The Portland daily press., 1877-11-24
Struggle for the Senate.
The Bargain with Patterson and Conover.

The Washington correspondent of the Bos-
ton Advertiser gives the following graphic
description of the struggle in the Senate Thurs
day: Rarely has there been more exciting
hour in the Senate than that with which its
session closed Thursday. The political control
of that body was trembling in the balance,
turning on the votes of two doubtful Repub-
licans, and the roll-calls in rapid succession
were conducted and announced in almost per
feet silence. The session resulted in a drawn
battle, the alliance of Patterson and Conover
with the Democrats for present purposes ap
pearing to be established, but the Republicans
by the clever and adroit management of Sen.
ator Edmunds and the casting vote Of Vice
President Wheeler, secured an adjournment
until Monday, and time for consultation. The
usual preliminary business over Mr.. Thur
man brought up the vital and impending ques-
ton by suggesting correction of Wednes-
day Is Journal and after some shalp and signii
cant criticisms by Senator Conkling on the
means which had been taken to capture the
Senate, the roll was callei on Senator Hoar's
motion to lay on the table Thurman's r solu-
ton discharging the committee on privileges
and elections from the further consideration of
Buffers case. Both Patterson and Conover
were in their seats, and there was the greatest
curiosity as to how they would vote, and whether
the bargain which the Democrats had appar-
entity arranged would be consummated. Both
voted with the Democrats to lay on the table,
the pairs as given, were repeated, thus account
ing for every Senator except Mr.. Sharon, and,
amid perfect silence, Vice-President Wheeler
that tho nntion had nravaila6 90
to 80. Just after casting mis- vote, Conover
whispered to Edmunds, and on the instant the
result was announced the Vermont Senator,
with the cool and provoking manner of wbi3h he
is master, moved to substitute Kellogg's name
in the resolution of discharge for Buffers, and
to brisg that before the Senate. This motion
was designed to expose the extent of the alleg-
ed bargain of the two Senators who had just
deserted their party, whether, as reported, they
would vote with the Democrats only to seat
Butler, or whether it was to be a wholesale sur
1elder, involving all the three disputed vacant
seats. With none of the debates almost inva-
riably preceding all votes 10 the Senate, aud
with an occasional consultation 10 whisper be-
tween the Republican leaders, the duel Of the
two parties went on. When Patterson's name
was called he said on the independent PROPOSE
ton he would vote for discharge of the COM
mittee on Kellogs's case, bat he would not as
in opposition to Mr.. Thurman's resolution to
discharge them from the Butler case, aud be
therefore answered no." with the Democrats.
Conover did not vote, and Edmunds was de-
feated by one majority-30 to 81. Edmunds
was instantly up with another motion proposing,
with sarcastic suggestion, that as the Demo-
Gratis were unwilling to discharge the com mittee
from Kellogg's case, they should at least have
until Monday to report it, and moved that all
proceedings on the resolution be postponed un-
til that day. Without debate again, another
roll-call was begun, and this time both Patter-
son and Conover voted with the Democrats, the
former having left his seat and answering from
the DemocIatic side of the chamber During
the roll call Patterson, Butler and Voorheps
were in earnest conversation, and among the
Democrats the greatest suppressed excitement
was visible. Again Mr.. Edmunds was defeat
ed, and third time he was on his feet with a
motion that the Senate adjourn until Monday;
and, as before; without word from either side
the roll was called. Conover, when his name
was reached did not answer, nor did Patterson;
but just before the vote was announced Patter-
son appeared from the cloak-room, whence
Butler had ordered him with an oath, and voted
mo" with the Democrats. Tnis made a tie,
and Immediately Vice President Wheeler, Civ
ing the decisive vote, announced the Senate ad
journed until Monday. Patterson and Conover
immediately disappeared, md for considera-
bic time the chamber was filed with Senators,
representatives and politicians in eager dis
| cusson over the exciting and critical situation.
| There is, of course, great deal of discussion
| as to the extent of the arrangement which the
| events of the day disclosed. Patterson has all
| along said that he would vote for the admission
of Butter, and justlties his action by the asser
| ton that if Butler is rejected he will be imme-
| d,ately returned by the new Legislature of
| South Carolina, aud that thera will thus be no
l power nor obstacle to prevent his admission.
/ Conover declares publicly and positively that
he will vote to seat Butler, Eustis and kellogg,
| while it has been generally expected that Pat
| terson would vote in favor of Eustis and Kel-
| logg. In view Of these facts the reasons of
the Democratic policy are evident. They wish
| to force the Butler case by the aid of Patterson
| and Conover then with Buffers vote seat
| Eustis, and, by their combined aid, even with
out their new allies. should Senator Sharon not
arrive, they can seat Spofford and control the
| Senate. On the other hand, the Republican
iue of action is to seat kellogg first. and after
| nlm CorbiD, and so use both votes # necessary,
either in holding the other Louisiana seat
| vacant or seating Pinchback, who is here and
whose second credentials are still on file. On
Monday the Committee on Privileges and Elec-
tons will.undoubtedly be ready to report and