New-York tribune., 1884-01-15
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
REPUBLICANS ELECT MR.. EDMUYDs.
THE CHAIR TEyDRRED TO MR.. ANTHONY AND DE-
CIINFD.


CLINED.
ny TELEGRAPH TO TIE TK1nrSE.l
WASHINGTON Jan. 1i.-SenatOr Anthony was
rendered the compliment to-day of All election to
the Presidency of the Senate His refusal to accept
the Office followed his election, anticipated.
and to the surprise of not few who had been led
TO believe that Senator Edmunds could not under
anv circumstances be induced to assume the respon-
sibilities of the office, that gentleman was nomi-
mated and elected to the Chair by the unanimous
vote of the Senators on the Republican side OF the
chamber.
Senator Anthony's election had been determined
upon in to-day, soon as II was UNDERSTOOD
that he woud not undertake to discharge the
duties of the Chair. This decision was ar
rived at by him in friendly conference with
the committee appointed at the caucus meeting
last week The committee reported the result
of its mission to the caucus, and it was at
once and without opposition decided to elect
him. Mr.. Sherman. at the close Of the morning
hour moved that the resolution offered by Mr.. Ed
muuds a few weeks ago. that the Senate proceed
totheelect0n Of President protem..bo taken up In
neat speech which rccted the fact that the senior
Senator from Rhode Island had occupied q seat in
the body longer than any Of the other Senator'S
present. that he had been elected for five consecu-
tive terms that ne had many times by the common
consent Of the Senate been elected to fill the Office
of presiding officer. and more to the same effect,
Mr.. Sherman moved that it would be graceful act
to elect him to the Chair by unanimous vote.
MR.. ANTHONY ELECTED AND DECLINES.
Mr. Pendleton, who for the first time since his de-
feat for denomination occupied his saet begged to
amend the resolution by striking out the name of
Senator Anthony and substituting therefor that OF
Mr. Bayard. viva voce vote decided that this
should not be DONE and Mr. Anthony's election
was accomplished without further oppo-
siton. Senator Anthony spoke briefly
in reply to the compliment paid him by his brother
Senators. Though their act could not but be Hat
tering to him. he said his state Of health forbade
him to assume laborS which he could not consist
emily discharge. While he would not hesitate to
accept the burden, even at the sacrifice OF his
health it was no cowardiee on hls part to decline
position which many senators could fill equally
as well rs he. He was, Therefore compelled to de-
cline the honor.
TIE QUESTION OF A VACANCY
Before the Senate proceeded TO the election Of Mr.
Fdmundsa discussion arose rs to whether vacancy
existed in the Office Of the President pro teupore
or not Messrs Hoar and Dawes holding that 1t did
not and Ne-srs. ingalls, and Bayard being OF the
opinion that it did. Mr.. ingalls, said hat the Sem
ate had always held that the presidency OF the
body wa. held at its disposal; that by the act
of Seaat.r Anthony the Senate was without
, presiding officer and that il a duty
now TO proceed to the election OF a president pro
tempore. senator Dawes drew attention 10 the
fact that Ir. Anthony had not qualified and that
therefore E0 vacancy could exist Senator Bayard
agreed with Mr. ingalls, and of the opinion that
if the Senate proceeded now TO elect ITS presiding
officer il did 80 only 10y common consent. Nr. An
thony wa, du elected and that yoded vttle that
preceded him. As he declined. there clearly existed
"a vacancy. Thi. had To be filled by resolution 10
proceed 10 the election Of president pro triupore
MR. EpNrNDS NOMINATED.
Mr sherman said there was 10 doubt in his mind
about the question: but in order to settle il to the
satisfaction OF everybody. he would renew his reao-
luton that Senator Edmund, be andis hereby, ETC.,
etc. senator Bayarl. looking hard AZ Mr. Peudlc-
ton. who had been oecnpied for some time
in receiving friends Of both parties returned the
latters compliment by moving 10 substitute the
name Of George II. Pcudleton for that of George +.
Edmunds. Before the ayes and noes on the notion
which SIR. Bayard for some occult reason de-
maud-d could bee taken. senator Jones had drlittd
iurnaa argument showing that violence was beng
done 10 the Constitution by peryerse majority, III
capable of view ing the question by the heht Oh lhlt
sacred document which they had sworn To uphold.
The ave, and noes on Mr. Bayards motion were -
and - respectively, aud a viva yoce vote ltW
chair. :,
Mr. Edmuuds was theTeupon sworn in by Mr..
Garland. who presided during tie election pro
CeedIuLs.