The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-12-12
lat EST WIS
Thirty-sixth Congress-First Sc

sien.
WASHINGTON, Dec. TO-
Senate is not in session to-day.
HOUSE.
The Journal having been read, Mr., Hick-
man moved it be amended, there being no
mention therein of his resolation for the
adoption Of the plurality rule.
The Clerk said the resolution was mereIv
read for information.
Mr.. Hickman insisted that he had a RIGHT
to offer his resolution which took precedence
OF all other questions; and he asked for
decision of the question.
Messrs. Grow and Washburn (of Mainel
commended that MIR. Hickman had right to
introduce his resolution.
Mr.. Houston argued on the opposite side.
Mr.. Stanton said that even if he should
yield the floor, to which he was entitled the
other questions are pending.
Mr.. Reagan took occasion to say that the
plurality resolution was designed to enable
men TO vote indirectly for Black Republi.
can, when they would not come up like men
and vote directly for such nominee.
Mr.. Hickman replied that the remark did
not apply to him. He should vote for Re.
publican In preference to any gentleman who
spstains the administration. Applause on
Mr.. Reagan said that nobody doubted the
gentleman would vote for Rep ublicau as
against Democrat. He repeated that the
resolution was to shield gentlemen from the
responsibility of doing indirectly what thew
would not do directly.
Mr.. Hickman have never concealed any
where what my ultimate action would bel
prefer the election of sound Democrat-by
that L mean Democrat opposed to this Ad.
r . r. A
l have endeavOred for week to elect surh
man, but am beginning to fear shall
De unable to consummate that work. be-
lleve that either friend of the Administrs-
ton or Republican is ultimately to be elect
ed Speaker.
am frank to say that in that event have
decided IN the choice Ut the latter. have
onered this resolution for the purpose of
reaching an organization. If the Administra
tion party succeed, trust shall submit in a
becoming spirit. | am perfectly willing
every man In the country should know nav
views. Let the motion to amend be- put to
the House to decide.
!. mr.. VIM. Smith, of Virginia. That mo-
tion is unnecessary, in his view of the sub
!ect. II the gentleman means to vote for the
nepaplican nominee, he and those who
think with him can do so, and thus euds the
question. NO man who has noticed that gen
wears
doubt that he would at last land in the Re-
publican ranks
lie says he wants sound Democrat elect
ed, end yet will vote with the Republicans.
who does he fool by such doctrine as that
me Democratic party are here to perform a
high and holy duty to the country. want
MN TO De understood as Black Republican.
VINO only takes the name of Democrat for
the purpose OF hood-winking and mislead-
ing.
Let me ask him-should he vote for Mr..
Bocock to-day, if he would rise and saw he
was opposed to the Administration.
Mr.. Hickman-I will state frankly and
anequevocally that would not, and give nv
reasons, which are entirely sufficient for nv
sell. would Hot do it because know that
Mr. bocock sustains the Administration ia
everything it has done, and ! am not be-
ter.)
As to the charge of my being Black Re-
publican, that is a question for me to decide
anu a. not ior the gentleman from Virginia. /
shall continue to regard myself as a Oemo-
crat until find that the Democratic party
IN the region of country where belong have
from it. --s
! think stand by the cardinal doctrines
OF the Democratic party. l think | have al.
ways done. repudiate and condemn the
sentiments entertained by the Administra-
ton and its followers. If they are Demo
Gratis, ! am no Democrat,
The question he has undertaken to decide
Is one that cannot be decided by him, or by
tne whoie virginia delegation. 1t is cues
ton that Will be decided by the country, as
to who embodies the Democratic sentiment,
whether James Buchanan or those whe hold
the sentiments of the Cincinnati platform in
its integrity and entirety.