Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-12-05
MATTERS IN WASHING TON.
Especial to Boston Journal.)
WASHINGTON, Dec
Randall for Speaker.

| WASHINGTON, Dec 3, 1876.
Randall for Speaker.
| The initial movement BY Tilden was the nomi
nation last night, to be followed BY the election
tomorrow, Of Mr.. Sam Randall as Speaker in the
place OF the deceased Mr.. Kerr. Mr.. Sayler, who
was elected as Speaker last spring, during the
illness OF MIR. Kerr, was uncere moniously asked
TO stand one side, and he gracefully declined
harmony of the party"
Desperate Projects OF the Democrats.
Tilden's undoubted determination is that should
the fraudulent schemes for securing him q ma
Jority Of the electoral votes not prove successful
to throw the election into the House of Represen
.atises. Some Of his partisans here declare that
the first move will be to object 10 the admission of
Representative Bedford from Colorado as the base
OF operations against the electoral vote of that
State. Others intimate that some Southern re-
publican elector is to be induced to vote for Pc.
ter Cooper. In short, they are fertile in expedi-
ents, and confident that through some of them
they can thwart the will of the people and make
Tilden President.
PRESIDENT GRANTS COURSE ENDORSED.
Many of the republican senators and represcn.
tatives have called at the White House since their
arrival here, and assured President Grant of the ir
approval Of the steps which he has taken for the
preservation of law and order at the South This
action by the President has been in accordance
with the advice Of his Cabinet. and although Sec.
rotary Fish may not have liked the course pursued
by q subordinate military officer in South Caroli-
ma, be cordially approves and Endorses every act
by the President. There is no danger of any
change in the Cabinet at this juncture, and Mr.
Fish, who has done so much to give dignity and
strength to Gen. Grants admin stration, will re-
main Secretary of State to the regret of those
who hold the bonds Of Cuban fllibusters.
The PRESIDENCY OF THE SENATE.
There is an unusually large attendance of re-
publican senators, and they will meet in caucus
Tor conference TO morrow morning at half-past
ten. Among other questions to be discussed is
whether an election should be had for President
of the Senate. MIR. Ferry's term will expire on
the 80 Of March, and although he will undoubted-
~ be reelected by the Legislature of Michigan
In January, will be necessary that he is sworn in
again ON the 4th Of March, aud then again elect
| ed President pro tempore.
This would leave the Senate without presiding
| ofhcer at the precise time when events may throw
grave responsibilities the President of the Sen
ate, and this reason alone may prompt the Senate
| to select new presiding officer.
| Several other prominent republican Senators. in
| either Of whom the Senate and the country would
have great confidence as q presiding officer. are
subject to the same objection, rs their terms also
expire on March Sd, and they will not be Senators
until they have been sworn 10 anew op March 4.
Should it be deemed expedent to elect as Presi-
| pro tempore Senator who holds over and whose
term Of service will extend from this Congress in.
| TO the next Congress, passing through the Sd and
4th of March, either Mr.. Hamln or Mr.. Morton
will be selected. Mr.. Hamlin has had much ex.
perence as presiding officer, but the more posi-
tive republicans prefer Mr.. Morton. The state OF
Mr.. Conklngs health would make il impossible
for him to accept such additional respons Utilities