Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1877-02-01
AFFAIRS OF TIE NATION.
[From y Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Jan. 90, Is

The Capitol ci'y Was in a perfec
whirl OF excitement all last week.
One branch or the other of Congress!
was in session night and day. The
cause was that the great minds Of the
nation were in high debate on mea
sure involving possibly the very life
of the nation. The height of the
great argument rose above party tc
craftsmanship and patriotism, and the
result will shed lustre on the an
nails Of this Congress worthy the pur-
est and palmiest days Of the republic
The bill! providing for a count of the
electoral vote for President N now a
law, and its passage gives n deep SEN
sation of relief and comfort through
out tie whole country, Of course one
party or the other is fated to disap-
pointment in its expectations, bn: all
may finally rejoice that the honor,ts
integrity and peace of the country
maintained without strife or stain.
Ny Letter will enable me to give
only hasty outline Of the proceed
ings. On Monday, Mr. Morton Of
Indiana, the ablest Senator in the re-
publican ranks, opened the debate in
opposition to the BILL His remarks
of course were Of strong party cast
and intended to check the republican
tendency in favor of the bill Gov
HAYES he claimed was clearly and
rightfully elected, but the dark spirit
of intimidation he said had entered
the Senate and falling on the repub-
lican party had brought about this IA
tai compromise. The bill was sprln-
kled all over with very white pretty
meal but the cunning old democratic
cat was reposing beneath. Mr., Conk-
ling, republican Senator from New
York, followed in a m&sterl y and ele-
g'nt speech i'll favor of the bill. He
eaid he believed Hayes was elected
but he wanted him to have a title no
one could question. The debate con-
tinued throughout Monday and Tues
day. The speeches in favor Of the
bill were mostly by republicans, the
democrats holding off until the close
of the debate. Mr.. Blaine, of Maine,
spoke briefly against the bill. Mr..
Eaton of Conn, democrat, also spoke
against it. Mr.. Howe, republican,
thought the proposition the proudest
tribute to American craftsmanship
since the constitution had Ieen
framed. Gen. Burnside denied that
republican Senators were inundated;
they had on y separated from Mr.,
Morton for the good Of the country.
Mr.. Whyte, Of Nd, believed that the
I'LL would avert turbulence and blood
shed. The Senate refused to adjourn
on Tuesday but continued in session
all night and a vote was reached
about seven o'clock on Wednesday
morning. No amendment was al
Lived. The bill passed the Senate
by AZ yeas to II nays. The yeas
comprised 20 republicans, 26 demo
Gratis and | independent. The nays
l6 republicans and l democrat. The
republican Seniors from the four
disputed States voted against the bill
Eleven Senators were absent or did
not vote.
The bill went over to tae House
about noon and was Immediately ia.
ken up for consideration. Mr.. Payne
chairman OF the committee, announced
that the debate must close on Friday
morning and the vote be taken. The
intense interest of the public in the
bill was manifested by the crowded
condition of the galleries, which In
cluded throngs Of ladies. Many for
eign ministers were also present. The
speeches were limited to ten minutes
each. The exhaustive debate in tn,
Senate very much diminished thu
force of the House discussion. Their,
Was few speeches of any marked elo
quence. General Garfield, the re
publican leader from Ohio, stontly op
posed the bill. A considerable mum
Der of democrats spoke against tn
bill, but the main opposition cam
from the republicans. The famou
Ben Hill, of Georg ia, made the mos
sensa tional speech in favor Of the bill
The south, he said, stands neck dee]
IN fbo oobpc IF ber pove,ty but civ