Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-11-19

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PRRsrpBNcY OF THE SENATB.-As Mr.. Upham,
who has SO ably presided over the Senate for two
Years mast. is no longer member OF that body,
il will become necessary for them to select new
presiding officer at the coming session. This sa
lection might seem, at first thought to be one
which concern none but the members Of the Sen
ate and, so far as their personal convenience and
accommodation are involved, this is, unques
tionably, the correct view of the matter. But
there are other and important considerations OF a
public nature, which should also have their
due weight in the selection. On the character
and capacity for business OF the presiding officer
to considerable extent, depends the facility,
p,omptitude, and accuracy, with which the bust
ness Of legislation is dispatched, and so far as
that's concerned, the people have an interest,
which should be paramount to any considera-
tions, personal to the members themselves
The Senate is one of very fair ability, having
more members who are men of talent than it was
apprehended in the earlier portion Of the canvass.
that it would contain. Among these are a num-
Der capable of presiding very respectfully over
the body. Among them might be named Mesrrs.
Phelps of Suffolk, Osgood of Essex, Davis Of
Plymouth, Walker Of Hampeen, and Branning
and Robinson of Berkshire. OF these, DR..
Phelps, from the circumstance of his having,
heretofore, held the station Of Speaker of the
House, very creditably to himself, would seem,
per Sc, to stand so decidedly prominent as TO leave
but little doubt of his selection. But the Boston
folks seem to have set their hearts, very decided
", upon having Charles Hale Speaker of the
House, and considering the prominence Of his
position for the station last year, the ability
which he manifested on the floor Of the House,
and in his position at the head of the Finance
Committee, his acquaintance with parliamentary
rules and with the subject Of legislation gener-
ally together with his eminent services to the
Republican party, we do not see, if he is desir
Gus Of the position, any good reason why he
should not have it. For our own part. we think
he could do the State more service BY remaining
on the floor Of the House and retaining his posi-
ton as Chairman Of the Committee Finance,
than he possibly can as Speaker Of the House.
For that reason and for no other, we should pre-
fer to see him there, with the full concurrence of
his own judgment and feelings. But, Of this we
feel that he should judge for himself, and with
his decision we should be satisfied.
II then, Mr. Hale should be selected as Speak
er Of the HoVse, we suppose that there is a feel
ing, very generally prevalent, that the presiding
officers of both Houses should not be taken from
the same section, which would prevent the
choice Of DR.. Phelps as President of the Sen
ate. Assuming this to be so, the Boston TraU
sler, on view OF the whole ground, proposes
John BTsnning Of Lee the President of the
Senate. We do not propose to take any part in
this question, because, with the prospect Of hav
ng either of the gentlemen above named, IN the
Presidents chair, the people would have cause
for entire satisfaction, and the selection among
them would be question for the Senators to act.
tie to their own satisfaction. But we felt that
we could not let the opportunity pass, without
expressing our own appreciation Of Mr.. Bsan-
ning's merits. We have known him as a member
of the House, Delegate to the Constitutions
Convention and Senator, and in every position
be has claimed our respect, and we do not hest
tate to pronounce him as honest, fearless, and in
dependent man as ever sat at TIE Senatorial
board of Massachusetts,. To this he adds sound
and discriminating Judgment, and the varied and
general information so necessary TO make good
legislator. Had we more such men in our leg.
islative bodies, there would be less cause to
complain of our legislation. Whether Nh. Bran
ming shall grace the Presidential seat or not, Ell
ther there or at the private senatorial DESK what
ever position be may hold in the body, it will be
one of honor to himself and usefulness to the
State.