The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-12-05
a Committee Appointed to Inquire
Whether the Southern States Are
Entitled to Representation.
Oar Special Washington Despatch.
WASHINGTON, Dec 4, 1865.

Oar Special Washington Despatch.
fNt. WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 1855.
THE GATHERING HOUSE.
The usual jam the opening Of Congress occurred at
the Capitol to-day The galleries Hobbies FULL
she doorways and passages from whence view could be
had Of the floor Of the House black with people
hour before high noon and the ladies' galleries
flowed the floor Of the House This extraordinary
interest excited by the presence of quite large
number Of delegates from the recently subugated States
of the South and the openly avowed policy Of mao-
rty Of Northern members TO keep them of the floor The
loyal spectators who ocked to the hall to-day expected
lively and interesting fight but the proved very
lopsided affair 1t evident to the most politi
sslly yntatorsa ieRah p9a n the gslIsres, from The
start-that Is the roll call Of members-the OPPOSITION
side of the House could make head against the tide
which began TO flow at the republican caucus satur-
day night
APPEARANCE or THE
The Hall Of Representatives has not greatly changed in
appearance since last session. The most noticeable i'm
provement is perhaps, in the substitution Of AK
Ia ChapcIles carpet. green ground with gold stars, for
the former dingy floor covering. This purchased
abroad at cost of about eight thousand dollars 1t is
said, and imported duty free In Difference to the views
Of the minority upon home manufactures and free trade
This cheap sop is evidently last recognition the
Gent party will get from the hands Of the present
Congress.
DEMOCRATIC Caucus NIGHT.
democratic last night consulted for half
hour So and finally nominated Hon. James Brooks of
New York. for Speaker, merely a matter OF form.
At twelve to-day precisely Mr. MCPHERSON Clerk Of the
last House, called that body to order and proceeded
call the roll Of members. Neariya the legitimate
elect responded Messrs Rousseau of Kentucky
Voorhees,. Of Indiana being the prominent among
Che absentces.
DISCUSSION on TIE ADMISSION Or Mr. MAYNARD, OF
TENNESSEE
During the calling q the roll Mr. Maynard, Of Tennss
SEE in his place. and shaking his credentials in
MS hand earnestly and peFsstsnsiy demanded recogn
zion from the Clark Mr.. Thaddeus Stevens, aghast
.: the presumption Of outsider, called the
gentleman 70 order. Mr.. Maynard appealed 70 the
ancient cyncs but was dismissed with q Podsnappian
Of the hand, and sat down. Mr.. Brooks, Of New
York and trusted In dcprecaory way at rs that
shis sort Of thing would not DO permitted TO 90 that
% dsrepuable proceeding refusing these gentlemen
admissioa upon the pse dir Of clerk would not
be suffered and that SO dangerous precedent in
siding- rules should not be established 'Long john
wentworth called Mr.. Brooks TO order. In the
OF this indignant remonstrance, Mr. Brooks urbanely
stated that when The gentleman from Illinois knew him
better he would learn that he always proceeded In Order
and continued by making q point upon the di
vision OF the State Of Virginia Mr. Stevens
tmpaticntly twisted In his seat a. II Mr. Brooks
sa'kng too much, and mid "Ths House knows all, SIR"
Mr. Brooks then instanoed that the Louisiana delegation
was admitted last session, which denied by Mr..
Washburne, OF Ill, who here entered the lists. Mr.
Washburne explained that the Of the Louisiana
delegation were put the roll Of last Congress merely
20 allow them 70 vote for Speaker but they were after
wards refused admission TO the floor The heads of
Mcssrs washburne, Long john and Stevens were laid
together for few moments, and the result WINS tina,
Thadeus 70 point Of order Until the election Of
Speaker nothing order Mr. Brooks implored the
venerable Pcnnsylvsnan to hear; but Mr. Stevens
declined TO hear, and pressed his motion on point az
tme-this not proper time for talk The effect OF
this remark jered out with the peculiar acerby OF the
great radical, 70 create little laugh at the expense
Of Mr. Brooks While the latter was enjoying It Mr.
Maynard again appealed TO Mr. Stevens but was snured
out by another of the hand Mr. Brooks then con.
coded the floor and the short for the admission
Of members from tainted districts was closed II was
''shor sharp and decisive" betrayed high state OF
discipline in the radical ranks, and convinced the "nobe
band Of opposition spartansn that there would be no
great improperly their investigating the most graceful
forms for resignation.
ELECTION srEAKKR
The election Of Speaker then proceeded with
Mr. Morrill, OF Vermont mentioned Mr. Colfax, according
70 arrangement, and Mr. Charles Winfield named Mr..
James Brooks, whereat laughter According TO
arrangement again. Mr. Colfax received about -four nfths
Of the whole number Of votes, and Messrs Morrill, and
Brooks were designated TO conduct him 70 the chair
MI Coax took tho required oath, and returned thanks
INA neal susaab fox The upanl@iy 9t he b0R0I Az