Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-01-17
Thir,v-sixth Congress-First session.

MONDAY, January 8, 186O.-Senate.-Mr
Seward and Mr.. Douglas appeared in their seats
this morning. A number of bills were introduc
ed, among which was one to promote the efhclen
| cy of the Army by retiring disabled and infirn
officers. Mr.. Iverson, of Ga, spoke in reply te
MIR. Pugh, and assaied Mr.. Douglas position
He said the election OF Republican President
would be sufficient cause for the South tt
withdraw from the Union.
| House.-Mr. Smith, of Virginia, explained anC
excused his egg nog drinking on Christmas day
After some brief debate the House then balloteo
three times for Speaker Two hundred anC
nineteen members voted. Mr.. Sherman had or
each ballot one hundred and five votes, whilst
Mr. Hamilton did not get above eighty eight
The Southern Opposition voted for Mr.. Gllmer
| TUEsDAY.-Senate- Green, of Missouri
commenced speech on popular sovereignty.
| House.-Mr. Gartrell, of Georgia, made dis
union speech, and Mr.. Leake, OF Virginia, main
tanned the right of that State to secede from the
Union, as a defensive measure. There was nc
ballot for Speaker.
| Observation-Disclosures Wilkinson, Sena
tor elect from Minnesota, appeared and took bis
seat. Mr.. Green then finished bis speech and
MIR. Pugh replied.
House.-After conservative speeches from
Messrs. Scranton and Campbell, OF Pennsylvania
one ballot was taken for Speaker, the vote ex-
hibiting no change. A discussion then ensued
on the practicabity of uniting the opposition tc
| the Republicans on some conservative man, but
the effort was as futile ga all the previous at
tenpts have been. The House again voted and
then adjourned.
THURsDAY.-Ssnats.-M Pugh concluded his
speech. Messrs, Davis, Clay and others contin-
ued the debate on the soundness OF the Douglas
Democracy. Mr.. Douglas said his views Were
of twelve years standing, and three-tourths OF
the Democracy concurred in them. The Senate
adjourned till Monday.
! Eoas3.-Mr. Sherman said he would make nc
| explanation of his endorsement OF Helpers book
while Mr.. Clarke's resolution was pending. Ar
effort was made to induce Mr.. Clarke to with
draw it, and substitute resolution disappearing
of agitation and declaring ta-t 90 enc who in
s:sts upon the sentiments of the book was fit tG
be Speaker. MIR. O. declined the proposition.
MIR. Haskins was energetically replying te
what he considered an unjust and unkind remark
by Mr.. Clark, when pistol fell from bis person
to the floor. For several mlnuyes the House
was fearful scene of commOtion, member:
rushed up, some under the belief that the pisto
was intended to be used with deadly intent
and at one time general conflict was feared
The Sergeant-at-arms being called in aud the
disorder oueted, Mr. Aaskins explained. HI
said he lived in a dangerous section of the city
and yesterday armed himself to protect his per
son at night, on the way thither. The falling
of the weapon was simply the result Of an ACCT
} dent,
lar Clarke apologzed for the offensive remark
made by him, and soon after the House adjourned
FRIDAY.--House.--A debate on the Helpe
book arose between Mr.. Smith Of Virginia arc
Mr.. Bingham of Ohio,
Mr. Barksdale OF Mississippi explained tina
he would not vote for Mr.. Gilmer because b.
was acceptable to some of the Black Republi
cans. (Wonder of Mr. B. condescends to ca
the same kind of food as the Black Republicans
4 After further proceedings the House adjourn
ed till Monday.