The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1879-03-13
THElLAsT HOURS OF CONGRESS.
Incidents of tho Close of the Session.
WASHINGTON. March +.


not been able to agree. After long dis
cussion vote was taken on the motion
that the House insists on its disagree
ments, and it was agreed to.
The Steward impeachment case, at
a. m., was again taken up. After brief
discussion, in which some stormy pass
ages occurred, the House reconsidered
the vote ordering the previous question,
and this got rid of the subject.
At quarter past the House took 8
recess until 9.
Notwithstanding the partisan feeling
which prevailed both sides of the House
in the various matters that came up du-
ring the night session, there was q re-
markable absence of personal animosity
on the part of members towards their po-
litical opponents. Conger, of Michigan,
was the most active and irritating of
antagonists, against whose attacks tho
Democrats were at all times called upon
to defend themselves. But he and Sprin-
ger, of Illinois, whom he seemed special
ly intent on annoying, were, whenever
they met in the aisles, or when they
acted rs tellers together, in as amicable
and pleasant q mood as if no stinging
sarcasms7ever passed between them. 1t
was the same with Atkins and Foster,
with Southland and Garfield, and with all
other mutually hostile elements. On
one occasion that Springer tried to get in
some remarks out of order, Butler, of
Massachusetts, planted himself squarely
in front of him and discharged q volley
of ~ Objects" each louder and more
emphatic than the one before, and he
kept at it until he carried his point, and,
as he walked over to his desk again, he
gave as q reason for his demonstration
that he was not going to listen to abuse
of friend of his. There was less of tu-
multi and uproar than at almost any
other last night of a Congress, and there
was not the least sign of that hilarious
ness which has sometimes characterized
such night sessions. The attendance of
the members all through the twenty-five
hours of the sitting was quite large, and
when q vote indicated the absence of q
quorum it was generally because men,
bers refrained from voting. Some of the
oldest members, notably Butler, of Mass
achusetts, and Patterson and Townsend,
of New York, were among those who
showed the least signs of fatigue, and
after brief recess of an hour and three
quarters, they were among the earliest in
attendance. The Speaker was seldom
out of the chair, and he steered the
House through the sudden storm and
through the rocks and quicksands of par
liamentary navigation with great skill,
tact, moderation and impartiality.
The house resumed the consideration
of the bill known as the MCGOWAN health
bill, and it was passed. 1t provides
for a commission of health to sit in
Washington, to establish rules aud regu-
lations in regard to the public health, to
obtain and communicate information on
the subject of epidemic diseases, and to
report to the next Congress.
The pension arrears appropriation bill
was passed.
AT II 10 a. m. Atkins reported that
the conference committee on the legisla-
tive bill were not able to agree, and NOV
ed that the House adhere to its amend
ments, (which is q parliamentary fnali-
ty,) and the motion was agreed to.
On motion of Garfield, q resolution Of
thanks to Speaker Randall for his
prompt, efficient and impartial discharge
of the arduous duties of his office was
unanimously adopted.
Congress has just adjourned, after
very exciting scene and after the delivery
of strong political speeches OH both sides.
The Speaker made a parting address,
which was most enthusiastically ap-
plauded. He spoke as follows:
REPRESENTATIVES In q moment this
Congress will expire. Its acts, whether
for veal or woe, are indelibly inscribed
upon the pages of history. In this hall
party has been arrayed against party and
interest against interest in fierce and Bit
Ter struggle, but it is due to truth to say
that on every side there has been an
honest ambition to win popularity by
seeking each in his own way and ac-
cording to his best judgment the general
welfare. Whether or not the desired
end of public good has been successfully
attained it is for time to prove; but that
such has been the aim.of both sides can
not justly be disputed Genuine concord
between all the States and the citizens
thereof is the corner stone of our nation
al prosperity. What promotes or elevates
one at the expense of the other inures to
the ultimate injury of all. Although
each Representative has championed the
wishes of his immediate constituency
with earnestness and energy, yet during
the whole period Of the existence of this
House there has not been single breach
of legislative decorum; that noble res
pect born of generous rivalry in COM
mon good cause has softened all asperities.
l feel that mere words are inadequate to
thank fully this House for its resolution
of approval of the. manner in which 1
have discharged the duties of Speaker,
always responsible and onerous and often
most delicate and dificult. l have done
my best. Long service here has taught
me that hate or vengeance has never rails
ed any cause to enduring honor, while,
on the contrary, justice and mutual regard
have often given the weaker side an easy
victory. With two great parties dividing
the people, each holding an important
share in the government, with a strict
accountability on the part of public SER
wants and vigilant eyes watching all,
with reviving business and restored con-
fidence, may we not look hopefully to
the early dawn of q new era OF increased
prosperity, q greater happiness for our
country? Such is my fervent prayer.
To each and every representative here 1
tender my heartfelt acknowledgment
for the kindly forbearance extended to
me as the presiding officer Of this House,
and / desire to say that 1 shall ever CRATE
fully cherish the honor of which l have
been the recipient. With the expression
of the wish that you all may return safe
ly and in health to your homes, it only
remains for me to declare that, in accord
ancc with the constitution of the United
States, this House stands adjourned with
out day.
SENATE. an all night session,
tho Snnafa ot 6 O'Clock took n racess until