The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1881-04-05
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
How Malone Was Bought-A DIss raceful
Scene-Sherman and Penal.
~ for Auuleery-The Judge's Georgia
Sweetheart. Etc, ETC.

Editor Butte MINER:
Fer several days previous it was generally
understood that on Friday of last week the
agony would be settled, and the question
ended as to show Malone is going to vote on
the organization" All the senatorial vacan-
cies had been filled, and Friday, the 18th
inst, was selected as the day for organiza-
ton. From the 4th of March until the 18th,
there were republican senatorial vacancies
but the democrats did not seem to wish to
take advantage Of their temporary majority
and reorganize. On the suppositlon that
there would be a lively time at the capitol
the usual gang of idlers, both men and
women, to the number of about 1900, had
assembled in the galleries an hour and a half
before the time of the meeting of the senate.
They thought there would be another ''pyro-
technic'' debate between Ben Hill and Billy
Malone, and probably the American eagle
would be taken down and held up to awe
submission to order. But no there are
none so ignorant of matters Of legislation as
the resident of Washington, and none SO
eager to witness disorderly debates. They
were poorly paid for their trouble Friday.
After a little routine business, senator Pen
dleton, of Ohio, moved a resolution for the
appointment of a list of democratic commit
tees, VIII oh, of course, meant democratic re-
organize ton.
Big A nthony, of little Rhode Island, moved
to indefinitely postpone the resolution. This
meant war, and everybody squared for it. 1t
is pretty well known that there are 81 demo-
cratic ana 3S republican senators. And Of
the two alleged independents, Davis, Of ILL
nois, stood with the democrats. The roll
was ordered called.
On the memorable 9Th of March Malone
voted with the republicans, and it was be-
lieved he would on this day but when his
name was called he voted with the demo-
Gratis. This would have given the latter the
organization. When he voted several repub-
lican senators, VINO knew Of the bargain and
sale, Immediately turned around and looked
at the spynx with surprise and establishment.
They could not imagine what was up.
There was laughter, applause and a general
expression OF wonder at his apparent strange
conduct. But the knowing ones remarked :
"Probably the republicans think they have
got him, aud refused to whack up the offices
they promised" Immediately a card was
laid upon his desk. Malone looked at it and
hastily walked out. In a couple of inmates
be returned. The ~roll-call was still in pro-
gress. He stood at his desk, in full view OF
the senate, its crowded floor, and the 1000
people in the galleries. Loud were the re.
marks of the knowing ones, "He's all right
now he has been fixed" etc. AT the con-
clusion of the ~roll-call he asked to change
his vote, stating that he voted under a mis-
apprehension. He was greeted by Kisses on
one side, and applause from the republicans
1t was so apparent that everybody under
stood what was going on, for the eyes of ev'
cry one were upon him. 1t was his vote that
was to decide the political organization Of
the senate. When.the page laid the care
upon his desk, everybody saw George G
Gorham, candidate for secretary OF the sen
ate, walk out and Malone quickly follow. Il
was remarked that Gorham was going II
bulldose him. Blu it was not a physical
bulldose. 1t was to reassure Malone that i
he voted with the republicans, which woult
make him (Gorham) secretary of the senate
he (Mahone) would be appointed chairman
of the committee on agriculture, could name
the serceant-at-arms and would also be PLACED
, on three important committees. In view O
Mahone's mixed election, this politlca sale is
= not so bad, but the manner in which it wa
done, and its publicity i'll full view o
0 all is the most audacious thing on the on,
side, and the most degrading and shameful
on the part of Malone, that was ever wit
S messed on the senate floor. Members O
congress and legislative assemblies have ofte.
left their seats to become 'convlnced,'' bn
# never has it been done so boldly, defiantly all
v shamefully as it was in this instance.
This changing OF his vote made a tie vote
o and the vice-president gave the deciding vote
e Objection was made to this on the groun
that he was not a member of the senate an
n had no right to vote on its organization
y The constitution empowered him to vot
Il "when the senate was equally divided" 81
= the senate was not properly a senate until
was organized. Thus, the vice-presiden
who is not a member of that body, gave
l. vote, which equalled in power one-half of i
He might vote on questions of Legislation
I'd but not on Reorganization. He ever tax,
y, the liberty of voting on presidential nomil
i'd ations when the vote is equal.
Were it not for the vice-president's vot
N the organization of the senate would star
I'd democratic, as the republicans would just
ny able 10 make a tie vote and that vote won
T. not carry a proposition. Several spree
dents were quoted where a vlce-preside
rp hoh fUiuan tim nnstivu upta Dnt La.--