Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-10-15
THE PRESIDENT Pho TEN.

the United States Senate, on Monday
in electing Senator Thomas Francil
Bayard President pro tempore, to FL
the vacancy occasioned by the deatI
of President Garfield and the aces
sion Of Mr.. Arthur to the Presidency
Some little political see-sawing was
resorted to by the Republicans to Sc,
aside the plain terms Of the Constitu.
ton, the admission Of the newly cleo.
ted Senators from New York and
Rhode Island without the usual for.
malities, but the frmness and unim-
peachable position of the Democrats
carried thequestion by strict party
vote-Senators Malone and David
Davis voting with the Republicans.
Senator Edmunds, of Vermont, az
will be seen by proceedings published
on our first page, appeared as the
chosen champion of the Republicans.
He became so intent upon his scheme
and so enthused with it's bare posi-
bilities that he inconsistency ignored
his past political record, wherein he
habitually and with bitterness pc
cularly his own, opposed the admis-
sion OfSouthern Democratic Senators
until they had not only waded through
accustomed formalities, but were sub
jected to irksome investigations Oh
the miserable plea of contested seats,
when there were no legitimate
grounds for such action. This sud
den and ridiculous change of base
reflects anything but credit upon the
honorable Senator-even in the fond
eyes Of bis own beloved constituency.
Yet, for once in years the Demo-
Gratis stood firm in national council,
and defeated the caucussed schemes
of their political adyersaries. Upon
the noble shoulders of that eminent
statesman and patriotic citizen, Thos.
Bayard, fell the cherished mantle
which graces the presiding officer
Of the National Senate. He will sa-
,redly guard the trust, and preserve
t to the honor and glory of his coun-
Try.
The following beautiful sentiments,
altered by him on taking the chair,
evidences the magnanimity and up
light spirit so characteristic of noble |
''We are all painfully mindful of the
unusual circumstance under which we
meet and of the National bereave-
nent which has caused this special
ession of the Senate. May it not be
Hoped that, touched by the sense of
COMMON sorrow and chastened by the
,rief that penetrates every household
n our great family of States, our pro-
eedings may be marked by the spirit
# concession and harmony and a gen.
rous consideration for mutual differ
noes of opinion only, and the soften
ng Of partisan asperities, land the high
ntent to perform our duties in man
er responsive to the demands of the
ccasiOn and best interest of our COM
non country. With such hopes and
n such a spirit, | now assume and
hall endeavor to perform the duties
t the high position 70 which your
avor has assigned me-"
The Senatorial term for which he
7as elected does not expire till March
oo7. He entered the Senate in 1879,
eng the successor of bis father Jas.
!. Bayard, who had represented Del
ware in that body from 1851 to 1869.
he latter, however, resigned in 1862,
n account of being required to take1
he iron-clad oath after the war. He
nd served his country too long and
llthfully to submit to such a palpa-
lie indignity. The grand father Of
'homas F. Bayard, also James A.
'ayard, was, during his life, Senator,
representative and Foreign Minister,
eng selected by President Madison
treat for peace with Great Britain.
Thus, it will be seen, for three gen
rations the Bayard family has been
! public life and during that long
nd eventful period, not breath has
cen uttered against it's brilliant ca
aclty or noble escutcheon. Spring
lg from a long line of honor and use
illness, he is "the worthy son of a
oble SIRE
Senator Bayard was born in VIII