The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1856-02-23
From the Richmond Enquirer.
THE LONG AGONY

From the Richmond Enquirer.
THE LONG AGONY
Is over and the free soiler Banks Of Mas
sacliusetts-- idol of Giddings, Greeley
and the abolitionsts--is elected Speaker Of
the House of Representatives.
We rejoice that the Democratic members,
with very few exceptions, voted against
the pluraltyrulc which led to the deplora-
bic but not unexpected result Although the
chances of Mr.. Aiken seemed to be fair, we
should forever have resisted the adoption of
the plurality rule. AS ii is, the election of
Banks is really due to the votes of six so
called national" men, who voted for Full
ler and thereby, inevitably for Banks under
the plurality rule. Among these six real
agents in Banks election, stands conspicuous
Henry Winter Davis a Southern Know-No-
thing from the city of Baltimore. How
will he defend himself before his constitu-
ents, save upon the ground of his bigoted
Know-Nothiug hatred of the Democrats,
that would sacrifice the country to blind
partizanship? Mr.. Fuller. the Wanted can
didatc Of Southern Know-Nothings, did not
vote, and, therefore, contributed TO Banks
election. The aboltionists, with the in
direct aid of acknowledgement, have sue
cecdcd to their hearts content, and will
carry things with a high hand. Things arc
coming to head and the monstrous acts of
the enemies of the South and the Union,
who have now an opportunity of showing
their hands fully, must have the effect of
disgusting good men everywhere.
P. S.-Thc telegraph Of last night an
nonnccs the election Of Cnllom, Of Tcnnes-
see, an ant-Nebraska Southern Know No
thug! He is supposed to occupy the posi-
ton Of Mr. Bolts. acknowledgement il,
really, beautiful thing for the South.
from the Washington Union. February 81
A SPEAKER ELECTED.
The protractcd struggle for the speaker
ship was brought to close last evening by
the election Of Hon. N. II. Banks. Nine
full weeks were consumed before this result
was attained and it was finally brought
about by the adoption Of the plurality rule.
Although il is absolutely certain that there
il majority Of the representatives in the
House who agree with Mr.. Banks on the sec
tional questions which now agitatc the conn-
Try. vet ii has been demonstrated, again and
again that portion of his own political
friends would never agree to vote for him
for Speaker, and hence that he could never
be elected by majority vote.
As we have remarked, the contest was
finally terminated under the operation Of
the plurality rnlc.-The votes taken during
several days past had indicated that q
Speaker could only be chosen by resorting
to that rule. There was strong repngn-
ancc amongst national members to lis adop
ton. more especially after the revolving de
claration of Banks as to the test Of supc
riority in the races. The southern know
nothings manifested determination agains
casting their votes for the democratic nom
inccs not less persistent than their reiusa
to vote for Mr.. Banks. On Friday, how
ever, propositions were made by democrats
to Which the southern know.nothings indica
i ted a disposition to acccde-thc one propos
ing Mr.. Oliver, an old line wing, and thu
| other Mr.. Aiken, national democrat. iol
/ Speaker. The votes on these propositions
compared with that given on tho same day
on a resolution declaring Mr.. Banks TIN
Speaker. showed so little difference that i
was exceedingly doubtful what would b.
the plurality rule. Atthis point MIR. smitl
of Tennessee, believing that the chances o
Mr.. Aiken were at least equal to those o
Mr.. Banks, brought forward a resolution
for the plurality rule. Mr.. Orr immcdiatcl.
withdrew Internationally his name as thu
democrat nominee, and the resolution wa
adopted. The result was as we have stat
ed the election of Mr.. Banks by a pluralit.
of three votcs-Mr Banks, receiving To-
votes and Mr.. Aiken 100-siX nationa
Americans throwing their votes on MI
Fuller and four republicans throwing their
on Mr.. L. d. Campbell. 1t is apparcn
that perfect union of the nationalm member
(thc four republicans voting for Mr.. CAM
belly would have elected Mr.. Aiken by
plurality of three. Thus has ended tn
most extraordinary struggle that has eve
occurred Although the result is one whic
every national man will regret, yet, as tn
republicans have known majority in til
House, and therefore were entitled to tn
, Speaker there is reason for acquiescing, il
L - II Al, Il, Il, ~