To amend H. R. 541 so as to specify sums of money, and sources thereof, to be paid by railway company annually during term of its franchise, to corporate author

On Feb 5, 1859, the Senate voted 18–24 (HR 541). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 13–9, Republicans 4–14, Others 1–1. 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: 18
No: 24
Did not vote: 31
Date: Feb 5, 1859

By party

Democrats13 yes · 9 no · 25 didn’t vote
Republicans4 yes · 14 no · 3 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 1 no · 3 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William King Sebastian D-AR voted no
David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted no
James Asheton Bayard Jr. D-DE voted no
David Levy Yulee D-FL voted no
James Harlan R-IA voted yes
Henry Wilson R-MA voted yes
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted no
James Shields D-MN voted no
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted no
William Bigler D-PA voted no
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
Jacob Collamer R-VT voted yes
Charles Durkee R-WI voted yes

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 H. R. 541 so as to specify sums of…: Senate Vote, Feb 5, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-541/to-amend-h-r-541-so-as-to-specify (accessed 2026-10-17).