meaning the Clerk) had
interrupted him. The Clerk mere creature
he was not Clerk of the House. The fishmongers OF
Paris in the days Of the revolution, never violated
the liberty OF speech The Constitution says that 1t
cannot be done.
The CLERK, finding it next toimpossble to call
the roll, ceased, amid cries of eco on" GO What
did you stop for?''
Mr. TOOMBS conquered" partial peace"
the disorder somewhat abated, and he concluded
his remarks by saying: So Before my country aud
my constituents, ask you to render back what
you have taken away, that peace and Justice may
reign in this republic. Until that Time let dscord
reign" He then resumed his seat.
After few words from several gentlemen and
the Clerk as to the condition of business the calling
Of the roll again commenced and finished
when
Mr.. MORSE said he would not vote unless the
House would hear his [s' Hear him "l He
had not heard any objection.
MIR. ROOT called to order.
Mr.. MORSE said that if single gentleman OBJ
jected, he declined. ["Thats rght''l He wished
to set an example of good order.
The result of the vote was then announced-yeas
81 nays 100; the House refused to rescind the
resolution.
APPROPRIATIONS TO THE ELECTION OF SPEAKER.
MIR. STANTON, of Tennessee. now submitted
the proposition which he sought TO introduce at the
commencement Of the days proceedings, viz.
Resoloed, That the House will proceed immedi-
ately 70 the election of Speaker pioa Uoce; and it,
member shall have received majority of the whole
number of votes the roll shall again be called and
the member who shall then receive the largest mum
per OF votes provided 1t be majority Of quorum,
shall be declared to be chosen Speaker.
MIR. HOLMES Immediately moved that the reso-
luton be laid upon the table Let it be seen who
will vote to violate the Constitution. And he asked
for the yeas and nays.
Mr.. STANTON was going to propose that the
consideration Of the resolution should be postponed
until Monday.
Mr.. ROOT insisted that the question should be
put on the motion to lay the resolution ON the
table.
Mr.. VINTON moved that the House adjourn
The yeas and nays were demanded.
MIR. JONES moved that when the House adjourn
1t be to Wednesday next
Messrs STEPHENS, JONES, and WILLIAMS. made
a few remarks; and the question being taken, it
was decided in the negative.
Mr. VlNTON, by request of Mr.. STANTON with
drew his motion to adjourn
Mr.. STANTON again took the floor to offer his
proposition, but yielded to
MIR. MEADE, who sent to the Clerks table a
proposition, which he desired might be read for in
formation, and which he intended to offer as an
amendment to, or substitute for, the proposition in
troduced by the gentleman from Tennessee, Mr..
STANToN.)
Mr.. STANTON said that he desired to offer the
proposition which he had before withdrawn, and to
insist that vote should be taken upon it at this
time.
Mr.. HOLMES moved that this proposition be laid
the table.
Mr.. INGE demanded the yeas and nays
Mr.. MEADE said he offered his proposition as an
amendment to that Of the gentleman from Tennes-
see, (Mr. STANToN.)
And the proposition of Mr. MEADE was then read
by the Clerk, in the following words:
Resotred, That after the vote has been taken for
Speaker next after the adoption of this resolution
the House shall proceed to vote between the four
members receiving the greatest number Of votes,
and if neither receive majority, the House shall
then vote between the three members receiving the
largest vote; and if no choice be made, the House
shall choose the Speaker from the two members
who shall have last received the greatest number of
votes; and votes shall be counted that are not
given to other of the persons thus sgnated
and the rule shall apply in the election of the
other officers of the House.
MIR. HOLMES moved that both propositions be
laid on the table
MIR. INGE simultaneously made similar mo-
ton.
Mr.. BAYLY demanded the yeas and nays which
were ordered.
And the question, 'shall these propositions be
laid upon the tables' was then taken and decided
in the negatve-yeas "a, nays 1874.
Mr.. KAUFMAN offered substitute for the
pending propositions, and which read, as fol-
lows
Whereas the interests and honor of the country
require speedy organization of this House, and a
prompt discharge of the important duties devolved
upon representatives of the people; and
whereas the practice heretofore prevailing of re-
quirng absolute majority of all the votes given
To elect is not enjoined by the Constitution but on
the contrary, that instrument provides that each
House may determine the rules ofits proceedings
and whereas nearly three weeks have been already
spent in frutless efforts to elect Speaker and fifty
nine Intellectual votes have conclusivey demonstra-
ted that party IN this House has majority suff-
Gent to elect its officers in accordance with such
practice;
Therefore, for the purpose of enabling this body
TO discharge its high constitutional functions, and
with view 10 adhere as nearly as possible 10 said
usual mode of eleCting its officers
/. BE it Resolued That if on the next vote for
Speaker no member have ajority Of all the votes
cast, there shall be election but, on the second
vote alter the adoption of this resolution if any
member receive within of a majority Of all the
votes cast he shall be declared elected but II there
be no election on said second vote, then upon the
third vote if any member receive within two of a
majority of the whole, he shall be declared elected
and so on, requiring one less to choose for every
failure TO elect, until choice of Speaker ia made
Provided, Thatif at any time there be tie between
the votes OF the two members receiving the highest
number Of votes, there shall be no choice; and fur
Their Provided, That no member be declared elected
unless he receive at least majority of quorum
of the House.
olution shall also be the rule of proceeding in re-
gard to the election of all the other officers Of this
House
Mr.. JOHNSON, of Arkansas, moved to amend
the amendment OF Mr.. KAUFMAN, by striking out
the preamble. II unjust TO the House that
written speech should thus be presented.
MIR. KAUFMAN said, thatif, by withdrawing the
preamble, be could add any strength 10 his PROPOSE
ton, he would cheerfully dose, and withdrew the
preamble.
The substitute Vas then again read without the
preamble, and the question being taken il was
rcjccted-yeas 81, nays las.
The question then required on the amendment of
Mr.. MEADE to the original proposition OF Mr.. STAN
TON.
Mr.. ROOT asked the yeas and nays on the
amendment; which were ordered.
MIR MEADE AZ
his amendment as that il should embrace the Clerk
and other officers who should be voted for in the
same manner.
The question the amendment was taken and
decided in the negative-yeas r. nays 20l.
The question required ON the original proposition
OF Mr.. STANTON.
Mr.. MEADE moved 10 amend TO include all
the officers Of the House.
MIR. STANTON rose TO question of order. He
submitted that after vote had been taken on a sub
stitute, no further amendment would, under the
parliamentary law, be in order.
Mr.. ROOT demanded the yeas and nays on the
adoption of the original proposition; and they were