To table a resolution to appoint a select committee to consider all petitions and matters relating to construction of roads, railroads, and telfgraph lines to p

On Dec 19, 1857, the House voted 94–99. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 87–15, Republicans 1–78, Others 6–6. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 16 members voted against their own party.

During the 35th Congress (1857–1858), James Buchanan was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 94
No: 99
Did not vote: 52
Date: Dec 19, 1857

By party

Democrats87 yes · 15 no · 33 didn’t vote
Republicans1 yes · 78 no · 14 didn’t vote
Others6 yes · 6 no · 5 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Charles Lewis Scott D-CA voted no
Joseph Chambers Mckibbin D-CA voted no
Samuel Arnold D-CT voted no
James Lindsay Seward D-GA voted no
Augustus Romaldus Wright D-GA voted no
James Hughes D-IN voted no
James Madison Gregg D-IN voted no
John Givan Davis D-IN voted no
John Milton Sandidge D-LA voted no
James Craig D-MO voted no
John Smith Phelps D-MO voted no
Lawrence Washington Hall D-OH voted no
Joseph Burns D-OH voted no
Samuel Anderson Purviance R-PA voted yes
Albert Galiton Watkins D-TN voted no
William Tecumsah Avery D-TN voted no

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To table a resolution to appoint a select…: House Vote, Dec 19, 1857,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-H-14/to-table-a-resolution-to-appoint-a-select-committee (accessed 2026-10-15).