Chapter 11

EXCITING SCENES IN CONGRESS. I am Elected for the Third Term--Invasion of Virginia by John Brown --His Trial and Execution--Spirited Contest for the Speakership-- Discussion over Helper's "Impending Crisis"--Angry Controversies and Threats of Violence in the House--Within Three Votes of Election as Speaker--My Reply to Clark's Attack--Withdrawal of my Name and Election of Mr. Pennington--Made Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means--President Buchanan Objects to Being "Investigated"-- Adoption of the Morrill Tariff Act--Views Upon the Tariff Question --My Colleagues.