The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-15

this would be done by the present incumbent; but
he did not think that the influence of the Speaker
should be brought into the debate. He wanted
appearance OF impartiality. Under every view Of
the circumstances, the Speaker should not be re-
CURED to vote, unless his vote would change the
result. II is right that he should thus vote
MIR. McCLERNAND believed that the old rule
was unconstitutional, and SO regarded by the
distinguished authority of Mr.. Macon. The Speak
er stands precisely on the same footing any other
member, and it was not competent for the House.
looking to the obligation Of the fulfment of the let
ter and spirit of the Constitution, to exonerate the
Speaker, more than any other member from vot-
ing. The right which belongs to the Speaker was
not personal one. Mr. CLAY, when he was Speak
Of the House, addressed the Committee Of the
Whole on the state of the Union on certain occa-
sions.
Mr. McLANE, of Maryland, moved to strike out
the rule under Notwithstanding the Speaker
the right TO vote when his own name is called.
Mr.. WINTHROP said that every member must
vote when his name was called, unless excused
Mr. McLANE replied, it was known that gentle
men may vote in their seats as they please.
Mr.. WINTHROP observed that the Speakers re-
CURED to enforce the rule on others, notwithstand
ing he does not himself vote.
Mr.. STEPHENS, of Georgia, thought that the
object of the gentleman from Massachusetts would
be accomplished by the amendment proposed by
the committee; and he moved the previous ques-
ton.
Mr. vINTON inquired what would be the effect
of the previous question?
The SPEAKER replied that it would apply to the
Mr. STEPHENS withdrew the motion; he had
only. wished it to apply to the amendment under
consideration.
Mr.. BAYLY said that when Mr.. CLAY was
Speaker OF the House, he did address the Commit
tee OF the Whole on the state of the Union He
thought that the precedent should be avoided. Il
was his opinion that no Speaker since that day had
followed the example. In the Virginia Legislature
Speaker to participate in the debaes and not even
in Committee of the Whole, except in matters al
fecting his immediate constituents. He was op-
posed to the amendment of the gentleman from
Maryland.
Mr.. EVANS, of Maryland, said that the House
had been acting under the twelfth rule ever since
the foundation of the Government, and he ex-
pressed the hope that the question would be taken
on 1t as IL now stands.
Mr.. MORSE concurred in the views of the gen.
tleman from Massachusetts, that it was neither
proper nor decorous for the Speaker to mingle in
the debates which may arise in the course Of his
administration of the duties of the chair He how
ever, considered that gentleman's amendment su-
pererogatory
Mr.. CLEVELAND said that they should have in
the chair man impartial in his feelings. Suppose
the time should ever arrive when they should have
In the chair man who loved his party better than
his honor; suppose that he should descend to the
ioor, and take part in the debates. Having some
pride, when he goes back to the chair, he deems il
important that his position should be defended by
the House. II can hardly be expected that he
would give the floor to those who will assail him.
but to those who will defend his position At ali
events, the Speaker cannot be impartial as if he
had not addressed the House. 1t would be unjust,
unwise; and there need of such aid as is sought
by the amendment of the gentleman from Mary
land, (Mr. McLANE.)
Mr.. BROWN, of Mississippi, said that every
member has a constitutional right to vote, and a
constitutional right to speak. What right has any
member to say that another should not enter into
the discussion The presiding officer has the right
to speak, or let it alone, as he pleases.
Mr.. ROBINSON moved that the further consid-
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next; and demanded the previous question.
MIR. SCHENCK remarked that the Speaker was
aware that the consequence would be that the House
would never get at the rules again, if the motion
The SPEAKER remarked that he could not tell
what the effect would be.
The question was taken, and the House refused
to postpone.
Mr.. STANTON, of Tennessee advocated the
amendment Of Mr.. McLASE. He did not believe
that any Speaker would ever descend TO the floor
except on occasions Of Importance; when the pro-
priety OF his conduct would be acknowledged by all
Mr.. TUCK expressed the hope that the question
would now be taken. Let the matter be disposed
Of without further debate. He willing to vote
Tor the amendment as reported by the Committee
on Rules.
The amendment of the committee, with regard
TO the discretion given to the Speaker TO vote,
agreed to.
thus amended, and the question decided in the
negative
Mr.. SCHENCK offered an amendment that the
election OF officers shall be by ballot instead of vua
poce vote. He wished TO set good example by not
saying word in advocacy oft.
The amendmcntw was disagreed 10.
The nth rule was amended 10 admit 10
the floor OF the House the members of tho Legs-
iatures Tor the time being, OF the States and Ter
ritories.
ADMISSION OF THE PEOPLE ON THE FLooR.
The following addition TO the same rule having
been agreed to, viz: "And no person not known 10
the Doorkeeper TO be entitled 10 the privilege Of
the floor shall enter the hail. unless the Doorkeeper
shall be informed by member that the individual
Is entitled 70 admission under this rule''-
MIR. BUTLER, of Pennsylvania, moved amend
ment; "and such persons az the Speaker mem
Der may introduce" He wished, IL possible, 70
have every place filled with spectators, and the
proceedings not confined TO the bar of the House.
Mr.. THOMPSON, Of Mississippi, said that the
galleries were large enough. II the amendment
should prevail, members would have to legislate in
a crowd.
Mr.. THOMPSON, of Pennsylvania, was opposed
to members shutting themselves up. Lot them
extend the privilege Of the hall as far possible.
He wished, If he could, 10 accommodate everybody,
and he asked for the yeas and nays.
Mr.. WOODWARD objected 20 the proposition
most decidedly. In the first place, Il would be
found that members who have the least regard for
propriety and the accommodation of the House for
business would fill the space outside the bar With their
iayortes, while members Of the opposite character
would exclude their friends when they would like
to have them in the hall. lie would like TO know
why the representatives could not select hall
without admitting the population Of Washing
ton His constituents could not come here. Was
II not right that representatives should have the
use OF the hall themselves without admitting a
crowd Did the President permit the populace Of
Washington to go into his private business room'
would the gentleman from Pennsylvania impose
this on the Executive branch Then, why inn
pose il on the legislative branch' II was known
that gentlemen had TO ask the privilege, through
the messengers, and negro messengers, TO see
the President or the heads Of Departments; and
that sometimes they sought, fruitlcssly, and came
away unsatisfed. And yet gentlemen said that
this hall must be opened 10 the population Of
the city II IL only an instance that the whole
course Of things IL TO degrade this body, and
make IL contemplate, and inferior 10 the Exccu-
tive branch, as the House Of Commons Is 10 the
crown. The galleries ought 70 be abolished.
jury Of twelve men sit in private TO transact bust
ness: There was not n mechanic who had not the
privilege OF his own Workshop; and yet we we're
not TO have the privilege. Abolish the galleries,
and then there would be debate, instead Of orstons
and demagoguical harangucs He expressed the
hope that the House had self respect enough TO
vote down the proposition.
Mr.. McCLERNAND thought, that, from the
manifestation made, the amendment would fail
Nevertheless, he approved Of H. The very reasons