The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-01-16
oRREsPoSDEscE OF THE pIspArcH
WAsHfNaToN. Natur,iav nicht. Jan. ~.

| coRREsPoNDEEcE OF THE DIsPATcH
WAsIiiNaToE, Saturday night, Jan. 12
1t being understood that the several candidates
| for the Speakership were to be put through the
cafechism this morning. the galleries, lobbies and
hall were all fnll-neither the cold, nor the falling
snow, nor the snow upon the ground, nor the slip
perry walk, serving to keep At home even the mul
ttude of fair ones, who have cultivated taste for
Congressional excitement Richardson, Fuller and
Banks were the gentlemen addressed by the cate
chists The pith Of the questions related chiefly to
slavery Richardson was almost all that the de.
fenders Of slavery could desire Fuller was practi.
cally to the same effect; and Banks was clearly
and unequiyocaly an antislayery. Wilmot Provi,
so free soiler, and modern Republican" 1t Is
but just, however to say that he is not aboli-
ZIONIST that he is not in favor of any interference
with slavery In the States In which II exists.
Richardson was not Know Nothing; Fuller
avowed the American principles; and Banks point,
ed TO hs record or IN this question Other questions
swering all not involved in pending issiies
So much of the Substance. Now as to the man.
ner. RICHARDSON Is earnest and vehement in man.
ner, and frank In Disposition but also somewhat
rongh'hewn and harsh. Fuller has the presence
and manner of a gentleman, an easy and accurate
diction, and gentle and almost timid bearing.
Banks Is man of scarcely medium size, of firm
yet plain appearance and earnest bearing His
voice Is one OF tine best have ever heard--clear,
deep-toned and sonorous; his words are always
fitly chosen; his style is scholastic and elegant
without shade OF pedantry; historical and CLASH.
cal illusions and quotations appear to come to him
nnoldden whenever needed; and every gesture,
word and intonatiOn seems to give assurance of
manly sincerity. His mind Is as clear as 4 bell:
ms circumspectiOn and prudence seem never tn fail
him, and he has keen appreciation of wit and
irony that never forsakes him when its aid is re-
quired. / have heard nearly all the orators of fhe
Capitol during the past few years, but recognize
among them no orator superior to him. Were his
principles not obnoxious to the Representatives of
large portion of the Union, his elevation To the
Speakership would encounter but little resistance
nave, indeed heard sentiments of this tenor from
the lips of several influential men among the ma
tional Representatives in the Hall to-day
When Mr.. Barksdale, of Mississippi, a stout
ruddy gentleman of about fifty, proposed few
additional questions to Mr.. Banks, involving his
opinions upon the tariff the equality Of the races
of men, his connexion with Americanism and his
views of its principles Mr.. Kennett of Missouri
a small and elderly gentleman, instantly added
two questions respecting Mr. Banks belief in
future state and his opinion as to whether it is
free or a slave state! Mr.. Barksdale and Mr..
Kennett occupy seats on different sides of the
hall, and soon the former perceived the irony
of these questions, he hastened toward the latter,
passing before the Speakers chair, and reaching
his side Just as he had concluded, he in towering
passion, demanded to know if these questions
were offered in a spirit of disrespect adding that if
they were, he threw back the insult in scorn, def
ance, &c. The scene throughout the hall was at
thS moment intensely exciting. Full twenty
members, chiefly friends of Mr.. Barksdale fastened
to his side to restrain him from an act of violence
thrice that number were calling to order
Campbell, of Ohio, being foremost among
them, and placing himself between Messrs
Barksdale and kennett, as though he meant to
enforce order-the entire house was up; and
the spectators without the bar and in the galleries
were leaning forward and most deeply concerned
in the tumultuuus scene, while the gavel in the
hands of the clerk kept up a succession of unaya
ing sounds. But in the midst of this wild scene
there was one calm and imperturbed person sitting
calmly in the view of all, and this was the little
gentleman from Missouri himself never saw a
firmer or more placid person amidst scene of ex-
element. When the waves were stilled he re-
piled. He had submitted couple of jocular eues-
tions, for which he should perhaps apologize to the
House: but he could not be intimidated and he had
no apology to offer to the gentleman from Missis-
sippi, whose alusion to Americanism merited the
rebuke implied in the jocular question he had sub
mitted The whole incident might be improved"
as the preachers express it, by every one. Mr.
Barksdale in inquisitoral spirit pressed irree-
want questions; which was wrong Mr.. Kennett
suffered keen wit to get the better of his iudg
ment; which wrong. Mr.. Barksdale became
unduly incensed; which was wrong-and attempt.
ed to terrify a man who could not be terrified,
which was not only wrong, but sore and mortify-
ing discontinue! A. b. c.