Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-01-20
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

Mr. McRae was entitled 10 the floor but yielded W
Mr. Clopton who about to address the House, when
Mr. Washbur of Ne, interrupted him by calling for the
vote on Mr. Hutchn resolution for the adoption OF the
plurality rule He insisted that they obliged by law
10 proceed to for Speaker without debate or de-
lay. .
Mr.. Craige, of n. c., raised point Of order on Mr..
Wasburn when the latter repeated that the motion for
the aiopon of the plurality rule had been heretofore
acted on at all times, matter what propositions were
before The House. 1t was question of high privilege
Mr. McRae said that Mr.. Washburn had usurped the
floor.
Mr. Washburn.-If the gentleman will wait
Mr. McIsae-I will not wait.
Mr.. Washburn.-l suppose have the floor.
Mr. lcRae-You have no right to IL.
Mr. Washburn.-No gentleman has a right TO it to de-
bate point of order anything else because the con
stituton and parliamentary law require the House 10
proceed to the election OF Speaker without debate and
delay.
The aerk decided that Mr.. Washburn could not de-
prive NJ !, Clopton of the floor.
The point of order further discussed-Mr. Wash
burn insisting that the clerk should execute the law and
putsthe question.
Mr.. Houston protested against Mr.. Washburns inter-
ference and Interruptions
The Clerk said he knew Of no parliamentary practice
which would warrant Mr. Washburn in taking the floor
from Mr.. Clopton.
Mr. Washburn replied that he did not take the floor
from him
Mr. Morehead appealed from the clerks decision
There vas much confusion throughout these proceed
ings
Mr. Phelos expressed his establishment the factiOus
conduct Oh the republican side and asked whether their
conduct vs. courteous
Mr.. Wax aud others rose TO speak
Mr. Craire of n. g., called them to order.
Mr. Buvett insisted that the clerk enforce his deci-
sion.
Mr. KeIyfg suggested that Mr. Copton proceed with
his remarkA and that when he shall have concluded his
he N no
of "good-.hats right" on the Democratic side) The
House. he sGSl should vote occassnaly-at least once
week for Sneaker. There use in trying to pass
the plurality'rule-it can't be obtained.
Mr. Washturn said he would do no such thing. He
had the rgh. and he wanted it were
the only words heard, he frequently interrupted
by calls TO order from the Democratic si1e.)
.EMr MOret aad sadMr Clerk can't you put the ques-
ton to the ,ouse Cries of "Order" from the same
source)
Mr.. Cragsr of North Carolina, participated In this
mornings debate, and he in loudly called TO
Der by the republican side Of the House.
The Clerksuggested that rs the question had been
raised she right of Mr.. Clopton to the floor, the
point be sub nited to the House
Many ,he Democratic side objected to this, and f.
naly after lore noisy proceedings and points of order
Mr. Clopton commenced his remarks.
lie said that there but little, if any disagreement
in his occasional district the point that in the event
of the election of Black Republican President, the
South should sccede from the COnederacy The people
would not submit TO such rule. An mperiOus necessity
exists for The South to prepare to defend her rights II
is folly lay that the Union is not in danger The lga
ments which bound it one by one being broken. We
stand on he verge of volcano and its trembling
ments pCrtend the crupions. Union meetings could
not bring security to the Southern people, for the North
ho:oughly hostile to Southern rights The South
do not want resolves but action.
Let tn. North put conservative in Office, aud then
there wcAld be some substantial evidence Of returning
sense Of ustce In the event of the election of Black
Republic IN to the Presidency the Union cannot AID
ought not to be maintained. He particularly
the Republicans and said that they ignore State SOW
eregntY and propose to interfere with State rights in the
prosecution of their fanatcal purposes In conclusion
he adv cated the policy of secession as preventive
remedy against injustice.
Mr. 6rter of New York gave his reasons for voting
for Mr.. sherman He said he did not by doing so,
dorse the doctrines OF the Helper book Instead of the
DemocrNtc party being national 1t was pro-savery. lie
wsh3d know whether the South Americans advocate
Congregational protection slaves in the Territories.
Messi,' Hardeman Quares, Moore, Of Ky. and Bote
Ter, said in effect, that they did
Mr. Eheridge said that according to the Interpretation
of the nsasNebraska act, the people have the right
regutte the question of slavery in their way; and
50 help him God, he would never vote put slavery in
those Territories long that remains unrepealed
Mr. Riggs, of New York, explained his views on the
question He never believed there any necessity for
any protection for slavery beyond what required by
the tuition. He advocated kind of squatter-sover
eighty question.
Mr. c. Ter, resuming said he understood the Southern
0ppositi42 to be in favor of such code.
Much o. the time occupied in asking questions as
to the po ton Of various gentlemen the question of
a slave cone for the Territories
The Ho.,se then adjourned