Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-12-16
FROM WASHINGTON.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. z.
BY Saturday last nearly all the members of
Congress were in Washington, and they
seemed to bring with them, not only the ele-
ments OF strong and unusually exciting ses-
sion but very uncomfortable storm of rain,
occasionally mingled with sleet, which has
continued until this evening and is now rag
ing with undated vgor.
At II o'clock on Monday both Houses met
in their respective halls. The Senate was
not entirely full, but much moro than a quo
rum being present, business was at once re-
sumed. The first event, beyond matters Of
routine, was a notice, by Senator Mason Of
Virginia, of a resolution providing for an in
vostigation Of all the facts in respect to John
Browns foray upon 1Iarpdr's Forry-embrac-
ing the character and extent Of the organza-
ton; whether any citizens Of the United
States not present were implicated therein, or
accessory thereto by contributions Of money,
arms, amunitions, or otherwise, and the com
mtteo is required to report what legislation,
if any, is necessary by the government for the
try and the safety of public property The
committee is to have power to send for per
sons and papers.
Senator Trumbull of Illinois, (Republican,)
also gave notice of an amendment by extend
ing the inquiry to the seizure Of the L. S. ar
sena (by Border RufIians'' at Franklin,
Missouri during the lorays upon Kansas.
The resolution Of Senator Mason does not in
form, extend to The causes that provoked
Browns attack, and therefore does not con-
template complete investigation. note
the fact. because in the course of the invest-
CATION it may become an interesting point.
In the House all the members answered at
roll call save seven; every Republican was
present and all the other opposition mem
bers but one, Mr. Adams of Kentucky. Six
democrats were absent. At once the House
proceeded to vote for Speaker. each member
as he was called naming his canddate-vote
by ballot not being the congressional custom
The result was as follows:
Thomas S. Bocock of Virginia, dem. sc
John Sherman of Ohio, Repub. &C
Galusha A. Grow Of Pennsylvania, 43
Scattering, 50
The Republican vote above is 1909. ADD
Mr.. Grow who did not vote-Mr. Sherman
vote for Mr.. Pennington of n. J.-Mr. Car
ters vote for Mr.. Corwn-and Mr.. Briggs
vote for Boteler of Virginia, and we have l;
members who have been counted upon to &C
with the Republicans. Briggs can hardly b.
reckoned So, since his vote was for gentle
man who still ranks himself as a whig, an,
for slavery | suppose at that He represent
the Harpcr's Ferry District.
There was no caucus nomination, except b
the democrats and the votes Of the Ameri
can, Southern opposition members, and anti
Lecompton Democrats, were scattered. How
ever, Immediately upon the announcement q
the result Mr.. Grow very handsomely with
drew. So that Mr.. Sherman may now be fairl
called the Republican candidate. He is
grandson of Roger Sherman of Connecticut
one of the signers of the Declaration of In
dcpendence-is young and vigorous, dgnife
in his bearing, Of fine abilities, and has ha
four years experience in Congress. Mr.. BE
cock Of Virginia is not much older, but ha
had much longer experience, and has main
tanned good reputation among his iollo'
members, Either would make good speak
or, probably, politics asidc-but neither ma
be successful, as their respective parties al
dependent for success upon those member
who cast the thirty-fve scattering votes.
Immediately after the announcement of II
result, Mr.. Burnett Of Ky, (dem.) moved
adjournment--lost, 1870 to 100. Mr.. CLARK
of Missouri, (democrat.) then introduced
resolution reciting that sundry members
the last Congress had recommended the eli
culation of compend Of book, calle
Helpers Impending Crisis of the South
and that no member who had so done is
for the Office of Speaker. Whereupon NJ
Clarke commenced a speech, very violent
its character, against the book, and all WI
have commended it-Mr. Sherman being Il
immediate object of attack.
Mr.. Stevens Of Pa, (Republican,) raise
the point Of order, that no business can
transacted, except to vote for speaker al
ilOHh tlhlb 70 time until an Or9anlL
ton shall have been made and Mr. Gro
quoted the statute to the same effect III
other side then insisted upon the right to d
bate this point Of order II thus being ma
ifest that the friends of the Administrati,
were determined to prevent an organizat
and persist in Improbable and exciting 4
bate, without the restraints of the rules
the House, MIR. Stanton of Ohio (Repul
moved to adjourn which was lost, lis
rs, nearly all the Republicans voting in t
negative.
Mr.. Clarke resumed his remarks and char
ed the endorsers of Helpers book with re
ommending treason, instruction and murd,
Messrs. Kilgore of Indiana and c. b. Coo
rane of N. Y. (Repubs repudiated such Sc
timents-thcy endorsed no such sentimen
Mr.. Kellogg of illinois (Repub. wished til
to examine the book he could not avow
disavow its sentiments until he knew wh
they were and on his motion the Hou