Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1869-03-11
4Iss CoNGREsS.--.IST SESSION.
WASHINGTON March 4.
ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSE.

ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSE.
The House convened at three o'clock
and was called to order by Mr. McPher-
son, who proceeded 10 call the roll The
following States were unrepresented
New Hampshire, Connecticut, Virginia,
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
Texas, the 2lst District of Pennsylvania,
Mr. Covode's, and I'd and 18th Districts OF
South Carolina.
Mr.. Washburne moved 70 proceed TO the
election Of Speaker; agreed 10, l3f 10
IS.
Mr. Brooks made point Of order that
the recording clerk had not called the
names of the members elect from Georgia
and Louisiana.
The clerk overruled the point of order.
Mr. Brooks appealed from the ruling of
the clerk
The clerk refused 10 entertain the APP
peal.
Then commenced a scene of noise, up
roar and excitement, which, for a time,
threatened 10 result in a general row.
Mr.. Brooks, at the top OF his voice, as
serted his right to appeal from the tyr
amy of the clerk.
Mr.. Washburne, from Illinois, de-
manded that the clerk should 20 on and
call the roll.
The clerk WAS proceeding 10 do so but
Mr. Brooks seemed determined not t. be
put down in that way, and shouted Il
am a member of the House, and have a
right To appeal from the tyranny of the
clerk"
The clerk mildly directed that the gem
tleman from New York should take his
seat.
Mr. Brooks detiantly declared that the
gentleman from New York would not
take his seat on the order of the clerk.
The clerk reminded Mr. Brooks that the
clerk was acting under the authority of
law.
Mr. Brooks was not to be appeased in
that manner, and declared that the clerk
was not acting under authority of law,
but in violation of all law. Loud calls OF
order and great confusion
Mr.. Washburne, of Illinois, demanded
that the clerk should put the question on
nominations for speaker, and he nomi-
mated JAS. G. Blaine, of Maine.
Mr.. Brooks insisted on his right of ap-
peal, and tried TO make himself heard,
but his voice, though raised TO its highest
pitch, was drowned in shouts Of Call the
rolll"
The clerk once more directed Mr. Brooks
to take his seat.
Mr.. Brooks utterly refused to do so,
and asserted that he was a member OF the
House, while the person undertaking to
dictate to him, was "A clerk of the House.
The clerk reiterated that the gentleman
was not a member Of the House, but only
a member elect, Brooks, and the clerk is
not the clerk is not the clerk of the
House, nor even a clerk elect The clerk
replied that the gentleman was mistaken.
BY the law, the clerk of the last House
was clerk of this body.
Mr.. Brooks. The clerk is bound by the
law and the rules, and the rule is "Pend-
ing the election of a speaker, the clerk
shall preserve order and cecorum, and
shall decide all questions of order, that
may arise subject to appeal to the House.
The clerk interrupting him, said he
was enforcing the law.
Mr.. Brooks denied it.
The scene had become one of great
confusion and intense excitement, both
On the floor and in the galleries Almost
all the members were on their feet, the
Republicans calling to order, and the
Democrats sustaining the position taken
by Mr.. Brooks.
Mr.. Washburne, of Illinois, shouted
that the member from New York should
be put under arrest.
Mr.. Eldsidgs did not believe the ma
iorisy present. would deny the right Of ap-
peal % us0ber Of tie House.
Loud shouts Of eall ths roll -
The clerk, in the midst Of the nov m
creasing confusion, enquirsd whether