The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-21
Affair at the state Capital.

OUR ALBANY CORRESPONDENCE.
ALBANY, Feb l3, 1851.
More Trouble about Usited States Se~ator.
II is questionable whether the annals Of New
York legislation ever presented more interesting
spectacle than that Of yesterday, when Senator
Beekman made his speech, defining his position,
and giving his reasons for opposing the election Of
Mr. Fish, TO the important position Of United
States Senator. His remarks were impromptu,
being drawn from him upon the introduction OF a
bill by M. Schoonmaker, to alter the law in reia-
ton to such election. 1t was a matter of doubt
and speculation as to the course that Mr.. Beekman
would pursue, and the expositions which he made
on that occasion, rendered the scene interesting to
an extraordinary degree. He had expressed his
willingness to make another trial, under the law
it now exists, by n erely changing the time; but as
the bill introduced by Mr. Schoonmaker altered the
mode Of election, it was, therefore, that Mr. Beck
man opposed is Introduction. In the course OF his
remarks, he avowed himself wing, standing side
by side with Clay, Webster, and Fillmore, 10 the
support Of the Union and the constitution He had
opposed Mr. Stewards election 70 the u. s Senate,
and he now opposed the candidate brought forward
by his friends lie had no personal iLfeeling to.
wards ex Governor Fish; he resisted his election
not as man, but on account of being ella sped to
the bosom of certain gentlemen holding principles
adverse 10 the peace and quietness OF the country.
Mr. Beekman, though much affected, and laDor-
ing under an undue degree OF excitement, never
theless firmly adhered 10 The position which he
had taken, and solemny declared that no power on
earth could cover or d,ssaade him from m ainta
ing the stand he had deliberately taken. Al the
conclusion OF his remarks, he quoted from Marin
Luther, as apply 10 himself, the following
me mora able words" sisnd here-I can do no
otherwise; NAV God help me
When Mr.. Beekmen commenced his speech, the
chamber was ordinarily thin but as soon it was
announced that he was speaking. crowds from The
Asst mbly, from the lotbies and the streets, rush
to the Senate Chamber 10 listen 10 his remarks,
The most profound silence prevailed during the
time he was upon Jhe floor, with the exception of
an occasional smothefeo kissing from a concs aied
Seward abolitionist. The scene was one of intense
IntfIest and unusual soleEnip; ano when Mr.
Beekman closed his adore IS and resumed his seat,
an awful stiffness prevailed among Senators and
spectators, which remained undisursed until Mr.
SchooDmaker rose 10 reply. Mr.. b. hnaiis with
drew his objecnons, and the bill was introduced
ard referred 10 the COMMITTEE on the judiciary,
consisting Of Mr.. Bahcock silver grey wing. Mr..
Mann, moderate barnburDer democrat, and Mr..
SchooDmaker, abolition snn'reDt wing
The bill, which the readers oi The Herald have
had laid before them, makes material change 10
the none of election II proposes To convene both
houses of the Legislature into oody, and there
vote Tor Senator, taking from both houses ali inde
pendent action, completely nullines the power Of
the 5. nate, and merges that BODY in common
with the members of The hover house. The JUDI
cary Committee, as at present constituted, will
never report favorably upon that hill
Another bill will be introduced into the house
tomorrow by Mr.. Ferris, Wing member from
Tompkins, merely altering the present Law, 30 tar
as To substitute another day for mr. n st Eussdey
in February, which has now pass. without making
choce OF Senator. For such bl Nr Beck.
man will vote, tor he appears willing 10 give the
Leeisla lure another opportunity To make "a At
tempt al en- Ell. ction But unless rhe majority CON
sent to the adoption of resolutions sustaining the
national administration, they certainly cannot sue
coed during the present session. That's fixed
fact W