Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1856-02-14
Mr.. Campbell and the Plurality Rule.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.,
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 1856
To the Editors of the Intelligencer:


WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 1856 (
To the Editors of the Intelligencer
GENTLEMEE;-The struggle to elect Speak
er has been surrounded with much embarrass-
ment, and the peculiar relation which it has
been my misfortune. pursuing the advice Of
friends, to occupy with regard to it, renders it
indelicate for me now to give any opinion as
the cause of the existing difficulties. I prefer,
therefore, to submit quietly to the virulent as
Saults which many Of the Anti-Administr alton
papers are making, until a plain statement Of
facts may be given without the danger OF pro-
ducing further delay in the transaction of the
public business. am called upon, however
by numerous private letters, as we'll as by a
portion of the press entitled TO respectful re.
ply, for my reasons for voting against an cleo
ton of Speaker by aplurality vote.
came into Congress inexperienced in Leg
lslatve duties in l849, when there was SINH
lar contest. the candidates being Messrs. Win
throp and Cobb. The Free Soil party was re
presented by Messrs. Giddings, Wilmot, Root.
and some six others, who held :he balance OF
power. Aflera protracted struggle, many ef-
forts were made to adopt plurality rule. Al
though supporter Of Mr.. Winthrop, united
with the Free Soil men on this question. and
uniformly voted against it, agreeing with them
in the arguments which they presented that it
was of doubtful consti:utionality, and depar-
ture from the uniform usage since the organi.
zatIon of the Government. OF hazardous ten
dency. 1t was finally adopted, and the result
was that House, majority Of which was
elected as advocates Of the Wimot Proviso,
refused to apply the restriction to the Terrific
ries acquired from Mexico. which by the laws
of that Government, had been previously ded-
cated to free institutions, and closed its legsla.
ton on the slavery question by the enactment
of the Fugitive Slave Law, without securing
trial by jury, as recommended by Mr. Clay
and the Compromise Committee of the SEN
ate. ..... .......
On one occasion during the contest referred
to, when the plurality resolution was before
the House, Mr.. Giddings proposed the follow.
ing substitute, in the propriety Of which full.
ly concuired
WHEREAS, the election of Speaker of this
body is one the highest and most important
duties incumbent upon its members and
Whereas, also, by common consent of every
House of Representatives since the adoption oil
the constitution, majority of all the votes
has been regarded as necessary to choice of
that officer and Whereas, the freedom of de-
bate has ever been regarded as one of the
safeguards of American liberty Therefore.
RESOLVED, That change in such election
SO as to elect Speaker by a plurality of votes,
while the minority are not admitted to discuss
the proprety or constitutionality of such
change, will be oppressive in operation, of dan
gerous tendency, and ough. not to be adopt
ed.'
During the first week of this session, when
it was suggested to me by the friends who
kindly supported me for the Speakers chair
that a plurality resolution would ensure sue
cess, l again avOwed my opposition to it.
Without celebrating on the subject, my
reasons for voting against it now I will statei
1. That am not fully satisfied that it is
not an infraction of the spirit of the COnsti-
tuition.
2. Tha! it is an abandonment of an uni
form usage, which did not in l849, and feal
would not now, promote the success of the
principles which / advocate.
8. Because have reason to apprehend that
its adoption at this time will result in giving
the organization of the house to the friends o
the Nebraska Act.
4. Because, aside from principle, am no
disposed to stultify my past record until / an
satisfied it is entirely wrong; certainly not un'
ill the public interest demands such sacrifice
and change of my position would settle thu
'vexed question.
I give these reasons briefly row from a re-
gard to those who have requested them in res
pectful terms. To the outsiders who have Jobs
in view, and to the editors elsewhere who hav,
denounced me as traitor to the principle
have always advocated aad still adhere to,