Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-02-16
WASHINGTON.
Banks Elected !-l0s to 100.

WAsuINGroS, Feb. 2.
heretofore voted against the plurality rule but as
yesterdays vote indicated some chance OF an
election of Speaker, as a man OF sound national
views, he now offered n resolution for the adop-
ton of that rule. The House by 10 majority re-
fused to lay the resolution ON the table, the res
olution was adopted by vote OF ll3 against l0i.
Mr.. Orr then Internationally withdrew his name
as the Democratic caucus candidate. There be-
ing now probability that greater strength
could be concentrated upon his colleague Mr.. Al
ken, MIR. Eoyce moved to rescind the resolution.
Boyce's resolution to rescind the plurality rule,
was tabled by III to lOl.
Jones of Tenn, referring to the terms OF the
resolution, said, that if there ia no election by
majority on the next three ballots, the candidate
receiving the highest vote on the 3D. ballot be de-
clared Speaker, remarked the Republicans were
prepared for the contest, and moved an adjourn
ment till Monday to give the other party a chance
to arrange its plans. Tabled. Impatient cries
of ''call the roll.'
Walker moved to resc:nd the plurality rcsolu-
ton decided out of order. s.s
Payne moved an adjournment, refused; he then
made an Intellectual motion to rescind the plu-
rality rule.
The House proceeded to vote, Banks lO2, Al
ken 90, Fuller IA.
Barclay and Hickman, DEM, voted for Wells
0hN Auuus MorTlSOH, NOECs uuu OCOsVs wi
Campbell, of Ohio; necessary to a choice los.
The 81 vote excepting Fuller, was same as first.
The 3rd same as ID, except Aiken lost one.
Fuller repeated what he had said on two for
mer occasions, viz that he was not and did not
desire to be candidate, l40 votes had satisfied
him that he was not the choice of n majority Of
the House and no other terms would he con-
sent to take that position.
Mr.. Barclay remarked that he had been averse
to anything like u coalition with Know Nothing
ism whether it came from the North or the
South; he asked Mr.. Aiken whether the latter
stood on the Democratic caucus Platform and
whether he had not written letter to Humphrey
Marshall making pledges to the South or the
Southern wing of Know NOthingism?
MIR. Aiken-I am not o candidate for Speaker
ship. If my friends think to place me in
the chair will serve them to the best of my abil
ity.
A. Marshall--.I have only to say Mr.. Aiken has
and cries of 'cal the roll.' &C., the excitement
was intense during the final ballot.) Mr.. A. X.
Marshall during the call of the roll congratulated
his American friends saying that they had fought
good fight and conquered. There was now no
Democratic candidate in the field with an often
sive caucus platform performing his duty as
patriot, not as partisan, hc voted for MIR. Aiken.
MIR. Walker voted the same way and estimating
Mr.. Aiken with no stain of partisansm on his
skirts, man who has not sought Office but to
whom Office is rendered and is true to the Consti-
tuition.
Messrs. Payne and Lindley voted for Mr.. Al
ken, knowing him to be a National man. MIR.
Smith, of Ala, voted for Mr.. Aiken under pro-
test. Other gentlemen vanly sought to make
explanation the greatest confusion prevailing.
Several members now changed their votes and
were greeted with applause for SO doing. Im-
patient cries ''Announce the vote.') The excite
ment 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.''
The boy was at length released from his immi-
nent danger.
s'AnnOunce the yote,' was shouted from al
parts Of the House. The Clerk then r ad the
vote as follows:
Banks, 1903; Aiken, 100; Fuller, 6; Camp
bell, of Ohio, 4; Wells, |.
Mr.. Benson, one of the te!icrs, then declared
that Mr.. Banks elected Speaker. [Applause.]
Deafeniny Shouts Of applause followed from
the Republican side, and other quarters of the
House. The ladies waved their handkerchicfs in
the galleries for several minutes, and the disorder
was beyond description.
NJ. A. X. Marshall rsiscd the question that Mr..
nks was not elected, saving that the Clerk had
no power to authorize such result to be an
nOunced; it must he declared by vote of the
House The Clerk explained, giving reasons
which appeared to be satisfactory for his con-
duct.
Mr.. Campbell, of Ohio, appealed to the honor
of gentlemen to carry the plurality resolution in
to effect and end this disgraceful scene.
Mr.. Cobb, of Ca, regarded MIR. Banks as vir-
tually elected by majority of the House under
the plurality rule.
Mr.. Aiken asked to be allowed to conduct Mr..
Banks as Speaker to the chair. (Applausc.
Mr.. Smith of Ala, highly.:aprec atHd M:~-Ai-
kcn's request if granted, he thought it would
head division, and pour oil on the troubled wa
tiers. When grown up men make child's bar
gain, they ought to stick to it. (Laughter.)
After further debate, Mr.. Clinyman offered
resolution declaring that by reason of the adop-
ton of the plurality rule, and the votes taken
under it, Mr.. Banks had been duly chosen Speak
er, and is properly so declared. Passed by yeas
$50, nays 80. Several gentlemen explained tho
they had consistently voted against Banks, they
felt bound as judges not as electors to carry out
the order of the House by voting for the above
resolution.
MIR. Gidlings being the oldest member of the
House administered the oath 20 Mr.. Banks by re-
quest of the clerk.
Mr.. Banks was by request Of the clerk conducted
to the chair by Messrs. Fuller and Campbell
lie was greeted by loud and enthusiastic cheers,
and then, amid the most profound silence said:
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, be-
fore ] proceed to complete the accept
ance of the Office which you have conferred upon
me, must ask your indulgence to express my
obligations for the honor conferred upon me-
1t would afford you greater pleasure were it ac-
cOmpanied even by the self assurance that would
bring to the discharge of arduous and delicate du-
ties always difficult, but now environed with uu-
usual difficulties, any capacity commensurate with
responsibility and dignity.
can only say shall bear myself as far as pos
sibe with fidelity to the interests and institutions
of the country and Government, and with Impair
tialitv so far as regards the right Of the members
of this lIols,.
have no personal object to accom-
plish. am animated by single desire of con-
tributing in some little degree to the mainten-
ance of tie we'll established principles of our
Government in their original American signi6ca-
tion, in developing that portion of the continent
we occupy, SO far as may be within the power
conferred US, enlarging and swelling its capac-
ity for benc6cient influence at home and abroad,
and maintaining intact its inestimable privileges
transmitted to Us. t2i-}
/ am aware that neither myself nor no other
one is equal to the perfect accomplishment of du-
ties. Therefore as q man must be suppliant
for your Indulgence and support. again return
to you my thanks for the honor you have confer
red upon me. applause deafening and Of long
continuance.)
Mr.. Stanton offered the following resolution
Resolred, That the thanks of this House are
eminently due, and are hereby rendered to John
w. Forney for the distinguished fidelity and i'm
partiality with which he has presided over the
debates of this House during the arduous and
protracted contest for Sneaker. Adopted mani.