Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-05-22


over the choice of United States senator
ended on Tuesday with Gen. John A. Logan's
r. election. When the roll Of the joint assem-
bly, was called, it was found that there we're
no absentees, the full number of 204 men,
bers being present. When the roll was again
called for votes for senator, the Republicans
voted solidly for Logan with one exception.
The exception was Slttg, Republican who
had all along refused to support Logan. When
his name was called he refused to answer.
The Democrats remained silent, casting no
votes for any one. When the roll-call was
finished 102 votes had been cast for Logan
within one of the number necessary TO elect
him. On the call for absentees Sittig arose
and made a speech, denouncing Logan as q
boss and schemer and concluded by announo-
ing that he cast his vote for Logan in re-
Spouse to the wish Of his constituents. This
gave Logan the 1903 votes necessary to elect
him, and the Republicans went wild with en-
thusiasm. As soon as the cheers which greet
ed Sittg's vote had subsidized, the Democrats
were again given chance to vote. Their
only chance was to try TO cause a stampede
from Logan TO some other Republican so,
after voting, most of them for Judge Tree,
Democrat, Of Chicago, they few over 10 O. b.
Farwell, Republican, and gave him sc votes,
his support to elect him. The Republicans,
however, stood solidly by Gen Logan, who
was finally declared elected. Upon the declar-
alton of this result there we're loud calls for
the General, who was conducted to the Speak
er's chair and made a short speech, Of which
the following is the main portion:
al congratulate you on having brought to a concu-
sion this most remarkable contest which has been GO
| ing on for nearly four months. l have no words to
express my gratitude to the representatives Of this
great state Of Illinois for the compliment they have
paid me to-day. In this contest which has been
unusually close aud heated one, proud to state
that nothing has transpred TO the friendly rela
! lions existing between myself and my worthy oppo-
! nent For 30 years this gentleman and myself have
been friends, and trust will always continue such.
Loud cheers l believe there never has been con-
test between two persons waged more earnestly for
their parties than this, and yet the mutual relations
remain pleasant. respect Mr.. Morrison political
ly and socially, and am proud to say are friends.
In conclusion, gentlemen, desire TO say that, no
matter what may have occurred during the contest It
has been carried on in spirit Of fairness. No such
contest has ever been known In this country BEFORE
and 1t has appeared strange TO that there has been
so little excitement and bitterness exhibited. de-
sire that in representing the people Of this state
of Illinois in the United States senate, shall ever
try to do that which seems to me to be my duty, rep
reseuting my party and my constituents fairly and
honestly. lCheers.l l leave here having no bitter
| feeling toward any one who may have opposed me.
respect a man who will stand by his creeds and his
friends, aud expect no more from others accorded
to me- I shall go to Washington with no feeling OF
antagonisnl to any party or the present Admnstra-
honestly and stand by you In all which believe to be
right"
The contest which was thus ended was one
of the most remarkable in political records
When the Legislature met the two parties
we're equally divided on joint ballot. Gener-
al Logan was the choice of the Republican
caucus, but personal enmity deprived him Of
two votes to which he was entitled. Colonel
| Al. A. A.
caucus, but was likewise unable to command
the full vote of his party. Neither candidate,
however, could have been elected, as the Leg
islature was originally constituted, il he had
received all the votes of his party. There
was deadlock, which, apparently, nothing
short of treachery and bribery could break
The interest of the rival candidates were
watched with the utmost vigilance, and both
Democrats and Republicans alternately re
Trained from voting, and thus broke q quor-
UNI whenever the other tide acquired a tenn
porary advantage. Then death came in at
a factor in the fight. First, the Republicans
lost member, Representative Logan of the
18th district but the Democrats could moi
summon quorum in the joint assembly, and
there was still no election. A Republican
successor to Representative Logan was elect
ed and the tie restored. Then the Demo
Gratis lost Senator Bridges OF the 37th district
but Democratic successor was chosen to I'll
the vacancy caused by his death, and the
status remained the same. The turning poin
came when Representative Shaw, Democrat
from the oath district, died. There was al
opportunity for the Republicans to secure
majority, and though the district in which
the vacancy occurred was Democratic by
nearly two thousand majority, the Logan
managers captured it and elected Weaver,
pronounced Logan man. After Weaver wa
elected there was a Democratic scheme Il
keep him out of his seat by obstructive tao
tics, but it was abandoned. Then, before Wea
yer was admitted, Col. Morrison, the regula
Democratic nominee, was Withdrawn anC
other candidates were tried in the vain hop
that somebody could be found with ethe
money or influence enough to defeat Logan
Gen. Logan's triumph causes great salts
faction amoung the Republicans in Washing
ton. 1t is needless to say that not the leas
graided person is Mrs. Logan, whom som
one has aptly called ''the ablest assistan
senator" at the national capital.