Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-01-28
MISCELLANY.
AN IMPORTANT DEBATE.

AN IMPORTANT DEBATE.
In the House Of Representatives, on Thurs
day of last week, the question whether or not
the plurality rule moved few days previous,
was properly before the House. The democrats
generally contended that it was not, and that
they should resist all attempts to take the qucs-
ton on that motion. During the discussion
Mr. CoLFAX of Indiana, smoked out the fact
that large number of democrats had entered
into written agreement not to allow Il e ques-
ton to be taken. We give the debate as re-
ported in all the New York papers, and ask for
it the careful attention of our readers We
want them to see what manner Of men these
democrats are.
Mr. Barksdale (dem., Miss.,) spoke for him
self. He had no authority to speak for any one
else. But under all the circumstances, he was
opposed to the plurality rule, and would oppose
vote on it if no resolutions were on the Clerks
table. lie believed he expressed the sentiments
of his side when he said they would continue to
resist it,
Mr. Colfax asked whether there was not
written agreement among gentlemen on the 9th
er side that they will not allow the plurality rule
to be voted on.
Voices-"How many signed it?"
Mr. Barksdale repeated that he spoke for him
self, and to the last intended to resist the adop-
ton OF the plurality rule, believing it would re-
suit in the election of Mr. Sherman.
Mr. Coliax-You have right TO resist it by
parliamentary means But do you say there is
Il written agreement by which YOU will not al
low il to he voted on?
MIR Barksdale--I have no right to speak for
any other gentleman but myself Iregard such
rule as unconstitutional.
Mr. Colfax-I have always answered the gen
tleman's questions fairly. Does he refuse to
answer my question:
Mr. Bark sdale-I have repeated three times
that have no authority to speak for any other
gentleman, but believe there are a number of
gentlemen who intend to resist the adoption of
the plurality rule by all constitutional and par
liamentary expedients
Mr. Burnett, (dem., Ky.,)-I for one am OPP
posed to the plurality rule believing it uncon-
stitutional, and violatve of the rights of the
majority, placing the election in the hands of a
minority. There is a written agreement by gem
tlemen on the Democratic side, who pledge
themselves to resist, by all parliamentary means,
the adoption of the plurality rule. | am o:e Of
those who, by every parliamentary strategy, will
strive to defeat it.
Mr. Colfax-As the gentleman is so frank
would ask whether, if even a majority Of ths
House or two thirds, desire to have vote for
or against the plurality rule, they would resist,
to prevent such vote being taken?
MIR Burnett-lhe gentlemen who pledged
themselves intend to stand by their agreement,
let the number be what it may.
MIR Coltax-The question is whether you will
prevent vote.
MIR Burnett-l speak for myself. l am ready
and willing to cooperate with any number, to
use all parliamentary means and strategy against
the plurality rule, if necessary, till our commits
sioHs expire.
Mr. Colfax--Do you intend to resort to the
means known to parliamentary practice to pre-
vent the Clerk from propounding the question?
MIR Burnett hold that the resolution OF
Mr. Hutchins is not properly before the House,
and am ready to defeat its adoption by resort
ing to all tactics known to parliamentary law
by dilatory motions, such as to adjourn, and
codes of the House, and by consuming time in
debate. | will do this to defeat the minority
and prevent them from placing in that chair q
man who indorses the doctrines of the Helper
book, and who has not either affirmed or disa-
vowed them. repeat to prevent such a dis,
grace on my section and constituents, will re-
sort to all parliamentary and legitimate means
so help me, God, so long AS | have a seat on
this floor. lApplause on the democratic side.
MIR Colfax-ln regard to the Helper book,
want the country to understand the facts. The
Republicans have been accused, for six or seven