Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-01-23

turns from the State they are authorized to re-
ceive, and consider petitions, unsworn petitions
oeposltlons, other papers, and in fact all papers,
and 10 act upon them, for they have the same
power to act upon petitions, reports and any kind
OF papers that both Houses of Congress have
rs we knew the power to act upon the infor-
nation OF petitions and reports or any kind of
evidence that satisfy the minds of its members
II the petitions dispositions and reports are not to
useless.
Petitions and reports are authorized by the
Constitution and laws and Congress- MS we know
may act upon them, and this commission is
Clothed. with the same authority.
We stand in the presence of case that is made
up.
This bill purports 10 be for one case and differs
from proposition which is to be continuing law
and not made in the presence of particular case
II Is claimed that the commission is left free to
decide whether 1t can go behind the finding of
the state authorities or not 1t is not SO. 1t ex-
pressly requires the commission TO 60 behind BY
requiring them to find out who in fact was elect
ed.
At 2.l0 P. NJ. Mr.. Morton said he could not
further proceed with his speech to-day. but would
conclude tomorrow.
MIR. Blaine, recently elected 10 fll the unexpir-
ed term caused by the resignation of Mr. Morrill,
was escorted to the disk of the president pro tenn
by his colleague (Hamliu) and the oath was ad-
ministercd to him.
Mr.. Frelinghuysen said that having been ap-
pointed a member of the special committee which
framed the bill in regard to counting the eectral
vote, and ing, to the best of his ability, dis
charged his duty he felt he could not remain al
lent while tie rejecting and patriotic people OF
the country were interested in this measure to the
extent that the dignity of the government should
be maintained, that no bad precedent should be
set, and that the peace of the country should be
preserved. There was hope that the great ma
tonal Legislature would do Just what was right.
The early commentators on the constitution,
predicted that the greatest peril of this country
would be IN the succession TO the presidency. The
administration Of this government with its i'm
mense patronage, was to be handed over to the
next president by one vote ont Of 1863 in the cleo
toral college. There were many persons who be-
leved that some state where msjorities were Civ
en- for one party returned naoriiies for the other
party. There were many honest men in both pc
litical parties who believed they were to be de-
piived of their rights, while the office holders and
office seekers only added to the excitement
Ii there ever was time when the representa-
tives of the American people should rise above
party preJudlces and party feeling, it was now,
and with true courage and patriotism they should
determine that they would avert this peril from
the country.
The duties of faithful Senators were always re-
sponslble, but it seemed TO him as if they now
touched higher point of responsibility. At all
events the Senators must do their duty whether
1t pleased their constituents or not.
He had no doubt that the complications which
now seem to imperil the government would be
adjusted by Congress and accepted by the people,
and the strength that this nation developed dur
the war would carry her forward into new era
as al! would have renewed confidence in our in
situations.
He believed this nation would enter upon de-
gree OF prosperity which had but few parallels
lie then referred to the bill and said he believed
the measure met with more opposition from the
republicans than from the democrats. He would
seek TO take no unfair advantage of the opposing
party, and he would be the last man to sacrifice
the honor of that great party of liberty which had
stood by the govei nment in its hour Of peril He
then referred to the late p joint rule and said
1t had been used for ten years, when both
Houses OF Congress were republican.
those who were opposed to this measure must
see at once, that under the rule which had pre-
vailed for 10 years, while both houses were repub
hcan, or even under the bill which passed the SEN
ate at the last session, there would be a sorry
prospect for having the votes OF Louisiana Florida
or South Carolina counted now with the Joint
rule in force during the last ten years. against the
republicans as preccdents.
lie thought the democrats in Congress had act
ed with great fairness in Joining with tae republ
cars in reporting this bill.
No other Senator took the floor, and the bill
was then reported to the Senate, the question be-
ing on its third reading.
Mr.. Sherman-Thc Senator should be content
with the arguments of to-day. A vote upon this
bill should not be passed. lie therefore moved
that the Senate proceed to the consideration of
executive business.
Mr. Edmshds said that if this bill was to be
passed the first act to be done under it must be
done week from tomorrow.
lie did not care whether the debate proceeded
to-day or not, but the bill should be disposed of
tomorrow, and he would feel il his duty to ask
the Senate TO vote on it tomorrow. No matter
II the Senators did give night to their country
the bill must go to the House. 1t would take at
least three days to consider it there, and the
United States should have reasonable time to
consider it with the debate on this very subject
at the last session of the Senate it was not I'M
reasonable to ask the Senate to be some what
prompt in dsposing of the matter one way or the
other
The discussion continued at some length.
Mr. Sherman thought the bill contained nov
el features, the blending of two distinct depart
ments of the Govt and transferring of the Ques-
ton OF eecting President from the Elec oral Col
lege to the Supreme Court, time should be given
to those opposed TO the bill to express their views
Mr.. Edmunds denied that the bill contained
novel features. We're only novel to the views Of
few individuals.
Mr.. Bayard hoped the bill would be acted on
tomorrow. Considered it just and essential to
the welfare of the country.
Mr.. Morton said the bill ought to be discussed
He did not believe this bill must be accepted OF
we would have war. He did not believe there
was any danger.
Mr.. Edmunds said he was afraid to do wrong
but he was not afraid TO do right. Nobody fear
ed the 100 900 men. lie had not even thought of
them. The statement of the senator from Ind,
that anybody was to vote for this bill account
of intimidation, was entirely in his imagination.
After all that had been said he would consent TO
the motion for an executive session. but gave no.
tice that he would ask the senate to vote on the
bill tomorrow.
Mr.. Cameron of Pa said that bc could see no
use in foi cling this subject now. In his opinion
the bill wrong. A measure in the interest of
Tden, and calculated to elect him president. He
would like to hear from the democratic senators
in regard to the bill.
Mr.. Edmunds again gave notice that he would
endeavor to have n vote taken before the senate
adjourned tomorrow.
The senate then went into executive session and
when the doors opened at 4.30 adjourned.