The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-10-22
The Tables Turned.

WASHINGTON, october l3.-The
prediction that Senator David Davis
would succeed Senator Bayard as the
presiding officer was verified this
afternoon and that, too, in a very
business like manner. Indeed, it
may be stated that this has been a
field day for the Republican Senators.
In the first place, when the Edmunds
resolution to retain the standing COM
mittees intact was called up, Senator
Garland made spasmodic effort to
obstruct It's adoption by reviving his
suggestion of yesterday, to except
the most important committees,
which, in his opinion, should neces-
sarily be reOrganiZed for the session.
He framed his ideas as an amend
ment, and urged its adoption. Mr..
Edmunds opposed the amendment.
Mr. Garland modified his amend
ment so as to include the committees
on privileges and elections and con-
tingent expenses, but it would not go
down, and it was rejected by a vote
of 81 to 35. The original resolution
Of MI. Edmunds was then adopted,
Senator David Days voting with the
Republicans in each instance. That
fact was sufficient to convince the
Democrats that Mr.. Davis was no
longer one of them, and a mighty
disgusted-lookin set of statesmen
they We're in consequence thereof.
Senator Davis in the meantime APP
peared utterly oblivious of the i'm
portance of his position, and the
apparent hard feeling harbored
against him by the Bourbons. He
was dignified and as calm as usual,
and devoted his time to letter writ
ing. pausing only once to lean across
the aisle to ask question of Senator
Teller. Just about that time Senator
Logan offered the resolution to I'M
seat Senator Bayard. and declare
Senator Davis the President pro.
tenn. This was the signal for general
confusion. 1t was expected by the
Democrats, but in view of the pre-
vious proceedings they were inclined
to believe that the Republicans would
forgo the introduction of the resolu-
ton to-day. 1t was a death blow to
their brief season of authority, but
as matter of form Senator Pendle-
ton interposed an objection to its
consideration, and, under the rules,
the resolution went over. After a
brief executive session though, when
most of the spectators had departed,
Senator Pendleton withdrew his OBJ
lection, the resolution was called up
again and passed. Before its adop-
ton, Senator Jones, of Florida, placed
on record protest for the Democrats
from his standpoint. 1t was very
weak and illogical, the Senator hold
ing that such action was unconstitu-
tional. While the Senator was speak
ing. Mr.. Bayard left the chair and
appointed Senator Harris to succeed
him. The adoption of the resolution
could not be decided by viva voce
vote, and the roll was ordered to be
called.
Senator Davis, during the roll call.
sat with his hand to his face, partly
concealing his features. but it was
observed that he had been at last
aroused to his Importance, as his face
was pale and the one hand placed up
an his desk moved about among the
naners nervously. When the vote
3e yeas and "a nays-announcing his
election was announced, the color
came back to his cheeks again, ana
SLIGHT smile lighted up his face. The
Ranublican Senators crowded around
and shook hands with him. some