Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-03-27
THsHTx-sIxrn OoreEEss.


WAsHIEGroH, March 23.-A letter was re-
ceived from the Viee-Presidsnt, in which be
stated that II was bis Intention to be sbsenf
during the remainder Of the session. and in
order 10 afford an opportunity for the Senate
to elect a Viee-President pro tenn, be desired
this fact to be made known.
On motion o. Mr.. Hale, Nj. Foot. Of Vsr-
mont, was unansmouaiy chosen President pro
ten.
Mr.. Foot, on being conducted 70 the chair
made a few pertinent remarks.
On motion Of Dir Wilson, a committee was
appointed to eommunieaie the election ef M.
Foot to Viee-President HanIin.
Mr.. Wsde presented he credentials OF John
sherman, Of Ohio, elected In place OF M.
Chase. Mr.. Sherman was qualified and took
his seat.
Mr.. Hale moved to take up bis resolution
for the election OF officers. Agreed to-28
against 10.
Msssrs. Bright and Breckenridge spoke in
favor OF postponement, on account OF the
small attendance and other re ssons.
Mr.. BreekiDri5ge said il the resolution was
carried into effect, the Offices would be distrib-
uted as toe rewards OF partisan services. Il
was a fagitlous and mischieyous 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 q general sweep. For one, be would
be extremely sorry TO see this done; but it
would not be strange Il the list OF subordlnates
should require q little examination or super
vision. Abuses may have erept in. II 20, be
hoped they would be corrected and the faithful
subordlnates let alone.
Mr.. Bright opposed the resolution.
Mr.. FesseDden did not desire 70 make q
general change Of officers. The most Of them
we're entirely acceptable, bat a few might be
removed.
Mr.. Clingman opposed a new election, re-
marking that he neither now nor heretofore
knew TIE political opinions Of any Of the sub
ordinatss.
Many persons now here want foreign mis-
sions. II they can't get these, they want to
be seTgeant-at-arms.
Mr.. Douglas said political prescription was
to be practieed for the hrst time in the Senate
to the public injury and Generalization. He
bad hoped the Senate wsuld be spared the
degradation brought upon other branches Of
the Government.
Mr. Nssmith recognized the doctrine "to the
Vctors belong the spoils.o Considering the
exigsncies Of the couhtry, he would turn the
federal bayonets against the ofice-seekers.
Mr.. Powell moved to take up Hale's resolu-
non, heretofore offered, providing for the ad-
Journment CT the Senate sine die to-day. Il
was evident the majority, instead Of transae-
ting ne business Of an executive session, for
which they were convened. 60 into a miserable
scramble for the spoifs. TIE Republicans for
the hfst time were attempting to bring the con-
test for place into the Senate Chamber. He
looked on these things as despicable enough to
destroy any government on earth. He would
not lend bis presence to such degrading works.
Mr.. Irum6ull replied the Senator complained
that they did not transact business, but how
could they when be and bis friends were con-
tinually making dilatory motions, and calling
Tor the yeaa and nays to waste time.