The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-01-05


HARRISBURG, January g.
Both branches OF the Legislature organized on
Tuesday, and wthoat any smash of the states as set
tied in caucus. The previous evening violent rumors
filed the capital and the crowded hotels the proba-
BILE defeat OF both Wallace and Webb by disorganl-
zati0n in the respective parties but the heated ina
glnatons of the disappointed asprants for plunder-
ing the party camps created OF the stories a1oat
1t was assumed that Buckaew would defeat Wal
lace, as they not supposed to be greatly in love
with each other; but dispassionate men never
doubted that the Democrats would be in solid line
for their candidates when the hour of trial came.
Wallace accepted his new honors with becoming
modesty and dignity, aud delivered an address that
had the peculiar merit OF originality as well as a
high measure Of ability and fitness. lie spoke like
statesman OF liberal and we-consdered views, and
referred p1iutedy to the policy of progress the
true one for the Commonwealth. He proclaimed
reform as the great cardinal
OF the day, and inspired the Democracy
with new ideas and new impulses as he ignored the
dead issues OF the past, and moved forward boldly
to accept the living questions which are vital in the
new order Of things He appreciates that there has
been desperate war; that Rebellion, treason,
State rights, slavery, and caste overthrown to
rise more and that reconstruction and the
amendments OF the Constitution, auxiliary
thereto,are rrevocable as the laws of gravation
"Uncle Jake Zeigler" obeyed the call of the
Senate, and was Installed behind the Chief Clerks
desk. He smiles as kindly as in the days of yore,
and his voice has all the melody of youth as he
the petitions, resolutions, and bills; but his locks
are deeply svered, his jolly face has rude furrows
ploughed through It, and his eyes refuFe to perform
their Office without the aid CT the old
fashioned spectacles. Hamersiy is also
here but an invalid, and is probably not sorry that
his old chum of the quill has succeeded him. Both
have been legislators in the better days of egisla
tion both have been editors and Zeiger still con-
tnues in the rural editorial chair, and both have
been clerks here when the oldest existing hat was
new.
In the House there were some ripples upon the
Republican surface, and deep, sullen mutterlngs OF
discomfort prevailed. A bolt on Webb was seriously
contemplated on Monday, but on Tuesday calmer
counses prevailed, and Webb received the entire
Republican vote, with the exception OF Mr.. Wiley,
OF Lancaster. Mr.. RenOehl, OF the same county,
was freely Canvassed as probable boiling caud-
date for Speaker; but he did not encourage the
effort. Had he consented, it is probable that he
could have been elected. General Selfrdge was
chosen clerk without contest as Mr.. Lee,
the assistant: but determined and violent opposi-
tion manifested to defeat Mr.. Ovens Of Phia-
delphs, the Republican nominee for Sergeant
at Arms. SO far had the opposition gone
that the combination was perfected with the Demo-
Gratis to defeat him by an Independent Republican,
but Mr. Elliott his special champion, made a most
earnest appeal for him. vouchiDg for his blameless
character and competency and the opposition was
finally withdrawn. He was denounced bitterly by
many In the party unworthy of public position,
while the Democrats insisted that they could not be
censured for pressing Ahern while ovens was
favorite with the Republicans.
The Senate was scarcely organized until there
was general scramble to lead OFF for a Constitu-
tonal Convention. General White read his bill IN
place. Senator Connell also got his bill presented
and BuCkalew made shrewd flank movement and
pressed through resolution for special reform
committee. Such IS the effect Of the popular de-
mand for reform, and doubt whether there is
vote in the Senate that will not be cast for some
sort OF a convention bill In the House the measure
is certain of nearly a unanimous support. There
will be various differences as to the details of the
b but they will be reconciled, and it will pass be-
fore the 1st OF February.
The contest for Treasurer is still as bitter ever.
Judging from the surface OF the political caldron,
the success OF the Republican candidate is not pos
sibe but the grave dangers attending Republican
defeat In a Republican Legislature may force the
contending parties to union and conciation. A
Clear majority of the Republican members prefer
Mackey, aud he would be elected but for the fatal
friendship of Cameron. Most OF Mackey's strength
Is his own rather than Cameron's; but the fact
that Cameron supported him in the unwarrant-
able defeat of Irwin in 1869 sticks to
him like the brand OF malefactor. II
Cameron were dead and forgotten, Mackey
would go through easily; but Cameron living is
worse than skeleton in Mackey's political house.
hold. AS the hercest blasts OF the tempest often
Just precede the returning sunlight so the political
tempest in the Republican ranks may be stiled in
time by its very violence. While Mackey is houn-
just to say that Cameron will be faithfully for the
man-wh1 is elected. No matter who he may be-
whether Mackey, JONES' or Snooks Cameron will
be able to demonstrate that he made his election.
ECameron has thrown up the sponge at last. The
sad truth is forced upon him that he has reached
the evening OF his power, and its shadows are
gathering around him like unwelcome whispers
OF dying applause.
The crowds OF worshppers around the altar O.
his promises and punder, turn with keenest seen
cold trail OF the stricken leader, and are
proving in every direction for pastures new anC
worthier gods Dstrusted in Washington by thu
national administration, repudiated at home by the
people who would cherish grateful memories OF
declining remnant of personal or Political worth
unfelt In the counsels Of his party, its mis-
fortunes have eliminated from his crimes
he now sits fretfuly in tn
great office he bought for honor, and sees might
commonwealth turn with omnipotent and Vengefu
power upon the laws which made his success pos
sible. He declines a reelection to the Senate
He declines every hour in the day, and to ever!
listener. He hurs his declnation after faint an
fading friends, and makes it the gentle Offering t
soften and disarm those who have manfully brave
his remorseess rule The terrible spectre OF reforI
is before him. as with giant tread and resistles
power it pricks the baube OF hi
crown, and turns to smoking ashe
the insignia he was proud to win in shame. Me
who have bowed when he commanded now rus
with unseemly haste 10 gain the honor OF making
impossible for future Legislatures TO elevate futuT
Camerons as future libels upon popular integrt
and bereft OF followers, he seeks refuge from u
retribution of the people by retirement. He has d
go