Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-02-10
guattbman & Stair gournaI.
WEDNESDAY,, Feb. 8, 1860.
A Jewish Rabbi in the House.

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 1860
4 Jewish Rabbi in the House.
There was an entirely novel scene in the
House this morning. For the first time, the
duties of the day were opened by prayer
utSred by Jewish Rabbi, Dr. Raphael, in
sacerdo;al dress. and in terms consistent with
his faith in the Father of Abraham, Of Isaac,
and Of Jacob 1t was long prayer, recount
ing the mercies of God to this nation, and
invoking His blessing upon it, and especially
upon the House Of Representatives. 1t was
received with respect, and doubtless with sim
gular emotions, by one Of the largest assem-
blages ever gathered within the walls Of the
capitol. The last Congress was remarkable
as the first at which Romansts oficiated as
chaplains the present is the first to admit a
Jewish priest.
The Struggle endcd-a Republican Speaker.
On the first day OF February, and in the
ninth week Of the contest for Speaker, victory
was accorded to the Republicans, in the cleo
ton for Speaker, by ono majority, of the
Hon. WIN. PENN1NGroN Of New Jersey.
This result was secured by the entire Repub-
lican voters present, with Mr. Davis of Md.
(American,) Mossrs. Adrain, Haskin, Hick-
man, and Reynolds, Lecompton Demo-
crats,) and Mr.. Briggs, (American.) Every
member of the House voted, except Mr.
Brown of Kentucky (Dem) who is not of
the age required by the Constitution-Mr.
Stallworth of Alabama DEM who has not
yet taken his seat on account of sickness
and Mr.. Clark Il. Cochrane of New York.
(RePub.) absent on account of sickness. Mr.
Briggs voted on the roll-call for Mr.. McCler-
nand douglas Dem, but changed his vote
for Gov. Pennington, when he found it would
elect. The result was received in entire ST.
lence by the Republican members of the
House, who at once checked demonstration
OF applause commenced in the galleries and
on the Democratic side, but one member at
tempted to denounce the election, and he was
promptly arrested by cries of "order order !"
and the appointment, by the Clerk. of Mossrs
Sherman Of Ohio and Bocock of Virginia, as
a committee to wait upon Gov. Pennington
to the chair. This being DONE the Speaker
elect responded in brief, digniied and ap-
propriate speech, worthy Of the man and the
occasion. Mr.. Pennington is man of ripe
age, being more than sixty-of dignifed
bearing-of high character--of calm temper.
but of strong will. He is a Republican.
firm, but not extravagent in his opinions
He is fresh in Congress- this being his first
service ; but in his own State he has long
held the highest offices, and it is not doubted
that his character, his frmness and his abili-
ties, after little experience. will make him
an efficient Speaker of the House Of Repre-
sentatives. am sorry to add that the first
hour of his official service was characterized
by great disorder in the House, warranting
at least a fear that some were disposed to test
the hitherto untried powers of the Speaker.
The scene was discreditable to the House.
and | think will not be repeated when that
body is fully organized, and the Speaker
backed by sergeart-at-arms, with efficient
officers. think disorderly members will
find that the Speaker of the House is both
disposed and able to preserve its order.
Ho'o happened.
On Friday morning last a caucus of the
American members nominated Mr.. Smith of
North Carolina, as the American candidate
for Speaker. On coming into the House
sundry members from Pennsylvania who had
usually voted for Mr.. sherman. were invited
to give "a complimentary vote" to Mr.. Smith ;
and this invitation was responded to by them.
All the American members voted for Mr..
Smith, with part of the Democrats, while
the majority of the Democrats voted for their
own man. At the close of the roll-call Mr..
Mallory lAmerican) arose and notified the
Democracy that enough votes had been cast
for Mr. Smith to secure his election. prorided
all The Democrats oould potc for him. Then
commenced an exciting scene which was car
ried on for nearly three hours. by the Democ-
racy, who come over to Smith, one by ono.
with speeches explanatory of their change nj
votes from Democrat to an American. Al
last none were left but few Douglas demo-
Gratis, who protested great love for adopted
citizens, and great hatred of Know Nothinps
Mr. keitt of S. C. took the floor to speak
against time, for the purpose of having that
time used in the conversion of anti k now
| Nothing Democrats One after another ,oa,
converted and actually enough yielded to Sc
cure the election of the American candidate
Every Southern member Uoted for Smith, thus
making him a sectional" candidate To
these were added all but four Of the Northern
Democrats. Smith was elected; but then the
Pennsylvanians found that their invitation to
cast complimentary votes had become a
trap to secure their support for the Democra-
ey and they changed their votes. This de-
iented Smith. But two things were demon
sirated first that sherman could not get a
majority-and second that he could be de-