The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1856-02-16
I'm moortant from Washington!
PLU RALITY RULE ADOPTE d
Nathaniel p. Banks Elected
On the 141st Ballot.
GREAT EXCITEMENT

had heretofore voted against the plurality
rule but as yesterdays vote indicated some
chance of an election of Speaker, he now Of
fered a resolution for the adoption of that
rule. Adopted by vote of lib against lO4.
Mr. Orr then Internationally withdrew his
name as the Democratic candidate.
There being now a probability that great
er strength can be concentrated upon his col
league, Mr.. Aiken, Mr.. Boyce moved to re-
scind the resolution. Tabled-l17 to 10l.
Mr.. Jones of Tenn, remarked that the
Republicans were prepared for the contest,
and moved an adjournment until Monday, to
give the other party an opportunity to ar
range their plans. Disagreed to-S4 against
lO3
Impatient cries of "call the roll"
NJ. Walker moved to rescind the plurality
resolution. Decided out of order by As ma
jority.
Mr.. Payne moved an adjournment. Re-
fused.
The House then proceeded to vote-Banks
1O3, Aiken SO, Fuller IA.
Bacrlay and Hinckman (Dem.) voted for
Wells and Dunn. Harrison, Moore and Scott
for Mr.. Campbell.
Necessary to choice, 10S. The I'd vote
except Fuller's loss, was the same as lst.-
Tie Sd same as I'd excepting Aiken lost one.
Mr.. Fuller repeated that he was not and
q lnot desire to be candidate.
hIr. Barclay remarked that he had not
been advised of anything like coalition with
the Know Nothings, whether it came from
the North or South. He asked Mr. Aiken
whether the latter stood on the Democratic
Caucus Platform, and whether he had not
written letter to Humphrey Marshall, ma
king pledges to the South for the Southern
wing of acknowledgement.
SIr. Aiken-I am not candidate for the
Speakership. If my friends think to place
ne in the chair will serve them to the best
of my ability.
Humphrey Marshall.-I have only to say
Mr.. Aiken has addressed me no letters what
ever The excitement was intense during
the final ballot.
Mr.. A. X. Marshall during the call of the
roll, congratulated his American friends, say.
ing they had fought good fight and there
was now no Democratic candidate in the field
with an offensive caucus platform perform
ing his duty as patriot, not as PARTISAN
he voted for Mr.. Aiken.
Mr. Walker voted the same way, and es-
teeming Mr.. Aiken with no stains of patri-
otism on his skirts-a man who has not
sought Office but to whom office is rendered
and is true to the constitution
Mr.. Payne and Lindley voted for Mr..
Aiken, knowing him to be National man.
Mr.. Smith, of Ala, voted for Mr.. Aiken
under protest.
Other gentlemen vainly sought to make
explanations.
The greatest confusion prevailing, several
members changed their votes, and were
greeted with applause for so doing.
Impatient cries " Announce the vote"
The lobbys were crowded to suffocation
and the excitement was increased by the
startling cry that boy was being crushed
to death by the pressure in the gallery
Some of the members shouted out "fal
back" and others hand him over the rail.
1:.e boy was at length released from hi
imminent danger.
The cries of announce the vote," wal
shouted from all parts of the House.
The Clerk then read the vote as follows
Banks lO3, Aiken 100, Fuller 6, Campbell
of Ohio, 4, Wells l. '..a
Mr.. Benson, one of the tellers, then de
clared that Mr.. Banks was elected Speaker
Deafening shouts of applause followe'
from the Republican side and other quarter
of the House. The ladies waved their hand
kerchiefs in the galleries for several minutes
The disorder was beyond description.
Mr. A. K. Marshall raised the ouestio,
that Mr.. Banks was not elected, saving tn
Clerk had no power to authorize such re
suit to be announced-it must be declare,
by the vote of the House.
The Clerk explained, giving reasons whic
appeared to be satisfactory for his conduct.
Mr.. Campbell of Ohio appealed to th