To amend an amendment to H. R. 874 by striking from proposed amendment the seventh section relating to an act to reduce rates of postage, approved march 3, 1845

On Feb 24, 1859, the Senate voted 16–26 (HR 874). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 14–12, Republicans 1–14, Others 1–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 13 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: 16
No: 26
Did not vote: 31
Date: Feb 24, 1859

By party

Democrats14 yes · 12 no · 21 didn’t vote
Republicans1 yes · 14 no · 6 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 0 no · 4 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Clement Claiborne Clay Jr. D-AL voted no
David Levy Yulee D-FL voted no
James Harlan R-IA voted yes
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted no
Judah Philip Benjamin D-LA voted no
James Alfred Pearce D-MD voted no
Charles Edward Stuart D-MI voted no
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted no
James Shields D-MN voted no
William Bigler D-PA voted no
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
Andrew Johnson D-TN voted no
Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter D-VA voted no

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To amend an amendment to H. R. 874 by…: Senate Vote, Feb 24, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-612/to-amend-an-amendment-to-h-r-874-by (accessed 2026-10-17).