Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-03-23
Our Washington Letter.

I
long number OF years, were forced to give way to
the exultant opponents, who took their seats with
a majority Of ten votes over ALL The recent
ORGANIZATION OF THE SENATE
brings forcibly to mind the circumstances OF this
| change In power two years ago. 1t was then con-
sidered certain that the control OF the senate
would remain with the democratic party for four
years. at least II not for several years longer, and
great were the congratulations at such proud
success. But now all is changed. From ma
jority Of ten the democracy in two short years
awake to find themselves once more outnumbered
and forced TO take back seats. They are now
called upon to mourn the loss, not only OF the
loaves and fishes" but several Of their best lead
ers, in the retirement Of Thurman, and Wallace,
and Eaton, and Mcdonald. But few OF their old
leaders are left in the persons of Bayard and
Ben Hill, and they are all at sea. Bayard has
not the requisite force to be leader, while Hill
has too much. SO the craftsmanship of the party
caucus has been entrusted TO Pendleton OF Ohio,
who ran for vice president on the Mcclellan ticket
Iei mostly noted for his great suavity and polite
ness which has given him the name Of " Gentle
man George" while his ability leader is too
much OF the namby-pamby order to either win or
week. in his attempts to put through the orders Of
| the democratic caucus by Garland of Arkansas,
little man with smooth, red face, and short,
stubby hair, who knows more law than any man
on his side Of the chamber, and who is becoming
to be known more and more as ready debater
aud powerful thinker.
The scene in the senate chamber on Monday
was one long to be remembered by every one
present A great crowd had gathered in expecta-
ton Of a sensation, and it was not disappointed
The speeches Of Conkling, and Ben Hill, and loar
and Malone, were as fine extempore efforts as
have been listened to in that chamber for many a
day. Malone was the hero Of the hour, and bore
himself with great credit His speech was a glad
surprise to the republicans who did not realize
the power Of the man when on his feet, while his
vote carried CONSERVATION into the camp of the
democracy and settled the question OF the organ
ization then and there. Hills attempt to 'bull-
doze" the little Virginian was uncalled for, and
discourteous in the extreme. His ill-tempered
sophistry was well met by the caustic sarcasm Of
Conkling. and he was beaten at every point by
Mahone's reply. There is some difference Of
opinion expressed as to the probable course Of
Malone in the future, and some fears as to his
and from the character Of his debut, it would
seem that he has the grit, as well as the brains,
to carry 1t through.
AN EXTRA SESSION,
it is now believed, will be called to meet some
time in May. The question was fully discussed at
the cabinet meeting yesterday, and although no
definite conclusion was reached there seems good
ground that the arguments used in its favor have
had their effect with the president, and a pro-
camaton calling the extra session is expected by
Tuesday next. 1t is argued that the government
can save, on an average, one million dollars per
month by the passage Of funding bill before
next December This is the strongest reason
brought forward by the advocates OF an extra
session, while there are very strong arguments
advanced by its opposers. Precedents without
number show that the calling Of congress in spe-
cal session is full of peril to the party in power
which assumes the responsibility of such call.
This point is brought forward by numerous party
leaders, while there are others equally influential
who think that investigating committees should
be appointed by congress to attempt to secure a
just apportionment of the ratio of represe: tation
in congress, particularly in regard to the southern
states. 1t is charged that considerable number
Of rghtful representatives in the south have been
cheated out OF the certificates of their election,
and their cases appeal for prompt action by the
republican party. All these points will be consid-
cred by the president before deciding upon the
question OF an extra session.
The probability of such an event brings to the
front the question of who will be the
SPEAKER OF THE NEXT HOUSE.
There are number Of candidates who are press
ing their claims very vigorously Just now. rirst
in order may be named Mr. Kasson OF Iowa, now
United States minister to Vienna. lie is still
abroad, but has friends already here working for
| him. and he will soon resign to return here him
self. In the matter of experience and knowledge
of parliamentary law he has not his equal in the
next house. Whether he could do better service
in the chair than he would on the floor is another
| of the majority II not elected speaker, and the
| best leader the republicans have left. The party
has not many to spare, either, in the next house.
Garfield and Frye, and Conger and IIawley, have
all been promoted to other spheres OF usefulness,
and their loss will be deeply felt. Will Kasson
at the front the republicans could easily hold the
fort against the enemy. With him in the chair
they would still have Hiscock and Robson, and
Keller and Joyce, and Dunnell for leaders. His
cock of New York is the strongest competitor of
Kasson for the speakership, and has the largest
following from the east. He is strong, safe and
reliable and would make a creditable speaker.
The other candidates are Kiefer of Ohio, and Bur
| rows Of Michigan, both Of whom have strong ad-
herents, but little chance of success Edward
Mcpherson, formerly clerk OF the house, will
probably be elected to his old position.
THE ARMY OF oFFIcE-sEEKERs
who have been besieging Washington ever since
the Inauguration of President Garfield, are slowly
| and sadly taking their leave, disguised and tired
| out They are no more disguised, however, than
is the president II rumor is correct, as the White
House has been crowded by a merciless crowd day
and night, and the president is completely worn
out by the pressure upon him. He said yesterday
to a well-known senator. that he should fill only
vacancies, and that 1t would be sixty days before
he began to make any important changes. This
policy has also been carried out, thus far by his
cabinet, who have made no changes as yet in
| their assistants or bureau officers. This course
has had the effect to drive the noble army Of Of
fice-seekers away. But few important nomina-
tions have been sent to the senate among them
Hon. Stanley Matthews to be associate Justice of
the supreme court, and Hon. d. 7. Corbin, the
well-known Vermonter to be United States mar
shall for South Carolina There are numerous
candidates for the assistant secretaryships and
assistant postmaster generalships, but no one will
be appointed as yet. Hon. VIM. L. Chandler OF
New Hampshire is likely to be solicitor general
under attorney general McVeagh, and Fred
Douglass will probably be retained as marshal OF
this district Every state in the Union, with pos.