Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1860-01-13
Congress s-xxxvIth Session.
WASHINGTON, Jan. IL.
HOUSE.

There is slim attendance.
A call Of the House was made.
Mr., Sherman of Ohio proceeded to call
attention to the remarks of Mr.. Houston
yesterday, as reported in the Globe to this
effect:
~ do not mean to say that those gentle
men, Adrian and Clark will vote for DEM
ocrat but have no doubt but that they
will. They will trust return to their first
love- calm the agitation in the country and
relieve the House from the burning, wither'
ing, curse and shame Of putting into the
Speakers chair the gentleman from Ohio"
Mr.. Sherman inquired whether Mr.. Hous.
ton designed to reflect upon him personally
or politically
Mr.. Houston of Ala, replied, that be
should have supposed that the gentleman
would not haYe pTopounded that question to
him for there could be no doubt as to the
proper construction of the language. He
did not suppose that any gentleman could
think that he meant or intended q personal
application. The gentleman had been
charged with endorsing the sentiments of
the Helper book, and had never disavowed
its doctrines. The gentleman from Ohio
had endorsed doctrines of o most treasona-
BILE character, and while he had made a
statement which some OF his friends said
was dsavowal, yet he (Houston) contend
ed that it was net fair and candid disa'
vowal of the doctrines contained in the Hell
per book Instead Of making stingy ex-
planation that he did not know what was in
that book, he ought to have disavowed the
reasonable and infamous doctrines therein.
This did not relieve the gentleman from
having endorsed the doctrines of tho Helper
book, and until he shall relieve himself in
a manly manner, which he has been called
upon to do, then he (Houston) would say
that Mr.. Sherman was subjected. politically
to the remarks he (Houston) had made
Mr.. Sherman said that while every one
ought to be satisfied with Mr. Houston's .
personal disclaimer, all would bear him wit,
ness that he had listened to the character of
the debate here without objection. He had
not been disposed to regard the remarks az
personal So far as his disclaimer of the
doctrines of the Helper kook was conc 0rned
any man who had any sense OF feeling, knew
that his lips, in great measure, had been
sealed from the frat day Of the session by
what he most regarded as an offensive reso-
luton, thrust in the House at an improper
time, and in an improper manner, and in'
sisted on in way without precedent in par
liamentary history.
The declaration was made on the floor of
the explanation he had made to the hon.
gentleman from Va, Mr.. Millson in the
presence of the House was not satisfactory
to the gentlemen on the other side they
should insi st as point Of manhood and
justice that the offensive resolution should
be Withdrawn. He had said to his friends
and now said to others that he would con-
sent to have the Helper Book road page by
page and then he would avow or disavow
every sentiment therein. He had never
concealed his opinions and if the offensive
resolution, that of Clark of Mo-, should be
withdrawn, he would be prepared to speak
further upon the subject until the resolu-
tion was withdrawn he appealed TO every
man to say whether he could say any more.
Mr.. Houston said that Mr.. Sherman could
not thus escape the responsibility.
Mr.. Harris of Md. proposed that Clark's
anti Helper resolution be removed out of
the way and let the House adopt the sub
stitute adopted by the committee of Ameri-
cans Democrats and anti Leoomptonites at
the meeting held Sunday evening, at which
it was declared that no man who reooms
mends or still insists on and does not dis,
claim the Helper doctrines and who is not
opposed to the further agitation of slavery
is tit 10 be Speaker.
Various gents explained the circumstance
es under which this substitute was adopted
Haskin asked question Of Mr.. McRae to
which the latter gave sharp, harsh reply.
Haskin made some remarks amid cries OF
order soon the members of all sides we're on
their feet; many rushed to the area and
main aisle. The Sergeant at Arms was CALI
ed on; he appeared with his mace, and de-
manded peace. The Clerk continued raps
ping for order amid the intensest possible
excitement Subsequently Mr.. Clemens
said he saw Mr.. Haskin take pistol out OF
his breast.
Davidson gave notice that when he again
came to the House, he would bring his shot
gun with him.
Harris said that was making game of the
House.
Haskin subsequently explained how the
pistol happened 10 fall from bis breast ev-
cry one that knew him knew he would not
use it except in an honorable way.
Clark, Of N. T., apolOgissd for the harsh
remark
After some further remarks the House
adjourned in good order.