The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-12-17
Democratic Congressional Coucus.

WASHINGTON, Dec. l6.-The Democrats held a
caucus tonight at the Capitol Mr.. Houston in the
Chair, and Messrs. Cox and Wright, of Tennessee
acting as Secretaries. Fifty-eight members were
present.
On motion of Mr.. Rufin, speeches were limited to
five minutes.
Mr. Bocock expressed his thanks to the Demo.
cratic members for their confidence in him. and his
Willingness to withdraw, if the caucus thought
another man could get a larger vote.
Mr. Winslow spoke in favor of adhering to the
nomination of Mr.. Bocock. lie preferred an anti
Lecompton man to an American.
Mr.. Stevenson spoke against the plurality rule
Mr.. John COchrane spoke in favor of the Demo-
Gratis maintaining their present position.
Mr. Cox spoke to the same effect for the largest
Democratic delegation from the North. He was
unwilling to vote for any Know-Nothin or any
man supporting them, unless that man be a Demo-
crat. But he was willing, at the proper time to
vote for an anti Lecnmpton Democrat-when it
could be shown that he could be elected
Mr.. Montgomery took different view, think
? ing there might be union between national men,
Americans, and Democrats, so effected as to crush
out sectionalisrn. He thought it dangerous that
Kepublicanism should have t patronage of the
Capitol.
Mr.. Harris, of Virginia, made an earnest appeal
TO stand by Democratic principles and men. He
would not ask Northern Democrats to make such a
sacrifice as to vote for Southern American.
Mr.. Garnett interrupted Mr.. Harris, by stating
that member of the American party had informed
him he was as willing to vote for Mr.. Bocock as
for any other Democrat.
Mr.. Craig, of Missouri, after some remarks,
moved that committee of three be appointed to
confer with the minority of the House on the sub
ject of organization.
Mr.. Burnett urged his view of the matter and
opposed the motion. He inquired who asked to
c0nfer with us. that we should have such com
mittee? He moved an adherence to Mr. Bocock
Mr.. Hindman said he never would be transferred
by a caucus to any one but Democrat
Mr.. Garnett explained why he to-day voted
| for Mr.. Boteer. He thought he had voted
for Mr.. Bocock long as there was a chance for
him.
Mr.. Clemens offered the following resolution:
Resoired That it is duty to adhere to the
nomination heretofore made in caucus until such
time it is demonstrable that some other person
can secure the whole vote recorded, and an addi
tional vote sufficient to elect him; and that then
and in that event, the Committee heretofore ap.
! pointed, are hereby authorized to call another
meeting for the purpose of comforting together on
the subject.
Mr.. Pryor, after some preliminary remarks
moved substitute for Mr.. Crags resolution, as
! follows:
Resolred, That the members of this conference
! persist in the support of the Democratic nominee
for Speaker, until his declination or a conference
| of the party shall determine otherwise.
! Mr. Vallandigham concurred in what Mr.. Coch
rane and Mr.. Cox had said, as to the sentiment,
| of the North and West on the subject Of organi
| zation.
Mr.. Pryor's proposition generally accepta
! BILE, but, without a vote, after Mr.. Craig anC
others had made speeches in approval of it, the
caucus adjourned.