The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
CAUCUS OF DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS
OF CONGRESS.

Washington, Dec. l6.-The Democrats held
caucus on Friday night at the Capitol, Mr..
Houston IN the chair, and Messrs Cox and
wright OF Tenn, acting as secretaries Fifty
eight members were present
On motion of Mr.. Rufin, speeches were lin.
tied to Eve minutes.
MIR. Bocock expressed his thanks to the
Democratic 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. He preferred
an Anti,Lecompton man to an American.
Mr.. Stevenson spoke against the plurality
rule.
Mr. John Cochrane spoke in favor of the
Democrats maintaining their present position.
Mr.. Cox spoke to the same effect for the
largest Democratic delegation from the North.
de was unwilling to vote for any Known othing,
or any man supporting them, unless that man
be Democrat But he was willing, at the
proper time, to vote for an Anti Lecompton
Democras, when it could be shown that he
could be elected
MIR. Montgomery took different view, think
ing there might be union between national
men, Americans and Democrats, so effected as
to crush out sectionalism. He thought it dan
gerous that Republicanism should have the
patronage of the Capitol.
Mr.. Harris, of Virginia, made an earnest
appeal to stand by Democratic principles and
men. DE would not ask Northern Democrats
to make such sacrifice as to vote for South.
ern American.
Mr.. Garnett interrupted Mr. Harris by sta.
ting that member of the American party had
informed him he was as willing to vote for Mr.
Bocock as any other Democrat
Mr.. Craig, of Mo-, after some remarks, moved
that committee of three be appointed to con-
ter with the minority of the House on the SUBJ
ject of organization.
Mr.. Burnett urged his views of the matter.
and opposed the motion. He inquired who
asked TO confer with us, that we should have
such a cohmttee? He moved an adherence
to Mr.. Bocock.
MIR. Hlndman said he never would be trans.
ferred by, a caucus to any one but q Democrat.
Mr.. Gsrnett explained why he had voted for
Mr.. Botaer. de thought he had voted for
Mr.. Bocoek as long as there was chance for
him.
Mr.. Clemens offered the following resolution !:
Resolved, That it is our duty to adhere to the
nomination heretofore made in caucus, until
such time as it is demonstrable that some other
person can secure the whole vote recorded, and
an additional vote sufficient to elect him. and
that then, and In that event, the committee
heretofore appointed are hereby authorized to
call another meeting for the purpose of con.
ferring together on the subject.
Mr.. Pryor, after some preliminary remarks,
moved a. substitute for Mr.. Craig's resolution,
as followf:
Resolo6d, That the members of this con-
ference persist in the support of the Democratic
nominee Tor Speaker until his declination at a
conference of the party shall determine other
wise.
Mr.. Vallandigham concurred in what Mr..
Cochrane and Mr.. Cox had said as to the senti-
ments of the North and West on the subject of
organization.
Mr.. Ptyor's proposition was generally accept
able, but without vote, after Mr.. Craig and
others hal made speeches in approval of it, the
caucus adjourned.