Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-12-05
DON'T WANT THE PLACE.
General Logan Unanimously Nominated
f0g the Presidency of the Senate but
Declines-Senat0r Edmuuds Makes the
Nominating Speech.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4.
A caucus of republican senators met at l2
o'clock, Friday. Senator Sherman was in
the chair and proceeded at once to consider
the question of the election of q president of
the Senate.
Mr.. Edmunds stated that last summer when
the republicans of the nation in the conven-
tion nominated Gen. Logan for Vice Presi
dent, he (Edmunds) had thought it right
toward Gen. Logan and toward the party that
he should retire from the presidency of the
Senate and that Gen. Logan should be chosen
IN his place, and as they all remembered, he
had communicated that opinion and desire
10 the republican senators in a formal way,
but 1t was thought at the time that the change
should not be made, especially as General
Logan did not wish to be made.
AT the presidential election last fall Gen.
Logan had received, he believed, the votes of
all the representatives who had an opportu-
nifty to vote, and came very near being the
choice of the people for the office of vice pres
ident. which would have made him ex officio
president of the senate, under the law charg-
ed with the duty of carrying on the govern
ment in case of any disability of the president
of the United States, until an election could
be held. In this state of things he thought
1t right that the republican senators should
renew that expression of confidence in Mr..
Logan by nominating him for vice president
of the senate, and he accordingly moved that
Gen Logan be so nominated by acclamation.
Several senators spoke briefly in favor of
the nomination, and the question was put and
agreed to unanimously. The chairman an
nounced the unanimous nomination of John
A. Logan as republican candidate for presi.
dent pro tenn of the senate.
Gen Logan arosp and said s.Ernp, Tho
depths of my heart thank the republican
senators for the confidence they repose in me
as expressed by the nomination just rendered
me by reclamation for the position of tenn
porary presiding officer of the senate. l not
alone thank you but the people Of the whole
country for the desire they seem to feel that
should be given this very honorable position.
l was, however, the nominee of the republi-
can party for the vice president and was voted
for at the last election. l was not elected on
that nomination. then thanked the repub-
lican party, and through the senators again
return to the republicans of the country my
grateful acknowledgements. If l thought
that l could better serve my Constitu-
ents and my country by accepting this posi-
ton, would most unhesitatinglv do so, and
perform the duties to the best of my ability.
do not think so and am sure that can, bv
WOrk necessary TO De performed on commit
tees and otherwise, do more than NAV be use
full by remaining in my present position. In
fact. Mr.. Chairman, the position is not to my
taste, and unless thought that could per-
form the duties in a more satisfactory man.
ner than other senators, which | do not,
cannot see the necessity for me to occupy
the chair in preference to any of my brother
Senators. The Senate has at all times been
presided over in most satisfactory manner
since have had the honor to be one of its
number, and doubtless will be so again by
any one that may be selected. l am ready
to assist in elevating any one that may be
selected, and now, my dear Senators, l want
you to know that l fully appreciate your
kindness and the great compliment paid me,
but you must allow me to say that after care
fully considering the matter, ought to de-
cline this nomination and now most respect
fully do so."
After some remarks had been made by sew
eral senators in depreciation of the declination
of Gen. Logan, he said that he had arrived at
the conclusion expressed by him after full
deliberation and wished it considered as final
On motion the injunction of the secretary
was removed from the proceedings and the
caucus adjourned until II o'clock, Saturday