Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-01-31
SeEate-We dnesday, January 80, 1856.
The Senate was not in session to-day.
House Of Representatives.

Mr.. CRAWFORD, OF Georgia, offered The fol-
lowing resolution:
BE q ,esolued, That the House Of Representa-
tives do now proceed 10 the election of Speaker
in The same way aud manner as is provided by
the Constitution Of the United States for the cleo
lion Of the p esident thereof whenever the same
shall devove upon the House. That is 10 say .
The Clerk shall call the roll by States, and each
State east one vote, the same shall be called
and the person having majority Of the States
shall be the Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives for the Thirty-fourth Congress.
Mr. CRAWFORD said he had very strong
hope that the resolution would be adopted by the
House, bui he desired direct vote, IN order to
see who may be disposed TO organize the House
by the election Of presiding officer The House
was absolutely bringing itself into contempt
There as less anxiety on the part OF the people
relative 10 an organization now, than there was
four weeks ago. He offered the proposition that
gentlemen who are States Rights men may keep
constantly in view the fact that this government
is composed of separate and independent sover-
eighties In the event of failure thus 10 organize
he was willing that both Houses adjourn.
Mr.. TODD was opposed 10 The adoption Of the
resolution, considering that IL would be repugnant
10 the constitution of this body. Members were
here 10 represent the people and not States or in
dependent cons;ituencies-the people as a mass,
and not independent sovereignties. The rule was
applicable 10 the Senate, but not TO the House
Ii would be unequal, because IL would place the
power oil organization IN the hands oil minority,
in subversion Of the spirit Of our institutions. II
gentlemen were anxious 10 organize on the ex.
pressed will OF the larger number of the people,
let them give way 10 the majority Of the North.
In conclusion, he moved that the resolution lie on
the table.
The question having been taken il was decided
in the Acknowledgements 1875, nays 70.
Mr.. CLINGMAN offered the following resolu-
iion:
Resolved That the House will proceed imme-
diately to the election Of Speaker, viUa Uoce If
after the roll shall have been called three times,
no member shall have received majority Of the
whole number Of votes, the roll shall again be
called and the member who shall then receive the
largest number Of votes, provided II be majority
OF quorum, shall be declared duly elected
Speaker.
Mr.. CLINGMAN explained the reasons which
influenced him in offering the resolution. He said
that majority must concur ~ the election, leav
ing the Americans 10 take their choice be
tween Messrs. Orr and BANKS
Mr.. HERBERT moved an amendment. that
the resolution take effect tomorrow; and appealed
to all truly conservative men 10 oppose the cleo
ton of Mr.. BANKS, who was willing, in certain
contingencies, TO "lct the Union slide" and who
in the presence of this entire House, had expressed
doubt as TO the superiority of the white man ove
the negro.
Mr.. LETCHER opposed the resolution. III,
could not recognise principle which was calcu
lated to place the South at greater dsadvantag,
than she now occupies. The result OF the cleo
ton, under fhe adoption OF the resolution, woult
be fixed and certain-the election Of MIR. BANKS.
Mr.. HERBERT withdrew his amendment.
Mr.. BOYCE said that the adoption Of the reso
luton would result in the election OF Mr.. BANKS
which would be one Of the greatest misfortune
10 the country, on account OF the political prin
ciples which that gentleman entertains. Men ar,
nothing, principles everything The principles o
the party with which Mr.. BANKS acts, IL carried
out would be the death Of the constitution an'
productive OF revolution.
Mr.. BENNETT, Of New York thought, that