y-seven, Galusha A. Grow was
elected a Representative in Congress from Pennsylvania. He was an
active and very useful Member. He took strong ground against the
repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and in 1859 was a competitor
with me for the position of speaker, but withdrew in my favor after
the first ballot. In the following Congress he was chosen speaker
and rendered very valuable service as such. After a continuous
service in Congress for fourteen years, he retired from active
political life and engaged in important business enterprises, but
always took an interest in political affairs. He was elected by
an overwhelming majority as a Member of the 53rd Congress at large
from his state.

Schuyler Colfax was a conspicuous Member of Congress from 1855
until he was nominated for the office of Vice President, in 1868,
on the ticket with General Grant. During this long period he
represented one district, and served for six years as speaker. He
was a very industrious, active Member. As we were of about the
same age, and our lives ran in parallel lines, we were often thrown
together. We and our families in Washington messed together in a
household for several years, and our intercourse was always friendly
and intimate. When he became Vice President he remarked to me that
I was first to enter the Senate, but he was first to become Vice
President. After his service as Vice President, he retired from
public life and delivered lectures upon many topics.

Many other Members of Congress, equally worthy of note, have passed
away from the scenes of life, and some few survive. I would gladly
recall their memory if my space would allow.

CHAPTER VI.
BIRTH OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
The Name Formally Adopted at Jackson, Michigan, in 1854--Nomination
of John C. Fremont at Philadelphia--Democratic Convention Nominates
James Buchanan--Effect of the Latter's Election on the North--My
Views Concerning President Pierce and His Administration--French
Spoilation Claims--First Year of Buchanan's Administration--Dred
Scott Case Decision by Supreme Court--The Slavery Question Once
More an Issue in Congress--Douglas' Opposition to the Lecompton
Scheme--Turning Point of the Slavery Controversy.

During the first session of the 34th Congress, the opponents of
slavery were without a party name or organization. They agreed
only in the one demand, that slavery should not be established in
Kansas. On other questions they voted on old