Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-12-14
Statesman s 9Gunal.
CLEARFIELD. PA, DEC. IA, 1859.

CLEARFIELD, PA, DEC. IA, 1853.
CoNGREss.-The members of the 36tb Con-
gress met at Washington City last week, but
for all that has so far been done, they would
better have staid at home. Discord, excite
ment and violerce have characterized most of
the proceedings. Scarcely had the members
taken their seats, the House yet unorganized,
when the agitation of the Slavery question
was vigorously recommended by the Demo-
Gratis. In the Senate, Mr.. Mason, of Virginia,
proposed resolution of inquiry into John
Browns seizure of the Harper's Ferry arsenal,
the ostensible object being to draw out all the
facts and ascertain whether any persons not
participating in the outbreak were implicated
in it or accessory to it; but the real purpose
is doubtless TO give a chance for making
flaming spread-eagle speeches, and to ad-
vance the interests of certain aspirants for
Presidential honors. The Opposition were
willing to have the inquiry made, asking only
in addition that the committee should extend
its investigations to the capture of the arse
nal at Franklin, Missouri, during the Kansas
troubles, and see who were the guilty parties
theie, and to what use they applied the arms
and ammunition then taken. While Mr.. Ma
son was thus taking the preliminary step to
start slavery discussion in the Senate, Mr.
Clark, of Missouri, another Democrat, with
out waiting for an organization of the House,
performed the same office in that BODY and
insisted on having the House decide whether
the doetriees and sentiments of Mr.. Helpers
book, the ssImpending Crisis of the South, -
which made its appearance three or four years
ago, are not incendiary and hostile to the peace
and harmony of the country, and whether Mr.
Sherman, of Ohio, who, it would seem, allow
ed his name to be attached to a recommends
tion OF the book, is not thereby disqualified
for the position of Speaker-a dangerous char
scter, perhaps traitor. This at once opened
up contest which thus far has prevented the
election of Speaker, and given rise to vio-
lent controversies and disgraceful conduct on
the part of some of the members. The n. Y.
Erenfng Posts correspondent gives the follow
ing sketch of a scene on Tuesday .-
ssAt last, steady, grave, but determined
Thad. Stevens pressed his point of order, that
but two motions were, or could be, in order
the motion 10 proceed to elect Speaker, and
the motion to adjourn. He said but little but
even this little was most shamefully interrupt
ed by Crawford, of Georgia, who approached
him defanty, swinging his fist in his face. A
fight was imminent, and probably, with almost
any other member in Stevens place. would
have occurred. keitt, who was on the watch
now came up close by the side of Crawford
and placed his right hand on revolver beneath
his coat, ready, doubtless, for any emergency"
This is foretaste of what may be expected.
We do not think that the real objection
to Mr.. Sherman is the one assigned. The
leaders of the Democratic party know that he
is thoroughly acquainted with the corruptions
and vilainies of the Administration; they
know that if chosen Speaker he will appoint
such committees of investigation as will thor
oughly expose the rottenness which is stencil
in the highways and byways of Washington ;
and they know that such exposure will be fa-
tai to the further supremacy of the party. To
prevent this Sherman must be defeated and if
their own candidate, Bocock, cannot be elect
ed, theiI effort will be to get into the Speak
er's chair some man whom they can control in
the appointment OF certain committees If
the delay in the organization of the House
would effect only party organizations, it would
be matter of little moment; but as it is caus-
ing great waste of the public treasure, and de-
lay in the payment of mail contractors and
others who have claims upon the Treasury, it
assumes more serious phaze, the responsible
ity Of which rests upon the Democratic party.
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