The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-01-18
LATEST FROM WASHINGTON.
VIRGINIA.
SCENES IN THE SENATE.
THE NARROW-M1NDED AND MA
LIGNANT TAKE A TURN In
REVILQNG HER.
srECULATIONs ON PIE subject OF
ADMISSION.
Specia al telegram to tho Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, January IL, 1870.
In expectation of final vote upon the
bill to admit Virginia to representation, the
Senate galleries were crowded this after
noon by more respectable and elegantly
attircd class of people than has before at
tended the meetings Of Congress at the pre-
sent session. The floor of the Senate was
also well filled by notables, amongst them
General Sherman and Governor Walker, of
Virginia. Though compelled to listen to
very dull and not at all pertinent speeches,
the auditors sat it out patiently until near
o'clock, hoping the vote would be taken
but the Senate at that hour went into execu-
tive session, and the spectators dispersed
much disappointed. E..
The position the matter assumed finally
was not anticipated; for it was expected
that o final vote would certainly be taken
to-day; but several senators deemed it
necessary to place themselves upon the
record in long speeches, wherein the real
merits of the bill pending were not dis
cussed, but the histories Of the Democratic
and Republican parties wer0 recited, inter-
lardsd with the political records Of the
speakers.
The temporary postponement of the
Senate bill and the taking up in its stead
the House bill was expected, as was
the EdmundsWilley amendment, that has
passed the Senate as an amendment to the
Senate Judiciary Committees bill. Much
interest was manifested as to the vote on
the amendment, but it was not disposed of
at the hour of adjournment.
The best judgment tonight is that the
Senate will tomorrow pass the Bingham
bill as it came from the House but many
are of the opinion that the Edmunds- Wiley
amendment will be Incorporated in it, and
thus send the bill back to the House for
concurrence. The amendment does not
affect past action, and does not delay the
admission Of the senators and representa-
tives from Virginia, as it but requires an
oath as to disabilities under the fourteenth
amendment to be taken by the members of
the Legislature before they can again par
ticipatc in the proceedings of the State
Legislature. So that if the bill shall be
amended as proposed by Messrs. Edmunds
and Wiley the members of Congress can
Immediately take their seats.
General Butler was upon the floor of the
Senate most Of the afternoon moving
around actively among Senators. 1t is said
he was endeavoring to get the bill back to
the House that he might have another turn
of the reconstruction wheel; but 80 far as
external evidences in the department of
those whom Butler approached will 60 to
show sentiment it is fair to judge that the
Massachusetts, member did not meet with
much encouragement. ... a..
The general dullness of the perform
ances were occasionally enlivened by O
scintillation of wit provoked by side re-
marks or in running debate. Objecting
to giving Virginia liberal bill and to trust
ing to the sincerity and honor of her citi-
zcns, Mr.. Morrill,, Of Vermont, inquired
why the Republican party wanted to COM
nit suicide. Senator Davis promptly re-
piled, because the party feels that it
ought to be hung, This brought down the
House in roar Of laughter. Morrill, pro-
ceeded in his speech, in which he avowed
his opposition to admitting Virginia under
any conditions, she being the worst of the
States that rebelled, and he could not see
what the Republican party wanted with
her, unless like the girl who married her
trifing lover just to get rid of him. He
would rather trust the rebels, however,
than the Democratic party.
This brought Senator Salisbury down
upon the liberal gentleman from Vermont,
who received sound drubbing ut the hands
of that stalwart senator. Salisbury said
he felt very much disturbed and the tive