To suspend rules so as to submit a resolution and preamble thereto requesting the committee on ways and means to inquire into the desireability of revising the

On May 17, 1858, the House voted 87–100. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 7–95, Republicans 72–2, Others 8–3. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides. 9 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: 87
No: 100
Did not vote: 58
Date: May 17, 1858

By party

Democrats7 yes · 95 no · 33 didn’t vote
Republicans72 yes · 2 no · 19 didn’t vote
Others8 yes · 3 no · 6 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John Franklin Farnsworth R-IL voted no
Owen Lovejoy R-IL voted no
Garnett Bowditch Adrain D-NJ voted yes
Daniel Edgar Sickles D-NY voted yes
John Cochrane D-NY voted yes
Erastus Corning D-NY voted yes
Paul Leidy D-PA voted yes
Allison White D-PA voted yes
John Alexander Ahl D-PA voted yes

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 suspend rules so as to submit a…: House Vote, May 17, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-H-227/to-suspend-rules-so-as-to-submit-a-resolution (accessed 2026-10-14).