William Hepworth Dixon, White Conquest: Volume 2

[57] Billieu's motion. Vigers is Clerk-Clerk of the last Chamber-and his function is to read the roll. By courtesy an officer in his situation is allowed to put the first motion for naming a chairman; but on his neglect to do so any member of the Chamber has the right, according to American usage, not only in New Orleans, but in Washington, to put the motion, and take a show of hands. Seeing Vigers hesitate, a member rises, puts the motion made by Billieu, takes a show of hands, and declares the proposal carried. Taking the gavel from Vigers's hands, Louis A. Wiltz moves at once into the chair, and while the Negroes are staring and shouting, he calls the House to order, and announces from the chair that business may now begin.

A member rises to propose that the deferred returns be certified, and that the five members, who are waiting in the streets, be admitted to their seats. Wiltz puts this motion, which is carried by a large majority of votes, many of the Negroes having left the room in order to seek advice from the party wire-pullers sitting in Kellogg's cabinet. When the five gentlemen come in, the White voting strength amounts to fifty-four votes.