The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-01-20
him. He would reply more fully hereafter
to the attacks made on him.
Adjourned.

| W tuC dLIdCkS uudO6 Ou IT'LL.
Adjourned.
HoUsE.-Slim attendance call of the
House was made.
Mr.. Sherman called attention to The
remarks of Mr.. Houston, yesterday, and
asked whether he intended to reflect per-
sonally or politically.
Mr.. Houston disclaimed any personality.
Mr.. Sherman said every one ought to be
satisfied with Mr.. Houston's personal dis.
claimer. All would bear him witness that
he had listened to the character of the debate
here without objection. He had not been
disposed to regard the remarks as personal !;
so far as his disclaimer of the correctness of
the Helper book was concerned, any man
who had any sense or feeling knew that his
lips, in a great measure, had been sealed
from the first day Of the session by what he
must remark as an offensive resolution,
thrust on the House at an improper time,
and in an improper manner, and insisted on
in a way without precedent in parliamentary
history.
The declaration was made on the floor.
If the explanation he had made to honorable
gentleman from Virginia, Mr.. Millson, in
the presence Of the House, was not salts
factory to the gentlemen on the other side
of the House, they should insist, as point
of manhood and justice, that the offensive
resolution should be withdrawn.
He had said to his friends that if they
would consent to have the Helper book read
page by page, he would then avow or disa-
VOW every sentiment therein. He had never
concealed his opinions, and if the offensive
resolution of Mr.. Clark, of Missouri, should
be withdrawn, he would be prepared to
speak further on the subject. Until the
resolution was withdrawn. he appealed to
every man to say whether he could say any
more.
Mr.. Houston said that MIR. Sherman
should not thus escape the responsibility
MIR. Harris, of Maryland, proposed that
Mr.. Clark's anti Helper resolution be
removed out of the way, and that the House
adopt the substitute adopted by the com
mittee of Americans, Democrats and anti
Lecomptonites, at the meeting held Sunday
evening at which it was declared that no
man who recommended, or still insists on
and does not disclalm the Helper doctrines,
and who is not opposed to the further agi-
tation of slavery, is not fit to be Speaker,
Various gentlemen explained the circum-
stances under which this substitute was
adopted.
Mr. Haskin asked question of Mr..
McRae, to which the latter gave sharp
answer. Mr.. Haskin made some remarks
amid cries of order. Soon the members on
all sides were on their feet. Many rushed
to the area and main aisle. The Sergeant
at Arms was called on be appeared with
his mace, demanding peace. The Clerk
continued rapping to make order, amid the
utmost possible excitement. Subsequently,
Mr.. Clemens said he saw Mr. Haskin take
pistol out of his breast.
Mr.. Davidson gave notice that when he
again came to the House he would bring
bis shot gun with him.
Mr.. Haskin subsequently explained how
the pistol happened to fall from his breast.
Every one that knew him knew that he
would never use it except in an honorable
manner.
Mr.. Clark, of New York, apologized for
his harsh remarks.
After some further remarks, the House
adjourned in good order.
WASHINGTON, Jan. Is.
HoUsE-Mr. Smith, of Virginia, said
there were two propositions in the resolution
of Mr.. Clark of Missouri The first was
that the doctrines of Helpers book are
insurrectionary, and hostile to the peace of
the country, and was not this true to the
very letter? He asked the question. The
next was that no member of the House,
who endorsed and recommended doctrines
and sentiment therein affirmed, is fit to be
speaker of this House. Was not this also
true? He wanted an answer.
Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, wished only to say
to the gentlemen of the House and the coun-
try that when the gentleman denounces that
book without limitation, as an incendiary
production, he denounces the last will and
testament of Washington, copy of which
is contained in the book.
Mr.. Smith replied that he hoped that the
House understood that the member from
Ohio endorsed the Helper book.
Mr.. Bingham-"I ask the gentleman
whether he repudiate these sentiments"
Mr.. Smith-"That is not the question:
MIR. Bingham-"It is not, eh?'
Mr.. Smith, wish the House and coun-
try to understand that he endorsed the book,
and for this he deserves the detestation and
scorn of every man who forms part of the
American Union. [Applause.
Mr.. Smith pointed to various clauses to
show the slavery compromise therein, and
said why does not the gentleman respond
Mr.. Bingham want the gentleman to
know am not his slave. \
Mr.. Smith NO, if you were, you would
do better than you do now. You would get
what you need. Laughter.
Mr.. Bingham-will you let me answer in
my own manner, or will you direct me what
to say.
Mr.. SMITH direct you to take your
seat.
Mr.. Bingham regret the gentleman is
so ilmannered. The subject then dropped.
Mr.. Stevens rose to personal explana.
ton, and sent up a paper to have an extract
read. The clerk glanced his eye on it, and
put the paper down. 1t turned out to be
German newspaper, Mr.. Stevens retired
amidst hearty laughter to distant part of
the Hall. Explanations were made, from
which it appeared that the note passed from
Mr.. Conklin to Mr.. Barksdale, at the ses-