The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-12-16

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5

OF the Senate for this session, were MeSsrS.
Benjamin, Clay, Crittenden, Davis, Douglas,
Fitch, Fitzpatrick, Hammond, johnson of
Arkansas, Polk, Sebastian, Seward and
TOombs.
Mr.. Mason, of Va, submitted resolution
which he would call up tomorrow for the
appointment of committee to inquire into
facts abiding to the late invasion and seiz-
ure of the armory and arsenal at Harper's
Ferry, by band of armed men and report
whether the same was attended by armed
resistance to the authorities and public of
the United States, and the murder of any OF
the citizens of Virginia, or any troops sent
there to protect property, whether such in
vasion was made color OF any organization,
intending to subvert the government of any
of the States of the Union, the character
and intent of such organization whether
any citizens of the United States not pres
ent were implicated therein or accessory
thereto by contributions of money, arms,
munitions or otherwise the character and
extent of the equipments in the hands or
under the control of said armed band where
how and when the same was obtained, trans
ported to the place of invasion also to re-
port what legislation, if any is necessary,
by the government, for the preservation of
the peace of the country, and the safety of
public property the committee to have full
power to send for persons and papers.
Mr.. Trumbull, of Illinois, gave notice that
when the question came up, he should move
to amend it, by extending enquiry to the
Secretary of the Arsenal at Franklin, Mo.
The customary scenes were repeated to in
form the House Of Representatives that the
Senate is ready for business.
Mr.. Gwin gave notice of Pacific Rail-
road bill. The Senate then adjourned.
HoUsE.-1he interest in the organization
OF the House, is, if possible, on the increase.
Long before noon the galleries were densely
filed, and crowds were unable to obtain ad-
mission; Notwithstanding the inclemency of
the weather, there is the usual attendance of
ladies. On the floor there were the custo.
mary salutations among members and others
and pleasant excitement prevailed every
where.
Mr.. Allen, the Clerk of the last House,
called the House to order atnoon. The din
of voices Immediately ceased. Spectators
were excluded from the floor, and the mem.
bers took their seats. The roll was called,
and 24l members answered to their names.
The absentees were Messrs. Stalworth and
Lahdescoon, of Alabama, Brown and Adams
of Kentucky, Hindman and Rusk, of Ar
kansas, and Hamilton, of Texas.
On motion of Mr.. Phelps, the House
agreed to proceed to the election of Speaker,
viva vOce.
Mr.. Houston nominated Mr.. Sherman, of
Ohio.
Mr.. Anderson nominated Mr.. Davis, of
Indiana.
Mr.. Haskin nominated Mr.. Hickman, of
Pennsylvania.
Mr.. Stevens nominated Mr.. Grow, of
Pennsylvania.
Mr.. Briggs nominated Mr. Boteler, of
Virginia.
Numerous voices impatiently-Cal the
roll.
The Clerk appointed Messrs. Houston,
Irwin, Adrian and Briggs, as tellels.
Mr.. Florence said-In listening to the
call Of the roll l noticed that several mem.
bers were absent. In order to enable them
TO participate in the election, | move that
the House adjourn until tomorrow.
Mr.. John Cochrane-I hope the gentle
man will withdraw his motion.
Mr.. Cable-Oh let US have one vote.
(Laughter).
The House took the vote by reclamation
amid great laughter.
Mr. Florence withdrew his motion and
the House proceeded to vote.
First vote for Speaker
Sherman, &c; Boceck, sc Grow, 43
Boteler, IA : Davis, 2 Phillips, Gil
more, Nelson, 5 :; Corwin, Adrian,
l Hill, Hickman, E; Pennington, l
Pascau, l /; McQuin, Fleck, l.
No one having received majority of the
votes cast,
Mr.. Grow rose and said-As desire in
no way to retard the organization of tn
House, withdraw my name as candidate. l
thank those gentlemen in kindness who cast
their vote for me, and | shall treasure
through life so distinguished mark of their
friendship and regard.
Mr.. Burnell moved an adjournment, to be
determined by yeas and nays.
Mr.. Clark, of Missouri, wanted to make
some remarks in favor of adjournment after
another vote.
Mr.. Gurnett objected to this proceeding,
saying there was no question before the
House. He subsequently withdrew his op-
lection, which was supported by WASH
burne of illinois.
The Clerk said he would submit the
question whether Clark should have liberty
to proceed
Mr.. Garnet contended there was no power
here to preclude debate, and said that Clark
had the right to show that there were
some nominees for Speaker who should not
be elected.
Mr.. Clark insisted that no one could de-
prive him of his rights to make remarks as
to the qualifications of some of those nomi-
mated for speaker.
Mr.. Garnet replied that he should not
take upon himself the responsibility to de-
eide the question, but would submit it to
the house.
Mr.. Clark (earnestly)-I claim the right
as an Independent member to speak. l deny
the power of the house to deprive me of
that right. l decide for myself.
Cries of 60 on.
Mr.. Curtis-What part of the constitu.
ton do you find that in ? If you have that
ripht have If lSO