The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-12-24

satisfaction, however, to have the posi-
tion we have maintained with reference
to the so-called Democratic party dom
firmed so entirely by the testimony Sf a
Democratic paper, at last. Sass
The Attempt 80 Dissrganfze sBs
House.
The recent attempt to disorganiss, in
stead Of organizing the House of Repre-
sentativss, through the instrumenialitk Of
the late Clerk. has brought vividlJ to
mind the occasion Of a precedent, which
occurred twenty four years ago, and VII Hich
was then 80 happily queIled by the pp-
perfume interposition OF John Quincy Ad-
ans. The account of that Transaction is
we'll worth reading again BY those old
enough to remember the circumstances,
but it will have a thrilling interest for
those who read it now for the first time:
The organization of the House had been
prevented Tor four days ty the action Of
the Clerk 10 refusing to call the New Jer-
sey delegation oa the vote for Speaker.
He also refused to entertain any motions
for the purpose of extricsting the House
for this deadlock. There was a double
delegation from New Jersey, the Wing
members elect holding the certificate. .of
the Governor, in due form, and the Dem
ocra,ic claimants averring that they had
proof that they were legally elected. The
members seemed to know Of no extrica-
tion, and three days were spent in disor-
der, violent declamations and threatening
demonstrations.
ExPresident John Quincy Adams was
them a member of the House. He took
no part in the three days scene of confu-
sion, and seemed engaged in writing. On
the fourth day. whea'the repetition of the
previous role began by the Clerks call
ing the roll again, aud again refusing to
call the New Jersey members, Mr. Adams
rose, aud instantly fixed the attention of
the disorderb multitude. IL rise," bid
be $50 interrupt the Clerk"
i Was nos mv intention, said be, to
take any paf. in these extraordinary p to-
Gee lln-s, / hd hoped that the House would
succeed IN organizing itself; that q Speak
er ana Ii-fk would be elected. aDd that
the ordinary business Of legislation would
be progressed il. This Is not the time
or place to discuss the merits of the con
filcting claimants Tor seats from New J kr-
ser shas subieas 5alongs to the Roase of
Representatives, which, by the Cousti Eu
tion. is made the ultimate arbiser OF The
qualifications OF its members. Bu. W bat
a aspectaele do we here present We a.
grade and disgrace our constituents and
the country.
We cannot organize and why /? Be-
cause the Clerk OF this House, the II eie
Clerk, whom we create, whom we employ,
and whose existence depends upon eur
will, usurps the throne and sets us, the
Representatives, the yicegerents Of the
whole American people, at defiance, and
holds Us in contempt. And what is this
Clerk Of yours? Is he to control the des-
tnies Of sixteen million of freemens Is
be to suspend by his negative the fa anc-
tions Of our Government, and put an end
10 this Congress? He refuses 10 call the
roll. Il il in your power to compel Him
to call it, If he will not do it voluntarily
Here he was interrupted BY member,
who said he was authorized to say thst
comrnlsion could not reach The Clerk, who
bad avowed that he would resign, rath-
CIR than call the State oil New Jersey D
Well, sir, then let him resign, and we
may possibly discover some way by Which
We can get along without the aid OF his
all-powerful talent, learning and gen nius.
If We cannot organize in any other way
if this Clerk OF yours will not consent to
our discharging the trusts conided I'd US
hy our constituents, then let rs imi late
the example Of the Virginia House Of Bur-
gesses, which, when the Colonial Goter-
nor Dinwiddie ordered it to dispefse, re-
fused 70 obey the imperious aud insulting
mandate, and, like men
Here the audience, electrified by The
speech Of "The Old Man Eloquent"
could no longer repress their feelings.
and i. broke out in an outburst of cheers.
BY touch OF the magic Of this eloquencc
they saw the darkness Of anarchy disap-
pear. Having brought the assembly to
it's senses and inspired il with rercep.
ton Of its dignity and hazardous position,
he submitted motion requiring the Clerk
to call the roll.
This and similar motions had already
been made by other members, but the
Clerk had declined to entertain them
Accordingly, burst Of voices demanded
of Mr.. Adams-"How shall the question
be putt" Raising his voice above the
tumult, Mr.. Adams replied-"I intend to
put the question myself That was The
word OF the master mind, that brought or
DIR out of chaos. As soon as the ire
pressible enthusiasm had abated Mr..
Richard Bsrnwell Rhett, of South Caro-
linn, sprang upon desk, waved his hand,
and exclaimed:
I move that the Hon. John Quincy Ad-
ans. Of Massachusetts, take the chair of
the Speaker of this house, and officiate as
presiding officer till the House be organ
lied BY the election Of its constitutional
officers.
Mr.. Rhett put the motion, but before
be could complete'it, an universal thuu-
dering ofacclaim responded. Mr.. Adams