New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-01-24
THE OPPOSITION TO THE BILL.
IT is PowERLEss IN THE SENATE But MAY DELAY
ny TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

IBY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNEl
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23.-The opposition to the
Electoral bill is apparently gathering 10 additional
strength in either house of Congress although those
who laboring to defeat the measure seem to
have more unity of purpose than at any time since
it reported. In the Senate the vote Will PROB
ably be taken tomorrow, and will result in the pas
sage of the bill by an overwhelming majority. The
efforts of Morton and Sherman to stay the tide of
opinion in its favor are almost futile At the time
the Senate adjourned this afternoon the bill was
probably stronger in the upper branch of Congress
than it had ever before been.
In the .House the opposition is considerably
greater few members of both parties are very
active in their efforts to secure Its defeat; and nav
ing become fully convinced that they cannot do so
by direct means, there is talk of resortng to any
expedent which may be suggested either for de-
LAYING action upon the bill for dividing the ranks
of its supporters. If an opportunity is
allowed numerous amendments will no
doubt be offered, some of which have been
drawn with great care. These Will
be pressed not because those who have prepared
them desire their adoption. but in order TO draw
away votes from the majority and Jeopardlze the
final success of the bill. One of the strongest
of these amendments proposes to submit all legal
questions growing out of the count of the vote to
ment. it is admitted. would undoubtedly receive the
support of some Republicans who now feel
constrained to vote for the Compromise
bill. but who would prefer submitting
disputed questions to the highest judicial
tribunal rather than to mixed commission
such as that proposed. This would therefore be one
of the most dangerous amendments that could be
offered. All The opponents of the bill would GER
tainly vote for it, not, however, intending to sup
port the bill after its amendment and many Others
who really favor the bill would give it their sup
port. Any amendment of this kind, if 1t should be
adopted, would probably defeat the measure, be-
cause it is very doubtful if the Senate would agree
to it, even should the amended bill pass the House
after it was thus modified.
Another way in which the opponents of the bill
may seek to delay its passage is by opposing all mo-
tons to go to the Speakers table when the Senate
bill reaches the House, and by causing as much de-
Law as possible in reaching this measure after the
consideration of business on the Speakers
table is begun. If the opponents OF
this measure should by resOrtng 10 factious
expedients resist the motion to 20 to the Speakers
table, and should subsequently call the Yeas and
NAYS on the motion to lay aside informally each
measure which stands ahead Of it much time might
thus be consumed, and the passage of the bill
might be postponed until after next Tuesday, when
the first act under it is to be performed.
On the other hand, those having charge OF the
bill in the House do not expect that It's opponents
will resort to flibustering. Mr.. Payne, the Chair
man of the House Committee, has consulted with
Speaker Randall, and the latter is of the opinion
that an arrangement can probably be made to have
the House 90 TO the Speakers table imme-
diately on the reception of the bill from the
Senate. and pass over everything that precedes it
informally. Nor does Mr.. Payne anticipate that any
amendments will be made TO the bill iii the House.
His canvass Of the Democratic side leads him to
believe that not more than from II to p members
of his own party will vote against the measure. lie
thinks, therefore that at least twO-thirds of the
members of the House will support it, and that the
remaining one-third will not be able to postpone
speedy action upon 1t.