Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1859-12-09
CONGRESSIONAL.

WASHINGTON, Nov 4.-The Democratic
Caucus has enthusiastically nominated Bo.
cock for Speaker. There were no other
nominations. The meeting was altogether
harmonious.
The Repu blican Caucus made no nomina-
ton, and it was resolved that every member
should vote his choice in the House Some
Of the most radical expressed their willing
ness to vote for Forney, or an American, il
the Republican Speaker could thus be secur-
ed
The Southern Opposition Convention came
to no conclusions
WARRINGTON, Dec. 5.-SENATE. Mr..
Mason offered aresolution providing for the
appointment Of a select committee to inqu re
into the nature and consequences to the
General Government of the recent capture
of the ar1nory at Harpel's Ferry.
Mr.. y'urnoull gave notice that at the pro-
pei tim he should offer an amendment to
the sarne, providing also for inquisition into
the n allure Of the recent capture of the
Frankfort Arsenal, in Missouri.
HoUsE.-Nearly all the members were
present. A vote was taken for Speaker
with the following result sherman Sc;
Grow 43; Bocock sc; Boteler II; and
twelve others received each from one to five
votes.
Mr.. Grow withdrew from the contest not
wishing to embarrass the Republicans who
had divided their votes between him and
Mr.. Sherman.
Mr. Clark, of Missouri, offered the fol-
lowing:
Whereas, Certain members of the House
now in nomination for Speaker, have endor-
sed and recommended Helpers Impending
Crisis"
Resozued, That the doctrines and senti-
ments therein are insurrectiouary and hos
tile to the domestic peace and tranquility of
the country, and no member who endorsed
or recommended it is fit to be Speaker of this
House.
Some Republicans rose to points Of order,
but were not successful in stopping Mr..
Clark who poured few hot shot into them
Several then disclaimed for their party
insurrectionary and dissolution sentiments,
and they had lively time generally, in
pretty good humor for while, and then
adjourned.
WASHINGTON, Dec 6.-Semate Mr..
Mason's resolution, concerning the Harper's
Ferry affair, was taken up, and long dis
cussion ensued.
Mr. Trumbull, of ILL.,, favored investiga-
ton, but wanted similar occurrences inves-
tigated, which took place in 1855, at Lib
erty, Mo.
Mr.. Mason desired information, officially,
on which case Congressional action was
asked for. In the course of his remarks he
called John Brown vagabond, rufian,
thief and robber.
Mr.. Hale, of N. H.. made humorous
speech, for which Mr.. Hunter rebuked him,
saying it was like the laugh Of an inebriate
at the bed Of death.
Without taking the question, the Senate
adjourned.
House. The discussion Of Mr.. Clark's
resolution concerning Helpers book was re-
sumed.
Mr.. Leake, Of Va, was for making the
Republicans ''face the music''
Mr.. Millson. of Va, said those who en-
dorsed Helpers book were not fit to live,
much less to be elected Speaker of the
House.
Mr.. Keitt, of S. c., showed that the pres
ent state Of feeling was the legitimate fruit
Of seed sown by W. Fl. Seward.
Messrs. Sherman, of Ohio, and Curtis, of
Iowa, said that, as Republicans, they did
not justify interference with the relation of
masters and slaves.
Mr.. Gilmer, of N. c., offered PROPOSE
ton reiterating the declaration of the Wing
and Democratic parties heretofore, to frown
down all attempts to agitate the question
of slavery, in or out of Congress.
Exciting times prevailed generally, sew
eral other members participating in the de-
bate.
The House adjourned without taking a
vote for Speaker.
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. Washing
ton, Dec. 7.-SENATE Mr., Mason's res
olution, for inquiring into the Harper's
Ferry affair, was taken up. An exciting
debate took place, in the course Of which
several Northern Senators disavowed any