New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-02-22
Especial Correspondence of the Republican ]
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, February

have been filed with an expectant au-
dience, who have waited patiently for the
closing scenes in this remarkable case, but
the end has not vet been reached. nor is it
likely to be for many days to come. 1t was
confidently expected on Monday that
vote would be taken On Edmunds' amend
ment declaring that Mr.. Pinchback is not
entitled to seat, and it was owing to Nor
tons tactics that vote was not reached on
that day. When it was announced that the |
subject was before the Senate, nearly every !!
Senator was in his seat The President pro |
tenn. stated that the consideration Of Ed |
munds amendment was first in order, and !
glanced over the chamber to see who pro
posed taking the floor All remained pas
sive, and he proceeded to put the question:
"All in favor Of the amendment will signify
by saying" In an instant Morton was on
his feet, for in the brief space during which
Ferry was putting the question, the seats
of three or tour Republican Senators had
been suddenly vacated. That they pro-
posed lodging a vote was evident, and
this would have insured the adoption Of the
amendment and the rejection Of Mr.. Pinch
back.
Both Morton and Pinchback are ready
ana willing to risk the chances of defeat, but
both are determined that the Republica ms
shall put tn emselves on record, if such
thing is possible. Morton han proceeded
to speak against time" HIS speech was
one of the most powerful arguments yet
made in this case, and before its conclusion
the Senate went into executive session and
then adjourned IL has not been called up
since, for tn. reason that it was impossible
to secure full attendance of Republican
Senators.
1t is conceded that five Republicans will
vote against Mr. Pinchback, viz: Edmunds,
| Morrill, of Vermont, Dawes, Wadleigh and
! Christiancy; while Paddock, Booth, Morrill,
| of Maine and Robertson are classed as
| doubtful.
| The Democrats are willing to vote on Ed
| munds' amendment without debate; but
should it be voted down they will discuss
/; the original resolution and it will no doubt
lead to an endless debate, which will only
result in again carrying the Case over, I'M
less Mr.. Pinchback adheres to his resolution
to resign on the first of March.
Republican and Democratic Senators
both claim that the rejection of Mr.. Pinch
back would not affect the status of Cover
nor Kellogg and the other State officers
elected in 1872, but will simply show that
IN the Judgment of the Senate the Legisla
trre that elected him was not legal body
On the other hand many Democrats in the
House claim that if the Senate takes this
position, it will be virtua! acknowledg
ment that neither G overnor Kellogg nor his
associates on the State ticket are entitled
to hold their positions, and that the legality
of the one can not be recognized while de
nying that o; the other. Thus it will be
seen that while the Republicans are fal
from being unit on this question, the
Democrats are equally divided.
Meanwhile Mr.. Pinchback is made the
football of circums lance. No one but those
who have been on the ragged edge" car
appreciate the strain to which he has beer
subjected. His quiet. unobstrusive deport
|
able letter to Senator Merrimon, have made
him hosts of friends, and while all unite il
saving that the non djustment of his claims
is gross injustice, none agree as to how
they can be adj listed.
The Committee on Levees agreed, by {
unanimous vote, to ask for an immediate
appropriation, and Mr.. Ellis yesterday
asked permission to tack the appropriation
to the river and harbor bill, as it woulC
thus be brought before the House at al
early day. This required unanimous con
sent. 1t was not supposed that there woule
be any objection to the early consideration
of measure of such vital Importance t.
the States bordering the Mississippi, and
when Reagan, Democrat, Of Texas, ros'
and objected it created universal surprise
trouble was anticipated. Mr.. Ellis the:
asked permission for the committee to visi
the region subject to inundation, stating
that they would do so at their own expense
Mr.. Holman, Democrat, Immediately en-
tered protest. Both resolutions will b
offered on Monday next, and will doubt
less pass under suspension of the rules.
1t is a significant fact that the only oppo
sition yet manifested against the proposed
appropriation has come from Democrats
and it is to be regretted that 80 pIominen
9 member from the Southwest as MI
, Reagan should oppose it. Opposition
from such quarter will do incalculabl
injury.
The committee will reach New Orlean
| in time to witness the festivities of Mard
Gras. They will 60 from Memphis by river
, and carefully inspect Bonnet Care an
, other points on the route.
Protests against the passage Of MI
Levy's bill in regard to the accretions Q
alluvion soil and the manner of its dlspos
: ton, are being sent here.
+ The subject of adjournment is bein
, agitated, and the middle of April has bee
y suggested. To those familiar with tn
work yet to be done this will appear ride
ulous, as it will take nearly all the time r.
naming between this and the date name
to pass the legislative and sundry civil, 9
what is better known as the omnibus bill
to say nothing Of other important appropr
| alton bills not yet considered by the Con
, mittee on Appropriations. Add to this th
, debate on the change Of tariff, the currenc,
and bills of public and private interes
, aud it is evident the suggestion is impract
cable.