Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-02-03

Mr. Clark and Mr. Cobb then severally said they did
not agree with Mr. McCernand the question Of popu
lar sovereignty but would vote FOR him as national
man and Democrat.
The roll call then resumed
The House having voted to proceed to vote several
gentlemen made explanations as to the reasons why they
should vote for Mr.. McClernand.
Mr. Keitt, of South Carolina said that If this 10
be the last vote for Speaker he wanted TO make few
marks He understood Mr.. Sherman to say the other day
that the Democratic party had demoazed itself by their
aiaton with other gentlemen and Mr.. Morris, of Penn
syvaia had said that he withdrew his vote from Mr.
Smith because the latter would tell him how he would
constitute the committee of ways and means with view
to protection. Now this being the position of Mr. Nor
rs did it not follow that the gentleman voted for
Mr. Pennington, the latter had given pledge to how
he would form the committee of ways and means' Be-
sides, did not Mr.. Pennington, while Governor of New
Jersey recommend that the fugitive slave law be enorc
edy Yet the Republicans were voting for that man.
No response was made from the Republican side
The vote was proceeded with
Mr. Barksdae, in the course of the remarks which he
made, said it was in the power of the South
Americans by uniting with the Democrats defeat the
election of Mr.. Pennington lie asked the South Amer
leans whether they would not for Mr.. McClsrnand?
MessrS. HILL Gilmer, Mallory, and others of the South
Americans, said that the defeat could not thus be effect
ed.
Mr.. Darksdale resumed, saying on a member Of the
American party (Mr. Davis from Maryland) would rest
the responsibility OF the election of Mr. Pennington.
Mr.. Moore, of Alabama after various objection had
been made and withdrawn, gave his for chang
ing his vote.
The roll after further proceedings having been CON-
psted. Mr.. Briggs Of New York, rose to change his
for Mr. Pennington which would effect election.
He said that the democrats, with generous confidence,
had voted or the candidate presented by the Americans
lie reciprocated the magnanmOus conduct by voting for
Mr. McCernand. He now voted for Mr. Pennington.
The change of his vote greeted with applause.
The result fiuaiIy announced: Whole number of
votes 233- which MIR. Pennington received III, Mr..
McCernand So, and Mr.. Gilmore 10. The remainder
were scattering.
The clerk declared Mr. Pennington to be elected, and
appointed Messrs Sherman and Bocock conduct him to
the chair
The speaker said
Gentlemen OF the House of Representatives. return
to you my grateful acknowledgements for the distin
guished honor you have been pleased to confer upon
IN eecng Inc the Speaker Of this House. Coming here
for the first time the present session be associated
with you as member no event could have been more
unlocked for than that should be called upon pre-
side over your deliberations. And my friends will do
the justice to say that have not sought the position
and certainly never desired it, am nevertheless
scious of the dignity aud importance Of this high office
any gentleman be; but should have been better
pleased had il been entrusted to other and expert
enced hands.
After Witnessing the utmost nsurmountable obstacle in
the way of the organization OF this House, to
could command majority of votes for Speaker were
bound in Difference to the public in Difference to the
public eXgences, TO accept the responsibility an act
OF patriotic duty whether agreeable to bis present feel
ings not As that choice has unexpectedly fallen up
me, have not hestated to accept IT, In the
ton Of this high trust my object will be to do my duty
with mpartaty aud justice to all. | shall have great
necessity, gentlemen for your indulgence the new po-
siiion in which am placed and feel entire confidence
shall receive it at your hands
A representative from the State of New Jersey on
whose soil many brilliant achievements were accom-
pshed in the Revolutionary war, aud whose people have
been distinguished for their devotion the Consti-
tuition and the Union pray the Great Arbter of
desuies that may do act impair the integrity of
either but that by wise and prudent counes peace and
order may yet reign in midst, and free nstu-
tons be perpetUaLed descendants feel have
national heart, embracing all parts of our blessed
Union.
Again thanking you for your kindness now enter
upon the discharge Of the arduous and complicated duties
OF my station. Applause
M. Pennington was then sworn in by Mr. Phelps who
is the Oldest consecutive member.)
The members then sworn in ; they came up in
delegations.
Mr. Washburn, of Maine, offered a resolution proyi-
ding for the adoption Of the rules Of the last Congress
for the government of the present.
II gave rise TO some discussion, and was adopted.
Mr. Phelps asked but did receive consent to intro
duce postoice deficiency Till.
The House then adjourned till Friday.