Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-03-26
Our Washington Letter.


the long-talked-of extra session, but nothing
than the mere formal preiminaries has thus far
been arranged The proceedings incident to the
OPENING OF CONGRESS
on Tuesday were particularly tame and common
place, hardly repaying the great crowds which
had assembled in either chamber to witness the
organization The opinion expressed in our last
letter that Randall would win In the Speakership
contest was verified by the result of the dem
ocratic caucus on Monday night, and confirmed
by his election in the House the next day. Ran
dali received seventyfve votes in caucus to fifty
seven for Blackburn and nine scattering His
election WAS brought about by one majority Of all
the members.elect, the one deciding vote being
given by Mr.. Reilly Of New York. who arrived In
the chamber after the tellers had announced the
vote This was the one exciting incident Of the
day The triumph Of Randall over the Southern
and soft-money elements OF the democratic party
is matter of general satisfaction. II democrat
must be in the chair, he is without doubt the best
fitted of any of that party for the place. lie has
been distinguished by his friends in an eminent
degree, in his occupation Of so difficult position
and has the confidence of both parties His
management Of his canvass for the Spea kership
and sagacious The quiet prevailing about his
headquarters at the hotel misled many lookers-on
at the contest going forward, who were made to
believe that il indicated inertia or discourage
ment, but for all that, the moves in the game
were dictated by master-hand, who was himself
confident Of success.
Among the faces upon the floor Of the House,
on this opening day, which attracted special at
tention were those of General Joe Hawley, who
sat next to Frye Of Maine and seemed perfectly at
his ease ex-Secretary Robson, who occupied
seat in the last row on the Republican side, and
was easily distinguished by his rotund figure
General Joe Johnston of confederate fame, and
Godlove s, Orth of Indiana The only inter.
rupton made to the swearing in Of the members
elect was the objection of Mr. Frye to the admis-
sion of Mr.. Hull Of Florida, who was requested to
stand aside for the present, owing to the contest
made for his seat by Mr. Bisbee, Republican
Hull, however, was admitted the next day by a
strict party vote, the greenbackers all voting with
the Republicans, except Lsdd of Maine.
THE NEW SENATE
the object OF greatest interest perhaps, owing
to the assumption of its control by the democrats,
for the first time in eighteen years. The galleries
Wtrt CTOWutu, Willle On tHe IDOT ulbUltN anu Ut
corum prevailed to an unusual degee. The swear
ing-in of the twenty-four new Senators was the
only interesting feature of the opening. They
presented themselves at the left of the vice-Presi-
dents desk, four at time, escorted by their re-
spective colleagues. Seven of the number took
the modified oath, which is in effect, to support
the constitution OF the United States against all
enemies, foreign and domestic, taking it without
mental reservation, and that they would faith
fully discharge their duties under it. These seven
we're Messrs. Call of Florida, Houston of Alabama,
Jonas of Louisiana, Vance of North Carolina, Vest
OF Missouri, Walker of Arkansas and Williams OF
Kentucky All the above named Senators partici-
| pated in the rebellion, Messrs. Hampton of
| South Carolina and Gordon of Georgia. who come
under the same rule, were absent and have not
as yet presented themselves OF the seven " ex-
confederate" Senators, General "Cerro Gordo -
Williams, OF Kentucky, has the most striking
personal appearance. He is tall, heavily built,
and fne-ooking. He commanded a Kentucky
company of volunteers in the Mexican war, and
distinguished himself by persuading his men to
follow him five hundred miles after the enemy
when their time of enlistment had expired. They
were just in time for the battle OF Cerro Gordo
surname. He was a brigadier in the confederate
army, Vance of North Carolina is another Of the
powerful specimens of the South in the new
Senate. His looks and general bearing are much
| in his favor, while he is said to be able not only
to tell the best story, but also to make the best
| speech Of any man in the Tar-heel" state lie
is tall symmetrical in figure, with ron-gray haii
and grayish moustache. Houston of Alabama
has the appearance of fat old Dutchman He
has large head, almost entirely bald, puffy red
| face, and white chin whiskers. Vest of Missouri
is noted as the smallest man in the Senate. lie
has been described as "a pocket edition of Matt
Carpenter" which gives pretty true idea of his
person. He is said to be fiery orator, and par
ticularly aggressive for so small man. Jonas Of
Louisiana is a jew, and shows it in every line oil
his features. He is short, very dark in complex
ion, and altogether Insignificant in appearance.
OF the new Northern Senators Pendleton Of
Ohio was singled out by many for special inspec
ton. The observer will appreciate at the first
| glance the appropriateness of the title " Gen
tleman George" as applied to him. Politenes.
and affability are stamped upon him in such in
debe characters that no one can fail to note
His face is n good-n atured one, and is continually
wreathed in smiles. His fine black hair lis eombet
and curled with the greatest of care, likewise hi,
beard, which is getting quite gray He is abou
the medium height well preserved in body, ant
apparently at peace with himself and all man
kind. Matt Carpenter and John A. Logan sal
together on the last row OF the Republican side
their desks covered with bouquets and baskets O
flowers. Near by sat John J. Patterson and Simon
Conover-the one pair representing the incoming
l