Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-03-29
WARRINGTON, March % O..


Tho Vice President communicated to the Senate
his intention to be absent during the remainder OF
the session.
On motion of Mr.. Hale, Mr.. Foote was unsni-
mously chosen President pro tsmp2rs.
Mr.. Foote being conducted to the chair, said ne
received this unanimous expression Of their con-
6deuce and good WILL witha full recognition Of the
personal compliment which it implied, and he
trusted with full appreciation OF the direct and
contingent responsibilities imposed. Not aite-
gether unaccustomed to the duties Of presiding
officer, he had learned something of the delicaey
and difficulties which beset the efforts OF ialtn-
full discharge of the duties involved Experience
indeed showed the necessity Of relying very large
ly on the aid of the kind cooperation, indulgence
and forbearance of the Senate cooperation
and forbearance he was pleased to say, he mad
never seen wanting in this body. lie thanked the
Senate for this fattering testimonial, and pledged
himself to his utmost endeavors to discharge the
duties of tie position with fidelity, vigilance and
impartiality.
Mr.. Hale moved to take up his resolution for
the election of officers.
Agreed to-25 to l3
Mr.. Bright moved its pcstpOnement to the first
Monday in December, saying that owing to the
small attendance of members on the Democratic
side. there could be no fair expression of opinion.
Mr.. Breckenridge thought it would be violative
of usage to make general sweep Of tho subordi-
mates of the Senate, many of whom would be lett
in actual restitution. 1t was but just and fair
that the election should be postponed till the next
session, in order that they may meanwhile look
forward and make some other provision Tor their
subsistence. If the resolution is carried into eff
feet the offices would be distributed as the re-
wards for partisan services. 1t was iagltlous
and mischievous system, and would ultimately
break down any government on earth.
Mr.. Hale, with duo respect, said the Senator
was not justified in the inference that there will
- For ha UOIth Iq VII mi
ly sorry to see this done. But it would not be
strange if the list of subordnaes should require
a little examination supervisOn-abuses may
have crept in; if so, he hoped they would be cor
rected, and the faithful subOrdinates let alone
| He said that during the late session a lady came
and solicited his influence with the doorkeeper of
the House of Representatives, saying her grand
father, as well her father, was an army officer.
| He listened to the appeal very patiently and
| kindly. She wanted TO so into the street and
| pick up boy and have him appointed a page,
| that she might draw part of the pay in consider
alton Of revolutionary services Of her ancestors.
Mr.. PoweIl-From what part of the country
| did she como
Mr.. Hale-I don't know. l think she lived in
Washington. 1 will agree she came from New
| Hampshire or kentucky. (Laughter.)
Mr. Fessenden did not desire to make general
change of officers. The most Of them entirely
acceptable-a few, probably, might be removed.
! Mr.. Douglas said political prescription was to
be practsed for the first time in the Senate to the
| public injury and decentralization, as he thought.
Men of all parties had become satisfied, from daily
! experience. He had hoped the Senate would be
! spared the degradation brought upon other branch
| es of the Government
| Mr.. Nesmith recognized the doctrine that " to
| the victors belong the spois." The only qUes-
| ton was when the dead to be scalped and
the wounded stripped. lie knew the Administra-
| tion was very much embarrassed by throngs Of
| countless spoilsmen who want place. Considering
| the present exigencies of the country, he would
turn the Federal bayonets against these Office seek
ers. Going TO of the public Offices on business
| for Oregon, a gentleman from Illinois took him
i for an office seeker he was standing in a crowd.
Said the gentleman to him, " I've fixed that little
matter-you'll get the Post Office" (Iaughter)
! Some men were born to greatness-others have
| honors forced upon them-and he was about being
located in the interior of Illinois in Office he
| did not desire. (Laughter.)
| Mr.. Breckinridge's motion to postpone consid-
Grafton of the resolution till the second Monday in
| December, was negatived-l3 against "a.
Mr.. Powell, said it is evident the majority, in
stead of transacting the business Of an executive
session, for which they were convened, wanted to
| go into miserable scramble for the spoils. The
Republicans for the first time, attempting to
bring the contest for place into the Senate Cham
Der.
Mr. Trumbull repIed-The Senator complained
that they did not transact business; but how could
they when he and his friends were persistently
making dilatory motions and calling for the yeas
and nays to waste time. The Senator himself had
shown his anxiety to hold on to the Offices for his
friends and wanted this resolution postponed IN
til December in order that meanwhile they might
enjoy the crumbs. Did anybody ever hear Of
Democrats appointing Republicans to Office Yet
it wonderful thing if the Republicans pro-
posed to turn out one Democrat. Some Senators
on the other side ready to disorganize the
government, break up quorum, and stop the
wheels Of in order to keep their friends
in office. Ii was not unusual 10 make changes Of
officers during executive sessions.