The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-02-03
XXXVIth Congress--First Session.
E50t.l WASHINGTON, Jan. 20.
Senate not in session.

sllt. WASHINGTON, Jan. 20.
Senate not in session. sat9.a.i{
HoUsE.-Mr. Curtis said the eyes of the
country are upon the house, aud they must
extricate themselves from their present con-
dition. The previous question on Mr..
Hutchin's pl urality resolution having been
called 1t must be decided, and till then all de-
bate is out of order.
The clerk remarked that while he was
willing to submit any question to the house,
the gentleman from Iowa could not take the
floor from the gentleman from Missouri, to
press his point.
Mr.. Haes opening remarks were almost
unintelligible in the reporters gallery, owing
to the prevalent confusion, but he was under
stood to discuss the following points First,
the federal government, as compact OF
sovereign states; secondly, the power OF
the departments are with special reference
to the reserved rights of the states, and are
thereby provided for the protection OF both
federal and state governments thirdly, any
attempted infraction, to the violation of these
rights, the remedy is by an appeal to the
modes set forth in the constitution, and not
by notification; and fourthly, when all
constitutional means have failed, revolution
is preferable to further submission, and it
would become the true policy of the south
to secede from the Union. He argued that
secession did not originate in the south, but
in Massachusetts, during the war of 1872.
He maintained that three-fourths of the
country are with the south on the real
question at issue, which is one of power,
and of which slavery is mere incident.
A colloquy followed between Farnsworth
and McClernand, as to the position of the
Illinois Democracy, and the subject of sla-
very in the territories, and in which Mr..
Morris subsequently took part. .
Mr.. Babbitt merely wished to discuss
subjects pertaining to the general interest
of all. He would not discuss the mex.
haustible negro question. He contended
that the resolution of Mr.. Hutchins was in
order. The House was not bound by any
rules of the preceding House of Represen-
tatives. The first thing to be done is to
choose presiding officer, and nothing is 10
order except vote for Speaker. The
House can adopt no resolution except to
vote and adjourn, hence the resolution Of
the gentleman from Ohio for the plurality
rule, was in order.
Mr.. Curtis raised point of order, that
all discussion was out OF order.
Mr.. Washburne, of Maine, called the
gentleman to order.
Mr.. Farnsworth protested against the
gentleman from Pennsylvania being inter-
rupted amid cries of" order,"" 60 on &c.
Mr.. Houston said no one was interrupted
on that side of the house.
Order being restored, Mr.. Rabbit pro-
ceeded.
1t would be constitutional for the house
to appoint committee to elect Speaker.
We have been here seven weeks in disorder,
while there has been stagnation in all the
public business. We have exhibited mon.
strous farce for the amusement of the gal
leries. The responsibility rests with the
Lecompton Democrats. They alone pre-
vent our organization That is the only
way it can be done, and they desired to
have all the glory or all the shame. he
appealed to that party to waste no more
time If they would not permit an organi-
cation, he wished the country to know
where the blame rested. He heard that
fault had been found with him because he
had not repealed the attacks from the other
side with threats of disunion. He had a
constituency who could and did read and
write and who would stand by the constitu-
ton. He gave his views on the question of
slavery. He did not believe in any right to
hold slaves unless by special permission
from Jehovah, as the ancient Israeites had.
He read extracts from the will and cor
respondence of General Washington, to show
his opinion on slavery. He had certain
extracts from Jefferson, Henry, Madison
and others read to show that they only held
the same doctrines the Republicans do, on
the subject Of slavery, but great deal
stronger. They do not intend to invade any
of the constitutional rights of the south \;
instead of being sectional party they were
a great party, walking in the footsteps Of
the revolutionary fathers, and resisting the
aggressions OF the Democratic party.
Mr.. Clark, of Missouri, made some ex.
plantations as to his object in introducing
the resolution that no endorser of the Helper
book was fit to be Speaker of the House.
Mr. Sherman asked Mr.. Clark whether
he would withdraw his resolution in order
give him an opportunity to explain.
Mr.. Clark would tell the gentleman he
had had two opportunities, but failed to
avail himself of them.
Mr.. Sherman replied that the opportunity
had never been offered him, and so help him
God, while the resolution was pending, he
never would explain single word as to the
extracts in Helpers book. Applause from
the Republican side). Ithad been published
everywhere that be. was traitor, but his
accusers had never shown proof. When he
discovers that his name stands as barrier
to an organization, and was satisfied that
any member of his party could obtain as
large vote. he would retire from the field.
Mr.. Clark said be would never withdraw
his resolution. The gentleman day of grace
was past. .........1..
Mr.. Hindman said he never knew an
Indictment to be withdrawn that the de.
PENDANT might explain his part. ,.
Adjourned till Monday. -.