The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1870-12-23
ANOTHER EXCITING DAY
IN THE SENATE.
The San Domingo Debate--War to
the Knlfc.--All Night Session.

Gu: er Gin. GGstHe.
WASHINGTON, D. G., 81, 1870,
The San Domingo annnexNtionisls in
the Senate to-day demonstrated that not
only were they thoroughly organized, but
they are determined 10 push their pet
scheme through to the exclusion OF all
other public business for the time being
Last night ailGr adjournment they conf
IDENTIFY boosted Of ut least n majority Of
len, and rs IL consequence they felt per-
tectIy secure in pushing things in order to
secure final vote.
Vice President ColtNx early developed
into Il warm supporter Of the scheme, and
helped his friends along whenever an
opportunity occurred, both on the floor
and in the Chair.
When the hour for consideration Of the
calendar arrived, several Senators en-.
dcavorcd to call up bills which have re-
cCivcd more or less attention the past
week. Mr.. Sherman insisted that his bill
to rcclassily the grades Of sugar should be
taken up, us its provisions would entirely
lail il not acted upon before the recess
lie was so earnest in pressing this matter
that the annCXatiOniSts thought it nd
visible to humor him by advocating its
consideration
But ut this point Casserly got the floor
and asked leave 10 introduce bill to
abolish the income tax. He thought it
time that practicable measures seeking
the relief Of the people should be given
some attention, even if the case OF San
Domingo should have to 60 over; and it
was here that the tactics Of the AnncXa-
tionists began to be developed. Conkling
announced that no man was more in FL:
vnr Of abOlishiIg this odtous tax, as he
expressed il. than himself; but If the Senn.
tor from California, insisted on bringing
this matter up nj that inOpp0rtlme time,
he should vote ngainsti:. The anncXa-
tiOnlsts took the cue, and Morton, Chand-
Ter, Stewart and COrbett, NIL said that
while they were in favor OF the bill, still
they should oppose it If it were not with.
drawn for the present. Mr.. Sherman be-
seechcd CasscrIy to listen to these warn
ing voices. ind not imperil his bill at such
a critical junCturc. CAsscrly replied that
being little experienced in parliamentary
tactics, he could not in his simplicity see
WHY Senators could not vote in INVOr OF
his bill one day as well Us another. Nor
ton explained by stating that II any mat
ter at all other than his Sun Domingo
resolutions was worthy OF the notice OF
the Senate, lie should give precedence to
Sherman's sugar amendment, and then
the anneXatiOnists Hll over the Senate en-.
deavOred to teach the inexperienced
Senator from California how much more
important 1t was to take up Shcrman's bill
than the one proposed by the former.
In the midst OF the wranglo the morning
hour expired, and then ensued struggle
for the floor. Shcrman's sugar bill was
refused hearing, and Casserly found that
the San Domingo resolutions had more
friends than llc could well afford to fight
against with any hope Of success, and so
he quietly submitted 10 the inevihblcs.
Vice President Colfax left tho chair and
took n seat beside Senator Morton, while
Mr.. Upton opened the days debate. He
was listened 10 impatiently, rs every one
was waiting eXpeCtantly for Sumner. 1t
was known thAt the Massachusetts Sena-
tor had some important facts to disclose,
and besides, he was looked upon us the
champion Of the opposition, and one
whose peculiar diplomatic experience and
knowledge Of our foreign relations made
him most formidable opponent.
Amer Upton finished, Sumner arose.
The eyes OF the occupants Of the galleries
and the attention Of Senators were center
cd upon him. To the astonishmcnt OF
everybody lie moved to go into executive
session to consider various important mp
poinlmcnts sent to the Senate by the
President
Morton excitcdly objected, stating that
the country wouldn't suffer by the post
pODempnt of such matters.
Bny0rd took the floor and made u long
speech against NTortOn's resolution.
When Sumner renewed his motion for
MI executive session COnkling said any
time would do for that, and ordered the
yeas and nays on the motion. While the
clerk was making out q list of votes,
Chandler repeated Ills process Of yGstcr-
day. and looked over the Clerks shoulder
TO see exactly how Senators had voted.
Sherman voted yea on Summers motion
and wRs Immediately demonstrated with
by COnklin and Morton. The Southern
Senators were almost unanimous in vo-
Ting down Summers motion, which was
last by IS to 81, and then Sumner got
The floor again and proceeded with his
speech. While he was outwardly calm,
il was evident TO all that he was very
angry. There wNs peculiar intensity in
his language, and q vehemence In his
manner, which even those who heard
him in the days Of his contests with the
Old slave powers failed to recognize. AS
he proceeded he became very sarcastic at
the expense Of General BabcoCk, or that
"young officer of the army" rs he styled
him, his extraordinary proceedings while
acting MS the agent Of the Administration
in San Domingo, and tho lofty character
which he assumed in his dealings with
Eaez. lie challenges tho author OF the
resolutions to give any other reason for
their Introduction than that 1t was both
hIs intention and desire to commit Con-
rrcss to the policy Of annexation. His
General knowledge Of the political condi-
lion Of Hayti, the character Of its public
men, and tho past and present Of It's peo-
ple, were somewhat unexpected, butnone