Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1849-12-27

Winthrop. Cobb
ls. ballot 90 rs
I'd 93 @
Sd 81 o.
The resolution referred to above now became OPP
erative, and an the 4ih ballot the vote stood for
Winthrop 100; for Cobb l02. One Of the tellers
then declared the Hon. Howell Cobb, Of Georgia, to
be elected. Mr.. Stanly then offered a resolution de-
clarng Mr.. Cobb to be Speaker, which was adopted.
The Clerk requested Mcssrs. Winthrop and Nc
Dowell to conduct the Speaker elect 10 the chair,
which was done amid profound silence and great
sensation, when he addressed the House as follows
Gentlemen Of the House Of Representatives.
1t would be useless to disguise the fact that feel
deeply embarrassed in taking the Chair under the
circumstances attending my election.
am conscious of the difficulties by which this po-
sitiOn is surrounded at the present time.
The peculiar organization Of this body, as exhib
tied in our proceedings since we first met-the ma
ture and character of the various important and
citing questions OF public policy which will engage
attention during the present session of Congress
-conspre to render the duties of the office peculiar
Iy embarrassing, OneIous, and responsible. may
be permitted, therefore, 10 ask in advance your gen
erous aid and support in the effort shall make firm
faithfully and mparliay 10 discharge its duties.
The country has been looking with anxiety to our
efforts TO effect oganization-the people will con-
tinue to regard with intense interest every step we
take in our legislative course. our duties will be
laborious-our responsibilities great. Let us then,
in view Of these considerations, invoke in tho dis
charge of these patriotism as broad as the Union,
and comprehensive the nature and character of
her various interests and institutions Guided by
this spirit. under the blessings of Heaven,
tion will result in the continued prosperity Of our
common country.
Accept, gentlemen my grateful Acknowledgements
for the honor you have conferred me in selecting
me your presiding officer during the present
Congress.
The Hon. Linn Boyd, the senior member, adj
mnstered the oath Of office the Speaker land the
House adjourned till Monday.
MONDAY, DECEMBER Oath.
In THE SENATE.-A message was received from
the House informing the Senate of its organization,
and committee appointed the par: of the
Senate to wait the Presdent,i in conjunction with
a similar committee from the House 10 inform him
that they were ready TO receive any communication
from him.
Mr. Dickinson presented memorial asking aid
for Whtney's road.
Mr.. Cass offered resolution, which he would
call up after the hoydays declaring it expedient to
suspend diplomatic intercourse with Austria.
Mr.. Fooe gave notice that he would ask leave 10
Introduce bill 10 provide for the organization Of the
territorial government Of California, Deseret and
New Mexico; to enable the people of California and
the District of Jacinto, in Texas, with The consen,
of that state, respectively, to form Constitution
and State government.
At quarter before o'clock the annual message
received from the President Of the u. States,
by the hands of Col. Bliss his private Secretary
and was read from the Clerks table,
TIE HOUSE metal 12o'clock, and the Journal OF
Saturday being read, the members presented them
selves by delegations al the Speakers chair, when
the usual oath 80 support tie Constitution ofthe u
nted States was administered by the Speaker
commencing first with the Representatives from
the State of Maine, and concluding with the dele
gates from Oregon and Minnesota.
The message from the President was presented
by Col. Bliss, and after being read, $4,000 extra
copies ordered to be printed, with the accom-
panying documents The House adjourned until
Thursday.
THE MESSAGE.
Fsllo,o- citizens ofthe Senate
and House Of Representatives:
Sixty years have elapsed since the establishment
Of this Government, and the Congress of the Uni
ted States again assemblies, to legslate for en-
piIe of freemen. The predictions OF evil prophets
who formerly pretended to foretel the downfall Of
our institutions, remembered only 10 be de-
rided, and the United States of America, at this
moment, present to the world the most stable and
permanent government on earth.
Such is the result Of the labors Of those whohave
gone before us. Upon Congress will eminen,ly de-
pend the future maintenance OF our system Of free
government, and the transmission Of it, unimpaired
to posterity.
We are al peace with all the world, and seek tc
maintain cherished relations Of amity with the
rest of mankind. During the past year, we have
been blessed, by kind Providence, with an abun
dance of the fruits of the earth and, although the
destroying angel, for time, visited extensive por
tons Of territory with the ravages of dreadful
pestilence, yet, the Almighty has al length deigneC
to stay his hand, and to restore the nesmabe bless
ing Of general health to people who have acknow
lodged his power, deprecated his wrath, and i'm
plored his merciful protection.
While enjoying the benefits Of amcable inter
course with foreign nations we have not been in
sensible to the distractions and wars which hav
prevailed in other quarters of the world. 1t is
proper theme Of thanksgiving to Him who rules tn
desiinies Of nations that we have been able to main
TAIN amidst all these contests, an independent an
neutral position towards all belligerent powers.
Dor relations with Great Britain are of the mos
friendly character. In consequence of the recent al
teration of the British navigation acts, British yes
sells, from British and other foreign ports will, (ur
der our existing laws after the first day of Janua
Ty next, be admitted to entry in our ports, with cal
/. goes of the growth, manufacture, or production
any part Of the world, on the terms, as 10 dr
ties, imposts, and charges, vessels Of the Unite
States with their cargoes; and our vessels will