The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-02-17
General 1pteNigeqes.
of the Nebraska Legislature.

Meeting of the Nebraska Legislature.
TUESDAY EVENING, Jan. is, 1855.
This morning we crossed the river to
Omaha, the capital of Nebraska, to wit
ness the ,opening of the session of the
first Nebraska Legislature.
We shall give a mere outline of what
took place. We should be very foolish
to attempt to portray what occurred. The
strife and consequent excitement with
some, to accomplish party and personal
aims and interests, went up to blood
heat.
In the Council, atan early hour, seven
members met, and without ceremony pro-
ceeded to elect Judge Bennett, Speaker
pro tenn, and 1. R. Alden, Secretary. In
this proceeding no attention was paid to
certificates of election, but any were al
lowed to vote who were disposed.
A proclamation from the Governor was
laid on the Speakers desk, declaring who
were members of the Council. His Ex-
cellency soon appeared in person to make
some communication to the Council, but
was called to order by the Speaker.
A sharp discussion arose upon the
question of credentials, and committee
appointed to report. Much confusion
prevailed through the session. Council
adjourned to 2 o'clock.
Two o'clock.-Mr. Rogers called the
members to order, and nominated Mr..
Folsom, Speaker pro tem., who was duly
declared elected. Mr.. Bennett took the
Speakers stand, and declared the seat al
ready filled, and refused to relinquish it.
Several members came forward much ex-
cited, and charged those who had taken
action with rascality, dc.
Mr.. Mitchell made some very infam-
matory remarks. Other membersc charged
these men with having made the morn
ing election an outrage, and that it was
illegal, and that there were but five legal
members present when Mr.. Bennett was
elected. Both gentlemen persisted in
claiming the speakership, and each called
"order.'' Mr.. Folsom finally resigned
his chair. Mr., Hollister, and others,
spoke with much warmth and earnest
ness. A messenger from the House in
formed the Council that that body being
temporarily organized, were ready to NEE,
in joint convention to receive any mes
sage the Governor had to deliver. Chair
man of committee on credentials said he
was ready to report.
Council called for report. Committee
reported. Credentials of A. D. Jones,
Goodwill, Folsom, Rogers, Mitchell,
Nuckolls, Clark, Richardson, Bennett,
Bradford, Cole, and Sharp, were appa-
rently correct.
On motion of Mr.. Sharp, Mr.. Jona-
than Shinnwas elected Sergeant-at-Arms,
and Mr.. Tyson Doorkeeper. Committee
appointed to inform the House that they
were ready to meet in joint convention
Immediately.
Both Houses met at O'Clock. Gov,
Cummings took the Speakers desk and
delivered his message-an elaborate and
able affair.
| Tine roll being called, members were
asked to rise and raise their right hand,
when the oath of Office was administered
by the Governor to all members excep;
Messrs. Bennett and Nuckolls, who re.
fused to comply.
The Councilmen returned to their Hall
when discussion arose in regard to the
legality of the Governors administration
of the oath of office. Mr.. Bennet made
some heated remarks, animadverting up
on the conduct Of the Governor in very
severe terms. He was called to order by
Mr.. Richardson, and was sustained by
Mr.. Folsom and others.
Mr. Sharp obtained the floor, and made
some pertinent remarks, defining the law
the mode of determining who were mem
bers. Some members got much excited
Mr.. Bennett resigned the Speaker
chair, and Mr.. Folsom was elected Speak
er pro tenn.
Council adjourned to Wednesday, un
der considerable excitement.
We are unable to-day to give the pro
ceedings of the House.
Mr.. Latham was elected Speaker PR
tenn, Mr.. Paddock, Clerk, and s. A
Lewis, Sergeant-at-Arms. Much inter
est and excitement was felt by both mem
bers and outsiders. The lobby was filled
to dead pressure. Considerable spar.
ring and boisterous speaking occurred by
members and those who claimed seats.
Mr.. Decatur and Mr.. Morton. from
Belleyiew, claimed seats, and spoke with
considerable excitement in their own be-
half. No business could be done, and the
House adjourned much excited. Out
side the House a very good feeling ap-
peared to prevail, and everybody seemed
to be deeply interested in the questions
that had been under consideration. Ma
ny people were in the city; and we had
altogether an interesting time.
We shall publish the Governors mes
SAGE tomorrow. It is a document that
viii be read with much Interest," Coun-
ca BIafs Bsgle.