The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-12-15
The Foreign News.

The Foreign News.
No news Of the Hiberna at Halifax, when our
paper went to press this morning.
The Struggle for the SpeakershIp-NO Re-
suit Jet.
1t will be seen by the teegraphic report of the
proceedings in the House of Representatives, yes
terday that there were three ballotngs for Speaker
without-any result. The House then ad journed, IN
confusion; and, in the course of the evening, the
free sellers held caucus, at which they resolved
70 MAINTAIN the position which they assumed at
The commencement, and have maintained to the
present time There appears TO be determine
ton among them not to submit to any compromse,
and the consequence is, that it is very uncertain
when the House will be organized and the Presl-
dents message delivered
This is a curious state Of things on the COM
mencement of new administration, and we have
no doubt that General Taylo is much surprised at
1t. But il would have been Otherwise If the ca
bnet had acted as they ought to have acted since
their accession to power. Their policy, foreign
and domestic, so far as it was developed, has
caused a reaction in public sentiment throughout
the country, and to this reaction may be attributed
the want of administration power in that branch of
the national legislature.
However, must take things as they are, and
make the best of bad bargain, trusting that in
due time all will be right We put our trust in the
sound common sense of General Taylor.
Scenes In Washingtop-Rowdyis m In Con-
Rress-hltcrcntiOn Between Messrs. Duer
and Meade.
Our readers will find, in another column, a
graphic account of the alteration which took
place on Thursday last, in the House OF Repre-
sentatives at Washington, between Messrs. Duer
and Meade. 1t appears that Mr.. Meade made
some remarks, to the effect that if propositions
abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, to
prohibit that Institution in the new territories were
introduced, he hoped his eyes had already rested
on the last Speaker Of the House; and, in conse-
quence of those observations, MIR. Duer, of New
York, pronounced him a dsunioust. Mr.. Meade
replied that the charge was false, and Mr.. Duer
then called HIM a liar. Then ensued a scene
which cannot be looked upon in any other hight
but disgraceful to the House Of Representatives,
to the parties who produced 1t, and to the country
at large.
We are glad to see there is but one opinion in
the community concerning this beargarden scene
n the popular branch of the national legislature.
If it is but the prelude to others Of aggra-
waited character, then indeed, we have good reason
10 fear that frequent collisions between represen-
tatives from different parts of the Union, will take
place before the al oumment, which may cad in
serious consequences We had hoped that a great
deal Of the ill.temper with which members were
charged on their arrival at Washington, had been
expended IN the Numerous struggles to elect a
Speaker, that have taken place since the COM
mencement OF the session but il seems that there
IL abundance Of that combustble material still on
hand; and unless a very important change in the
knpenment Of the members is produced, there
will in all probability be some sad and deplorable
occurrences when the great Crisis on the question
Of slavery comes around.
If there was a session during which moderation
and good temper were especially required, the
present Is il. Ever since the acquisition Of the
vast territories the Pacific to the United States,
growing out Of the late war with Mexico, a
struggle has been brewing between the North and
The South in relation to the institution OF slavery
In California, which, in the opinion OF all temperate
people, would require great deal Of moder and
mutual compromise IN its management, in order
10 prevent difficulty or disunion. IL was hoped
that the members would meet in such temper
but the history of the proceedings Of the House or
Representatives, since the commencement Of the
session, Is sufficient TO satisfy all that sectional
ceiling, Of deep and bitter character, prevails
among the members to an alarming extent. What,
then, are we to expect, when the great trial comes
on, in regard TO the slavery questisaI Already we
have seen seven Southern members recede from a
preliminary caucus, because il was decided that
caucus not the proper place FOR the discussion
OF the slavery question, or the exposition Of the
views Of Southern men concerning il. More
ecently, we have seen language used by one
member towards another, which would be deemed
discredltable in any Of the lowest grog shops about
town, and which IL appropriate only on the pur-
heus Of the Five Points.
With these things before US, ell rational and
moderate men, Of all parties throughout the couu-
try, cannot but view with regret the temper which
has been exhibited in the House. When the fre.
brand Of slavery is introduced, and when the hour
Of conflict on that subject between the North and
South arrives, unless a more moderate spirit pre-
walls than what has already been exhibited, we
may expect collision between the uliras Of both
sections, that may shock the Union to the centre,
and perhaps pave the way for dissolution Of this
glorious confederecy.
The MURDER or DR.. PARkNAN, IN BOSTON,
BY reference TO another column, it will be seen that
the jury Of inquest in the case Of Dr. Parkman ia
Boston, closed their labors on the evening of the
~ inst, after a session of ten days. They have
found that Dr. Webster Is guilty Of the murder Of
Dr Psrkman, and will have TO take trial for his
life What testimony was elcifed before the jury,
we are not apprsed and a determination on the
part OF the authorities TO keep the matter secret,
until 1t come before the petit jury for trial, will
keeT the ullfc in suauen.e a., d. Of,