Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-02-05
THIRT4-FouRTH CONGRESS.
N. P. BANKS ELECTED SPEAKER.


HoUsE.-Mr. Smith Of Tennessee said he
had heretofore voted against the plurality
rule, but as yesterdays vote indicated some
chance OF au election of a Speaker OF sound
national views, he now offered resolution for
the adoption Of that rule.
The resolution was adopted by a vote of l13
to 104.
Mr. Orr then Internationally withdrew his
name as the Democratic candidate, there be
ing now probability that greater strength
can be concentrated on his colleague, Mr.. Al
| ken.
Mr.. Boyce moved to rescind the motion
This motion was tabled, III to l01. ZAP
| plause.
NJ. Jones of Tennessee, referring to the
terms of the resolution, that if there is no
election by majority in the next three trials,
the candidate receiving the highest vote on
fourth be elected Speaker, remarked that the
Republicans were prepared for the contest,
and moved an adjournment till Monday to
give the other parties an opportunity to ar
range their plans. Disagreed to-S4 to 103.
Impatient cries of "Call the Roll
Mr.. Walker moved to rescind the plurality
resolution. Decided out of rule by 40 ma
jority.
Mr.. Payne moved an adjournment. Re,
fused. He then made an Intellectual motion
to rescind the plurality resolution.
The House proceeded to vote. Banks 1872,
Aiken 90, Fuller IA.
Barclay and Hickman, Democrats, voted
for Wells, and Dunn, Harrison, Moore, and
Scott for Campbell of Ohio. Necessary to a
choice 1O8.
The second vote, except that Fuller lost
one, was the same as the first. The third
was the same as the second, except that All
ken lost one.
Mr.. Fuller of Pennsylvania repeated what
he had said en- two former occasions, namely,
that he was not and did not desire to be
candidate 1870 votes had satisfied him he
was not the choice of a majority of the House,
and on no other terms would he consent to
take the position. Mr.. Barclay remarked
that he had been ayerse to anything like CO.
alition with Know Notbingism, whether it
came from the North or the South. lie asked
Mr.. Aiken whether the latter stood on the
Democratic caucus platform, or whether he
had not written to Hum hrey Marshall, max
ing pledges to the Southern wing OF the K.
KS.
Mr.. Aiken-I am not candidate for the
Speakership. If my friends think to place
me in the chair, will serve them to the best
of my ability.
Humphrey MARSHALL have only to shy
that Mr.. Aiken has addressed me no letter
whatever. Applause, and cries of 'Call the
roll" etc.
The excitement was intense during the first
ballot which resulted as follows -
Mr.. A. K. Marshall, during the call of the
roll, congratulated his American friends by
saying that they had fought good fight and
conquered. There was now no Democratic
candidate in the field with an offensive eau
Gus platform Performing his duty as pa
triot and not as partizan, he voted for Mr..
Aiken.
Mr.. Walker yotedthe same way, esteeming
Mr.. Aiken man with no stains Of mere par.
tizanship on his skirts. A man who mas not
sought office, but to whom office is rendered,
and is true to the Constitution.
Messrs. Paine and Lindley voted for Mr..
Aiken, knowing him to be a National man.
Mr.. Smith Of Alabama, voted for Mr. Aiken
under protest. Other gentlemen vainly sought
to make explanations. The greatest confu-
sion existing, several gentlemen now chan ged
their vote, and were greeted with applause for
so doing Impatient cries" Announce the
vote" &c Announce the vote"
The Hobbies were crowded to sutfocation,
and the excitement was increased by the
sterling cry that boy was being crushed to
death by the pressure in the galleries. He
was eXtricated, and calls for the vote We're
again made
The Clerk then read the vote as follows -
Banks, 1913; Aikens, 100; Fuller, 6; Camp
bell of Ohio, 4 Wells, 1.
Mr.. Benson, one of the tellers, then declar-
ed that Mr.. Banks was elected Speaker.
Deafening shouts of applause followed from
the Republican side and other quarters of the
House. The ladies waved their handker-
chiefs in the galleries. For several minutes
! the applause was beyond description.
| Mr.. b. X Marshall raised the question that
| Mr.. Banks was not elected, saying the Clerk
had no power to authorize such result to be
| announced. 1t must be so declared by the
vote of the House.
The Clerk explained, giving reasons which
| appeared to be satisfactory for his conduct.
! Mr.. Campbell Of Ohio, appealed to the honor
| of the gentlemen to carry the plurality sys-
TEN into effect, and end this disgl aceful scene.
Mr.. Cobb of Georgia, regarded Mr. Banks
| as virtually elected by a majority Of the House
under the plurality rule. Mr. Aiken asked to
be allowed to conduct Mr.. Banks,,a as Speaker,
to the Chair. (Applause.) Mr.. Smith Of
! Alabama appreciated Mr.. Aiken's request /;
/ il granted, he thought it would heal dissen-
sion and pour oil on the troubled waters.-
| When grown up men make o child's bargain.
they ought to stick to it, (Laughter.)
After further debate, Mr.. Clingman offered
resolution, declaring, that by reason of the
adoption Of the plurality rule, and the votes
taken under it, Mr. Banks has been duly
chosen Speaker, and is hereby so declared
Passed-yeas, lag; nays, 3d.
Several gentlemen explained that, though
they had consistently voted against Mr.
Banks, they felt bound as judges, not as cleo.
tors, to carry out the order OF the House by
voting for the aooye resolution
Mr.. Banks was, by request of the Clerk,
conducted to the Chair by Messrs. Aiken Full
Ter OF Pennsylvania, and Campbell Of Ohio.
He was greeted with loud and enthusiastic
cheers and, amidst the profound silence which
followed, sald:-
Gentlemen Of the House of Rsgresentatipes !:
Before l proceed to complete tho accent.
ance Of the Office which you have conferred
upon lne, would avail myself Of your indul.
genco to express my obligations for the honor
conferred upon me. 1t would afford me great
or pleasure were it accompanied even by the
sell-assuranee that l would bring to the dis
charge of arduous aud delicate duties, ALWAYS
difficult, but now enyironed with unusual
difficulties, any capacity commensurate with
their responsibility aud dignity. / can only
say, shall bear myself, so far as practicable,
with fidelity to the interests and institutions
Of the country and the government, and with
impartiality, so far as regards the right of tho
members Of this House. have no personal
objects to accomplish am animated by ain
gle desire OF contributing in some little dearee
TO tho maintenance Of tho well established
principles Of our government in their original
| sgnihcation i'm devalonino IN ,,...i. a -