Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-02-19
pl.erafslul srene.

The scene which took place Wednesday after.
noon, in the joint assembly to count and an
nounoe the votes for President, was one Of tn,
most disgraceful in the history of Congress
The trouble started from a blunder of Mr. Wade
who presided, in allowing Gen. Butler to inter-
pose an objection to the counting Of the vote Of
Georgia Mr. Edmunds made point of order
that the objection was not in order, the two
Houses having adopted special rule in the
case Of the vote Of Georgia. Mr.. Butler, in a
bullying tone, insisted Or his objection. Mr..
Wade became CONFUSED, and ordered the Senate
to retire, though this was clearly in violation Of
the Edmunds joint resolution. After the S nate
retired the House voted that Georgia should not
be counted. The Serate had stormy time over
the question dozen resolutions were offe. ed
and rejected, and finally one of Mr.. Edmunds
was adopted, basel On the assumption that ne-
ther branch could alone repeal the joint rule and
the presiding officer was therefore instructed not
70 entertain Mr. Buffers objection, or any other.
Upon the return Of the Senate 10 the House,
scene of great disorder occurred Mr.. Wade or
dered the tellers to proceed with their count.
Gen Butler pushed back his coaI-cuifs, squared
himself before his desk, and in a loud voice
shouted out an appeal, and insolenty demanded
that the Senate should leave the chamber. Babel
broke loose at once, and, for half an hour reign
ed supreme Forty or fifty republicans and
dozen democrats We're on their feet, each one
.dding his part to the disgraceful scene Several
senator's were on the floor and screaming at the
top Of their voices Mr.. Butler again flung his
arm out at the Senate, and cried that the House
wanted its chamber cleared Of the interlopers.
The oldes; and most respectable senators hung
their heads The galleries hung over in amaze
ment The occupants Of the diplomatic quarter
sat studying the new lesson in congressional
manner Senator Doolittle demanded the an
nouncement Of the result, whereupon somebody
shouted, "We want the Senate to get out Of
here Senator Conkling began the announce
ment, but was yelled down by Butler and
his clique. Mr.. Colfax sprung to his feet and
declared that if there was any further resistance
on the part Of the members of the House to the
orders of the presiding officer, he would direct
their instant arrest. Mr.. Batter then slowly
settled into his seat. Senator Conkling read the
result Of the vote, and Mr. Wade declared Ulys-
ses S. Grant elected President and Schuyler
Colfax Vice-Presiient for the next four years.
The joint convention was then dissolved.
The last senator had not got out Of the cham
her before Mr.. Butler was up with resolution
protesting against the ruling Of Mr.. Wade, and
declaring it an act Of tyranny. Finally Mr.
Colhx made a brief speech. rebuking in dgni-
fed words the disorierly proceedings, saying
that Mr.. Wade's course was in strict accordance
with the rules passed for his guidance by the
two Houses, that he could not possibly have en-
tertainel Mr.. Buffers appeal, and asking that
action on Mr. Buffers resolution be deferred
until the members were ina calmer mood, which
was done, and the House adjourned