Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-07-18


In the Rccolecions and Anecdotes Of tie
President Of the United States" published in
Arthnr's Home Gazette very graphic and stir
ring account is given of the Hall of the house
of representatives on the eventful and exciting
occasion of the election by that body Of Pres
ident of the United States. After describing
the intense and absorbing interest evinced by
every human being in Washington, and the
successful opposition Of Mr. McDuiiie to an al
tempt to exclude the people from witnessing
the acts of their representatives, that gentle
man pedgns himself for their orderly deport-
mcnt while looking on such a spectacle, the
writer proceeds:
"At length the Speakers hammer fell A
dead silence instantly prevailed, and the re-
specive delegations assembled and took their
seats around the tables prepared for them.
:" 1t was my privilege, from an elevated posi-
ton on the right hand of the chair, to enj
full view of all the groups; and have preser.
we'd rude and hasty sketch which caught Of
their positions, while the first ballot was pro-
ceeding. Each delegation appointed one Of
their number TO act as Chairman, collect their
votes, and report the result. The delegations
voted by pIuraties. Whoever in each, re-
ceved the most votes, was reported as the
choice OF that delegation. The e were twen-
ty.four of these groups ; and when the votes
had been gathered in each, they were called
upon to report, which they did in succession rira
roce, commencing with Maine. The silence
was like that of sepu'chre Mems breath
was suspended as State after State uttered is,
voice. and standing up in his place, declared
in clear sOnorous voice that seemed to pierce
through bone and marrow, that John q. Ad>
ans, having received a majority of the votes
cast, was duly elected President of the United
States, for four years from the All day Of March
next ensuing
Then rose such shout from the galleries
AS seemed to lift the very dome of the Hail.
Mr.. McDufiie, (whose candidate had been de-
teated, and whose personal pledge for the good
order Of the assembly was remembered by al, J
spranG up in much excitement from the floor,
and IN "A voice that rang above all the tumullu-
Gus plaudlls of the spectators, cried, Mr..
Speaker, move the gallery be cleared The
question was put, and carried. Yes said
Iprejgn minister to another who stood by his
SIDE, but how ale you gong to do 1t ? mats
urai question for a European, ignorant oi the
country and the people. Here were no guards
no gems darms, not even constable how was
the order to be enforced?
:" lie soon saw, and while he gazed, seemed
penetrated with speechless wonder. No SOON
rr had the speaker given the ORDER The Ser
geant-al-irms will clear the galleries, than an
active, slender young man, OF graceful form
aud with Brilliant black eye, dared from his
place, and mounting, q did not see how) to
the broad stone cornice which runs all around
The hail in front of, and below the breas-Nurk
of the galleries, motoncd with his arm TO the
dark dense, and almost suilicaring mass Of hn-
man beings before him, eXcamtng, gentleman
The speaker orders the galleries To be cleared /;
youmuSt retIre--clear the gallery AT his word
Ike flock OF quiet, passive sheep, when the