The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-03-17
90 n 6 r q Ss1onaI
ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW HousE-pIs-
GRACEFUL SCENE.

DioohS induo d potH| VI orueF tiltU Inc he
cording Clerk had not called the names of
members elect from Georgia and Louisi
ana.
The Clerk ovcrrnled the point of order.
Mr.. Brooks appealed from the ruling Of
the Clerk.
The Clerk refused to entertain the ap-
peal.
Then commenced scene of noise, uproar
and excitement, which for time threat
ened to result in general row.
Mr.. Brooks, at the top of his voice, as
serted his right to appeal from the tyranny
of the Clerk.
Mr.. Washburne, H., demanded the Clerk
should go on and call the roll.
The Clerk was proceeding, but Mr..
Brooks seemed determined not to be put
down in that way, and shouted out 81
am member of this House, and l have a
right to appeal from the tyranny of the
Clerk"
The Clerk mildly directed that the gen.
tleman from New York should take his
seat.
Mr.. Brooks defiantly declared the gentle
man frem New York could not take his
seat on the order of the Clerk.
Tho Clerk reminded Mr.. Brooks that the
Clerk was acting under authority of law.
Mr.. Brooks was not to be appeased in
that manner, and declared the Clerk was
not acting under such authority, but in vi
Olation of all laws.
LIQUIDS calls Of order, and much confusion
ensued.
COMING TO NOMINATIONS.
Mr.. Washburne, Ill, demanded the Clerk
should put the question on the nomination
for Speaker, and he nominated James G.
Blaine, of Maine.
Mr. Brooks insisted on his right to ap-
peal, aud tried to make himself heard !; but
his voice was drowned in shouts of Call
the roll.'
The Clerk once more directed Brooks to
take his seat.
Mr.. Brooks refused, and asserted be was
member of the House, while the person
undertaking to dictate to him was 2 Clerk
Of the House.
The Clerk retorted the gentleman was
not member Of the House, but only a
member elect.
Mr. Brooks-And the Clerk is not the
Clerk of the House, nor even the Clerk
elect.
The Clerk replied the gentleman was
mistaken. By the law the Clerk Of the
last House is Clerk of this body.
Mr.. Brooks-The Clerk is bound by laws
and rules, and the rule is that, pending the
election of Speaker the Clerk shall pre-
serve order, and shall decide all questions
of order that may arise, subject to appeal
of the House.
The Clerk, interrupting Mr.. Brooks. said
it is very unpleasant duty for the Clerk.
Mr.. Brooks (interrupting)-I know it is,
but the Clerk is bound by law and bound
to hear the law.
The Clerk-The Clerk is enforcing law.
Mr.. Brooks-The Clerk is not enforcing
law, but is violating it, [Great confu-
sion
Mr.. Washburne, nl-The member from
New York should be put il arrest by the
Sergeant-at-Arms.
At this time almost all the members
were on their feet; the Republicans calling
to order, and the Democrats sustaining
Brooks. The excitement was intense on
the floor and in the galleries.
Mr.. Eldridge inquired, as q question of
order, by what rules the Clerk was gov
erned-by rules of the House or by the law
of the land.
the law of the land and the rules Of this
House.
Mr. Eldridge-It is the law of the land
which the gentleman from New York seeks
to have enforced, and the Clerk refuses to
entertain an appeal I do not believe the
majority here to-day would deny the right
of appeal to member.
Loud shouts of Call the roll"
The Clerk, in the midst of the now in
creasing confusion inquired whether there
were any nominations to the Office Of
Speaker.
Mr.. Eldridge, however, persisted in keep
ing the floor and trying to make himself
heard. He would not say the Clerk was
not right, but he would say the right of
appeal was allowed to members of Con-
gress, and he demanded the right now.
+ Applause from the Democrats.
Mr.. Jones, of Kentucky, addressed the
Clerk, but he was met with shouts Of "Call
the roll"
Mr. Eldridge put it to the other side
whether, when an appeal was made in res
pectful language, it should be denied.
Mr.. Brooks-It has never been denied.
Excitement
Mr.. Eldridge-It never would be denied,
bnt that we are all slaves. [Great excite
ment.] / appeal to the sense Of Justice of
of the men who hold the power of the ma
jority.
Mr.. Jones, of Kentucky-I desire to make
a point of order. ! asked to have the rule
read which secures the right of appeal.
Mr.. Logan appeal to the Clerk to
keep order If gentlemen are determined
to make displays of this kind, l ask that
the Clerk shall have them arrested by the
Sergeant-at-Arms.
This suggestion was met by clapping of
hands on the Republican side and in the
galleries.
Mr.. Brooks deGed the gentleman from
Illinois to make any arrests.
The Clerk again inquired whether there
were any other nominations for Speaker.
Mr. Eldridge persisted in appealing to
the sense of justice of the majority. [Cries
of "Call the roll.''
Mr.. 3rooks-I insist on my right of APP
peal.
The Clerk called upon Messrs. Collum
Sears, Woodward and Voorhees, to act as
tellers in counting the vote for Speaker.
Mr.. Eldridge-1 ask the gentlemen il
they will not let us appeal from the arbi
trary action of the Clerk.
MI. Logan--I insist the Sergeant-at
Arms arrest these men. Applause and
excitement.1
Mr.. Brooks-There is no Sergeant at
Arms.
Mr.. Logan-We will do it ourselves
Applause and encouragement on Republi
can side; laughter and defiance OH tho
Democratic side.
Mr.. Logan-If were Sergeant-at-Arms
/ would do it very quick. Be assured O.
that. ~
Mr.. Stokes at the same time was vocife
rating in an excited manner and threaten
| ing some sort of vengeance on the Demo
Gratis; but the only words that the reporte
distinguished were to the effect that thu