The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1881-02-15
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Feb. 8, 1Ss

WASHINGTON, ID. C., Feb. 8, 1881
In my last noticed that Mr. Bisbce had made
speech in the y eaiesM Martin contested election
case. 1t seems that he made TWO speeches, one
on the floor of the House and one that was
printed in the Record. There IS a custom and
very vicious one in the House, that member
may withhold his remarks for revision" and
another giving :" leave TO print Under these
quasi rules, members have been allowed 10
change the stenographic report of what was
uttered on the floor, and TO add to or subtract
from what thay said. Amongst gentlemen this
rule or custom prevents the addition of any
thing offensive to1other members, but Mr. Bisbee
did not observe that custom, and when the Rec
ord of the second was issued it contained the
following, which Mn Bisbee did MT say while
on the floor: I" In this Congressional District
speaking of the first Florida) in 1873 the names
of Republican voters were completely stricken
from the registration books and their votes were
refused or destroyed to the extent of 5000, and
thus two Democratic Congressman were counted
in and certified elected from the State of For
ida, and one of them still occupies seat on this
floor, neither of whom has any more right to it
than the captain of a privaeer has 10 the plumber
which his piratical crew have captured and
stolen from their innocent and helpless victims
On the morning OF the third Colonel Davidson
rose to a privileged question and called at
tenton to the Justification of what Mr. Bisbee
had said on the floor-to the infamous SANDER
upon the people of Florlda, and to the breach
of decorum that Mr.. Bisbee had been guilty of
by inserting in the Record what he had not dared
TO utter in the House.
Keller, of Ohio, and Cnnger, of Michigan.
came TO the aid of their Florida brother with
interruptions and points of order but Colonel
Davidson brushed them aside and proceeded in
a most telling and eloquent manner to disproyc
he slanderous assertions of Bisbce, and to hold
up that genteman's record IN Florida He was
so severe and pointed that finally Mr. Bisbee had
to rise and defend himself, and he made a most
lame and futile effort" recalling old campaign
lies which had been long since exploded
The difference between the two men was most
plainly shown by the manner of their procedure
Bisbee. like an Italian bravo. inflicted a stab in
the back by printing in The Reeord what he did
not say and Davidson, ike a brave gentleman,
struck bravely fem his seat at lie SANDER of
his State and party
During the debate, which occupied nearly an
hour, Colonel Davidson proved himself match
on the floor Tor some Of The best debaiors on the
Republican side, fur of whom, Conger, Cslkins,
Houk and Keller, attempted TO seat him on
points Of order but failed
Bisbee not only attacked Davidson, but the
Senators from Florida, and Davidson went as
promptly TO their defence as he did to his own,
and came out with flying colors leaving Bisbee
endorsed and Disguised
The electoral count question is settled. The
resolution agreed to by the Democratic Senate
rial caucus has passed both houses, and whilst
am writing this the event which win make
Garfield and Arthur elected, is quietly proceed
ing shall give some of the particulars (except
as to the manner) of that as the telegraph will
inform you fully of all that occurs
Al twelve oclock-high noon, the Senate, in
body, preceded by its Sergeant-at-arms, pass
es from its chamber through the grand rotunda
TO the chamber of the House The President of
the Senate takes his scat with The Speaker Of the
House and chairs provided for the Senators
Two telers from the House and two from the
Senate, occupy the clerks desk in front of the
Speaker. The Vice-President opens the returns
which are in his custody and hands them to the
tellers, who record the votes on tally sheets pre-
pared for the purpose, and when all are conclu-
ded, the VicePresident declares the result, after
which the Senate returns to its own room and
each house resumes the business before IT,
consider II very doubtful whether any ap-
portionment bill will pass this Congress, and /
am almost certain that funding bin will not
The Senate committee has amended The House
funding bill, so that / do not believe that the
House will agree to IL, or that committee Of
conference can settle the differences II these
bills do not pass there win be an extra session
OF Congress Speaker Randall, who appoints
the conference committees. can do much 10 pre-
vent this, but do NOT believe he WILL in fact, |
think be wants en- extra session. As . leader |
OF q minority, Randall was an eminent success, |
and he expects TO lead the Democratic minority |
in the next House and 10 recover The prestige |
he has lost NJ the leader Of majority, and he |
does not care how soon Che work commences.
OF one thing your readers may rest assured |