New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-01-23

rr.ss and the current feeling still is that it
.,sn mass. Opinions throughout the country
are divided. Business men appear to favor the
.omuromise unanimously, but politicians are
a;vided without much regard to party.
MORTON'S ASSAULT ON THE BILL.
r sprAKs FOR so MINUTES, AND is SUPPORTED
Ry CAMERON AND sHEKMAN-THE SENATE NOT
MOVED.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRlBUNEJ
WASHINGTON. JAM 22-Often as he has discussed
m,ortan public questions in the course of his long
Senatorial experience, Mr. Morton never had an
Evidence like that which listened to-day to his
sneecb in opposition to the Electoral bill. On the
aoor and In the crowded galleries, however, there
vero silence and the closest attention. Senators
ned their chairs so as to face the orator and lose
M gesture or expression. Many distinguished men
mot members of the body were present. Among
them were Gen. Sherman, Minister Thornton,
Vim NJ Evarts, Col Robert Ingersoll, and
a number OF leading members of the
Honse. The latter were drawn from
tbe House wing of the Capitol by the all-absorbng
interest felt in the debate! Mr. Morton was in feeble
health and had not expected to speak 50 soon, but
he saw that no time to be lost If the tide run
ming in favor Of the bill was to be stayed. lie dld
NOT speak with his usual fire and emphasis, but none
Of his accustomed clearness OF statement and
forcible Conference of argument were wanting
Finding his strength giving way he fastened for
ward TO his conclusions, condenslng IN five or ten
minutes his strongest points against the
hill He closed abruptly after holding the
floor only so minutes. Mr. Morton maintained that
in the absence of legislation the President Of the
Senate must count the votes TO prevent deadlock
He did not hold that this power should be exercised
in oppostIon to the will OF the two houses but Its
exercise he held To be no of usurpatlon than
had been committed in every count down TO the
adoption of the 22d Joint Rule. His chief obJec-
ton 10 the bill was that it gives the commission
power to 90 behind the returns and ascertain what
electors were duly appointed, which he held TO be
unconstitutional and regarded besides as n change
Of the existing status in favor of the Democrats.
Mr. Treliughuysen followed Mr. Morton IN writ
fen speech III favor Of the BILL lie denied that II
gave the commission power to 90 back OF the papers
submitted to it to how returning boards per
formed their duties. Here were two diverse kepnD-
can opinions at the outset as to the most important
feature of the measure.
After Nj. Frelinghuysen took his seat nobody roso
to sneak. Mr. Edmunds wanted 10 push the bill to
a third reading, as no amendments were Ohereu'
Mr.. sherman pleaded for delay. He was not pre-
ready, but might have tomorrow. Evidently the
policy of the opponents of the measure is to gain
time in the faint hope of getting reGnforccmetts.
They were like scattered rocks III great river,
causing some connection but pOwerless TO stay
the rush of the current. The temper
Of the Senate as shown in the faces OF its members
and palmer still in the significant absence OF dispo-
siton to debate the proposition Vas in favor OF its
speedy passage. Mr.. Mitchell made motion to adj
iourn. and it was voted down. Then Mr.. Edmunds
explained the necessity of prompt decision for or
against the BILL the first act required by 1t having
10 be performed next week. Mr.. Sherman wanted
the members of the committee to give their Vows
upon il. Mr. Thurman said they had done so in
their report, and its opponents should now make
themselves heard Mr.. Bayard said he should forego
speaking in order to hasten the passage of just
measure. essential TO the pubic welfare. Mr. Morton
came to Sherman's assistance, bat for a while it
looked az if the two were alone in their demand for
further discussion and for time to hear from the
country.
At last they got help from an unexpected quarter.
Senator Cameron " no has not addressed the Senate
for many years, made five minutes speech against
the bill denouncing it as Democratic affair, framed
BY three or four Republicans to crafty their poli-
cal opponents 1t created he said, political court,
to cheat one party or the other, by trick or lot
This diversion produced little effect ON the deter
mnation of the Senate Mr.. Edmunds was evil
IDENTIFY master Of the situation, and he could proba-
bly, have put the bill through tonight If he had IN
sisted; out after convincing himself that he had
the rens well in his grasp he became courteous and
even dcfcrential TO Mr.. Sherman, and without ln-
ssng on the third reading to cut OIL amendments
consented to let the bill go over until tomorrow
He gave notice, however, that he should then de-
I. NOT a.
night to rally more than 10 Senators to vote against
the bill OF these, two will be Democrats, ! .ssrs
Eaton and Merrimon To-mOIrow's debate may
strengthen this little phalanx of opposition, but 1t
must be admitted that there are only feeble ndica-
tons OF such a result.