The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade/Thirty-Sixth Congress

by William O. Blake

 

THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.

Election of Speaker—The "Impending Crisis."

The thirty-sixth Congress assembled at Washington on the 5th day of December, 1859. On the first day of the session, after the House was called to order by Mr. Allen, the Clerk, who announced that 231 members had answered to their names, Mr. Phelps, of Missouri, moved to proceed to the election of a Speaker, which motion prevailed. Mr. Houston, of Alabama, nominated Thomas S. Bocock, of Virginia, Mr. Corwin nominated John Sherman, of Ohio, Mr. Adrian nominated John G. Davis, of Indiana, Mr. Haskin nominated John Hickman, of Pennsylvania, Mr. Stevens nominated Galusha A. Grow, of Pennsylvania, Mr. Briggs nominated Alexander B. Boteler, of Virginia. On proceeding to a ballot, it was found that 230 votes were cast—necessary to a choice, 116.

Mr. Bocock had 86 votes; Mr. Sherman, 66; Mr. Grow, 43; Mr. Nelson, of Tennessee, 5; Mr. Gilmer, of North Carolina, 3; Mr. Davis, 2; Mr. Adrian, 2; Mr. Haskin, 2; scattering, 7. No choice.

Mr. Grow then withdrew his name as a candidate. A motion was then made to adjourn. Lost.

Mr. Clark, of Missouri, offered this resolution:

Whereas, Certain members of this House, now in nomination for Speaker, did indorse and recommend a certain book hereinafter mentioned: Therefore,

Resolved, That the doctrines and sentiments of a certain book called the "Impending Crisis of the South," purporting to have been written by one Hinton R. Helper, are insurrectionary and hostile to the peace and tranquility of the country; and no member of this House who has indorsed or recommended the doctrines and sentiments therein affirmed, is fit to be Speaker of this House.

Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, rose to a question of order, insisting that but one of two things could be in order, a motion to adjourn, or a motion to proceed to another ballot.

The Clerk said that point had been decided both ways.

Mr. Clark proceeded: Representing, as he did, a border Slave State, adjoining two non-Slave-holding States of this Union, representing a Slave-holding constituency, which he nevertheless claimed to be equal in intelligence, patriotism and morality with the constituency of any other member, he would be recreant to that constituency, wanting in self-respect, and himself a traitor to the common country, were he to fail in denouncing as they deserved the sentiments which had been indorsed by men who appeared before them as candidates for election to be presiding officer of the House.

Mr. Stanton said this line of discussion would be much more appropriate and better managed, if the House were first organized with a presiding officer.

Mr. Clark proceeded to denounce the indorser of the "Impending Crisis" as guilty of advising treason, murder and rapine.

Mr. Kilgore thought it would he as well to let the New York Herald tell its own story. His name appeared in the list of Helper's indorsers, yet he had no recollection of having seen the book.

On the next day, the debate was renewed. Mr. Clark continued his speech; after he concluded, Mr. Sherman asked the Clerk to read a letter from F. P. Blair, dated Washington City, December 9, 1859, in which Mr. B. explained how the names of many leading Republican members, recommending the compendium, were obtained in advance of its publication. Mr. Helper brought his book to him at Silver Spring to examine and recommend, but after its perusal, he either wrote to Mr. Helper, or told him that it was objectionable in many particulars. To this, Mr. Helper deferred, and promised to omit entirely or alter the passages objected to. Mr, Blair understood that it was in consequence of this assurance that the obnoxious matter should be expunged, that many members of Congress were induced to recommend the work.

Mr. Sherman said that he did not remember signing the paper referred to, but as his name was published among the signers of the circular, he might have done so, and presumed he did. He had never read either the book or the compend, and had never seen a copy of either.

The contest for Speaker commenced on the first day of the session, and continued until the first of February. The debate was mainly carried on by the Democratic members, the Republicans generally refusing to speak until the House was organized by the election of a Speaker. During the contest, many of the Southern members took occasion to ventilate disunion sentiments, which passed without rebuke from their Democratic colleagues.

On Wednesday, December 7, a second ballot for Speaker resulted—for Sherman, 107; Mr. Bocock, 88; Mr. Gilmer, 22; Mr. Pennington, 3; scattering, 8.

