Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-03-09
ADISGRACEFUL EPISODE.

ADISGRACEFUL EPISODE.
The Boston Post says it is hardly
worth while for the people to trou-
BILE themselves to elect members of
Congress. The Clerk of the House
of Representatives makes out a
list of such as he is disposed to
recognize, and will call only those
whose names he has inscribed
thereon, and those alone will be
received as members. This was
demonstrated at the opening of the
fortieth Congress and again the
other day at the opening of the
forty-frst Congress. Mr.. McPher-
son appears TO be the man who
solves all doubts as to the right Of
gentlemen to seats in the House of
Representatives. His pen seems to
be as potent as Stewards little bell.
This was illustrated on the Oath
inst, when one Of the most dis
graceful episodes occurred in the
House of Representatives that has
ever been witnessed in that body.
Mr.. Mcpherson, the Clerk of the
House Of Representatives, had dis
franchised two States, when the
attention of that body was directed
to this extra-legislative act Of the
clerk.
Mr.. Brooks made the point of order
that the reading clerk had not called the
names of the members elect from Geor-
gia and Louisiana.
The clerk overruled the point Of or
der.
Mr.. Brooks appealed from the ruling
Of the clerk.
The clerk refused to entertain the APP
peal.
Then commenced scene of noise, up
roar and excitement, which for time
threatened to result in a general row.
Mr.. Brooks, at the top of his voice,
asserted his right to appeal from the tyr
amy of the clerk.
Mr. Washburne, Of Illinois, demanded
that the clerk should go on and call the
roll.
The clerk was proceeding to do so; but
Mr.. Brooks seemed determined not to be
put down in that way, and shouted | am
a member Of the House, and | have a
right to appeal from the tyranny Of the
clerk.
The clerk mildly directed that the gen.
tleman from New Y ork should take his
seat.
Mr.. Brooks defantly 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 ia
that manner, and declared that the clerk
was not acting under authority of law,
but in violation of all law. Loud calls
to order, and great confusion.
Mr.. Washburne, Of Illinois, demanded
that the clerk should put the question on
nominations for Speaker; and he nomi-
mated James G. Blaine, of Maine.
Mr.. Brooks insisted on his right Of APP
peal, and tried to make himself heard
but his voice, though raised to its highest
pitch, was drowned in shouts of Call the
roll"
The clerk ORce more directed Mr..
Brooks to take his seat.
Mr.. Brooks utterly refused to do Sc,
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 retorted, that the gentleman
was not a member Of the House, but
only member elect.
Mr.. Brooks. And 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 the clerk of this body.
Mr.. Brooks. The clerk is bound by
he law and the rules and the rule is
that pending the election of a speaker,
the clerk shall preserve order and deco
rum, and shall decide all questions of or
der that may arise, subject to appeal to
the House."
The clerk (Interrupting Mr.. Brooks
said 1t is a very unpleasant duty for the
clerk
Mr.. Brooks, Gnterrupting,) l know it
is but the clerk is bound by the law,
and bound to hear the law.
The clerk. The clerk is enforcing the
law.
Mr.. Brooks. The clerk is not enforcing
the law, but is violating the law. Great
confusion and excitement
Mr.. Washburne, of Illinois. The men,
Der from New York should be put in ar
rest by the sergeant-atNarms.
At this time almost all the members
were on their feet, the Republicans CALI
ing to order, and the Democrats sustain
ing the position taken by Mr.. Brooks
and the excitement was Intense on the
floor and in the galleries.
Mr.. EIdridge inquired as a question of
order, by what rules the clerk was gov
erned-by tho rules of the House or by
the law Of the land?
The clerk replied that he was gov
eraed by the law Of the land and by the
rules of the House.
Mr.. Eldridge: 1t is the law Of the
laed which the gentleman from New York
seeks to have enforced, and the Clerk re,
fuses to entertain an appeal. ] do not
believe that the majority here to~day
would deny the right of appeal to mem
Der of the House. Loud shouts of
"Call the 70 L.
The clerk, On the midst OF the now
increasing confusion) inquired whether
there were any other nominations to the
office of Speaker?
Mr. Eldridge, however, persisted In
keeping the floor, and in trying to make
himself heard He would not say that