Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-12-17
WASHINGTON. Dec. I

NXxNfii CoNGRESS---FIRST SESSION.
WASHINGTON, Dec. I.
HoUsE.-At noon Etneridge, the Clerk,
called the House to order, and said he would
proceed to call the roll of names of such
members only, whose credentials show that
they were regularly elected in accordance
with the laws of their state and the United
States.
The Clerk then read the roll of members
from all the States excepting Maryland, West
Virginia, Oregon, Missouri, and Kansas.
MIR. Stevens, of Penn, desired that the
credentials of all those whose names were not
on the roll be read
The Clerk said he had placed on the roll
the names Of those whose credentials bore
evidence In accordance with the law passed
by this House in March last.
MIR. Washburne asked whether there were
any contestants of seats.
The Clerk replied that there were three or
four from Missouri, one from Virginia and
one from Kentucky as he recollected
Mr.. Stevens repeated his request.
AN ACT regulating the duties of the Clerk of the
House of Representatives in preparing for the
organization of the House.
Be 1T enacted by the Senate and House Of Repre-
seRtGtjueS Of the United States f AD1er5cG an Ton
the next Congress, and every subsequent Congress-
the Clerk of the next proceeding House of Repre-
sentatlVes shall make roll of the Representa-
tiyes elect and place thereon the of all per-
sous, and of such persons only, whose credentials
show that they were regularly elected in accord
ance with the laws of their States respectively or
the laws of the United States.
At the request of Mr.. Stevens the Clerk
read the form of the credentials of the Mis-
souri, members which he had ruled out for
informality.
Mr.. Dawes offered a resolution that the
names of the Maryland delegation be placed
on the rolls of the House and moved the pre-
vious question, which as seconded.
Mr.. j. c. Allen moved to lay the resolution
on the table.
The question was taken on Mr.. Aliens
motion to lay Mr. Dawes resolution on the
table and it was decided in the negative
yeas n, nays "a which caused much APP
plause from the galleries, and on the floor of
the House.
Mr.. Dawes demanded vote on his resolu-
ton, which was adopted followed by APP
plause. So the names Of the Maryland dele
gates were placed on the roll.
The names of the members from Missouri
Oregon, Kansas, Virginia and West Virginia
were directed to be placed upon the roll.
Mr.. Stevens then asked that the credentials
of the Louisiana members-Messrs Beal.
Coltman and Baker-be read. The creden-
tials state that the election was in accord
ance with the Constitution and laws of Loui-
siana, and that said election was held on the
Cd of November last. The credentials of the
Louisiana members are signed by "J. L.
Riddle, Governor of Louisiana"
Mr.. Stevens moved that the names of the
Louisiana members be stricken from the rolls
Mr. Brooks said the House could elect
Speaker without the names of these Louisi-
ana gentlemen being stricken off the rolls.
Mr.. Stevens protested against their admis-
sion, but in order to facilitate the organiza-
ton of the House, he would withdraw his
motion for the present, and again offer it
when the Louisiana members were to be
sworn in.
Mr.. Washburn moved that the House pro-
ceed to the election of Speaker viva voce,
which was agreed to.
Mr.. Washburn nominated Mr.. S. Colfax
Mr.. Pendleton nominated Mr. Samuel Cox
McssrS >Pendleton, Dawes, Wadsworth,
and Pomeroy, were appointed tellers to con-
duct the election. The House then proceed
ed to vote with the following result: Whole
number of votes, 1871; necessary to a choice,
90; Colfax, 10l; Cox, ~; King, 4; Mallo-
~, 10; Stebbins, s; Dawson, 70; Blair, 2;
Stiles, l.
The Clerk declared Mr.. Colfax duly and
legally elected. The announcement was
greeted with vociferous applause.
Messrs. Dawson and Cox were appointed
to conduct the Speaker to the chair.
The Speaker, on taking the chair, delivered
brief, eloquent, and patriotic address, which
was received with general applause.
The members of the House were then
sworn in. The names of the members from
Louisiana being called, Mr.. Stevens objected
to their being sworn in. Considerable dis
cussion ensued, when Mr.. Stevens offered
resolution that their credentials be referred
to the committee on elections. Mr. Allen
moved to lay the matter On the table. This
was lost by 107 to IA. The resolution of Mr..
Stevens was then adopted by 100 to IA.
The Clerk then proceeded to administer
the oath to the delegates from the several
Territories. The House then adjourned.
SENATE. Vice President called the
Senate to order at noon.
The credentials Of Messrs. Wiley and Van
Senators elected from West Vir-
ginia, were presented by Sen. Collamer.
The credentials of Mr.. Conn ess, of Califor-
MIA, were presented by Sen. Nesmith, and the
credentials of Mr.. Henderson, of No., by
Sen. Foote. Messrs. CONFESS and Hender-
son were qualified and took the oath of 10y
atty prescribed by the last Congress.
Sen. Davis rose with question of the |
right of the gentlemen from West Virginia |
to take seat He held that there was con-
and legally no such state as West |
Virginia therefore there could be no Sena- !
tors from such State. His object was simply |
to put on record his objections. He believed |
the old State to be intact and that this whole |
thing is fragrant violation of the Constitu-
ton.
After debate, Senator Davis, as test ques-
ion moved that the cath of office be admin
stored to the gentlemen from West Virginia,
which was carried by yeas 80, nays 5 the
nays being Buckalew, Davis, Hendricks, Nc
0ougal, and Powell.
On motion of Sen. Foote, resolution was
adopted appointing a committee of three, in
with a committee on the part of |
he House, to wait upon the President of the |
United States, and inform him of the readi-
less of Congress to receive his annual mes
age. Senators Foote, Trunbull and Nesmith
we're appointed.
Sen. Foote offered a resolution for the
of the Senators from West Vir-
,inia by the usual means, drawing by lot,
which was adopted.
Sen. Van Winckle was chosen to fill the
ong term, expiring in 1859, and Sem WILEY
he short term expiring in 1885,
Senator Lane, Of Indiana, gave notice of
he Introduction of bills to repeal the $500