Tenth Ballot—On this ballot, Mr. Briggs, of New York, (American,) received nine votes.

Eleventh Ballot.—After this ballot, Mr. Bocock withdrew, but his friends continued to cast occasional votes for him.

Thirteenth Ballot.—Mr. Barksdale, of Mississippi, received the Democratic vote on this and the two following ballots. The scattering vote on the thirteenth ballot was 46.

Sixteenth Ballot.—The scattering vote was 48.

Seventeenth Ballot.—Before this ballot was taken, Mr. Boteler withdrew, and nominated Mr. Millson, of Va., (Dem.) On this ballot Mr. Etheridge, of Tenn., (Amer.,) received 7 votes.

Twenty-first Ballot.—Twenty-three candidates received votes on this ballot, Messrs. Sherman, Bocock, Gilmer and Houston leading. Twenty-Second Ballot.—.Mr. Scott, (Dem.,) of California, was put in nomination, receiving 17 votes on this ballot, none on the twenty-third, and 83 on the twenty-fourth. Mr. Maclay, (Dem.) of New York, received 12 votes on the twenty-second ballot, and the scattering vote was 35.

Twenty-third Ballot.—Mr. Maynard, (Dem.) of Tenn., was now made the Democratic candidate, on nomination of Mr. Brabson, receiving 65 votes, against 105 for Sherman, the rest scattering.

Twenty-fifth Ballot.—Mr. Vallandingham, (Dem.) of Ohio, was nominated by the Democrats, receiving 12 votes on this ballot, and rising to 69 on the twenty-sixth. He was then dropped.

Twenty-eighth BallotTwenty-eighth Ballot.—There were seven leading candidates on this ballot, viz: Messrs. Sherman, McClernand, Bocock, Davis, Gilmer, Quarles, and Houston; 16 scattering votes were also cast.

Twenty-ninth Ballot.—Mr. Hamilton, (Dem.) of Texas, became the Democratic candidate on the nomination of Mr. Davis of Ind., and centered the vote of that party until the thirty-fourth ballot—his highest vote being 89 and his lowest 75.

An interval of fourteen days (January 11 to 25) elapsed between the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth ballot. During that time several exciting passages occurred in the House. Mr. Haskin created a sensation by dropping a pistol from his pocket; Mr. Pennington vainly endeavored to procure the passage of the plurality rule; Mr. Pryor uttered his fulmination against the New York Herald; Mr. Sherman defined his position; Mr. Corwin grew facetious over the troubles of the House; Mr. Etheridge's resolution to stop the talking and vote at least three times per diem was adopted.

Thirty-fifth Ballot.—The American vote was united on Mr. Smith, of North Carolina, in whose favor the tide ran strongly until the thirty-ninth ballot, when, but for the change of several votes, he would have been elected.

Thirty-ninth Ballot.—This ballot, cast on Friday, January 27, produced the greatest excitement in the House. Mr. Smith gained, but subsequently lost, the votes necessary to elect. The whole number cast was 228. Mr. Smith received 115 votes, but before the result was announced, three members, viz: Messrs. McPherson, Morris and Stanton, (all of Pennsylvania,) withdrew from Mr. Smith and voted for Mr. Corwin; thus reducing Mr. Smith's vote to 112—three less than the requisite number. The vote, as finally announced, stood as follows: Smith, 112; Sherman, 106; Corwin, 4; scattering, 6. The House then adjourned over to Monday. Before it again met, a Republican caucus was held, at which it was resolved to concentrate the Republican vote on Mr. Pennington, of New Jersey; Mr. Sherman announcing his intention to withdraw.

Fortieth Ballot.—On Monday Mr. Sherman rose in his place and formally withdrew his name. Mr. Pennington was then nominated in his place. The Democrats and South Americans continued to vote for Mr. Smith. The vote on this and the two succeeding ballots stood, 115 for Pennington and 113 for Smith.

Forty-third Ballot. — On Tuesday, January 21, the programme again changed. Mr. Smith withdrew, and Mr. McClernand was nominated in his place. Only one ballot was taken this day, resulting in 116 votes for Pennington, and 91 for McClernand; 26 scattering.

