Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-10-13
THE PRESIDENT PRO TEN.

bayard PRESIDENT pro tempOre, to Ill
the vacancy occasioned by the deatl
, of President Garfield and the acces.
sion of Mr.. Arthur to the Presidency
Some little political see sawing was
resorted to by the Republicans to sci
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 firmness and unim-
peachable position of the Democrats
carried thequestion by a strict party
vote-Senators Malone and David
Davis voting with the Republicans.
Senator Edmunds, of Vermont, as
will be seen by proceedings published
On our first page, appeared as the
1chosen champion Of the Republicans.
He BECAME SO intent upon his scheme
and so enthused with its 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 on
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 utcredit upon the
honorable Senator-even in the fond
eyes Of his own beloved constituency.
Yet, for once in years the Demo
Gratis stood firm in national council.
and defeated the caucussed schemes
OF their political adversaries. 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-
credly guard the trust, and preserve
it to the honor and glory of his coun-
4ry.
The following beautiful sentiments,
uttered by him on taking the chair,
evidences the magnanimity and up
right spirit so characteristic of noble
impulses:
eve are all painfully mindful of the
unusual circumstance under which we
meet and of the National bereave-
ment which has caused this special
session of the Senate. May it not be
hoped that, touched by the sense of
common sorrow and chastened by the
grief that penetrates every household
in our great family of States, our pro-
ceedings may be marked by the spirit
Of concession and harmony and gen
erous consideration for mutual differ
ences of opinion only, and the soften
ing OF partisan asperities, and the high
intent to perform our duties in man
ner responsive to the demands of the
occasion and best interest of our COM
non country. With such hopes and
n such spirit, l now assume and
shall endeavor to perform the duties
IT the high position TO which your
avor has assigned me-"
The Senatorial term for which he
vas elected does not expire till March
1887. He entered the Senate in 1879,
icing the successor Of his father Jas.
\. Bayard, who had represented Del
ware in that body from 1851 to 1869.
The latter, however, resigned in 1862,
N account of being required to take
he iron-clad oath after the war. He
lad served his country too long and l
to submit to such palpa-
he indignity. The grand father of '
'homas F. Bayard, also James A.
'ayard, was, during his life, Senator,
representative and Foreign Minister, |
eing selected by President Madison
treat for peace with Great Britain. r
Thus, it will be seen, for three gen
rations the Bayard family has been O
public life and during that long 4
nd eventful period. not breath has :,
cen uttered against it's brilliant ca \
acity or noble escutcheon. Spring. o
lg from long line of honor and use :,
illness, he is "the worthy son of h
oble sire" .
Senator Bayard was born in Will
ington, Delaware, October 90, 1928.