The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1860-02-02
XXXVIth CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 81, 1860
ION HUU CUIVeIHPCs
Yours truly,

HoUsE-Nr. Adran caused to be read para.
graph from the New York Tribune, in which it
said that Messrs. Haskin, Clark, Riggs, Adrain,
Briggs aud Davis, of Indiana, were elected with
the aid of Republican votes, with the understand
ing that they would assist the Republicans in the
or 5anization of the Heuse. He said that he would
not engage in apcrsonal controversy with an editor.
He had great respect for Mr.. Greeley, and consid.
cred that he had been misrepresented by some evil
disposed party. There was not particle of truth
in the Tribune's statements.
Mr.. Davis, of Indiana, and Mr. Riggs, also de-
MED the truth Of the 7rbunes allegation; and, on
motion of Mr.. Maynard, the House proceeded to
vote for Speaker.
The House voted for Speaker amid much excite
ment. The South Americans voted for Smith, of
North Carolina.
Various Democrats, now seeing there was pros
pect of an election, changed their votes to him
Some made brief explanations, to the effect that
they wanted to promote harmony IN the contest
There frequent applause, and marked atten-
ton was paid on all sides.
Messrs Norris of Pennsylvania, Millward, Nix
for Sherman, now voted for Smith. Before the re-
suit was announced there was a change in the cur
rent of feeling.
Mr.. John Cochrane rose TO give his reasons WHY
he could not vote for Smith Several gentlemen
endeavored to deprive him of the floor by raising
points of order OH him. In conclusion, Mr.. Coch-
ranc changed his vote to Mr.. Milson he could vote
for none but Democrat.
Other explanations made by Democrats for
change of their votes for Smith.
Mr.. McClernand said it was now in the power OF
the Democratic party proper to elect Mr.. Smith,
He changed his vote for him, and expressed the
hope that the Democracy Of the North west would
give him their support.
Mr.. Bocock made short speech. He said he
was always willing to unite on any sound man, and
voted for him.
Other Democratic changes were made to Mr..
Smith, accompanied with occasional remarks
some saying they desired to give peace to the
country and strike blow the 'irrepressible con-
lict'-prefering National Wing to a sectional
Republican.
Mr.. Norris, of Illinois, said if his vote could
elect Smith, he would not give it.
Other explanations were made favorable to
changing for Smith. Intense interest was express
ed throughout the proceedings. More short speech
es were made.
Mr. Cobb made humorous speech by way of ex
horaton to his dissenting political friends to come
to the support of Smith; he called attention to the
fact that men of all parties voted for him. if gen.
temen did not avail themselves of the present op-
portunity they never would come near electing a
nominee who opposed to the Republicans.
Mr.. Ruflan, as the only man standing alOof from
the Southern plataux, voted after explanation, for
Smith, saying that he had been encouraged by his
Northern Democrotic colleagues to do so.
Other explanations followed.
Messrs English and Niblack voted for Smith, a:
the contest " as groaned down between a Republ.
can and an American.
Mr.. Morris, of Illinois, wanted Mr.. Smith to say
himself whether he repudiated the doctrines of the
Know Nothings.
Several Democrats stated that they had heart
this fact from his own lips.
Mr.. Burnett thought they ought to let patriotism
be above party at this crisis.
! Mr.. Morris wanted Mr.. Smith to answer tn,
question.
Mr. Clemens, and others, obj ected to Mr.. Smith
responding
Mr.. Smith wanted man to go into the chair IN
trammelled, as fair and honest man.
Other votes were changed for Smith, and greet
ed with applause.
Mr.. Morris, of Illinois, finally came over 4
Smith, being satisfied that he not Know Moth
ing. Tremendous applause followed
Several other Democrats charged to Smitl,
among them John Cochranc, who had learned tina
Mr.. Smith was n member of Know Nothn,
lodge, but that he was an old line Wing and rep
resentatve of nationl principles. Applause fol
lowed i The interest increased as the Hosu.
neared an election.
! Mr.. Barr changed his vote to Mr.. Smith; MI
Sherman voted for Mr.. Corwin when Mr. Jenkin
charged from Mr.. Smith to Mr.. Sherman, thu
spelling for atimc an eruption.
, Mr.. Scranton Withdrew his vote for Mr. Smith
, and put Mr.. Corwin in nomination. Cries of "to
late."l Much sensation.
Messrs. vallandigbam and Cox changed TO Mr.
Smith.
Two more votes were now understood TO be re
quired to elect Mr.. Smith Intense interest wa
manifested.