The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-03
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WAszluaros, JAa 1, 1853
CoWgvesstowaI TsMagemens = Modes Of KRliag
zsms-P vobaassy of al Extra Sssao~-Prsc-
tice n Writing OFT Spssch<s-Abs~~a Rules Of
NJ Aosss of Representatives Yesr's Day 10
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The proceedings In tho House Of Representatives
durnS the present week form tolsrably fair critic.
risa BY which Judgment may ~ formed Of what
has hesa done since Congress met on the sixth Of
last nonth-literally nothing and, from appear
snces, 1t 10 the opinion Of those Who are we'll in
formed the subject that the intention is to throw
Ausinss very gereralIy overheard. with view Of
having an extra session called under the incoming
administration.
The attention OF the House was for the most part
occupied with a resolution, introduced by Mr.. Har-
ms, of Tennessee, authorizing the reception of 70
ports from committees, as to which there would be
NO objection, and which would not create debate !;
aud the proposition evidently OF advantageous
nature if the object of members is TO transact the
business Of the country, that any reasonable man
would conclude that il would be instantly adopted
Nevertheless, it objected to- and it was neces-
sary to have two thirds vote in favor OF suspend
ing the rules before the resolution could be taken up
This was on Monday and the proposition having
been fairly launched in the House, sort of running
dlkcussisn followed. and, whenever IL was prac.ica-
BILE, tho yeas and nays were taken, which 10 the
most approved mode Of passing the time when mem
bers intend 20 40 nothing, and by which whole
forenoon may be FILTERED away. But there is an
other, which is nearly rs effective and which was
successfully resorted to on the present occasion:
Aenbers fefu.ipg vote in order that there might
-se no quorum voting. Consequently, when every
other attempt postpone the decision Of the ques.
tion had failed and she motion TO lay the resolution
on the table was put, and telleis had been appoint
cd, the Speaker would announce that there was no
quorum voting Then the roll would be called and it
would DO found that there was Q quorum present.
With the unanimous consent of the House, the
Speaker would again appoint tsllers, 'gentlemsn
would again pass through the tellers," and
agam there would be found no quorum vot-
the horse, which one man may take to water,
but hundred cannot make him drink Alter this
farce had gone on, during Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday, till near three o'clock, some member
would move the adjournment; If shis motion, how
ever, were made rather early, the yeas and nays
would be called which generally occupies nearly
half an hour, ard then the House would adjourn
This was pretty much the course of proceeding
until Thursday morning, when Messrs. Stauly, Of
North Carolina, and Smart, of Maine. got up an in
terlude. in consequence of the publication Of speech
in the GLOBE, by the latter gentleman, which he had
not delivered and of which probably, there would
we're terms on the inert course of the government,
which l have frequently seen CONDEMNED in the
HERALD, respecting the Infringement of rights Of
nerican cit,zens and which terminated in the
passage of q resolution prohibiting the reporters
from offending IN the like case In future
1t appears 10 me the practice Of writing out
speeches, and reading them in the House, is equally
r preheasbe, which, while it prsyails, robs dobste
of its spiciness /; and perfectly agree vita Mr. Ri
ctar6soa of Illinois, who thought sending speeches
to tie GLOBE, for publication, without delivering
IL IN, would be an immense saving Of time-parsi-
culsry as they are generally irrelevant to the sub
j, ut in hand
But the grt at defect and difficulty in trsnsacting
business in the House 10 caused by the absurd rules
thai in force, which prescribe certain routine
of proceedings that must be Suspended before even
the m0et iDportans and urgent measure can be in
troouced, and which may be prevented by any in
dividual member whose opposition is efeotual,
uLless TWO thirds Of those present vote to suspend
the rules. 1t was in this way that the resolution
from the Senate, besto wing tho brevet rank of
Lieut. General upon Major General Scott was post
poned indefinitely, although majority voted for Its
consideration.
This morning was wet Aod the walking disagree
able; but about eleven o'clock the sun shone out,
was MOTTO make numerous calls, the practice on
New Years day in New York evidently being
the increase here. About twelve, ths corps dieo-
,r0tique in fuI feather went t. pay their respects
To the President; and . continual stream Of all
classes might be seen entering and pouring forth
from the White House, till late in the day. whore
baud was In attendance, "discoursing the music of
sweet sounds" There was . marked difference,
however, between this and Christmas day, when
scarcely sober person to be in the streets,
there being to-day complete absence of in.oxica-
tion n0tw SANDING there was q profusion Of in
ducements spread before thoes who went to pay
their respect TO official characters. who threw open
the doors of their hospitable mansions. W.