Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/893

 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.

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

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

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

.—The scattering vote was 48.

.—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-three candidates received votes on this ballot, Messrs. Sherman, Bocock, Gilmer and Houston leading.