Wabash express. [volume] (Terre-Haute, Vigo Co[unty], Ind.) 1841-186?, 1860-02-08
CONVERSATIONAL.
XXXVI CONGRESS-Fnsr SESSION

HOUSE.-Tbe House opened with pray
er by Rabbi Raphael. The prayer sbouz-
ded with fervently expressed patriotic and
religious sentiments. He implored divine
blessings to direct the House in the cleo
ton Of Speaker, who may preside with
out favor or fear; and that members might
speak and act for the glory and happiness
of their common country. The prayer
was listened to with marked sttsstion.
Mr.. Briggs, who was one of the telers,
said just before the result of the vote was
announced: ~ rise for the purpose of
changing my vote. 1t will be recollected
that day two since made statement
as to what might do in certain contin-
gency; that contingency has now arrived,
and it becomes me to state my reasons for
the vote | am about to give. The time has
come when my vote will elect Speaker
| have said on several occasions that |
could cast my vote for any conservative
gentleman like Mr.. Pennington or Mr.. Cor
win. Pennington now has 1l6 votes, and
ll7will elect him. [ give my vote to a
gentleman whom l am assured will act
fairly and impartially to all sections of the
country. Aware of the responsibility
which 1 assume in so doing, Mr.. Clerk. l
now withdraw my vote from McClerDand,
of Ill. and cast it for Mr.. Pennington, of
NJ. prolonged applause.)
Impatient cries of proclaim the vote.
The vote was then announced: Whole
number, 233; necessary to choice, NJ
Pennington, III; McClernand, s5; Gilmer,
l6.
The announcement of the result was fol-
lowed by applause.
The Clerk declared Mr. Pennington elec-
ted Speaker of the House.
Mr.. Hindman attempted to make
speech, but was interrupted by Mr.. Grow,
who, elevating his voice to the highest
pitch, said, "a Speaker having been elsc-
ted, nothing is in order till be has been con-
Quoted to the chair"
[Cries of "Thst's so-let him take his
seat.'l
The Clerk sustained Mr.. Crows sugges-
ton, aud appointed Messrs. Bocoek and
Sherman to conduct Mr.. Pennington to the
chair These gentlemen at once entered
upon the performance Ofthat duty, and es-
corted him to the chair.
The Speaker, amid aquiet that strongly
contrasted with the excited aud disorderly
proceedings which previously prevailed,
/ spoke as follows:
Gentlemen Of the House of Representatives:
( / return you my grateful acknowledg.
msnts for the distinguished honor you
have been pleased to confer upon me, in
electing me Speaker OF this House. Coming
here for the first time at the present session
to be associated with you as member, nc
event could have been more unlocked fol
/ than that l should be called upon to pre-
side over your deliberations and my
friends will do me the justice to say that
have not sought the position, as certainly
never desired it, | am, nevertheless, Al
conscious of the dignity aud importance
of this high Office as any gentleman car
be, but should have been better pleased
could its duties have been entrusted tC
abler aud more experienced hands. Aftel
witnessing the almost insurmountable OBJ
stacles in the way of an organization o
this House, came to the conclusion tha
any gentleman of any party who coul'
command majority of the votes for Speak
err, was bound in Difference to public exi
gencies to accept the responsibility as al
act of patriotic duty, whether it was agree
able to his personal feelings or not. A
that choice has unexpectedly fallen on me
| shall not hestated to accept it. In th
execution of this high trust toy object vii
be to do my duty with imPartiality an
Justice to all. shall have great necessity
gentlemen, for your indul gence in the me-
position in which | am placed, and l fee
entire confidence that shall receive it q
your hands. A Representative from tn
State Of New Jersey, upen whose soil S
many brilliant achievements were accom-
, plished in the Revolutionary war, an
,, whose people have ever been distinguishe
for their devotion to the Union and Consti
tuition, L pray to the great arbiter OF ou
9 destinies that may do no act to impair th
; integrity Of either, but that by wise an
b prudent counsels peace and order may u
: reign in our midst, and our free institu
: tions may be perpetuated to our posterit,
I feel that have National heart, sembri
n cling all parts of our blessed Union. Agai
thanking you for your kindness, now er
ter upon the duties of that arduous an
complicated station.
Mr.. Phelps, the oldest conservative
= member, administered the oath to II
Speaker, by request of the Clerk
= The motion to adjourn till Friday NJ