New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-10-13
THE PARTIES IN THE SENATE.

DAVIS PRESIDENT PkO TEMPORE-1HE bkCRk-
TARYsmP.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE.l
WASHINGTON, Oct 12.-Nothng Of consequences
was accomplished in the Senate to-day; in fact,
nothing attempted. 1t is not the policy Of
either party to bring about deadlock, and this
fact gives placid air to the appearance of things
which is deceptive. The only thing of importance
before the Senate the resolution Of Senator Ed
munds looking to the reappointment Of the COM
mittees as they organized at the last session.
but giving to the President of the Senate the power
to fill vacancies. Although this latter feature
a concession to the Democrats it was not intended
to be so, but in some sense a matter Of neces-
sity. There fifteen sixteen vacancies
to be filed, two or three of them being important
charmanshps and Mr.. Bayard would. il the resolu-
tion adopted have it in his power to
something more for his party than they are likely
to get in any other way. The resolution was taken
up. but the Democrats unwilling to proceed,
and Mr. Edmunds kindly consented to let it lie over
again. In this the Democrats will probably dis
cover that they have made mistake. When it
is reached again, they may not have President OF
of the Senate to fill the vacancies and so may get
none of the committees.
The Republicans have fully determined to support
Senator Davis for the Presidency pro tempore. pro-
vided that gentleman does not object and 1T is ex
pected that his colleague, Senator Logan, will
make a motion to this effect tomorrow.
Under the rdles this motion must go over, il OBJ
lection is made, for one day. Senator Davis keeps
his own counsel now, as he has always DONE but
there is reason in the consistency of his course
hitherto to believe that, if the office comes to him
unsought he will serve and will refrain from voting
upon the question himself 1t will be remembered
that day before yesterday he expressed by his votes
the convection that the Presidency of the Senate
did not belong to the Democrats, but when
the names of Senator Anthony and Sem
ator Bayard were presented to be voted
upon he silent. In common with all fair minded
men, he holds also that the heirship to the Presden-
cy of the United States does not belong to tho
Democrats. The course of the Democrats, moro
over in deciding to take the Presidency of the Sem
ate by violence, and in emitting even the form Of
consultation with HIM, must have been a cause Of
offence TO Senator Davis. 1t may naturally be ex-
pected that the Democrats will abuse him, even for
following out the consistent course he has long
since marked out for himself, if he abstans from
voting upon this question, but the indulgence in
such abuse will probably make it impossible for
him to vote with them hereafter, and may result in
giving the Republicans a working majority
in the Senate. AS Senator Pendleton and q
few others of the wiser Democrats seem
to have gained a commanding influence for
the time in the party cOunsels, policy
of discreet silence as regards Senator Davis may
be adopted, whatever course he may decide to
take 1t is understood that the Republicans have
informally concluded not to make a contest for
the Secretaryship at this session. and if the Demo-
Gratis put up an unobjectIonable candidate for tho
place they may be permitted to elect him. Should
this happent Is probable that the Republicans will
nominate a candidate for Sergeant-at-Arms and
elect him early in December, if not at this session.
In regard to the committees the Republicans will
vote for Senator Edmund's resolution whenever it
shall be reached. and will MT compromise matters.
In fact, they will not compromise upon
anything of political nature now,
the course of the Democrats in refusing to adniit
the Senatorselect before electng President pro-
tempore having made that impossible.
The Democrats are not feeling in happy mood
tonight but are manfully struggling to keep up ap-
pearances. They have practically decided not to
oppose the change in the Presidency of the Senate
by diIatory motions but suffer things to take their
course and take credit for consistency therein.
Having enlarged somewhat upon the rights of major
tiles they have made precedent which will compel
them TO submit to the reversal of their action OK
day before Yesterday with such grace as they can
command In Justice to the Democratic Senators 1t
NAV be said that dating from their refusal to admit
the Senators-eect from New-York aud Rhode
island they have been moderate in their course
thus far during the session. While there are elc-
mens of uncertainty the outlook tonight promises
peace and short session, with the Republicans
occupying every point of advantage.
Both parties have held caucuses to-day Tho
Republicans considered nothing except the propo-
sition to nominate Senator Davis, of Illinois, for the
Presidency pro tempore. There was opposition,
but it was not in the nature of personal objection to
Senator Davis. IL was OF course, desirable TO elecs
Republican if that possible, but it was not.
In respect to the possible succession to the National
Presidency which 1t was said was the only feature
of Importance to be considered, the war records OK
Senator Davis and Senator Bayard were compared.
Senator Davis, 1t was said, although Democrat,
was war Democrat, and his loyalty had never
been questioned while Senator Bayards course had
not been such as to inspire confidence In MS
loyalty. 1t was thereupOn decided by large ma
iority to nominate Senator Davis immediately for
the Presidency pro tempore. The Democrats con-
sidered the question of taking recess to attend tne
Yorktown celebration, and. while they did not vote
unop II the majority expressed an opinion adverse
20 the recess They decided not to oppose the pro-
nositio, IN make Senator Davis President pro tenn.
nore Senator Garland was instructed to propose
srhstitute for Senator Edmunds's resolution about
ssnate committees whenever that should be brought
mn for action. providing IN effect that few COM
,.oos of no,l-partisan character be organized for
tba consideration of nominations to be submittco
hv the President but leaving the general subject OK
Committees in allegiance until the next session.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SENATE.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12.-After the reading OF
the journal Mr. Kellogg, (Rep La offered resolution
calling ON the Secretary Of State for all papers on me-
b,s relating the seizure OF one Shoen1o