New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-01-31
HISTORY OF THE VOTE FOR SMITH.

WASHINGTON, Saturday Jan. %, 1860.
The evenrs Of yesterday produced decided SEN
sa6Ou, and will at least have the effect Of terminal
ing the contest for the Speak, rsbip. 1t was au-
bounced in my telegram of Thursday that toe
Southern Americans would bold q caucus the next
maDing, for the purpose of determining their lnal
course aud there was some reason to suppose that
. humber of them would agree to bring forward
Gov. Curwin. That caucus nominated Mr.. Smith
oi North Carolina aud when the House met be
was formally preststed as the candidate of the
American party, by Mr.. Mallory Of Kentucky, the
successor of Mr.. Humphrey Marshall, and a mem
Der Of tbe American organization. Before tle
pomiDation was thus made, several Of the Southern
Opposition appealed TO members from Pennsy lv4nia
and New .Jeney TO compliment Mr.. Smith with
TIER votes, for The purpose Of embarrassing the
Delnoc ratio ride giving distinct assurance, at the
same time, that be could not approach an election.
1t was under these circumstances that six votes
from those States were east, and most OF them by
no. mbers who had been identified or who sympa-
thzed with the American party.
As soon as this support was secured, and the
whole strength of the Americans had been cOncen-
trated, with number of scattering votes DIR. NAL
Iory announced il the Democrats would abandon
their own candidate, the Republicans might be de-
feated. and Mr. Smith elected. This adroit move
ment took the House by surprise, aud especially
our friends who had been tripped into an expert
nent which for the first time began TO look serious
The suggestion was promptly answered by the
Southern Democrats, who one after another fell
into line, giving in their adhesion with various ex-
plantations. Then came tho turn OF the Northern
wing. Mr.. Sickles very appropriately lea the col
unin f conversion followed by Dir. Horace r.
Claik, who OF course waived no political principle
m bs very potnOtic sacrifice. Members from North
Carolina, Virginia and Mississippi, initiated the
example, and the House buZZed with excitement
and interest as the CHANGES progressed. The La.
mars, SingIetoDs, and the like, were 10 full glory,
and expanded with the consciousness Of approach
ing victory.
The Republican eide Of the House watched the
proceedings with deep anxiety, the initiated know
int they had q reserve which might turn the tide
at the critical moment. There were not q few
10 feared the result, and seemed to realize all the
consequences Of rash and ill-iudged experiment.
At this mCn.ent Dir. John COcbrane came 10 the
rescue, ara, in a brief speech, explained why he
must oppose Mr.. Smith, who had been elected
seains; the Democratic party. Nr McClernand of
Illinois broke the force OF that IMPRESSION BY ap-
Teelipg 10 The North. Western Democracy in behalf
of Mr. Smith. Mr. Bocosk then came forward
with bis reasons for changing. Mr. scott Of Cali
fOTnia Mr. Florence, ana others, followed, when
Mr.. Morris If Illinois again arrested the current
Ly declaring he could not support Mr. Smith upon
general assurances, after having been deceived by
similar representations IN regard TO other candi-
dates: doubtless referring 10 Mr. Hamilton OF
Texas. who was presented as National and Con
seryafiye Democrat, though be had been member
of EnCw-N0'Liug lodge aud who told the House
a few days ago, when Withdrawing as candiua'e'
fLai tbe Union was already dissolved.
MIR Fouke an aeDt over ~ Mr.. Smith under
The pressure OF his colleagues, carrying DIR. Logan