Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-01-25
The Compromise Bill-Washlng-
ton Dispatches.
Especial to the Tribune.1

lopeciaI 10 tue lTDuDel
Washington, Jan 22.-Often as he has discussed
important public questions in the course of his
long Senatorial experience, Mr.. Morton never had
an audience like that which listened to day to his
speech in opposition to the Electoral bill. On the
floor and in the crowded galleries, however, there
was silence and the closest attention. Senators
turned their chairs so as 10 face the orator and
lose no gesture or expression. Many distinguished
men not members Of the body were present
Among them were Gen. Sherman. Minister Thorn
ton, Vim. NJ. Evarts, Col Robert Ingerso!l, and
number of leading members of the House. The
latter were drawn from the House wing of the
Capitol by the al-absorbing interest felt in the
debate. MIR. Morton was in feeble health and had
not expected to speak soon, but he saw that no
time was TO be lost if the tide running in favor
Of the bill was to be stayed. He did not speak
with his usual fire and emphasis, but none of bis
accustomed clearness of statement and forcibe
coherence OF argument were wanting.
Especial to the Times
Washington, Jan. 22-The scene in the Senate
to-day at the conclusion Of the morning hour was
an extraordinary one. Every scat in the CALLER
les was occupied, and hundreds of persons unable
to obtain seats were standing. Sir. Edward
Thornton, the English Minister, occupied con
spicuous place in the Diplomatic Gallery, and on
the floor were seated Gen. Sherman, Gen. Garfield,
S. S. Cox, Col. Robert L. Ingersoll, and many
members of the lower House. They were all
present 10 listen to the debate on the Compromise
bill for counting the ectoral vote. Mr.. FIRE.
linghuysen was entitled to the floor, but as he
was not present, it was accorded to Mr. Nor
ton, who was pale, weak, and evidently in great
psin, but who nevertheless siRnifed his desire to
be heard in opposition to the measure. He spoke
for nearly an hour, sitting in his chair during the
time, and made one of the clearesi and most for
chile arguments that has ever been listen ned to in
the Senate.
Mr.. Frenghuysen was the next speaker. He
delivered carefully prepared address, similar in
tone to that made by Mr.. Eumuuds yesterday.
Its most noticeable feature, or at least the one
which attracted the most attention, was refer.
ence TO the Oregon matter. Regarding The dem.
ocratic trick in that State, he said that if BY that
cheat the democratic oanlidate for the Presideu-
cy was to be counted in, then he would have to be
go returned; but if be did succeed in that way,
the republican party. after his term, would con-
troll the country for generations. Relative to this
part of the Senator'S speech Col. Bob Ingersoll
was heard to remark THE gentleman don't
know how wen them democrats stick"
Especial to the Tribune.
Washington. Jan. 22-Ree ublicans recognize
the importance of Immediately securing the ser,i-
ces Of three of the ablest lawyers in their party to
prepare evidence and Arguments upon THEN side
TO present 10 the proposed triple commission. The
National Committee will no doubt move in tbi.
matter. There is no time to lose, because the bill
provides that the count shall be- in on Thursday.
the lst day of February, and if the lawyers were
al work now the interval would be exceedingly
short in view Of the importance Of the task The
name Of William NJ. Evarts is naturally sugge sted
on all SIDES IN the same breath with the mention
OF the Importance OF such action being taken.
Thst OF L W. stoughton is also much mentioned
After the preliminary arrangements a. to discus
sion of the power of the commission to 70 behind
the returns it is thought that one lawyer should
take the case of Florida, another tba, of Lo,i.'-
ana, and the third that of Oregon