Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-12-18
coNGREss--lsT SESSION
THuRspAy, DECEMBER l3, 49,

gress.
Mr. said he had introduced the resolution without con-
suation with his political friends and without having
changed word with the gentleman from Georgia, Mr.
CoBB He had not consulted Mr. c., because he felt well
satisfied that nc would not have consented this OF his
NAME He also knew that his honorable friend good
patriot TO decline the occupancy of any position in which
he could be Of service 10 his country.
After nine days of Intellectual baloting had reached the
point where out. Not only without Speaker
but both parties without candidate The country looks
with intense nteestthe nation is almost brcahess with
anxiety TO the termination of this struggle iii were
ordinary party struggle but little comparative interest would
be manifested in its result but donot attempt TO disguise
from ourselves much less conceal from the country
the important truth that other considerations than party ad
vantage lie OF the foundation of this protracted disoganza
ton He r. b. did not intend 10 debate these important
considerations; they would come up in due season.
He Nir. b. had proposed the name of Howell Conn as
which all who sincerely DESTROYS of organizing
the House could, he thought unite. He eminently
qualified. every ready admit. He had no
eulogy pronounce his FRIEND necessary His
acts speak for themselves and his political opponents pro-
his highest eulogy when they admit that We could
presen, them better man in all things save his politics.
We are entitled on the broad principles OF republican pro-
prety to the Speaker. We have the majority. True, we
have been unable unite forces but il is also that
you have failed 10 unite yours If some of the freeso demo-
of the North have refused for candidate
some ee-soi wings and five southern wings have refused TO
vote for yours.
VOICE. How do you make majority on your side by
counting the free-soilers2
Mr.. BROWN. Not necessarily. If we divide the free
soil votes according their party predictions we have
majority Of FIVE. If you exclude them entirely, counting
them neither side have still larger democratic
iory; and having that majority are upon all proper
principles entitled TO the Speaker We cannot command all
our votes; you command all of yours and the
suit is that election be made What them do pro-
propose sad Mr. b. That the two great parties coaesce Tor
the purpose of procuring that of order in the transaction
of public business which desirable and which we have
sought in vain for nine days Did he ask anything
sonable He thought He did not ask the wings not TO
elect wing Speaker; that they had power TO dotheY
had tried in vain He asked them abandon vain effort to
do what they all admitted they never could accomplish and
that could be done-the election of gentleman spendidy
qualified in all respects preside the deliberations OF
the House. and far he had the power TO guide correctly
and safely the destiny Of the nation may be asked why
do join the Wings in the election Of their candidate
for Speaker In all contests (said Mr. b.,) when II
becomes necessary for of the contestants to give
the weak yields necessarily and he thought properly 10 the
strong We are the strong party numerically II every
occupied and every member voted his sentiments
the old wing and democratic issues, have majority
certainly of your misfortune to have four members
absent. This gives advantage by FIVE. Now, who
shall yieldyou We! appeal (sad Mr. b. to the So
Der Judgment Of discreet OF hearts and sound heads
the other sde put end this struggle by accepting
Speaker, than whom they could not get better in the
Mr.. CHESTER BUTLER desired to offer resolution in
place of that of Mr. BRoYS Of Mississippi embracing pro-
trial. If choice be made then to choose between
the two highest on the next trial after
Mr.. JAMES THOMPSON said he was about to offer a
resolution which he desired EXPLAIN and which was read
as follows
Resolved That the members present will proceed to vote
by ballot for Speaker and WILL under this resolution, con-
tinue ballot until O'Clock this day. unless Speaker be
sooner elecied and that no motion adjourn for any
other purpose shall be made until the hour above named
shall have arrived.
rcnarkng that having opposed the of the ballot in
vous of these proceedings he now felt the necessity
for resorting TO it, if the House would hope 10 choose
Speaker and giving his reasons for coming TO this concu
sion.
Mr.. CARTER offered the following resolution:
Resolved That any person who may be elected Speaker OF
this House shall be dYesed Of the power construct he
District and Territorial Committees and that the shall
BE made by vote of the House.
Mr.. c. taking The floor addressed the House in support OF
his views, as embraced in his resolution.