Forty-fourth, and Last Ballot. — The final ballot took place on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Mr. Briggs of New York voted for Mr. Pennington, giving him 117, the number necessary to elect. Thus, after wrangling for nearly two months, was the House organized. Mr. Pennington was at once conducted to the chair, duly sworn in, and so ended this remarkable and exciting contest.

 

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Summary of the Several Ballots.

 

Sherman,Bocock,Barksdale,Boteler,Gilmer,
(Rep.)(Dem.)(Dem.)(Am.)(Am.)
First Ballot	66	86	. . .	14	3
Second Ballot	107	88	. . .	. . .	22
Third Ballot	110	88	. . .	. . .	20
Fourth Ballot	108	86	. . .	. . .	22
Fifth Ballot	110	85	. . .	. . .	22
Sixth Ballot	110	85	. . .	. . .	18
Seventh Ballot	96	86	. . .	. . .	36
Eighth Ballot	111	83	. . .	25	. . .
Ninth Ballot	111	85	. . .	23	. . .
Tenth Ballot	111	84	. . .	15	. . .
Eleventh Ballot	112	85	. . .	21	. . .
Twelfth Ballot	112	10	. . .	29	. . .
Thirteenth Ballot	110	12	20	31	. . .
Fourteenth Ballot	111	. . .	15	39	. . .
Fifteenth Ballot	110	. . .	10	43	. . .
Sixteenth Ballot	109	. . .	. . .	38	. . .
Millson, (Dem.)
Seventeen Ballot	106	. . .	96	. . .	6
Eighteenth Ballot	95	. . .	79	. . .	36
Nineteenth Ballot	108	. . .	69	. . .	21
Twentieth Ballot	103	. . .	10	27	19
Houston, (Dem.)
Twenty-first Ballot	100	20	17	. . .	17
Scott, (Dem.)
Twenty-second Ballot	101	14	15	17	14
Maynard, (Dem.)
Twenty-third Ballot	105	. . .	65	. . .	. . .
Twenty-fourth Ballot	102	. . .	. . .	83	14
McClernand,Vallandigham, (Dem.)(Dem.)
Twenty-fifth Ballot	101	. . .	33	12	14
Twenty-sixth Ballot	104	. . .	. . .	69	7
Davis,Nelson, (Dem.)(Dem.)
Twenty-seventh Ballot	103	56	6	8	. . .
McClernand, (Dem.)
Twenty-eighth Ballot	109	32	37	. . .	4
Hamilton, (Dem.)
Twenty-ninth Ballot	103	. . .	89	. . .	14
Sherman, Bocock, Hamilton, Nelson, Gilmer (Rep.)(Dem.)(Dem.)(Am.)(Am.)
Thirtieth Ballot	105	...	88	...	22
Thirty-first Ballot	105	...	88	...	19
Thirty-second Ballot	105	...	88	...	18
Thirty-third Ballot	108	...	81	...	19
Thirty-fourth Ballot	106	...	75	...	25
Smith,(Am.)
Thirty-fifth Ballot	105	51	26	...	...
Davis,(Dem.)
Thirty-sixth Ballot	109	58	37	5	...
Thirty-seventh Ballot	110	55	36	7	...
Thirty-eighth Ballot	109	51	33	7	4
Thirty-ninth Ballot	106	...	112	...	...
Pennington, (Rep.)
Fortieth Ballot	115	...	113	...	...
Forty-first Ballot	115	...	113	...	...
Forty-second Ballot	115	...	113	...	...
McClernand, (Dem.)
Forty-third Ballot	116	...	91	...	1
Forty-fourth Ballot	117	...	85	...	16

 

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JOHN BROWN INVESTIGATION.

The Senate Committee to investigate the Harper's Ferry Insurrection matter, have had a number of persons before them. They have not, as yet, reported; but it is ascertained that they have not obtained any evidence to implicate any other persons in the affair besides those who were actively engaged in it. Thaddeus Hyatt, of Massachusetts, was subpoenaed, but denied the right of the Committee to act in the matter. This was regarded as contempt, and he was imprisoned in the jail at Washington city, where he still remains. On May 28th, 1860, Mr. Dixon offered a resolution to authorize the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove said Hyatt from the jail, and permit him to pass without restraint within the limits of the city of Washington. The resolution was objected to, and laid over.