The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-02-10
Congress-.
Mr.. Pennins, ton chosen Speaker of the
House.

Mr.. PennlnS ton chosen Speaker of tn,
House.
WASHINGTON, Feb. l.
The proceedings were opened with rraye
by rabbi Raphall, Jewish priest. Ii abound
ed with fer,en,ly expressed patriotic and re
lisious sentiments, and he implored divin
blessing to direct the House in the electio,
Of a speaker. who may preside without favo
or fear. and that the members might speal
and act for the glory and happiness Of thei
common cosn,ry. The prayer vas listened
to with marked attention.
Some Of the Democratic member, beins
late. their friends commenced making speech
es to dslay ballot for speaker. The Kepub
licans claimed that this was contrary to tn,
agreement Yesterday, which was that if tn,
Republicans would then yield an adjourn
ment. a ballot should be taken the first thin.
without debate, this day.
John Cochrane (dem.) Of New York sal,
this was the understanding and that hi
friends ought to carry it out.
The ballot was soon entered upon, but ma
ny speeches we're made during its progress
Nr. Barksdale Of Miss. (dem.) said If tn.
South Americans would unite with the Dem
ocra,s upon Mr.. McClernard Of Illinois the,
could defeat Mr.. Pennington, the Republican
candidate. The South Americans deniec
this, AMI some Of the southern Democrats al
so refused to vote for Mr.. McClernard on thu
ground of his Douglasism.
MIR. Clark of Missouri (dem.) sought te
make an explanation, out Mr.. Burnham Of
CT. objected.
Mr.. Clemens Of Va. (dem.) conceded tn.
fact that Mr.. Pennington would be elected
speaker, and said let the gentleman from
Missouri make his explanation. The Repub
licans should concede that. This, the hou,
OF their triumph should also BE- that of THEN
magranimily.
MIR. Clark then concluded what he had to
say that while not agreeing with Mr.. NJ.
Clernard on the popular sovereignty doc.
trine, he voted for him as national man.
Mr.. Cobb of Ala. (dem.) assigned simila,
reasons, adding that he respected Mr.. NJ,
Cltrnard the more for having on a former
year voted against the Wilmot proviso. IL.
Was for his country first and Mr.. McCler.
,,.rd next.
Mr.. McRae o. Miss. (dem.) made speech
in which he alluded 10 Mr. Sherman's re.
marks accompanying the withdrawal of hi,
name as candidate. Iha, gentleman ha,
said the Democl was demoralized. PRAY
gentlemen how do You stand for eight weeks:
You have made an effort to elect Your nom
nation. and you failed, as ycu also failed il,
Your effort to adopt the plurality rule. You
were obliged 10 take down your man who's,
name was connected with the Helper book
and adopt as your candidate man who i.
favorable To the fugitive slave law as it now
stands
Mr.. Briggs of n. y. (American) who has
voted for Americans heretofore till yesterda,
when he voted for Mr.. McClernard, lde H. }
now announced his vote for Mr. Pennington
the Republican candidate for the first time.
Kisses and applause followed his vote,
Which was understood to have decided tn,
contest.
HATH BALBOA SPEAKER ELECTED.
The ballot resulted in the choice of vii.
liam Pennington OF New Jersey republican,
as speaker.
Woe number of votes, 233
Necessary to a choice, III
Mr.. Pennington, III
Mr. McClernard (dem.,) 50
VI. GiImer, (Ame.ican) lG
Scattering, II
The clerk decided that Mr.. Pennington.
was elected, and applause in the galleries fol-
lowed.
MIR. llindman Of Ark. (dem.) wished to
make some r,marks about the election of &.
Republican. but was called to order by III,
Republican size.
Messrs. Bocock Of Va. (dem.) and Sher-
man OF Ohio (rep.) were appointed by tn.
clerk to conduct the new speaker to III.
chair
Mr.. Pennington, assuming the char, deliv.
cred speech in which he promised to pre-.
side with justice and importantly. lie Said
he felt he had IA national heart which embra
ces all parts Of the Union. After thanking
his friends for their kindness to him, he saic
he would enter upon the discharge of tn,
arduvus and complicated duties Of his sta.
ton.
The oath was administered to Mr.. PEN
nlngton by Mr. Phelps of Missouri, (dem., J
as he oldest member in Congressional Ser
vice
The members Of the House were then
sworn IN 10y states, a committee was appoint.
IT to notify the Senate that the House had
organized. and the House adjourned until
Friday.