The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-03-17
Gen. Malone in the Senate.

Gen. Malone In the Senate.
We publish synopsis OF fierce and fiery
collision between Senators Hill, OF Georgia.
and Malone, of Virginia, in the United States
Senate, on Monday last 1t will be seen from
il that Gen. Malone was forced, in degree,
to define his position, and from the language
used it is clearly inferrable that he will act
with the Republicans. Whether the actual
votes to be cast will confirm this impression
remains to be seen. He holds the balance OF
power between the two parties in the Senate,
and by reason of this can determine the polit-
ical character of the committees-a very
important part of the Senate organization-as
well as the various ministerial and executive
significance attached to it, and at the same time
places the Senator in very trying position, and
will expose him to severe criticism. The first
assault comes from the Democratic side, and
fierce one it was. Bearing with him not much
love for the Bourbon Democracy, by reason of
the abuse heaped upon him in the State and
by the itinerant service of imported speakers
against his faction, it will not surprise US if
he divorces himself in toto from every
thing that would please the Democratic party.
We, however, do not take the scene in the
Senate on Monday last as definitely determin-
ing Gen. Mahones political votes, and shall
therefore wait to see the final outcome of the
contest now going on in that body.
The synopsis that we publish, which is ia
ken from the press report of the Richmond
Dispatch-our Northern mail having failed to
reach us Tuesday evenings very imperfect,
and does Gen. Malone great injustice, in COM
parison with the fuller reports at hand since
we gave this to the compositors. Referring to
the tilt between the Georgia and Virginia Sen
ators, the correspondent of the New York
| Mr.. Hill lost his prudence, and his broadcast
inuendoes were accompanied by fierce glances
| toward Gen. Malone, who took matters quiet
| ly until the Georgia Senator had finished.
Then the Virginian arose and walked down
into the area in front of the Vice President
desk. He was entirely free from embarrass-
ment, although he was about to make his
maiden speech before an immense audience
which waited with breathless attention to hear
what he would say. Gen. Mahone's presence
is not imposing. He does not weigh more than
hundred pounds, and his slight figure was
clad in somewhat worn broadcloth OF unfash-
ionable cut His gestures were quiet. un-
studied and some of them by no means grace
full but he was in earnest, and in less than fif-
teen minutes he managed to tell the Bourbon
Democrats great deal of wholesome truth
Not since the late Senator Chambers great
speech on pensioning Jefferson Davis has a
Senator been listened to with deeper attention,
aEda Il IS doubtful if any orator ever before in
the Senate Chamber elected such hearty
rounds of applause as greeted the Virginia
Senator to-day. His crlsp epigramatic SEN
fences aroused everybody, and the grave de-
corum of the Senate was rudely disturbed
again and again as shouts ofapplause went up
from the floor and galleries, alike in defiance
of all rules or precedents."
The States Washington correspondent says;
I'm conversation yesterday after the exciting
scene in the Senate Chamber, Gen. Malone
said he was glad that the Bourbons now knew
exactly where he stood. He would vote for
the reorganization of the Senate because the
existing organization represented the Bourbon
Democracy to which he was opposed at all
times But he must not be mistaken for Re-
publican, for he was not one in any sense ex-
cept that like them he was in favor of free
vote and fair count
After Senator Malone concluded his reply
to Senator Hill Republican senators crowded
around and congratulated him on the indepen-
dent stand he had taken. Mr. Conkling extend
ing his hand, said, Il believe have now the
pleasure OF your acquaintance, but am anxious
to know you better; ] am proud to know you,
sir, and to congratulate you. You are impreg-
nable. am proud to see you stand for the
honor and independence, on this floor, Of your
State against such unparalleled insolence"
| The occurrence and the effect incident will
leave an impression. 1t drew to Gen. Malone
the sympathy of Republicans who have no
countenance for his State policy on the public
debt. but because he had the courage to accept
the challenge of the impetuous and impe-
rious Georgian, and tell him and all like
him on the floor OF the United States Sen
ate whence it goes to the world. that he dared
to defy caucus dictation and scorn alike the
friendship and the hate of the insolent Demo
cratic managers.