New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-10-07
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THE EXTRA SESSION IN THE SENATE

THE EXTRA SESSION IN THE SENATE.
STRONG PROBABILITY OF A DETERMINED CONTEST.
REPUBLICANS RESOLVED TO MAINTAIN THEIR
RIGhrs-DAvID DAVIS A DISTURBING FACTOR IN
CALCULATIONS
iBr TELEGRAPH To THE rRtBUNE.i
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6--There is not much reason.
10 expect that any good will result from the talk of
compromise between the two parties in respect to
INC oces 10 De hlled at the coming special session
VI lhe senate. While Senators profess to be in
spred by strong desire for harmony, it is noticed
that individual opinions among those who have al
ready reached Washington accord exactly with the
supposed interests of the party to which the indi
vidual belongs No one hears Democrat conceding
the right of the Senators-eect to be sworn in ad-
vance OF the choosing of a presiding officer.
On the other hand, the Republicans to o
man, hold that other course would
be just. In the argument the Republicans have by
far the best OF 1t. To elect Democrat they say,
is to offer price for General Arthurs life. II is to
say to any Democratic Guiteau, Kill Arthur and
your man goes ln." On the other hand, to elect a
Republican would offer no such temptation More
over to elect Democrat to the office of President pro
tempore of the Senate is TO do all that the Senate
can do to reverse the expressed will of the people,
These embody much better reasons for opposing the
election of Democrat by dila ory proceedings than
Republican Senators had for their when they
last locked horns with the Democrats in a struggle
of endurance Under these circumstances it is prob
able that something of a contest will take place.
If the Democrats insist, cert ain of them now
here asert they will, upon eecting President pro
tempOre, il is probable that the Repubi will de-
lay final action until the public can become IA
miarized with the objects Of the Democrats in thus
seeking by Legitimate methods 10 seize the ,wer
While il is impossible TO know i'm advance of the
caucus what Republican Senators will adopt,
it can be said that some of them opposed 10 all
compromise and dicker, They say that, being in
the majority, they have the rights of majority
defend, the duties of a majority to per-
form. This they explain, does not mean
that they will insist upon having all
the petty Offices of the Senate filled with Republi-
cans but that in so far the machinery for shaping
legislation is concerned, that is, the craftsmanship
officer, it is their right and duty to control Nothing
can SAFELY be predicted until after the caucus of
next Saturday, but the opinion is gaining ground
that there will be a contest OF some days duration
over the election If presiding officer.
David Davis IS as usual, disturbing factor in all
calculations. He is reported to have said at tho
last special session that the Republicans had
doubted majority, and therefore right TO the or
ganzatIon. II he continues of the same mind it
will somewhat simplify matters, since with his vote
the tie which would otherwise with full Sem
ate will become a Republican majority
The President is reported to have expressed the
opinion wi h some confidence to-day. that there
would be harmonious organlzatlon OF the Senate,
and that the session would he short one. One
gentleman who called upon the President reports
that he thinks presiding officer will be named for
the sole purpose of swearing in Senators elect which
duty being performed his functions cease. There
upon the President pro tempore will be formally
elected Some of General Arthur's friends express
the belief that his skill as political tactician and
harm nzer will serve to smooth the way for har-
mOnlOus organization.