New-York tribune., 1881-03-27
GOVERNMENT NEWS.

EVENTS AND COMMENTS AT WASHINGTON.
no PROGRESS IN THE ELECTION OF SENATE OFF,
CBRs-AN EXTRA SESSION OF CONGRESS NOT TO
|, BIZ HEID-ADDIrIoNAL CLEEKs IN THE INTERIOR
DEPARTMENT :
1t was dull day in the Senate yesterday !;
hut the proceedings, it is expected, will be en-
livened tomorrow by a speech from Mr.. Ma
hone. The Republicans have determined to
perseyere in their efforts TO elect Senate officers.
and the Democrats exhibit no signs of yield
ing The President announced yesterday that
AN extra session will not be called. The
arguments on both sides which had been sub
mitted to him are briefly stated by staff
correspondent. Secretary Kirkwood has in
troduced q civil service system of his own in
the selection of the additional clerks author
Hed by Congress for the Interior Department.
THE STRUGGLE IN THE SENATE.
AN INTERESTING SPEECH EXPECTED FROM MALONE
THE REPUBLICANS DETERMINED TO CARRY THEIR
POINT.
lDT TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON, March 26.-The struggle in the
Senate to-day continued in desultOry way. Many
Senators were absent as there was no probability
that vote would be reached on the resolution that
the Senate proceed to the election OF officers. The
galleries were almost deserted, and the proceedings
were of the tamest description. Mr. Call OF Florida,
made tedious and turgd contribution to the recent
history of Virginia politics and the treason of Ma
hone-subjects which are becoming almost as incom-
prehensble as tho SchIeswig- Holstein question.
4 General Malone secured the floor this afternoon,
Rnd 1T is understood that on next Monday he will
explain the philosophy of the Readiuster movement
In Virginia and also reply to the personal attacks
upon him by certain Southern Senators. This DIS
enSsion offers him an excellent opportunity, not only
10 defend his position regarding the debt OF Viz
giuia but also to worry the Bourbons. Persons who
know something of General Mahones mental pro-
casses and of his habit of preserving facts relating
to the personal and political history OF the Southern
leaders predict that his speech will be an interest
ing and spicy one.
- The unhappiest people in Washington just now.
probably, are tho Democratic officers and clerks
about the Senate. To be turned ont upon hard
and selfish world which offers them no Offices in
place of those they expect to lose, Is trial
which these gentlemen would willingly escape If
they could How long the contest is TO continue no
one can ioretell The Republicans are not at pres
ont in condition to force a vote. There IS not
Rrpublicau quorum of the Senate III Washington
and there cannot be ono until Mr.. Edmunds shall
raturn from his Southern visit The Democrats are
not vet ready to allow a vote TO be taken, anu III ID
IN fhnir p0wer 20 break quorum at any moment.
In the Republican caucus to-day 1t was decided
that the Republican Senators would continue the
struggle, although several were somewhat dlsln-
eined TO take that course. One Republican Senator
SAID after the caucus, 10 a TRIBUNE correspondent
1--WE arc going to continue the fight, and we snal
win Ii would be absurd for us 70 Yell now that
we have committed ourselves. For my part, sooner
than do that would be willing to remain here until
ut December"