The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-13


the Democrats the Speaker Of the Commons, and
the other offices were divided without any quarrel
ing. The result was, the Legislature was more
free from party character than at any time since
1929; more measures adopted of general
character for the good of the State, and more inter-
nal improvement bills, than for years before Now,
he desired that the Democratic party should take
gentleman with whom they are entirely satisfied
III they think that the Wing party not entitled
TO the Speaker,) without electioncering with all
parties, which is generally done when they are hard
run. He had too much regard for the Democratic
party 10 see them placed III such position. Who
ever expects to be Speaker Is mistaken If he thinks
TO sleep bed of roses He anticipated disorder;
he was not ready for il, and therefore wanted an
older and ADLER head, there would be trouble
enough He thanked gentlemen who had voted
for him. but desired them TO bestow their suffrage
on some other better qualified.
MIR. BAYLY (amid the confusion) said that
there were some remarks which had fallen from
the gentleman which he thought due 10 the Demo-
cratic side of the House should be answered. The
gentleman commenced by first stating the condi-
ton of things existing in the House, (Which is but
| type of the condition Of things existing in the
country)
MIR. STANLY said that the gentleman mis-
taken.
Mr.. BAYLY replied that the last clause of what
he had uttered was not intended quotation
from the gentleman, but was his own sentiment.
The gentleman said that as long as Rough and
Ready was in the Presidential chair, the Union
this state of affairs In the country menacing the
Union, it has grown out of the question which has
disturbed the deliberations of this body, and made
it almost impossible to organize it. He begged
leave to ask who responsible for this condition
Of things2 He begged leave to ask of this House
and the country what party it Is that has brought
about this state Of hngs' If he were to give up to
his Imagination and look for course of proceed
ing which would lead to this condition of affairs he
would find it in the pursued by the party to
which the gentleman belongs. The Presidential
contest was conducted, and the Administration
| brought into power, by studious concealment OF
| the views OF the candidate OF the Wing party on
the question which has led to 30 much distraction.
Supported at end of the Union by those friend
| ly to the Wilmot proviso, which has brought all
this trouble, he was supported at the other end, be-
cause, on tins measure, 1t was said ne could be
more relied upon than any other person in this af-
fair. What could be anticipated from this position
of affairs different individuals of the country voting
for the candidate of the party, with adverse inten-
tions! What could be expected but that these adj
verse opinions should lead to faction? That party
now pretend to set themselves up as the friends of
| the Union The gentleman from North Carolina
was pleased to say, when he alluded to the Demo-
cratic side, that he bushed for it, and that he had
heard of something rottehin Denmark; thus seem
! ing to insnuate, what has been so industriously
circulated through the hall this morning. that there
| has been a combination between the Democratic
| party and the Free Sellers.
| Mr. ASHMUN. l rise merely to say to the gen.
|
| engagements or assurances between them
lSevera gentlemen the Democratic side cried
out, at is false-it is falsen' and there de-
| gree of excitement
| MIR. BAYLY. beg leave to inform the gen.
| tleman that there is for this no foundation in
truth.
| Mr. ASHMUN. know nothing of it further
| than rumor.
| Mr. BAYLY. The implication has been made
| and shall not pass unnotced. There has been nc
1 not he
! ieve that there were five men who were capable Of
entering into such an arrangement II the gentle
| man from Ohio (Mr. GIDDINGs) chooses 10 vote
without consulting policy, do not see
how we are to prevent il. Gentlemen complain
! that the House is not organized II never can be
organized, unless gentlemen vote for candidate
| or the other.
| Mr., ASHMUN. Iwish to ask whether there has
! not been correspondence between your candidate
| and these gentlemen? (the Free Soilers)
| Mr.. BAYLY. If there has been, am not aware
oft
| Mr.. ASHMUN. All Laughter; and voice
| "Does the gentleman make the assertion 20 and
| another: 81 am certain there has been no CORES
| pondence."
Mr.. BAYLY. / desire to ask, is there autho-
| rity for making the charger
! Mr. ASHMUN. Nothing more than common
rumor.
! Mr.. BAYLY. have pretty much accomplished
the object for which The Free-Soilers are
| carrying out their own views, without consulting
| with us, and without any arrangement. And
atter myself that if their votes could haze been
4 side, they would not have looked on the proceed
| ings with disgust, and said that there some
| thing rotten in Denmark.
Mr.. ROOT condemned the proposition of the
| gentleman from North Carolina II proposed a
union Of the two great parties, for the purpose o.
selecting a Speaker, irrespective of the rights o.
| the minority. Should this be persisted in, they
| would find him an ugly customer He would mo-
| sneak far OF lint he
| against the bargain and sale which should transfer
to them the right TO organize the House. They
have the largest number, and can do it. He sup.
| posed that he must be the representative of wha
| the gentleman from North Carolina called the vii
1 mot proviso tomfoolery of that kind. He would
tell the gentleman, whether his political associates
would tell him 50 or not, that this Wimot provis,
is no tomfoolery. No representative from the FIRE,
! States dare go home and say Gentlemen vii
find different shades in the free States, or where ht
resided, over which the cholera had fair sweep
| II any gentleman there 10 say il tom
ioolery, nc would not have turf enough to wipe hi
feet on. 1t is fixed in the hearts of the northern
people They expect their representatives to stant
| here and speak out ON the proper occasion. Thu
resolution is to carry out the policy of the grea
parties. The policy Of the Administration party
and the Democratic party is, by a union, to dodg
| MIR. BAYLY, (Mr. RooT yielding the floor II
| speaking, a few moments ago, stated that no cor
respondence had taken place between the gentle
man from Indiana MIR. BRowN) and the Free
Sellers, but find that am mistaken. Laughter.
The correspondence is not, however, Of the charac
| ter intimated Mr. BRowS's reply 10 a letter, h
| tells me, was, that he declined to commit himsel
| to these gentlemen. lie said that he would plac
them on committees where they were entitled +
! be.
Mr.. ROOT resumed. He said that, for the tw
parties TO enter into the arrangement contemplate
! by the resolution, was as great an outrage upol
him, because it deprived him Of his rights, as
! forty, or eighty, or a hundred and twelve member
were cut off. The majority had no right to do this
II they wished 70 preserve their character, and tn
character of honorable and high minded rcpresen
tatves, they must exercise their rights not /
deprive any member Of his. He did not belong :
! Denmark, and not often to the Pickwickian Den
mark. Laughter. lie did not know what in
duoements could be held out to induce gentleme
to vote. The assurance must be satisfactory 10 hin
that the candidate a good, honest gentleman
with a character just such az that which belongs I
ninety nine out of hundred Of his constituents
After remarks Of an amusing character, the honor
able gentleman resumed his seat.
| Mr.. BURT rose to address the House, but
Mr.. BROWN, Of Indiana, having obtained tn
floor at the same time,
Mr.. BURT gave way.
There were cries of "down in front" "order
I