Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-01-03
An Episode-Hargain and Intrigue.

Just alter taking u vote for Speaker of the
House of Representatives on the 9th ult the
following spicy debate took place; from which
it appears that some Of the black-republicans
have been trying to trade Mr.. Banks into the
Chair Men who will act as Mr.. Pearce is
represented to have acted, are disgrace to
Congress and should be kicked out OF that
body:
An exciting debate was incidentally introduced,
involving the character of certain members in re
gard to bargaining for votes for Mr. Banks in which
the Pennsylvania delegation figured, Mr.. Banks de-
nying any pledges by him.
Before the last vote was announced Mr. Millward
said be had been approached by one of bis col
leagues, who had proposed that if he would vote
for Banks, he (Millward) should be made chairman
of the Engraving or Lithographing Committee,
Printing Committee, and have good thing OF IT,
Laughter, and cries of name him" who is
he?"&
This announcement cause great sensation, nearly
all the members rising to their feet, and much in
terest manifested in all parts Of the bah
Mr. Banks, amid great confusion, denied em,
phaticay that any body had authority to offer any
such proposition from him.
Mr. Pearce rose amid cries of "0rder.' "Let's
hear him"-"Down in front"-He said he had not
pledge TO Mr.. Millward or anybody else, although a
few moments ago he asked that gentleman how he
would like 10 be chairman OF the Committee on En-
craving. Laughter.
Mr. MiIlward asked Mr. Pearce: Did you not say
that il t was against my conscience TO for
Banks, could make good thing of ity Laugh
teri asked how? You replied that ! could be
made chairman the printing, !ithographng
craving committee. / asked how DO you know |
h. ID uba
have just had a conversation with Mr. Banks, who
said that any promise / should make would be
ried out by him."
Mr. Pearce.-I deny what nv colleague has said.
he has msconstrued my remarks.
Mr.. hillward.-I could not misconstrue them.
Great confusion. n ingled with cries of order )"
Mr. Humphrey Marshall remarked that be had
advised Mr. Mllward to make the exposition.
Mr.. Pearce-I alluded to the matter merely in q
playful manner to my colleague. Laughter
Mr.. MiWard-I don't consider il play, sir.
Mr.. Florence.-Such thing is disgrsceiuI 10 our
State, Pennsylvania and were il in order / would
at once move q committee Of invest cation
Mr.. MilIward 10 Nr. Pesrce. did you not tell
me that Mr.. Banks assured you in case voted for
him, he would give me what you promisedP
Mr.. Pearce.-I did not.
Mr.. Millward-emphatically say you did
Had YOU any conversation at all with Mr.. Banks?
Ar. Giddngs-(his form standing out prominent
amid the STORM calmly expressed the opinion that
the House had enough of these proceedings.
Mr.. Banks-No man has any assurance from me
with regard TO the formation Of committees
stand, il elected to the Office OF Speakership per-
ectlv free TO do what is right and proper for myself
for the House, and for the country; and of that
am the Judge, aud for doing which would be re-
sponsibe to the House and the country. APP
psuse.
Mr. Todd said he trusted his colleague (Mr. Min.
Wardl would be guarded hereafter ia attacking
the character of gentlemen. The Pennsylvania
delegation are independent, guarded by right and
truth, acting intrllgently, asking no pledges and
guilty Of no false pFetences.
Mr. Millward said he not to be frightened by
being told that he must be more guarded. He had
only alluded 20 Que gentleman from Pennsy lvanis,
and that wss Ne. Pearce
Mr. CampbeI OF Pennsylvania, remarked that
be had frequently met Mr.. Banks socially, and he
had never heard him, at any time, or under ally
circumstances, make any remarks which could be
construed into pledge.
Mr. Paine thought the House ought TO be obliged
70 ar. AIllwArd for bis revelation. He me P4lne)
heard Mr. Pearce say that be bad assurance from
Mr.. Banks, that the latter would 80 constitute
mttees a. to take care OF the interests Of Pennsyl
vania lie could prove the fact.
Mr. PeAFcs replied that he had assurance that
Peansyvania interests would be cared for bot he
never had il from Mr.. Banks, but IRON bis Own col
leagues
NJ. English said be thought this was a pretty
family tight and be voted for Richardson As a man
above suspicion.
Hr A. X. Marshall said he was perfectly satisfied
that II these charges were true they uuhIted Mr..
banks iOr the Spehkership. Ia consequences Of the
absencs OF some members, prot cannot now be
producrd or other revelations might be made. lie
desired that ali further voting be dispensed wth for
TO day.
Mr.. colfax commended that this Was not the pro-
pea tribunal 20 investigate mere idle ramors, utter
cd perhaps 10 bar rooma II is were. BE might re-
peat . rumoF regarding the gentleman iron Penn
sylyalsia, bat which be did not believe true.
Mr.. kuileF ] Wish 10 know What it H.
Mr.. Colfax The ramor Il this; THAT in your
opinion, M. Whitfield, shs delegate IRON Kansas,
was legally elected
Nh. Fsllet. / knOw nothing about the matter,