Mexico weekly ledger., 1879-03-20

EaniZtng the HOuse. ~
The Democratic House caucus met
at half past seven Monday night and
Immediately proceeded to select Of,
icers for the approaching session.
MI. Ewing, Of. Ohio, nominated
Blackburn and Wh1ithorne, OF Ten
nessee, presented the name OF Ran
dali. After short addresses and the
adoption of voting by ballot Mr..
Randall was nominated for Speaker,
as votes were cast for Randall, 81
for Blackburn, A for Cox, 3for Mac
Mahon, and 2 for Morrison, making
in the aggregate l4l votes. On mo-
ton of Mr.. Blackburn the nomination
For clerk Adams received 76 and
was made unanimous.
Caldwell GA votes. Thompson was
unanimously nominated for sergeant
alarms. Stewart was victorious over
Hill for the position Of house-post-
master and Harrison was continued
for the chaplalncy.
For several days previous to the
meeting of the caucas it was appar-
ent that Randall would secure the
nomination for speaker. His major
ity over Blackburn is less than was
anticipated, and if Randall's vote is
indicative of Tilden's strength it is
not increasing.
Mr. Randall made a good speaker !
although it has been charged that in
his general management of the house
he was hostile to the West and South
and favorable to the money power OF
the East. II must be a~cknowledg
ed that he organized the bank
ing and currency committee of
the last session in harmony
with the majority sentiment of the
Democracy and in such a way as to
facilitate as much as possible the at
tainment OF what it demanded. 1t
must be also admitted that while Mr..
Randall is a consistent Democrat in
all that pertains to essentials, he 10
nevertheless opposed to a liberal is
sue of greenbacks. While he cannot
be called q protectionist he fayors a
high revenue taiiff as the best means
of meeting the interest and principal
of the public debt. He is also OPP
posed to improving the South and
West at the common-expense of the
nation and discountenances subsidies
for railroads, ocean steamers and
public buildings. Nevertheless we
are not disposed to complain of his
election. Ifthese measures commend
themselves to congress Mr.. Ran.
dali cannst prevent their passage.
For the first time for many years
beth Houses of Congress are doni-
mated by Democratic msjorities. The
strong hold of the Presidency alone
remains TO be carried, and when that
is accompiisled-when victory shall
perch in Democratic standards in
1880 and the whole machinery of
government, the cabinet, the army
and navy, The treasury and the judici-
airy as well rs the legislative depart
ments shall pass as far as the consti-
tuition permits under Democratic con-
troll, then, and not till then, will the
nation be safe. 1t is these great
facts that conferr SO much impor-
lance upon the position of speaker Of
the House. 1t is in his power TO
greatly assist his party. Not only in
recognizing Democratic leaders and
giving the floor to the ablest OF his
party at the critical moment can he
facilitate legislation, but in the selee-
ton of his committees he can place
members of ability in positions where
their talents can accomplish most for
the country. IL heretofore any fail
ure in any Of these particulars has
been attributed to Mr. Randall, his
friends promise that in the future
there shall be no just occasion for
similar complaint. g
Close voting is anticipated when
the attempt shall be made in the
House to give efficacy to what has
been done in caucus, but there is lit
tie chance for Mr.. Garfield, who has
been put in nomination by the Re
publicans. tam
FL. ~" y B