The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-12-13
CONGRESS.

hsou Oh virginia, 0nered the following resolution:
Resolved, That committee be appointed to inquire
INTO the facts attending the late invasion and seizure
OF the armory and arsenal of the United States at
Harpers Ferry, in Virginia, by a band of armed men,
and report whether the same was attended by armed
resistance to the authorities and public force of the
United States and by the murder of of the citizens
OF Virginia, or of any troops there protect the
pnblic property whether such invasion and seizure
was made under color of any organization intended
subvert the Government of any of the States of the
Union; what was the character and extent of such
organization, and whether any citizens of the United
States not present. implicated therein accessory
thereto by contributions of money, arms, munitions
otherwise what the character and extent of the
military equipment in the hands under the control
of said armed band and where and how and when the
same was obtained and transported to the place SC
invaded. That said committee report whether any
and what legislation may in their opinion be necessary
the part of the United States for the future
ton of the of the country for the safety of the
public property; and that saiI committee have power
to send for persons and papers.
Mr. Trumbull of Illinois, aboltionst, gave notice
that he should move to amend the resolution by
adding that the same inquiry be made in regard to
the seizure Of the Arsenal at Liberty, Missouri, in
1855. Mr. Gwin gave notice of his intention to
offer Pacific Railroad bill. A message was then
sent to the House notifying that body that the
Senate was ready to proceed to business.
The House of Representatives was called to Or
der by the Clerk at IL o'clock, 23l members being
present. The House proceeded to ballot for Speak
er. Mr. Bocock, of Va, was the democratic nomi-
nee; Mr. Corwin nominated Mr. Sherman, abolition
list; Mr. Stevens nominated Mr. Grow, another
abolitionist Mr. Briggs nominated Mr. Boteler of
Va, wing. Others were nominated, but the above
were the prominent candidates.
A vote was then taken and resulted as follows:
Sherman &c; Bocock Sc; Grow 43; Boteler IA;
Davis ?, Phelps !, Gilmer 3, Nelson s. Corwin l;
Adrian 2, Hickman |, Hill |, Pennington / Clark
l, Mcqueen l. No election. Mr. Grow withdrew
his name.
Mr. Clark of Missouri, offered tie following pre-
amble and resolutions:
Whereas certain members of this House now in
nomination for Speaker did endorse and recommend
certain book, hereinafter mentioned, therefore
Resolved That the doctrines and contained
in the book, "The Impending Crisis of the South"
prepared written by H. r. Helper, insurrectonary
and hostile to the domestic peace and tranquility of the
country.
Resolved, That no member of this House who has
it the compend of the same is fit to be
Speaker of this House.
This resolution was applauded by some of the
southern members, and caused good deal of ex-
element Some of the abolitonists wanted to ad-
journ while others wanted to take another vote for
Speaker. A motion to adjourn was decided in the
negative-yeas l13, nays lis.
Mr. Clark made some remarks in support of the
resolutions, saying that in other days wings and
democrats were elected to the Speakership, but
such atrocious sentiments as were contained in
Helpers book had been presented to the country
as a rule of action for any party-treason, insur-
n d
Cochrane declared that they endorsed no such sem
timents. MIR Clark said he was glad these gentle
men began to feel the "wrath to come" Mr. Farm
worth said the book ought to be read in order to
better understand it-he recommended its litera-
ture Mr. kellogg was not prepared TO say whether
he signed the circular recommending the book or
not. The House then ad journed.
Tuesday. Dec. 6.-In the Senate, Mr. Mason's
resolution taken up, and long discussion en-
sued. Mr. Trumbul wanted his amendment at
tached to the resolution. Mr. Mason said he want
vagabond, ruffian, thief and robber. Mr. Hale of
Hew Hampshire, made some humorous remarks,
for which Mr. Hunter rebuked him, saying that it
was like the laugh of the inebriate at the bed Of
death. Mr. Green of Missouri, Pugh of Ohio, and
Iverson of Ga, favored the resolution but opposed
Trumbull's amendment. Wilson of Mass and
Clark of n. H., said they were willing to pass the
resolution and amendment together. No vote was
had before adjournment
In the House, Mr. ClarS's resolutions we're dis
cussed MIR Leake said he for making the
Republicans "face the music" Mr. Mlson said
those who endorsed Helpers book were not fit to
live much more to be elected Speaker of the House
of Representatives. Mr. Keitt showed that the
present state of feeling in the country was the
legitimate fruit of seed sown by Mr. Seward. Mr.
Sherman and Mr. Curtis said, as Republicans, they
did not justify any interference with the relation
of master and slave. Mr. Gilmer offered PROPOSE
ton reiterating the declaration of the Wing and
Democratic parties heretofore, to frown down all
attempts to agtate slavery in out of Congress.
There was an exciting time generally. Other
Speakers addressed the House, but no vote was
taken before the House adjourned.
Wrong time now for Mr. Gimer to want to sup
press the discussion Of the slavery question, just
after southern territory has been invaded by MUIR
derous fanatics.l
Wednesday,, Dec. I'm the Senate, Mr. Masons
resolution occasioned stirring debate to-day. |
Several Northern Senators disavowed sympathy
with Browns outrage at Harpers Ferry. Messrs. |
Chestnut Brown and Iyerson, made earnest
Southern speeches.
HoUsE-Mr Clark's resolutions we're debated.
Messrs Garnett, Lamar and Pryor spoke earnestly
for the South. The debate lasted 81 hours. A
vote was then taken for Speaker, and resulted as
follows: Sherman 107, Bocock SO, Gilmer q,