The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-02-07
Election OF Speaker-Closing Scene.

transpired in the House Of Representatives in
Congress, between Dec 9Th andFeb. let; nor can
the perusal Of detailed accounts Of them be con-
demonstrations of the evils Of party spirit, when
allowed TO become paramount TO patriotic duty.
The transactions OF the closing scene, however,
will be read with more interest, if only for the
deep and strong excitement which marked the
hour, and are here given a, length.
Washington, Feb /.
HoUss-The proceedings ware opened with
PRAYER by Rabbi Raphael II sbounded with
fervently expressed patriotic and religious sent-
ments He implored the Divine blessing TO di-
rec, the House in the election Of Speaker who
may preside without favor or fear, and that the
members might speak and act for for the glory
and happiness OF their common country. The
PRAYER was listened to with marked attention.
The Clerk having stated that the question pend
ing was the motion of Mr.. Sherman, that the
House proceed to vote for Speaker, on motion
of Mr.. Phelps there was a call of the House.
Before the proceeding under the call We're
completed, Mr. Bocock moved that Mr.. Clark, of
New York, be excused for non-attendane He
stated that number Of gentlemen were absent,
and that his motive in making the motion was To
give them tins to arrive.
Mr. Bocock moved that all further proceed
ings under the call be dispensed with, and de-
manded the yeas and Eays.
After some discussion the House proceeded to
vote. When the name of Mr.. Clark, Of No.,
was reached, he rose TO make an explanation.
Mr.. Hntchins called him to order on the
ground-frst, that be could not proceed with
out general consent and, secondly, that discus
sion would be in violation of the spirit of the
agreement entered into yesterday.
Mr.. Clark then said, that though disagreeing
with Mr. McClernand on the question Of slave
~ in the Territories, he voted for him as ma.
tonal man.
Mr. Cobb also said he was opposed to squa,ter
sovereignty, but he respected Mr.. McClernand
for having in former years voted against the vii.
mot Proviso. He was for the country first and
Mr.. MeClernand next He was satisfied this
would be the last vote to-day. The result was q
foregone conclusion.
The roll was proceeded with.
Mr. Hamilton referred TO il remark made the
other day by Mr.. Morris, of Ia, that as Mr..
Smith, Of North Carolina, had refused to tell him
how, if he was elected, he would construct the
Committee of Ways and Means, he withdrew his
vote from that gentleman. As Mr. Morris now
voted for Mr. Pennington, he tHamton) pre-
sumed Mr.. Pennington had informed Mr.. Morris
how he would form the committee.
Mr.. keitt made speech in which alluded TO
Mr.. Sherman's remarks accompanying the with
drawal of his name as a candidate a mOurnful
valedictory TO his deserving troops. That gen
tleman had said the Democracy was demoralixed
by aihliatlon with the elements of opposition TO
the Republican party. Pray gentlemen. how dc
you stand: For eight weeks you have made an
effort to elect your nominee aud failed. You
failed in your effort to adopt the plurality rule
You were obliged TO take down your man whose
name was connected with the Helper pamphlet
aed adopt as your candidate man who is in f..
vor of the fugitive slave law "a it now stands.
Let lie ask these gentlemen whether they think
by going for a man who favors that law and who
was an old line Wing, as he calls himself, they
do not demOralize themselves by the attiliatiOn.
The successor of Mr.. Giddngs supported him.
Mr.. Keitt wanted to know whether Mr.. Penning.
ton had given Mr.. Morris, of Pa, any pledge how
he would constitute the Committee on WAYS
and Means. 1t was due to the House that this
question should be answered.
Mr.. Clemens objected to interrOgating can
didate of the Republicans. We had taken a
similar position when gentlemen on the Republi-
can side had sought to interrogate the candidate
on his own.
Mr.. Florence-But the gentlemen from s. C.
has not asked the Republican candidate a ques-
ton.
Mr.. DEMONSTRATING a vote no one has a
right to submit interrogations to anybody.
Mr.. keitt-I have asked the question of any
candidate.
Mr.. Clemens-As did not understand the
question, l withdraw my objection.
Mr.. Petit renewed it.
Mr. Keitt-It il the most remarkable thing in
the world that it is out of order TO ask whether
there has been pledge or not. Cries from the
Republican side to Mr.. keitt, Good, 90 on. "
Increased confusion.
Mr.. Pettit-I object to any person taking the
floor for the purpose of replying.
Mr.. Florrence-My colleague, Mr.. Morris, can
reply when his name is called
Mr.. Keitt-If had not been invited by Mr.
Morris to make the inquiry, should never have
Thought of it. l ask him whether Mr. Penning-
ton has giAen him a pledge how he will consti-
tute the Committee on Ways and Means? The
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Corwin), said the 9TH
re day that where slavery was profitable in a
warm climate, he would protect it. But if accor.
ding to the Republican theory, slavery is wrong
in morals it can 60 nowhere. | understand Mr.
Pennington to take exactly that ground. Any
man can get my vote to beat the Republicans,
no matter who he is. ! vote for Mr. Mills
Laughter.
Mr. Leach, of \. c., said. when the Democrats
in a mass voted for Mr.. McClernand he would
DO SO, but not before.
Mr.. Smith, Of Va, before voting, wanted TO
put a question to Mr.. Morris, of Pa IL was
whether the interrogatOry TO Mr.. Smith, of n.
c., as to how he would constitute the Committee
of Ways and Means, propounded by Mr.. Morris,
was not made until after Mr.. Smith had been
elected, and he wished to know whether the
gentleman from y. c., tMr. Gilmer,, had not
said, was reported, that he had rather have a
conservative Republican for Speaker than vote
for Democrat.
Mr.. Gilmer-I answer with pleasure. new
or said any such thing.
Mr.. SMITH vote for Mr.. McClernand.
Mr.. Barksdale said he voted for that gentleman
with the assurance that if the whole Democratic
vote was given for him he might be elected but
he desired to say in so voting that he had no In
tention to endorse Mr.. McClernand's .quatter
sovereignty views. He asked Mr.. Leach, of y.
c., whether if all the democrats voted for Mr. Nc
Clernaud, all the votes of the gentieman's party
would be given him.
Mr.. Leach replied that he was sincerely desi.
rous of defeating the Republican candidate He
could not say whether his political friends would
all vote for Mr.. McClernand or not
Mr.. Barksdale replied that by a concentration
OF votes Mr.. Pennington could be defeated If
Mr.. Pennington should be elected on this ballot,
the gentleman and those who refuse to vote for
Mr.. McClernand will he responsible for Mr.. Pen.
nington's election.
Mr.. Skinner objected TO the centleman's pro-
ceedng
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