The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1877-10-19
CONGRESSIONAL.

Both houses Of Congress assembled
Monday In Obedience to the Presidents
call for An extra session. The proceed
ings In the Senate have 80 far devel-
oped nothing Of Importance. The
Democrats are waiting for action by
the Republicans In reference to the
contested seats from Louisiana and
South Carolina. The credentials Of
Mr.. Eustis come over from the last
Congress, when Pinchback, his COM
petitor, was denied admittance. Judge
Spon0rd and Gen. Butler present new
cases for the Senate's action. There Ia
likely to be n lengthy struggle over
these contests, inaslnuch as the two
parties are pretty equally divided in
the Senate, with AN independent ele-
inent holding the balance Of power.
Kellogg will no doubt make an ener-
getic fight to obtain the seat claimed
by Judge Spo6ord, and we should not
doubt his final success were il not for
such Senators rs Davis, Christiancy and
two or three others vino are not in
clined to shoulder the responsibility OF
putting men in the Senate who are
mere relicts OF State governments con-
demned at home and repudiated by
the President, and who will hold the
balance OF power in deciding the con-
tests now before the Senate. a,..
The House proceedings have been
more important, particularly in the
matter Of organizations. The election
of Speaker has attracted public atten-
ton for some time. Whether it would
be Randall, Cox, sayior, doode or the
Unknown has been u rather perpiexing
problem for the politicians, but exactly
whatimportant issue was involved has
not been definitely settled. Mr.. Ram
dali received tho caucus nomination OF
the Democrats, and was, of course,
elected. Gen. Garfield was voted for
by the Republicans. Mr.. Rantlalps
address acknowledging the honor done
him is a well-considcrcd paper, but
gives no clue to his future course in
reference to the currency, tho tariff,
railroads, fevees, or other important
questions likely to come before Con-
gress. Mr.. Randall addressed the
House as follows:
Gentlemen of the House of Repre-
sentatives: Elevated for tho second
time, by your generosity, to the exalted
dignity of Speaker of this House, /
thank you with - grateful heart. i
shall endeasvOr with even temper and
rigid firinness to perform the duties of
the office, and respond adequately to
the condolences reposed in mo by con-
forming my action to the clearly OK
pressed will Of this House; yet fully
realizing the delics,cy and difficulty OF
tile position, count upon your advice
and assistance, feeling sure of your
fOrbearance and indulgence.
We meet under circumstances i'm
periously demanding that all consider
atoms Of class, section or party shall be
subordinated to the loftter and more
patriotic object of doing what is best
for the whole country and all its people
Since the adjournment AN admins
tration has been indicted into office
which Is Obeyed as the actual govern
ment, regardless of the grave events
which marked its birth, and this
House, animated by IL spirit of true
patriotism, desiring first the public
tranquility under the law, will frankly
approve any sincere and permanent
policy looking to the complete pacifi
cation and the advancement of all con-
stitutionai methods for the general
public welfare, and it should be your
sacred duty to provide legislation
which will render impossible u repiti-
ton of the wrongs which have occurred
and of the dangers which threaten us.
assume you will take no step back
ward ia the work Of retrenchnent and
reform SO auspicio,lsly begun by the
last House, under II mature and definite
plan of reduction Of the expenses of the
government. 1t is certain that u still,
greater reduction can be made witbuu,
impairing the efficacy of the admins
tration. To have an honest ati tninistra-
tion, it should be frugal. Never before
was it more urgent than now, with
general financial distress and labor de-
pressed. When the iron rule of hard
necessity darkens every house in the
land, cxtrAvagance on the part of the
peoples servants would be an unpar-
dOnable crime,
Hoping that confidence and respect
will exist between the House aud its
presiding officer, 1 am now ready to
take the oath prescribed by law,
[Applause.l ...,.,.,.,:....,Il ~