Washington sentinel., 1855-02-10
House of Representatiy


Journed
House of Representatives.
Mr.. FAULKNER said: cast vote on Mon
day last which has been the subject Of extensive
misrepresentation throughout the district which
have the honor TO represent on this door and as
was precluded by the previous question from max
ing, at the time, any remarks explanatory Of my
vote, ask the indulgence Of the House, now, TO
make very brief personal explanation.
allude, sir, 10 the vote which gave in oppo.
silion to the motion Of the gentleman from Penn
syyania, (Mr. WTTE,) asking the suspension of
the rules, TO enable him TO submit his resolutions
condemnatory Of religious intolerance and secret
political associations. My vote refusing TO sus-
pend the rules for the purpose Indicated has been
most strangely misconceived and misrepresented,
as evidencing on my part, either membership OF,
or sympathy for, the association sought TO be as
sailed by those resolutions repudiate all such
differences from my vote as false, Illogical and
destitute of the slightest foundation in truth
cast that vote in view Of the condition Of the
business of this body, and in view of my respon-
sbility TO the country, chairman of one Of the
committees charged with the business of this
House. /. is well known, sir that ! have had in
my possession, for weeks, bills relating 10 the in
crease and reorganization of the Army, and 10 the
military defenses Of the country, of the highest
and most urgent Importance. II is equally well
known that have been, for weeks, struggling for
measures of national defense upon the considera-
ton OF Congress. But so far have struggled in
van may further add, that have been seek
ing an opportunity to report from that committee
bill for the relief Of the officers and soldiers in
the war OF 1912, and other measures oflegislation
of interest 10 the country; but have been frus-
iraled by the inexornble rules of the House, and
by business, which had acquired precedence,
from so doing. ask, sir, then, with what propr-
ely could have aided, by my vote, the introduc.
AZ, IL. ~ II.
those submitted by the gentleman from Pennsyl
vana, which, however sound they may be in their
political teachings, propose no legislation what
ever, by Congress are merely declaratory of in
dividaa opinion, and would only lead to debate
and consumption of time that should be devoted
10 the urgent wants of the counirys | ask. more
especially, with what proprie,y could record my
assent 10 this waste OF time, when that branch Of
the public service which has, in some measure,
been specifically confded 10 my care, was then,
and is, al this moment most grevously suffering
ior want Of the Legislation Of this House!
The views which influenced my vote were,
believe, participated in by every chairman of an
important committee in this House, who mani.
tested, by their course, the same repugnance that
did 10 see the the time of this body consumed in
action upon mere abstract resolutions, when the
necessities of the country so loudly called for
practical measures Of legislation may here refer
10 the chairman Of the Committee of Ways and
Means, Mr.. HoUsToN,l to The chairman oil the
Committee on Foreign Relations, Mr.. BAYLr,l
10 the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Mr..
STANToN,l TO the chairman of the Committee on
Public Lands, Mr.. DIsNKy,l TO the chairman Of
the Committee Of Claims, Mr. EDGERToSl 10
the chairman Of the Committee on Revolutionary
Claims, Mr. PEcKuAM,1 10 the chairman Of the
Committee on Roads and Canals, Mr.. DUsHAM,l
10 the chairman of the Committee on Printing,
Mr.. MuRRAr,l and perhaps, others who con-
CURED in their vote with me but of those gentle
men named, can speak with confidence, as they
all have seats near 10 me, and my opposition to
the suspension of the rules was the result of a
consultation between three OF the gentlemen
named and myself, founded upon the pressing
condition of the business Of the House.
Mr.. Speaker, ! will not abnse the courtesy
which has been so kindly extended 10 me by the
House, by indulging in any general remarks on
the merits Of the resolutions which were sought
10 be introduced by the gentleman from Pennsyl-
vania. But | trust may be allowed, in conclu.
sion, TO say that, although did not for the
before set FORTH vote for the suspension OF the rules,
yet that | do not yield TO that gentleman or 10
any other member Of this body in my firm detcrm-
ination 10 maintain the rights OF conscience, and
the nvolabiliiy Of the great principles Of religious
freedom. am not, never have been, and never
expect TO be, n member OF any oaih-bound secret
political association. ! claim communion with
but one political organzation-and that is the
great national Democratic party Of this country
a party that has shown itself, after the most ample
experience. broad enough TO embrace all the vast
interests OF liberty and humanity, and strong
enough TO uphold by its firm and conservative
grasp, the CONSTITUTION OF my country and the
UsIoN Of the States.
The SPEAKER laid before the body message
from the President of the United States, inclosing
the report of the Director Of the Mint, showing
the operations OF that establishment and its
branches for the past year.
Mr. CHANDLER offered a resolution that in
addition 10 the usual number of acopies, there be
printed five hundred copies for the use of the Di-
rector ofthe Mint Referred 10 the Committee on
Printing.
The SPEAKER also laid before the House a
communication from the War Department, in re-
ply 10 resolution of the 81 instant calling for
copies of all dispatches received by that Depart
ment relative TO the engagement which took place
ut Fort Laramie, on the 18th of August. 1854, be.
tween a detachment Of United States troops md
the Sioux Indians. Laid on the table, and ordered
| 10 be printed.
The House took up the bill TO remodel the
diplomatic and consular system of the United
States.
Mr.. CHANDLER said that he had delivered a
portion only of his remarks in favor Of the bill
After the lucid explanation Of the gentleman from
Louisiana, fMr. PERKINS, and perceiving that the
House was ready 10 proceed 10 the consideration
of other business, he felt admonishcd that II was
his duty not 10 resume his remarks, but TO demand
the previous question on the passage OF the bill
Mr. PERKINS, OF Louisiana, expressed his graf
tude to the House for placing the bill in its pres
ent condition, and said he therefore made no sacri
fee in waving the right which was accorded under
the rules, Of closing the debate, he having reported
the bill from the Committee on Foreign Affairs)
Mr. McMULLEN desired to know whether this
ball would increase, in the aggregate, the expenses
OF our diplomatic and consular representation
lie asked the question with view Of receiving Q
reply to govern his vote.
Mr. PERKINS replied that the diplomatic ex
penses would be diminished considerably, while
in the consular there would be an annual saving
| OF $50 000
Before the call of the roll on the passage ofthe
| bill was completed,
| Mr.. BRECKENRIDGE said, il would be rcco
lected by the House that, some weeks ago, he was
| nominated by the President, and confirmed by the
Senate, as minister TO Spain. II would also be
observed, that since that time he had been attend
| ing 10 his ordinary duties in the House. He said
| that the nomination and confirmation was without
his knowledge or application, he neither having