The Portland daily press., 1882-06-05
REED.
His Appearance on the Floor of the House

HIS Appearance on Ua0 rlOoT VI 1H0 AAoHoo
The Washington correspondent of the Lewis
ton Journal says of Tuesdays debate in the
House: Mr.. Reed got the floor. There was lit
tie talk about an agreement to limit debate.
Mr. Reed wanted the time fixed at two hours;
SO did the galleries, but Randall would not
consent. Then Mr.. Reed began his speech,
with silence and intense attention all around
him. He wore dark cashmere suit, with
cut-away coat, light scarf and piccadilly collar
The boil which week ago had animated his
countenance had ceased to glow. His voice has
peculiar, slightly nasal quality, and at times
little drawl, but it is a voice that can always
be heard above the roar of an excited House,
and which never fails to command attention.
He spoke calmly and deliberately. At times
he put his left foot upon his chair, and turned
to address Randall, gesticulating slowly with
his right hand. The position was not one OF
ease or grace, but it's stability seemed to beht
the n assiveness of the gentleman from Maine.
Occasionally he used both hands and shook his
head. Randall listened .attentively without
seeming to listen at all. never heard more
eloquent speech than that of Mr. Reed. The
subject was not one which called for oratorical
display; but considered as its adaptation to its
purpose, it was admirable in every respect.
He spoke for twenty minutes, and when he
finished very little remained for any one to say
on that side, and nothing moro was needed.
He had built up monument whose base was
of the constitution, and whose shaft was OF pre-
cedent, and so perfect was the work that
the Democrats labored for day and found no
flaw.
The correspondent continues:
Over on the Republican side sat Reed, the
centre of attraction, his countenance as placid
as ever. By his side sat Mr.. Dingley, and occa-
sionally member would exchange word and
teen pass on. There was none of the hustle OF
preparation there. Everything was ready.
Robson moved about uneasily, looking as
though the burden of the day were upon his
shoulders.
Reed saw that there was need of no more
talk, and when the time came for him to close,
he did it in two minutes He was getting a
little impatient and wanted a vote. The chair
read the decision which he had prepared in ad-
vance. Nothing had been brought out in the
whole days talk which made necessary the
chs nge of a word. The Democrats entered am
other written protest which was placed upon
the record to stand as another memorial OF
Democratic foolishness, There we're three roll
calls, some lively wrangling, and all wassoyer
the contested election case was at last before
the House, to be decided by it as the constitu.
ton provides.
Your correspondent arose from his seat, SC
cramped from long sitting that he couldsscarce.
ly walk, but with the proud feeling that it had
been great day for Maine, and that she is sure
to maintain the proud place which she has fol
wears held in the nations councils. The Maine
Republican delegation is to-day equal in inhu-
ence to the delegations of some of the largest
States, and nothing but Fusion success or Re-
publican folly in changing it's members can de-
stroy that influence.