Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-10-24
Our Washington Letter.

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Mossrs Editors Congress has opened with its
usual accompaniment of hurry, hustle and crowd
while the proceedings Of the first week have not
been wholly devoid Of interest Ia either branch.
OPENING DAY IN THE SENATE
was marked by larger attendance Of Senators
than Is usual on such occasions and by n crowd
Of fair women in the galleries and distinguished
men upon the floor The floral display was not
~ profuse rs on former occasions There were
however, several beautifully arranged baskets of
flowers on the desks Of Senators Ferry, Conkng
and Blaine. All the Senators appeared in good
humor and greeted each other with hearty cor
diality Senators Morton Sharon and Mcmillan
were the only absentees Spencer, the bridegroom
Of the Senate was there, as also Patterson, the
indicted, with several additional kinks in his
blonde hair and his little boy in his lap. Edmunds
vas noticeable in suit Of gray. The only bust
ness transacted was the swearing in of three new
Senators, Matthews Of Ohio, Cameron of Penn
sylvana, and Armstrong OF Missouri Stanley
Matthews was the object Of much attention as he
took the oath, and presented fine figure lie is
strong, powerfully built man, with one Of those
blank, expressioness faces which are difficult to
read, but which give the impression Of a strong
intellect and great power hidden behind. Don
Cameron has the look and action OF an awkward
4chool.boy. Judge Davis attracted considerable
attention as the one independents party of him
self lie sits to the right Of Senator Morrill,, in
chair built expressly for his use. At his right
sits Senator lIoar of Massachusetts,, whose next
door-neighbor is Senator Bruce--the only colored
member OF the Senate Behind him sits Stanley
Matthews. Blaine sits directly behind Edmunds.
Vice President Wheeler, in administering the
duties of presiding officer Of the Senate combines
the parliamentary dignity for which Solomon
Foot so noted with the urbanity of Colfax.
lie seems already at home in his new position.
IN THE HOUSE
the scenes were a repetition of those Of by-gone
years. The principal business of the day was
consideration of the Colorado case, which is not
yet concluded. Mr.. Hale, Of Maine, wanted to
have the settled before the voting for Speaker
began, but the clerk ruled him out Seventy-two
members took the modified oath, while all the
others took the iron-clad oath Immediately af-
ter the adjournment the members met and drew
for seats. The changes made by the old members
in choosing seats has greatly altered the appear
ance of the floor since the last session The three
Vermont members have eligible locations, though
al have new ones. Colonel Joyce sits farther to
the right, near McCrarys old seat, and has Dun
nell, OF Minnesota, and Judge Iapham of New
York, for neighbors. Governor Hendee sits in
the second row from the rear, nearly fronting
the Speakers desk Mr. Denison has n desirable
seat near the front row. General Butler has Gov
ernor IIendee's old seat in the front row, where,
with his peculiar vision, by looking straight ahead
he can see all that is Transporting on both sides of
him. Mr.. Beebe Of New York, has n seat near
the Speaker which will obviate the necessity of
mounting perch to make himself heard
The business of the House during the week has
been confined to the discussion Of the contested
election cases, which has developed the fact that
the Southern democrats are disposed to give the
coored contestants their rights in every particu-
lar while majority ofthe Northern democrats are
for ignoring their claims altogether. The colored
Republicans were without exception given their
seats by the votes of Southern democrats. The
House has not been in session since Wednesday,
adjournment being taken for the purpose of Civ
ing Speaker Randall an opportunity to make up
his committees. General rumor Gusts Mr. Nor
rison from the craftsmanship of the ways and
means committee and gives it to Fernando Wood
rs a part payment for his assistance in making
Randall Speaker. Rumor also assigns Clarlison
y. Potter, of New York. to the head Of the judic-
AIRY committee in place Of Proctor Knott Hester
| Clymer will probably have appropriations, and
Atkins, Of Tenn, the Pacific railroad committee.
1t is understood that ON Monday, Sunset Cox will
introduce in the House the amnesty bill which
was passed by the House two years ago, but which
the Senate failed to pass. So Blaine and Ben Hill
may have chance for another tilt on the old
| subject should it get into the Senate
| On Thursday afternoon the Senate galleries
presented n very beautiful picture, made up as
they were principally of elegantly ladies.
On the floor also were many distinguished spec
tators, the occasion being the debate on
THE LOUISIANA sENAroRsHIP.
The facts of this triangular case have beer
| given at some length in previous letter There
are two vacancies; Ex-Governor Kellogg, Repub-
can, and Judge Spofford. democrat, are claimant,
| for one seat, and J, p Eusts, democrat, for tn,
other The latter is claiming the seat formerly
| denied to Pinchback. The scene ON Thursday
| was one to he remembered, for various reasons
| Governor Kellogg was not tn be seen. Judge
| Spofford sat near the door facing the Vice-Pres
| dent, intently observing what went on In on,
Of his gloved hands he held his hat, which he Ia,
not yet been asked to hang up while with thu
other he Tailed the vote as it was taken Eusts
who waits with claim of something like forty
thousand dollars for salary and mileage, Leaned
mp against door, twirling cane lie look
weary and worn as II he had not taken rest o
moved from that spot since hrst he came 10 wash
ngton with doubtful claim General Ben But
Ter sat in senator's seat on the Republican side
drhK'hg IN every WORD That was uttered Whel
the resolution To swear IN spoiiord came up, MIR
hhhuhds asked Tor information on the subject
MT thurman replied IN MS Dlunt way, and evi
iently tried TO play the schoonaster to the Re
publican side, but his pupils rebelled. Mr. Ed
mnhus' with ms CHARACTERISTIC GOODNESS ana force
resented the atiront with pleasantly which wen
straight TO the marx. by his language and man
ner' MI thurman showed that ne had been hit
Mr. Conklng then took a hand, and iiayed TIL
ONO Senator numerically with sarcasm and wit
Inc gallant Roscoe Is making greater ehor
than ever before to become the leader this session
lie has his and ears open every moment