Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-12-13
Scene i'm the Senate Chamber
Senator Blaine's Speech.

Only at i augurations and impeachments has
the Senate Chamber been heretofore so crowded
rs it was to day. Sir Edward Thornton and
number of other fore ign diplomats were in the
gallery reese we'd for them with Secretary Evarts,
ard in the reporters gallery opposite were nearly
one hundred correspondents, without distinction
of sex or color The other galleries we're packed
like sardine boxes, one corner being filled with
Southerners, who appeared anything but happy.
On the floor every available space was occupied
by char or sofa. quorum of the Representa-
tives came from their end Of the Capitol, and
there was a large attendance of ex congressman.
department officers and leading men from differ
ent sections while a few adventurous ladies found
their way in at the doors and remained during the
debate. The whole scene reminded old stsgers
of that 10 the Senate Chamber when Webster re-
piled to Hsyne.
| Mr. Blaine was listened to with marked attention
not only by the crowded audience, but by senators
on both sides OF the Chamber. The only exception,
perhaps, was Mr.. Conkling, who. while all others
listened sat at his desk busily engaged in writing.
although an occasional glance showed that while
apparently Indifferent, be was really deeply inter-
ested in what was being said. Mr.. Blaine's own
seat, while he was speaking, wa, occupied by
Hon. Lot NJ. Morrill,, who for so many years
graced the Senate, and there were number of
other prominent citizens OF Maine on the floor.
Mr.. Blaine was noble specimen Of partisan
leader as he addressed this great audience. His
stalwsrt frame, with its broad, muscular shoul-
ders; his we'll poised, massive head his magnetic
manner, and the clear, incisive tones OF his voice
| Ia ba hold tod
his points and defanly threw down his
gauntlet before the democratic champions on the
other side of the Senate Chamber. the courteous
mildness of his language took almost everybody
by surprise, as did his refusal to wave the "bloody
shirt" and the practical. business-like view which
be took Of the results of solid South.
To-dsy's debate was but tt preliminary skirm-
sh on the Blaine resolution, and there will be a
success sion of speeches each side of the senate
chamber, especially on the democratic side. 1t is
evident that a solid North is feared by those who
have organized the solid South Washington Cor
respondence Of Boston journal.
| WASHINGTON, December IL. The friends of
Mr.. Blaine may well take pride both in his great
and notable audience and in the manner and force
were crowded at quarter after eleven. though be
was not to speak till one. Ladies were adm tilted
to the cloak rooms and to the floor. Republicans
and democrats came over in great numbers from
the house, and, with one marked exception there
was universal and close attention paid to his
speech from beginning to end. All the senators
10 the city were in their seats. Mr. Conkling sat
two desks from Mr.. Blaine and busted himself
over letter book, never once looking up during
the hour and half occupied by Mr.. Blaines
speech aud the debate which followed. 1t was
the most notable instance Of total disregard of
the propreties of the occasion and of senatorial
courtesy which has been seen in the chamber since
the days Of the Sauto Domingo debate, when
Conklng used to sit with his back to Charles
Sumner and Senator Schurz when they were re-
plying to him. Mr.. Blaine spoke but thirty min
utes, bu, in that time he had given the democratic
side abundant food for thought There
general disappointment over his effort, so far as
manner was concerned, but none as to tie force
which his matter carried. The majority had
gathered expecting fiery and imprisoned at
tack, after the style for which Mr.. Blaine is so
well known.
This it was supposed would stir up Ben Hill and
posed the ball would open with hot words and a
pointed personal debate, such used to follow 10
the train of Mr.. BlaiBes onscts in the House. His
cool and deliberate manner, in which even his usu-
al earnestuess was cuibed by his reading from
printed notes, was surprise to the democrats,
and at once showed them that they were to have
no advantages from any possible indiscretions of
heated attack. They were also quick to discover
that the presentation of the case woald require
preparation before attempting a reply. In short,
altOpethpr at - matt md
manner Of Mr. Blaine, and so found themselves
in position where they did not deem it discreet
to go on to-day with the debate. 1t was necesss-
ry for Mr.. Thurman to present a resolution of his
caucus which sought TO blind the issue, and gave
full proof of the reports which gained credence
after the democratic caucus that its members were
alta loss how to deal with the question of the late
Southern frauds. The suggestions of intimida-
ton at the North, made by Northern
senator, caused many smiles and the pas
ssges in regard to the of money
were accepted additional evidence Of
the difficulties experienced IN caucus. Mr..
Blaine had wholly broken the force of that
part Of the democratic resolution directed at
Northern imidation, by saying 10 advance
that he had made his resolution so broad as to
cover that subject, and by adding in his speech
that II would be impossible to find a
single case of intimidation in New Eng
land As TO the inquiry in regard to- the use OF
money Nh Edmun ds most effectually turned this
particular democratic battery upon Mr.. Thurman
and his forces, by suggesting the extreme fitness
and proptiety OF such an inquiry, in view of the
late disclosures IN regard TO the extraordinary use
OF money during the late Presidential campaign
The republicans enjoyed this heartily, and the
democrats could not conceal evidences of the fac,
that they fully understood the point. Mr.. Thur.
| mans random reply, by general consent fell far
below the occasion, and Mr. Lsma,'s was labor ed.
Mr. Edmunds succeeded in placing the PROPOSE
tion' OF the Mississippi Senator in 20 clear y light
that be at once disdained them, and altogether
the day closed with The whole field in possession of
the republicans. Mr. Blaine received warm con-
grslulstons from the republicans of both Houses.
lie will call up his resolution for debate again
as soon as the electoral bill debate is finished.
lhe democrats now see that powerful and to
them most important debate is pending, and
the Indications are that all the strong men on
theli SIDE will be called into action - Wdshiagton
Co'rspondenoe Of Boston Adgertissr.
WASHINGTON, ID. c. Dec. 1.-THE scene al the
Senate chamber to day one of the most bril-
llant seen there since the inauguration ceremo-
mes oil President Hayes. There are two men in
tae Senate Who are always greeted with overflow
log audiences when they speak on national affairs
and these are Messrs. Blaine and Conkling
The announcement that Senator Blaine would
speak at one O'Clock to-day in support of his
| resolution to appoint Q committee to Investigate
i n - - ...La