The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-05
III.-WHIG CAUCUS.

III.-WHIG CAUCUS.
From the Republic Of December 3, 1851.
Meeting of the Wing Members of the House
of Representatives.
In pursuance of the call, meeting of the
Wing members of the House of Representa-
tives was held on Monday morning, December
LIST, at the Capitol, between fifty and sixty
members being present.
On motion Of Mr. MARSHALL, Of Kentucky,
the meeting was organized by the appointment
of Mr. OUTLAW, of North Carolina, as chair
man, and Mr.. Moore, of Pennsylvania, as Sc
cretary. The chairman having stated that the
meeting was ready to hear any proposition that
might be offered, Mr.. Brooks, of New York,
said that he supposed one of the main objects
of the meeting was TO consult as to the pro-
priety of making nomination for Speaker of
the House, and remarked, that in view of
the large majority against them, his opinion
was that it would be inexpedent to make such
nomination, but that each member should be left
TO eKercisc his own judgment when the time for &C
ton arrived. The views Of Mr.. Brooks seeming
to be universally asquicsced in by the meeting
Mr.. WILLIAMS, of Tennessee said that, if there
was no further business before the meeting he
would suggest the propriety of adjourning, and
accordingly made the motion. which he fubse-
quently withdrew at the request Of
Mr. EVANS, of Maryland, who eaid that he
hoped the meeting would not adjourn without
taking some action upon subject of grave and
monentous importance TO the country, and n
question which they would inevitably be com
PEELED to meet, here or clsewherc-which subject
was the Compromise measures of the last Con-
gress, and which mcaturcs be understood had been
summary rejected by the Democratic party on
Saturday evening last. He earnestly hoped that
the representatives of the Wing party there as
scmblcd-a majority of whom he pleased to
see were from the non slaveholding Ststes-would
not hesitate fater in their duty TO the country
this important period, but that some gentleman
present would offer resolution upon this subject
for the consideration and action of the meeting.
Mr.. HAvErs, of New York, said that he was
there for the first time in the capacity Of a repre-
sentative in Congress, and that he there not
only as Wing, but a Union whig-a Compro-
mise Wing; and in that spirit and feeling he had
prepared resolution embodying in substance the
principles Of the Presidents Message upon this
subject, which he would offer for the consideration
OF the meeting, in the following words:
" Resolrfd, That we regard the series Of acts
known aa the Adjustment measures as forming in
their mutual dependence and connection a system
OF compromise the most conciliatory and the beet
conflicting sectional interests and opinions ond
TINT, therefore, they ought 10 be adhered to and
carried into faithful execution final settlement
IN principle and substance, Of the dangerous and
exciting subjects which they embrace"
Mr.. STEVENS, OF Pennsylvania, in few re-
marks, said that he considered resolution OF that
kind unnecessary and iniudicious, as it WINS the
same rock upon which the Wing party had split
two years ago. and he therefore hoped it would not
be passed.
MIR. Fowler, OF Massachusetts, said that he
would not consent to be bound by tho principles Of
that resolution, and in order TO test the sense Of
the meeting upon it, he would move to lay it on
the table.
Mr. MARSHALL, OF Kentucky, said he was not
particular about forms. and he was willing the test
should he applied in the form suggested by the
gentleman from Massschusotis. Indeed, nc thought
II W ,uld probably be the beat and most effective
since he understood that it was the same form in
which the tcs had been applied in the Democratic
caucus. II would serve cmincntly well TO indicate
TO the country the real position Of gentlemen when
the matter presented TO each party came in dcn-
tically the fafnc form And since the Democratic
pnriy bad voted down similar r solution, he
thought it became the duty Of the Whgs to take
their true position; and il the views Of the gentle
man from Massnchusctts wcrc.to prevail, the path
ofduiy was plain one TO him.
Mr.. WiLLiAss, Of Tennessee, then moved the
previous question.
Mr.. sryvsNs, of Pennsylvania, said lac hoped
the motion would be Withdrawn to enable him TO
amend the resolution which refused.
The vote was then taken upon the motion TO lay
upon the table, which motion lost by decided
majority, when
Mr. STEVENS of Pennsylvania, Mr.. FowLER Of
Massachusetts, and or two other gentlemen
whose names were not known to the officers of the
meeting, withdrew.
The motion was then put upon the original reso.
luton, which was carried with but two or three
dissenting voices and, ON motion Of Mr. Will.
rAMs, the meeting then adjourned.
DAVID OUTLAW, Chairman.
HENRY d. MoORx, Secretary.