The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-01-28
PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY,SIXTH CONGRESS.
SENATE.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.-The Senate is not in ses-
sion to-day.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
SENATE.

| WASHINGTON, Jan. Z1.-Ihe Senate is not in ses
sion to-day.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Mr.. ADRAIN caused to be read a paragraph from
! the New York Tribune, in which it was said that
Horace F. Clark, and Messrs. Riggs, Adrain,
Briggs, and Davis, of Indiana, were elected with
the aid of Republican votes, with the understand
| ing that they would assist the Republicans in the
| organization of the House. He said he would not
! engage in personal controversy with the editor
ofthe Tribune 1t was bad policy to engage in a
personal controversy with the editor of any paper,
! particularly daily paper, which has Opportu-
nifty to fire shot every day. Laughter They
had seen this most fully exemplifed in the attacks
made by the distinguished gentleman from Vir-
gina Mr. Pryor. on the editor of the New ork
Herald. He thought at the time the gentleman
made mistake, and now he discovered it because
the Herald has an opportunity for making an at
tack every day. He repeated that he would not
engage in a controversy with Mr. Greely, whom he
regarded man of marked ability and great
moral courage and fidelity to the principles which
he uphods. He differed with Mr.. Greely on the
question OF slavery and his mode of settling the
question, but Mr.. Greely was entitled to his opin-
ion. He did not believe that Mr.. Greely intended
to do him any wrong, but presumed some evil
disposed person had furnished information on
which he based the charge. There was not a par
ticle of truth in the statement. He was an Anti
Lecompton Democrat and made no pledge directly
or implicitly, that he would vote for any Republi
can or aid the Republican party in the organiza-
tiOn of the House.
In 1858, it was believed owing to the suicidal
policy of Mr.. Buchanan on the Kansas question,
that the Republicans would have the majority and
could organize without the aid of the ant-Lecomp-
tOnite Democrats; and, therefore, no pledges from
them were expected. He asked for the proof from
any living mortal in his district, that he ever
made pledge to aid in the organization Of the
House by the election of a Republican Speaker or
any other way. He repeated, he made no pledges
but looking to the exciting discussions which might
lead to discord out of the House, and, perhaps to
dissolution of the Union, he did not know but
that when his sense of duty and the interest of his
country demand it, he would unite with the Repub
licans such in order that the House
may be organized and relieved from its present
dilemma.
The House now proceeded to vote for a Speaker.
There much excitement and great interest
manifested on all sides.
The South Americans voted for Mr.. Smith, of
North Carolina, and various Democrats, not seeing
a prospect of election, changed their votes for
him. Some made brief explanations that they
wanted to promote harmony, and end the contest.
Frequent bursts of applause came from all Sides
Messrs. Norris, of Pennsylvania, Milnard, Nixon,
Scranton and Wood, who had voted heretofore for
Mr.. Sherman, now voted for Mr.. Smith.
Before the result announced, there was a
change in the current of feeling. Mr. John Coch-
rane rising to give his reasons why he could not
vote for Mr. Smith,
Several gentlemen endeavored to deprive him
of the floor by raising points of order on him. In
conclusion Mr.. COchrane changed his vote to Mr..
Millson. He said he could vote for none but
Democrat.
Various other explanations made by Demo
Gratis for changing their votes to Mr.. Smith
Mr.. MCCLERNAND said that as it was now in the
power of the Democratic party proper to elect
Mr.. Smith, he changed his vote for him and express
sed the hope that Democrats from the North and
West would give him their support
Mr.. BoCoCK made short speech. He was always
willing to unite on any sound man-and he voted
for Mr.. Smith.
Other Democratic changes to Mr.. Smith were
made with occasional remarks-some saying they
desired to give peace to the country and strike
blow at the ''irrepressible conflict party prefer
ring a national Wing to a sectional Republican.
Much applause greeted the announcement of Mr..
Cochrane's change of vote, and the interest greatly
increased as the House neared an election.
Mr.. BARR changed his vote for Mr.. Smith.
Mr.. SHERMAN voted for MIR. Corwin, when Mr..
Jenkins changed from Mr.. Smith TO Mr.. Sherman,
thus spelling for the time an election.
Mr.. SCRANTON withdrew his vote from Mr.. Smith
and put Mr.. Corwin in nomination. [Cres of "toO
late, and much sensation.
Mr. MORRIS, of Pennsylvania, said that, under
standing the Republicans presented Mr.. Corwin, he
withdrew his vote from Mr.. Smith and voted for Mr..
COrwin. Kisses from the galleries and on the
floor, and great confuson, mingled with cries of
Messrs Valandigham and Cox changed their
votes to Mr.. Smith.
1t was now understood that but two more votes
were required to elect Smith, and the most Intense
interest everywhere manifested.
Mr. Nixon changed his vote from Smith to Pen
niugton, thus removing the result farther off.
AIR kEIrT commenced making speech.
Mr. Dunn said Mr.. keitt's remarks were designed
to delay the result in order to afford oprOrtuni-
ty to manipulate the tenderfoo Democrats.
Mr. KErTT proceeded to expose the inconsistency
of those who voted for and then changed against
Mr.. Smith.
Mr. MoRRIs, of Illinois, said if his vote could
elect Mr. Smith, he would not give it.
Other explanations made favorable to chang
ing votes for Mr.. Smith
Intense interest was expressed throughout these
proceedings.
More short speeches followed. Mr.. CoBB made
humorous speech by way of exhOrtation to his dis
senting political friends to come up to the support
Of Mr.. Smith. He called attention to the fact
that men of all parties voted for him, and if gentle
men did not now avail themselves Of the present
opportunity, they never would come near electing
nominee opposed to the Republicans.
Mr.. RUFFIN, as the only man standing alooffrom
the Southern phalanx, voted, after explanation for
Mr.. Smith, saying he had been encouraged by his
Northern Democratic colleagues to do so.
Other explanations were made. Messrs. ENGLISH
and NTBLACE said they voted for Mr. Smith, as the
contest had narrowed down between the Republi-
can and American nominees.
Mr.. NORRIS, of Illinois, wished Mr.. Smith to say
for himself whether he repudiated the doctrines OF
the Know NOthngs.
Seveval Democrats stated that they heard this
fact from his own lips.
Mr.. BURNETT said he thought they ought to let
patriotism rise above party in this crisis.
Mr.. MoRRIs wanted Mr.. Smith to answer the
question.
Mr.. CLEMENS and others objected to Mr.. Smith
Mr.. CLEMENS wanted a to go into the Chair
as a fair, honest man should.
Other votes were now changed for Mr.. Smith,
and were severally greeted with applause.
Mr.. NORRIS of Illinois, finally came over to Mr..
Smith, being, as he said, satisfied that Mr.. Smith
was not Know Nothing. Tremendous Appause.l
Several other Democrats changed their vote to
Mr. Smith, among others Mr.. John COchrane, who
had learned he said that Mr.. Smith never was
member of the Known othng party, but an Old
Line Wing, and the representative of National
principles.
Finally the result of the depending ballot was
announced as follows:
Whole number of votes cast.
Neces sary to n choice. ......r.............ll .llo
OF which
Mr.. Sherman received. ....1O6
Mr.. smith liz
Mr.. COrWln :
scattering -. ......'.,...''.'
All the Maryland delegation voted for Mr.. Smith.
As soon as the result was announced, Mr.. STE-
VEINS moved that the House adjourn till Monday,
which was carried by six majority.
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