The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-12-09
Congressional Proceedings.

tsnpore. Messrs. Blaine, of Maine, and
priee of West Virginia, were sworn in.
IT'D Credentials Of Messrs. Chaffee and
Y6ller, as Senators from Colorado, were
pfescnted, and they drew for long and
short terms Mr.. Chaffee drew for the
long term, ending in 1879, and Mr.. Teller
for the short term, ending March 4, 1877.
Mi. Edmunds, of Vermont, submitted
lesolution instructing the Committee on
Privileges and Elections to investigate
whether in the elections of South Carroll
na, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama,
aud Mississippi the right of any citizens
70 vote has been denied or abridged and
also to inquire regarding the eligibility of
Electors. The resolution was ordered to
be printed and laid ON the table. Mr..
ingalls,, of Kansas, submitted a resolution
providing for the assembling of national
Convention at Columbus, Ohio, in May
next, to revise the Constitution of the
United States. 1t was ordered printed
aud laid on the table and the Senate adj
journed.
The House was called to order by Mr..
Adams, the Clerk, 2i9 members being
resent. Samuel j. Randall, of Pennsyl-
eania was elected Speaker by vote of
I6l to 81 for James A. Garfield, of Ohio,
and three scattering. On taking the
chair Mr.. Randall made the following
speech, which was loudly applauded:
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
Called to this position because of the death
df the late speaker, Mr.. Kerr, Of Indiana,
anly express the universal sentiment in say
ifg that he was a good and great man, whose
unblic and private life was characterized by
nnrity patriotism and answering integrity.
Nobody can more completely appreciate
than do the high honor Of presiding over
lid deliberations of the representatives Of
the American people, and for this mark Of
your esteem and confidence return my pro.
fonnd and heartfelt acknowledgement. In
he discharge of the important duties confded
ID me | shall endeavor to be absolutely fair
and impartial While enforcing the rules
and unfolding the constitutional prerogatives
Of the body | shall, at the same time, protect
each and every member in all the rights and
privileges to which he may justly be entitled.
In the exercise of the parliamentary powers
Of the chair it will be my duty and my pleas.
tre to give true expression in the appoint
ment of committees to the opinions and wishes
81 the House on every question presented,
Believing myself, as | really am, no more than
The voice of the House itself. We stand in
the presence of events which strain and test
IN the last degree our form Of government.
Dur liberties, consecrated by so many sacri
fees in the past and preserved amid the re-
joicings Of an exultant people to our centen.
nial anniversary, as one among the nations of
the earth must be maintained at every hazard.
IApplause.l The people look confidently TO
your moderation to your patient, calm, firm
Judgment and to your wisdom. In this time
fraught with so many perils let us not, | be-
seech Of you, disappoint their just expecta
lion and their keen sense of right, but by un.
ceasing vigilance prevent even the slightest
departure from the constitution and the law,
forgetting in the moment of difficulty that we
are adherents of party, and only remember.
ing that we are American citizens with n
country to save, which will be lost if unau-
thorlzed and unconstitutional acts on the part
of executive officers be not frowned down at
once with relentless and unsparing condem-
nation The closing words were delivered
with great force and emphasis, and were
loudly applauded on the floor and galleries. ]
Mr.. Stephens, of Georgia, who was
absent the at the last session, was sworn
q in, and several members elected to fill
vacancies also took the oath. Objection
was made to the swearing in of Messrs.
Buttz, of South Carolina and Bedford OF
\ Colorado, and on motion of Mr.. Springer,
of ILL.,, the credentials of Bedford were re-
ferred to the judiciary Committee. All
the Republicans and fifteen Democrats
voted against the reference. Mr.. He
n witt, Of New York, offered resolution
for the appointment of three select CON-
mittees to investigate the elections in
Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina,
and, after considerable opposition by the
Republicans, the rules were suspended and
the resolution adopted, three Republicans
voting with the majority. The Speaker
announced the South Carolina committee,
with Mr.. Sayler, of Ohio, as chairman and
the House then adjourned
iaesday.-In the United States Senate,
Mr., Morton submitted joint resolution
proposing an amendment to the consttu-
ton of the United States providing for
the election of President and Vice-Presi-
dent by the people. A bill was introduced
to establish the Territory of the Black
Hills, and providing temporary govern
I mcnt therefore. Mr.. Edmunds's resolu-
ton, submitted on Monday, ordering an
inquiry into the elections during the past
three years in South Carolina, Florida,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Alaba-
ma, were called up debated at length and
passed by party vote. Mr.. Edmunds
gave notice that he would call up on
Wednesday the joint resolution respecting
the counting and deciding the electoral
vote for President and Vice-President Of
the United States, reported by the com
mittee on privileges and elections in Nav
last, together with an amendment. The
Presidents message was read and the
Senate adjourned.
In the House Mr.. Plaisted, of Me-,
made the point that he had voted against
Mr.. Hcwitt's resolution for the select
committee for Louisiana. Florida and