New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-03-03
roc,N,s REPLY TO RANDOLPH.

prnsoNN APPEARANCE OF The TWO CHIEFS OF
TIE rITz JOHN PORTER DEDArE-LoGAN DE
CrApEs THAT CONGRESS HAS no POWER OVER
TH!s MATTER.
icy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
WAsuINGToN, March 2.-It would be impossible
10 pick ont two men in the Senate who differ more
widely in appearance and general characteristics
than the leaders of the two sides in the titz John
porter debate-Senator Randolph and Senator
Logan.
The former blonde portly IN form, aristocratic
in hearing polite to all who approach him, but
never communicative or familiar. chooses his
words IA if they were pearls. When or rare occa-
sions he finds it necessary to address the Senate
lie delivers his well-pOlished sentences with the
stately grace and dignity of the old masters OF ora
tory. On the other hand Senator Logan, dark as
an Indian. c0mpactly built, easily approachaDie'
free with his opinions upon all proper subjects
democratic in all his ways, with an utter contempt
for words except as they to express hs mean
ing speaks with a voice which awakes the echoes
of the Senate Chamber and apparently with no
other purpose than to convince bis audience OF the
truth Of his convictions. .....-
Senator Logan began his reply to Senator Han-
dolph to-day The galleries were filled TO- over.
flowing General Porter himself yassone.ef the most
attentive listeners. Yesterday Senator-Randolph
declined to be interrupted To-day Senator Logan
began
except TO have the matter under discussion thor
oughly understood and if at any time any Senator
wished to interrupt him for the purpose OF making
ipouiry with regard to any point involved. he was
at liberty to do so.
Senator Logan said he could not Join hands With
Senator Randolph in eulogizing all that was
praseworthy in the record of Fltz John Porter
during the Mexican War, or the War of the Rebel
lion, and no man should have occasion to say that
In this debate he would attempt to detract IN any
improper manner from his reputation. There some
times comes time unfortunately In the records OF
men when their acts cease to be cOmmendable;
BENEDICT Arnold had been alluded to by the Senator
from New-Jersey yesterday; he would say that at
one time during tho Revolution the star OF Benedict
Arnold shone as brightly as any in the galaxy of
American generals. Senator Logan took direct
issne with Senator Randolph in regard to the pow
ers of Congress. declaring that under the COnstitu
ton no method existed whereby the verdict of a
courtmartal could be set asda and no power in ex-
jstence could make Fitz John Porter competent to
hold Federal Office again except the pardoning
power of the President He affirmed that the
findings Of courts-martai stand side by side with
those of the Supreme Court of the United States In
their quality of being irreversible after having
once been approved by the President of the United
States.
Senator Hill, OF db lIlS pO4ut 'ntciiuPU'u
the speaker merely for information ss he said. but
really taking issue with him as to the power of
Congress ,
The interruption an6 the question apparently
cave Senator Logan the best possible opportunity
to elaborate his statement and quote authorities IN
ITS support. This he did in such a mastery manner
that at the end of running debate Of ten or hiteen
minutes Senator Hill felt called upon to make la
bored explanation to the Senate, which was re-
ceived with some merriment. TO the effect that he
really had no opinions upon the matter In hand and
was only seeking fulles information than the first
words OF Senator Logan conveyed
The main point in the speech OF to-day, as stated
concsely by the Senator. that the functions of
the Executive, tho Judicial, and the Legislative
branches of the Government are entirely distinct.
and that no one branch has the power OF revision or
reversal over the Constitutional acts Of the other
branches To the President alone belongs the
power OF pardon. Senator Logan declared that the
Board Of Review had misapprehended the duty for
which il was convened and lie caused to be read
the order convening the Board to show that it's pur
pose was to ascertain facts upOn which the Presl-
dent might act and not 10 make recommendations.
At half-past 3 Senator Logan gave way for mo-
ton TO 90 into executive session. rcmafking tat lie
would occupy two hours or more tomorrow.