in vain. His rulings were prompt, decisive, and effectual.
The moment a Republican fairly held the floor, the previous question
was moved, the initial contest was over, and the House proceeded to
elect a Speaker.

A stoop-shouldered, studious-looking gentleman, now for the sixth
successive term a member of Congress--Justin S. Morrill, of
Vermont--arose and nominated Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana. On the other
side of the house, a gentleman from New York portly in his person, now
entering on his second Congressional term--Charles H. Winfield--nominated
James Brooks, of New York. Four members took their seats behind the
Clerk to act as tellers. The responses were at length all given, and
the numbers noted. Mr. Morrill, one of the tellers, announced the
result--"Mr. Colfax, one hundred and thirty-nine; Mr. Brooks,
thirty-six." The Clerk formally announced the result, and stepped
aside; his work as presiding officer of the Thirty-ninth Congress was
at an end.

In the place thus made vacant appeared the man but a moment before
elected to the position by the largest political majority ever given
to a Speaker of the House. A well-proportioned figure of medium size,
a pleasing countenance often radiant with smiles, a style of movement
quick and restless, yet calm and self-possessed, were characteristic
of him upon whom all eyes were turned. In the past a printer and
editor in Indiana, now in Congress for the sixth term and elected
Speaker the second time, SCHUYLER COLFAX stood to take the oath of
office, and enter upon the discharge of most difficult and responsible
duties. He said:

"Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: The reaessembling of
Congress, marking as it does the procession of our national history,
is always regarded with interest by the people for whom it is to
legislate. But it is not unsafe to say that millions more than ever
before, North, South, East, and West, are looking to the Congress
which opens its session to-day with an earnestness and solicitude
unequaled on similar occasions in the past. The Thirty-eighth Congress
closed its constitutional existence with the storm-cloud of war still
lowering over us, and after nine months' absence, Congress resumes its
legislative authority in these council halls, rejoicing that from
shore to shore in our land there is peace.

"Its duties are as obvious as the sun's pathway in the heavens.
Representing in its two branches the States and the people, its first