Mr.. MEADE said Neither of the resolutions before the
House strikes the of the evil which affects the House
We have been acting for eight days farce before the people,
al them of So 900 day. which all will agree is be-
coming less and less entertaining The cause which has
prevented the organization Of the House the fear OF the in
PRODUCTION of bills before the House from certain committees
which will produce discussion and agitation question
which threatens the peace and integrity Of the countrybs
which, if passed. will either destroy this oonfederacy or
slave large portion of it, Under the pressure of the pre-
difficulties which surround us, fair opportunity IS Of
ered draw forth from both sides of the House all the
servatye materials of which each Is composed have anx
ousy looked for Cptius from the North who regard
less Of personal consequences to himself will leap into the
gulf which yawns for the peace and happiness of this Union
Sir let proposition be made and supported by those who
DESTROYS Of crushing this demon of discord for the u
pose Of uniting the conservatism both sides in opposition
any which shall look the abolition of slavery
in the District the prohibition of it in the territories II
such proposition should be adopted should be willing to
take Speaker from either side Of the House. relying upon
him carry the views thus expressed by majority OF
this body.
But sir ii the organization of this House is be follow
ed by the passage Of these bs these outragos are TO be
committed upon my people, trust in God sir that my eyes
have rested upon the last Speaker OF the House OF
senatives. This expression is not the ebuton of eelng
contains sentiments have we'll considered and often ex
pressed publicly and privately They entertained in
common with the people represent And tell gentlemen
these be passed. there will be but determine
ton at the Souone solemn resolve defend their homes
and maintain their honor Let this issue when may
and you will find every Southern sinew converted into
spring Of Steel do not utter this as threat am proud
to believe that race both sides of the line equally
brave; but gentlemen will find difference between men
tending for their csdss and the robbers who seeking
to despo them of their rights and degrade them before the
world IF there be any Southern who would refuse 10
stand by his country In such an emergency Ihee ara
none said several yoices he would not merely be execra-
ted by his people, but his own children would heap
curses upon his grave
Mr. ROOT. The propositions before the House two
in number: first that for Speaker by ballot and
condy that dvest him of the most important functions
of the Chair 10 moderate the spirit OF anarchy abroad IN the
land do think the of the first proposition had
disposition have understood that there members here
who will vote secretly they would not openly Yet
think win be thought that the proposition originated in the
belief that some members would under the different mode OF
giving the vote differently. will not have the suspi-
cion imputed to me- He did believe his colleague Mr.
ScHENcx had any such motive when introducing like
position since He dscalmed and know him too
we'll believe he thinks one way and speaks another Will
not be placed attitude in which will not be known
how vote; and ask the 'wo great parties, claimed by
some to have all the rights here permit TO vote in any
manner please If any the advantage of the Sc
cret ballot 1t will doubt be desirable for his purposes
We are told that voting ballot ancient origin and long
practice and popular in the majority Of the States Grant
cd In popular elections is the practice think proper
expeden and popular; but do stand on the same
footing We representatives having the right on any
question: 10 demand by of oneh, record on any
resolutions like that of the honorable momber from Mssis
pp On all subjects you can thus force members to record
themselves.
As to the resolution of my colleague Mr. Carer have
heard of an advertisement of the play OF Hamlet with the
part of Hamlet omitted This is just such another entertain
nen We are have play of Speaker and the part OF the
Speaker left out trust the House wishes TO elect man TIT
for the place Is fit for the Office fit to seee! the
committees? The Office the third in the country IN rank
power influence &c. and it is proposed TO dves 1t OF its
most important functions II adopted, what is 10 De gained
by II? we will have to ballot for the Committees on the
Judiciary the District Of Columbia and on the Territories
whsn the demon will have his hotns up again II VIII n9l
answer for good dodge No. sir they must ace The malc
If We can find fifth disposed 10 have The yeas aa nays
This House must be dsorganized for good while before
they their from such hole as that trust
If they do they will find net Just beyond II 40
colleague such design 1t will Be anGagn'
Speaker unfit to choose the committees will not vote fol
one who think Of The time should not be trusted TO appoint
Jou n