Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1857-02-16
LATRS + N 3 w s.
Washington, Feb. IL.

Washington, Feb. IL.
SExArE.-The Senate met 1t u
o'clock, and immediatly repaired to the
Hall Of the House to take part in
opening and counting Of the votes for
President and Vice President Of the
United States, in pursuance Of the res
olution adopted some days since.
Senate having returned from the
House proceeded to the consideration
OF the Wisconsin electoral vote. The
question had occasioned difficulty in
in the House. Speeches were made
as to the proper course Of proceeding
and the effect Of similar cases on future
elections. While it was contendsd on
the one hand that the vote Of Wiscon-
sin could not affect the result, it was
argued on the other hand that the
question should be definitely settled
Adjourned without taking question.
House.-Mr. Barbour moved the
reconsideration Of the vote by which
the Senate Submarine Telegraph bill
was referred to the Committee on Post
Offices. The motion was entered pro-
badly to he considered tomorrow.
Mr.. Washburn Of Maine under tn
structions ofth Committee on Elcc-
tons, made his report, concluding with
resolution that J. w. Whitfield IS
not entitled 10 seat in this House
from Kansas, and moved that further
consideration Of the subject be post
poned till Saturday next.
Mr.. Oliver, Of Mo-, moved to lay the
resolution on the table, and made .
minority report and asked leave to
have response to the memorial Of Mr..
Whitfield in response to the report Of
the majority of the Committee.
The further proceedings were inter
rupted by the arrival Of the hour Of II
the time fixed for the opening and
counting Of the votes ofthe Electors Of
the several States for President and
Vice President Of the U. 5.
The Senath, accompanied by the
officers of that body, entered the
chamber. The members OF the House
received them standing. The Presi-
dent fthe Senate took his 3. at u
the right Of the Speaker. Mr.. Bigle'
on the part ofthc Senate, and Mcssrs
Jones, Of Tennessee, and Howard, q
Michigan, on the part Of the House
appeared a. Tcllers and occupied thu
Clerks desk. The President announ'
ced the object Of the meeting.
1t being pursuant to law and IN ODE
diencc to the concurrent order Of thu
two houses, the President first opene,
the vote Of the State Of Maine, which
was read by the Tellcrs, and othc
; States followed in rotation.
The President announced the result
of the count, and declared buchanan
and Breckinridgc elected Presiden
, and Vice President.
A question was raised as to count
} ing the vote of Wisconsin, the elcctor
, having met on the 4th instead Of til
! Sd of December.
B The President said that the funt
{ tons of the two houses were now dis
. charged in this matter, but this decis
: ion was earnestly dissented from b
!, both Senators and Representatives.
: Mr.. Crittenden said the decision IL
volved the privilege Of detcrmining tn
o election of President Of the Unite
= States.
. The President replied he had ne
q thcr assumed or exercised such pow'
. but had merely performed the duty !
!. required by the Constitution.
= Much confusion cnsuel, and yario'
propositions were offered to relic,
e both houses of their difficulties, b'
e President said no vote could be take
!, in convention.
Al Mr.. Stuart moved that the Sena
d return to their chamber and this que
q, ten determined in the affirmative.
!, - House continued the subject in al
.e mated discussion until adjournmel
= without coming to any conclusion.