The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1859-12-14
T T. + e & r A P II ! G !.

cock, of Virginia, as their candidate for speaker
Before the caucus adjourned, committee was APP
pointed to call future meetings of the Democratic
MEMBERS If it became necessary.
Dec. 1.-THE Republican members Of Congress
held caucus Yesterday for the purpose Of making
anomination for Speaker Of the House Of Repre-
sentatives The members were in conference until
late hour, and finally adjourned without making
nomination, having resolved to take their chances
in the House to morrow, and act as circumstances
shall appear to dictate.
Dec. 5.-The FIRST session af the Thirty.sixth
Congress opened to-day. Both Houses assembled
at IL o'clock, H., and we're soon sitter called to
order. Most of the members of each House were
present, and the House Of Representatives was
crowded with spectators.
Much excitement prevailed among the specta-
tors, as well as members, in relation to organizs-
ton Of the House, which, it is believed, viii not be
effected for several daye, if not weeks.
The Senate met at noon, Vice.President Brock.
enridge in the chair. After administering the oath
to the new members present, the Senate proceeded
to business.
Senator Mason offered resolution providing for
the appointment ola select committee, to enquire
into the nature and consequences to the General
Government Of the recent capture OF tie United
States arsenal at Harper's Ferry.
Senator TrumhelI, (Republcan) Of Illinois, gave
notice of an amendment to the Virginia Senator's
resolution, by inserting like provision for an in
oury into the nature of the recent capture of the
| arsnal at Frankfort.
After passing the usual resolutions, notifying the
House that the Senate was ready to proceed to the
transaction of business Of the session. the Senate
adjourned.
| The members OF the House Of Representatives
assembled soon after IL N. and proceeded to
temporary organization. Nearly all the members
were punctually in their seats. The first and most
important business being the election of Speaker.
motion was made to proceed atsonce, and the
vote of the House being taken, resulted as fol-
lows:
First Bauot--John Sherman, (Republican) Of
Ohio, e6; G. A. Grow, (Rep.) Of Pa, 4S; Thos. S.
Bocock administration DENY Sc; Alex. R. Bote.
lier, american Of Va, "A. There were twelve
other candidates each receiving from one to FIVE
votes
Upon the announcement of the result, Grow of
Pa, withdrew from the contest, stating that he did
not like to embarrass those Republicans who had
divided the vote between him and Mr.. Sherman.
Before proceeding to another ballot, John B.
Clark, adm. Dem OF Missouri, offered the follow.
ing preamble and resolution:
WHEREAS, Certain members of the House, now
in nomination for the office of Speaker have en-
dorsed and recommended volume entitled 1.-THE
Impending Crisis of the South, purporting to have
been written by Hinton Rowan Helper, Of North
| Carolina:
l Resosyed, That the doctrine and sentiments
therein contained are insurrectionary in their ma
ture, hostile to Democratic institutions and to the
Ipeace and tranquility OF the country, and that no
member of this House who has endorsed or recon.
mended this book is fit to gill the high and respon.
sble Office of Sneaker of the House.
The effect of this resolution was like frebrand
in Republican ranks. Several prominent Republi.
cans rose to point of order, and tried to get the
floor to explain their positions, but were unsuccess
full in their attempt to interrupt Mr. Clark, who
during the speech by which he followed his resolu
ton, poured hot shot" into the ranks Of the Re
publican Abolitionists with marked effect, produc
ing much excitement on both sides of the House.
/ Upon Mr.. Clarks resuming his seat, several Re
. publican members obtained the floor. and dis
claimed on their own account any insurrectionar!
sentiments Or any desire to dissolve the Union, etc
An animated debate-a sort of running fre-wa
kept up for some time, and the members had
lively time oft, although the discussion was gen
orally conducted in good humor.
Without proceeding to another ballot, the Hous
adjourned. @
;, It's probable that the slavery question will b
discussed in both Houses tomorrow, ifnot for sew
:, eral days.
Dec. 6--In the Senate to-day, Mr.. Mason's reso
luton was called up and long discussion ensued
in which several Senator'S took part either side
Mr.. Trumbull, of Illinois, favored the resolution
and wished the matter thoroughly investigated, bu
offered an amendment that the select committee 9
. appointed should also enter into an investigation
Of similar affair which occurred in 1866 at Libel
re- ty, Missouri Mr.. Trumbull urged his amendmen
ID characteristic speech, to which Mr.. Mason re
that the object of the resolution was to obtai
Id oihc'al ,tormation upon which to base Congress
sional actio.
he -,
is. Mr.. Mason hae lengthy speech in support {
10 the resolution, in = course Of which he cale
=. John Brown yasas nd, a rufGan, thief an
-, robber.
- - John P. Hale, of New Hamt, occupied muc
of the attention of the Senate, .,L;n, n,r,aro,
speeches in his characteristic style, ,;a;.unr ~
>, invasion Of Brown as crazy scheme, nd reaec
: ing upon the people Of Virginia and then ,nduc
for which Hunter, Of Virginia, rebuked him, -
Nv that his (Hales attempt at wit was like the LAT
Of Of a drunken man at the bed Of death.
n Messrs. Green Hughes and iverson address
, if the Senate, favoring Masons resolution but OPP
hip ing Trumbu's amendment.