Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-01-28


Helper book is "unft to be Speaker"
Mr. Burnett--lhe agreement is merely as fol-
lows: We are resolved by all parliamentary
tactics and sratagems, and by all means known
to- the Constitution and laws, to resist the adop-
tion of the plurality rule, long as it is neces-
sary to prevent the election Of John Sherman,
or any indorser of the Helper book.
Mr. Mcqueen, (dern., 5. CD said a large
number of gentlemen had signed the agreement
gentlemen who were true to the country, and
who would seek TO save the South from the deg
radiation and disgrace Of electing any man who
indorsed the Helper book. Southern soil has
already been drcnched in blood by Republican
teachings, which were infamous and treasona-
bic.
Mr. Colfax asked whether the signatures were
private, or intended for the public eye.
Mr. Mcqueen replied that the object was
they should not be carried to the Republican
party; hut the gentleman could not have he
come acquainted with the agreement if il had
been private one.
Mr. Collax asked Mr. Lamar, who had risen,
how many democrats had 'igned it, and wheIh
er any North-v estern democrats were included.
Mr. Lamar, (dem., Miss.) did not know the
number of signatures, but he was satisfied no
North western democrat attached his name to
il. He signed the recommendation for co-ope-
ration to resist the adoption ol the plurality
rule.
Mr. Colfax-Do | understand that If the
plurality rule should he moved and the question
about to be put by the Clerk, and even if you
are aware OF the fact, that there is an over
wheiming vote to end this lmbroglio, would
YOU resist it to the end of this Congressional
term?
Mr. Lnmar-lhe resolution commits us 10 no
such thing. As to whether this is my purpose,
the gentleman VIII ascertain wnen the cohtin-
gency shall ARISE. there Is TINS difference be-
tween the circulation OF the Helper book by
the Republicans, and by Southern men. We
Commend the book to public execration, and
you recommend 1t 10 puJhc confidence and sup
port.
MIR Nallandigham, (dem., Ohlo,) said he was
one OF the number who. after consideration,
had arrived at the belief that the plurality rus
is unconstitutional. So long as the resolution
proposing it shall he insisted upon out OF ORDER
he would resist ii by all parliamentary machin-
cry, but when offered in order and consistently
with the rules, then so far as he was individual
ly concerned. after cxhausting all Legitimate de-
bate, he would consent that there should be
vote on the resolution. The paper was pre-
sented to him, but he respectfully declined sign
ing it. He was answerable to his constituents
alone.
Mr. Pendleton, (dem., Ohio,) concurred in the
opinion OF Mr. NalIlndigham, believing it was
the opinion Jf the North western democracy.
Mr. Clark, (dem., MOI declared he never
wou consent to vote on the plurality rule.
Nj Coltax-Will You allow the Clerk to put
the question Yes or No?
Mr. Clark will resist it by every expedient
known to the laws of the land. mean what |
say.
MIR Stevenson, (dem., ky.,) inquired whether
Mr. Seward did not recommend the Helper book,
and whether MIR Seward was the gentleman 5
candidate for the Presidency?
MIR Coliax was understood to say he did
know whether 1t would be Mr. Seward, or any
bo else.
Mr. Stevenson asked whether, II the Kepuh-
hcans should nominate indorser oi the Hell
per book, he would not receive the support OF
that party
Mr Coltix-Onqnestionahly he WILL
Mr. StevenSon-i men you become an indor-
ser OF ths Helper ooo~.
NJ Coliax' aiiuding TO the former part OF the
debate SAID that Mr Lamar laDored under
mistake as I" thc language ne ooiiax! used
we take the Sr"unu lhat there Is n"thlng 'egit-
imdtcly III order I'LL the election OF Speaker
ana "heh ne Is 'hs'all "a, am ready TO give my
views on the Helper oook' Up TO the present
time have not read solitary page OF 1t.
am III the habit ot acknowledging my RESPONSE
bility Tor my own acts and not Tor the gentle
men on the other side
MIR liarksdale-i understood you to say that
the only question in order is the election o
Speaker. l ask you whether, IN the commence
ment OF the AAAilth Congress, you did not
! vote Tor resolutions having direct reference to
the qualihcatons Tor Speaker
MIR Coliax-lhat has nothing to do with my
argument. 1t was then done by common CON
! sent. Let that pass am i'll the habit OF ac
knowledging my responsibility, not to the gen
tlemen upon the other side OF the House, but
to my constituents. | have heard gentlemen
; on the other side OF the House. after denounc'
ing the treason OF John Brown, go on to state
, that If the people OF the United States see Il,
to elect President they do not like they viii
resist his Inauguration by force, and prevent
, that election from being consummated withou,
waiting for any overt act. do not rise here
to hold these gentlemen responsible, nor to us'
offensive language in relation to these senti
7 ments; they are accountable to their constitu
} ents alone. am, therefore, accountable to m,
constituents, and not to the gentleman from
Mississippi. am not afraid to meet that con
stituency before the tribunal where | have sc