The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-12-20
wAsarSsroS. Dec. 18th, 1885.

wAsprSsToS, Dec 18th, 1855.
Tic proceedings I'm tho House OF Representa-
tives to-day were unusually in,crcsnng me
business pf the House was opened with a speech
from Mr.. Walker OF Alabama, in which ne dis
cssssed the position Of parties, and made most
able and eloquent appeal to the conservative mem.
hers of MI parties TO come together and bring about
AN organization Mr.. w. avowcd himself a mem
her of the American party: but inasmuch as il was
now evident that that party, North and South,
,yoaidnot mite upon any ono man; and so also
with the Democratic party, he proposed that all
those in favor of national coIsery ativ organisa-
ton should meet IN tho Hall tonight for tho pu,.
pose ef coming 90 some terms. There are a sufli-
cicnt number of conservative members--Ameri-
cans. Democrats and Whigs.-.to bring about an or
ganzation on the first ballot If they could once be
united - $3.50
This proposition was met by the Richardson De-
inocrats rather cnidly. They contcnded that the
Democratic party was the only sound national
party in the field and that the conservative Ameri
cans must come over to them, without invitation
concession, If they desired an election of Speaker
Mr.. Smith, of Virginia. made, on this point, a
speecb cndeavoring TO harmonize the national De
mocracy and the national Americans. II was one
OF his happies, efforts, and had telling effect upon
tho House 1t was made in the best spirit and lust
st the proper time The thanks of all patriots are
due Mr. - for his able and timely effort stem the
political waters Of turmoil now threatening to de.
use the land.
Some union Of the conservative elements in
Congress must be formed, 10 organization can
ttke place except Dy the triumph OF abOlitiOniSn.
The anti.slayery party stands firm with its JOG,
TIC national Democracy with its sc, and the nation
q; American party with its 40.
The two last occupy identically the same posi-
ton on the only practical question involved in the
election of Speaker. They stand upon the same
platform that vital question of slavery, before
which all other issues sink into comparative insg-
nicanee, and in which is involv ed the purpetuity
~ the Union Between the national Democracy
aad the national Americans, the anti-slavery party
knows no difference 1t treats them both as com
mon enemies. for common reason and makes
war to the knife upon them alike While men
holding tile views are contending against
each other, their real foes are making of all
means, fair foul, to defeat them, and must sue
ceed in doing so if this srsicidicaI course on the
pert Ct the conservatives is PERSISTED in.
Such party pride and obs;inacy that now dis
played in the hall of Congress, may do for politi-
clans drawing eight dollars per day for it, but it
will not do before the soveregns The constitu
cnts of those members representing the national
Democracy and the national Americans had far
sooner see them voting together than 10 see the
House continue disorganiZed or Aboitionism tri-
tiinphant The responsibility of bringing about
The disastrous result now threatened will be upon
them should it come. And that party, or those of
either party most blaIaeabic for throwing obstacles
III the way of a union between the only elements
by which Abolitionism can now be put down and
peace restored, will have fearful account TO an
ever for. OF this they may rest assured.
The whole day was occupied in "speechifying -
IN the "nigger question, and the House adjourn,
cd without ballot for speaker. Now that the ball
is opened. there is telling where the discussion
will stop. or when speaker will be elected. To
inorrow the subject of the plurality vote comes up