The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-03-28
Extra Session of the Senate.

WASHINGTON, March 23.-A letter was
received from the Vice President 10
which he stated that it was his intention
to lie absent during tho remainder of the
session, and in order to afford an oppor-
tunity for the Senate to elect a Vice Pres.
ident p o tenn. he desired this fact 10 be
made known.
On motion of Mr.. Hale, Mr.. Foot (of
Vt. was unanimously chosen President,
pro tenn.
Mr.. Foot, on being conducted to the
chair, made few pertinent remarks.
On motion of Mr. Wilson, committee
was appointed to communicate the elcc-
ton Of Mr.. Foot to Vice President Fam.
lin.
Mr.. Wade presented the credentials of
John Sherman OF Ohio, elected in place OF
Mr.. Chase. Mr.. Sherman was qualified,
aud took his seat.
Mr.. Hale moved TO take up his reso.
luton for the election Of officers. Agreed
to-5S against l3.
Messrs. Bright and Brechinridge spoke
in favor Of pos'ponement, on account ol
the rmall attendance and other reasons.
Mr.. Breckenridge said if the resolution
was carried into effect, the Offices would
be distributed as the wards for partisan
services. 1t was a Hogitious and mis-
chievous system. and would ultimately
break down any Government on earth.
Mr.. Hale, with due respect, said the
Senator was not justified in the inference
that there would be general sweep
For one, he would be extremely sorry tc
ses this done; but it would no. be strange
if the list of subordinates should require
a little examination or supervision. Abu
ses may have crept in. If 30, he hoped
they would be corrected and that faith
ful subordinates let alone
Mr.. Bright opposd the resolution.
Mr., Fessenden did not desire to make
general change Of officers. The mos
of them we're entirely acceptable. but I
few might be removed.
Mr.. Clingman opposed new election
remarkiug that he neither now nor here
toiore knew the political opinions Of an!
Of the sutordnatcs.
Many persons now here want foreigl
missions. II they cant get these, tho,
want to be Sergeant alarms.
+ Mr.. Douglas said political prescription
was to be bracticed for the frs: time in tn
Senate 10 the public injury and demoral
izatiou. He had hoped the Senate woul
, be spared the degradation brought upo
other branches of the Government
Mr.. NeSmith recognized the doctriu,
"to the victors belong the spois," Con
sidering the exigencies of the country, h
would turn the Federal bayonets again'
the oifice-seekers.
Mr.. Powell moved TO take up Hale
1 resolution. heretofore offered, providin
+ fJr the adjournment of tho Senate sin,
o die to-day. 1t was evident the majorit
instead Of transacting the business Of a
y executive session, for which they wer
/ convened, go into miserable scramb
I for the spoils. The Republicans for III
/ drst time were attempting to bring til
, contest for place into the Senate Chambe
lie looked on these things as despicab
enough to destroy any Government @
O earth. He would not lend his presenC
to such degrading works.
Mr.. Trumbull replied the Senator con
n planned if they did not trSnssct busineS
a but how could they when he and h
q friends were continually making dilatol
o motions and calling for the yeas al
Y nays 10 waste time.