The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1881-02-04
CONGRESSIONAL.
Senate.


Washington, Feb. 3.--Mr. Kirkwood, from
the committee on postofices and post roads, /,
reported back Mr. Logans joint resolution
providing for the extension of the franking
privilege. AS to comm unicatons received
by members Of congress from the executive
department on the business of their constitu-
ents, he said the committee were equally divi-
ded on the merits of the proposition, and had
concluded to report it back without recon :
mend4ton, and asked that it be placed on
the calendar. So ordered.
BIS were introduced as follows:
By Mr.. Plumb TO grant the right of way
through Fort Bliss reservation to the Rio
Girande & I'll Paso railroad company. Re-
| ferred 10 the committee on military affairs.
| On motion of Mr.. Morgan
the concurrent resolution introduced bv
him June 10Th, 1880, declaring that the
president of the senate is not invested by the
constitution of the United States with the
| right to count the vote of elections for
President and vicepresident of the United
States, so as 10 determine what votes shall be
shall be rejected, was then taken up.
Mr.. Morgan briefly explained tho resolu.
ton, adding that he was prepared to vote
upon it.
Mr.. Edmunds expressed that the resolu-
luton as halfway measure did not
cover one-third Of the whole question in
volved.
Mr.. Thurman favored action on the res
olution without debate.
Mr. Edmonds moved TO lay the resolution
on the table, but the motion was rejected
by party vote of 80 TO %.
AT the expiration Of the morning hour
consideration of the calnndar was postponed
and discussion Of Mr.. Morgans resolution
was continued.
After speech by Mr.. Conkliug, Mr.. Ed
munds moved to amend the resolution go rs
to make it read Sin tho opinion Of tho SEN
ate neither the senate or house, or
president Of the senate is in
vested by the constitution with the
right tomake the count" This amendment
was voted down-ayes, 1S; nays %; party
vote.
Mr.. Whyte said that duty of the
president of the senate was q ministerial one,
and that the constitution had made no provi-
sion for the exercise of the Judicial power in
the case of two returns from tho same
state. This omission he thought it was the
duty of congress to supply. He should
vote against the resolution.
Mr.. Conkiing in reply to Mr.. Whyte, tool;
the position that congress had always exer.
cised quasi judicial power. In the matter
pertaining to the count the whole history
Of the government was a contradiction or the
idea that the president of the senate
cauld decide anything on which might hinge
the ascertaining, and declare the election of a
presidential vote.
After further remarks by Messrs. Blaine
Morgan and Thurman vote was taken
upon, agreeing to Mr.. Morgan's resolution.
1t rosulted-ayes, 80; noes, l. The republ-
cans, with the exception of Mr.. CoDkling,
who voted with the democrats, ,refrained from
voting.
A vote was then called to ascertain
whether quorum was present. Forty sem
ators responded TO the summons. There
were indications at this point of pro,rac!ed
session, the republicans seeming determined
to adhere to their obstructive tactics. Alr.
Morgan, however, finally moved to adjourn
Carried Z