The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-04-09

The first duty or cue nuuse 0I hcpFesen.
tatives at the extra session Of the Forty fifth |
Congress will be, Of course, the organiza-
tion of tho new House. The new Senate
has already effected its organization. This
duty OF the lower House is. most impor-
tant one, but should not be attended with
the difficulties that in some quarters are an
ticipated. There is positive, absolute
Democratic majority Of at least five. Ih's
cannot be diminished, but may De IN
creased by the making up Of the roll oy tue
clerk in cases where there are doupie le-
turns or contested elections. we prefer
however, TO predicate what we have TO say
on this subject upon the actual, und'sputeo
majority Of five. This Is amply sutncieht 10
give the organization Of thc House 10 the
democrats; for we regard the sensational
rumors OF an anticipated detection OF
" norton" OF the Democratic representa-
tives as the more coinage Of the brains OF
outside disorgauizcrs and soreheads."
1T would send into Coventry any member
elected by Democratic constituency
who should conuive ut surrender
to the Republicans of the organization OF
Democratic House OF Representatives. The
Republicans have now the Senate, though
by very small majority. and it is Vltaily
important that the House should be under
Democratic control The check upon each
other would be wholesome, and not neces'
sarilv antagonistic on all proper and legit'-
mate subjects of legislation. We, there
fore, repudiate any programme that looks
to the disintegration OF the compact unity
Of the Democratic party in the next House,
and We do not believe that any sueh Is
seriously contemplated.
After the making up and calling OF the
roll by the clerk the next business Is the
| election Of Speaker. For This high ana re-
sponsible position there are several proml-
ncnt aspirants lr our party. To all OF these
we accord qualifications of high order for
the coveted speakership. But we must say,
in no invidious spirit whatever, that we
think the Hon. SAMUEL j. RANDALL should
be reelected to preside over the dellbera-
tons Of the next House. In ante-oe-
lum usage the tenure OF that position
was never effected by new congresses
OF the same political complexion. In
deed, with the Republican party this has
been the rule during and since the war.
But even in these latter days. when all
things under the sun are new, it would DC
uneracious to refuse to elect Mr.. RANDALL.
Let us look at the facts. Two years ago the
contest was close between the Hon. MIR.
KERR and Mr.. RANDALL. The former show
ing the greater strength in caucus the latter
promptly and handsomely withdrew, ana
counseled unaniDity in the choice OF his
rival During the carly part OF the hrst
session Mr.. KERE's health failed 80 rapidly
that ere its termination the honorable career
of that distinguished gentleman was closed
by death. At the next session Mr.: RANDALL.
was elected to Gil the unexpired term OF his
lamcntcd predecessor. n stormy session
was before him, but he entered resolutely
upon the duties, preserving with commend
able delicacy Mr.. KEER's organization oil
the House intact and undisturbed. even to
the humblest position within the Speakers
patronage. During the ninety days OF
that turbulent characterized, too,
by proceedings quite anomalous-Mr.
RAINFALL discharged the duties with
marked ability, and his brief but difficult
official career commanded the respect and
received the plaudits Of both political par
ties. Under these circumstances we incline
to think that his ncn-reelection would be
not only. discourtesy but wrong to that
gentleman. Having satisfactorily filled the
Office for a remnant Of term, common JUS
tice should accord him the honor of an cleo
ton for a full term. Mr.. RANDALL has not
had the opportunity to show one Of his chief
qualifications for the speakership. We mean
in the organization OF that overgrown and
ponderous body. His knowledge OF men,
his parliamentary skill, and his long expert
encc, will. we predict, if he be reelected
Speaker, bring out the talent of the new
| House in its fullest power and make it one
OF the best working and most useful con-
crosses we have had for many years. We
| feel assured that the sense Of justice that
! ever characterizes the southern representa-
| tiyes at least will be found alive to the
claims and qualifications OF SAMUEL. ]. RAN
DALI.
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