Los Angeles daily herald., 1875-12-22

The organization of this, the first Demo-
cratic House Of Representatives in Is years,
was more largely attended and excites more
general interest than any previous Congress.
1t is to be regretted that very large number,
a great deal more than usual, are office-seek
ers and 1t is to be further regretted, at least
by themselves, that about 7Oo OF them VIII De
cold, and disagreeable, generally, yet the ses-
sions of both Houses were remarkably well
attended-the gal ueries bel ing crowded to their
utmost long before the hour of convening,
with women as we'll as men, who seemed SO
deeply interested in the proceedings that
many carried yellow-covered novels to read
during the recess hour-so fearful were they
of losing their seats.
COMPLEXION OF CONGRESS.
The House is comparatively new body,
and is composed of more new members than
any previous body since the organization Of
Congress OF the 292 members, only l0S ever
before served in Congress; and ofthis num-
ber 6S are Republicans, and 40 are DemScrats.
So the Republicans have at least majority
OF experienced members, but ii will not take
the newly elected Democrats very long to get
the chang Of the House," and the Republic
ans will soon find that out. About the first
intimation they will have of that fact wi II be
the unseating of fourteen Republicans early
in January thus increasing the present DEM
ocratic majority of 65 over both Republicans
and Independents, of which latter there are
six There is one vacancy from Tennessee,
but 1t Will be filled by a simon pure Demo-
crat. There are eighty members from the
southern States, So of whom are Democrats.
- or the 73 Senators, AZ are Republicans, 70
Democrats, and two NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of
California, and Hamilton OF Texas. Thus
giving the Republicans a majority of lS-the
Independents not voting; or, in case they
vote, Increase it to 10, or reduce ii to II as the
case may be: The vacant seat from Lousi-
ana will undoubtedly be filled by the seating
OF the colored barber and "short-card sharp"
Pinchback, thus adding one more to the ma
jority. Pinchback was elected in 1872. but
refused the seat on the grounds that the
Louisiana Legislature was not legally con-
stituted body but his admission is now urged
by some of the same Senators who opposed ii
as kind OF a military necessity" by way
of recruiting their decimated ranks, which is
caused by the probable absence OF Senators
Jones and Sharon of Nevada, during greater
part of the session. Besides these, there are
three other senators absent on account of
sickness which reduces the Republican ma
jority considerably, and as 1t Is we'll known
that "Independents"are rather .'fishy" prob
ably the Republicans are justly alarmed at
their small majority, in case party measure
should be pressed.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
The committees will not be announced un-
I'll the latter part of next week, so the men,
bers will avoid eneumberlng the desk by the
introduction of bills, but mainly devote their
timd tn getting better acquainted, and map
out and discuss the business and plans for
the future.
until after the holidays. On re-assemblng
the active business Of the session will be
commenced.
DRAWING FOR SEATS
is something curuos-only it Is not. The
name OF each mem ber is written on n sepa-
rate slip of paper and placed in II box. he
members then retire from their seats 10 the
auditorium, what we would call the "lobby"
in the California legislature, A blindiolded
page draws slip from the box and hands it
to the clerk. AS he memb ber's name Is read,
he steps down and selects his seat, and this
is continued until the 292 members are seat
ed, occupying one hour and twenty minutes.
Wnitehouse, Of New York a significant name
considering his luck, received the first chance
and q member from Georgia received "HOb-
sons" The California delegations have front
seats TO the left of the Speaker. The name of
a colored member from Alabama, who is as
black as midnight; was among the very first
chosen, but ne modestly took a back seat.
There are six colored members in the House,
atiordng striking contrast, something like
a black pea in peck of white ones. One of
these, however will be unseated at an early
day. There Is one colOred member in the
Senate-Bruce, of Mississippi, and anot her
one knocking at de door" from Louisiana,
with fair prospects OF getting in.
DIRECT VOTE FOR PRESIDENT.
Senator Morton, of Indiana, has introduced
a bill abolshing .he Electoral College, anu
providing for the election of President and
Vice President by direct vote of t he people.
This relic of "old fogyism" should have long
since been abolished. Its irregularity Is so
patent that it is reall y surprising that II has
not long since been rejected.
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
The Senate yesterday confirmed the APP
pointment of John Q, Smith, OF Ohio, as Com
missioner of Indian affairs. 1t seems the
Smith family have a monopoly in Indian
matters. Y. H. Smith is Secretary of the
Board of Commissioners; r. =. Smith n is chief
of the Indian division Of the Interior Depart
ment, and Jim Smith is messenger for these
officials.
CAPITOL NOTES.
The Senate has confirmed the nomination
oil William Seabofn, as secretary of Arizona.
The Hon. p. ID. Wigginton is making himself
popular with The various delegations, with
view of furtherIng legislation for his district.
Every other house IN town Is boarding
house restaurant, drinking saloon, or rooms
to rent. 1t is a noticeable peculiarity and pc
culiar TO this bibuous city, that the majority
of restaurants are locat ed in the rear ofdIink-
ing saloons, promising, suppose, that a man
wants a drink before he eats. The presump-
lion don't hold water in my case, as do not
drink,-you know that. j. NJ s.