Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-01-26
THE OHIO SENATE.
The Republicans Meet and Wait for the
Democfats-On Their Arrival a Rlotous
Session was Held, After Which Ehey
AdjOurned-A Reply to U. 5. Senator
Payne.
COLUMBUS, O., Jan. 25.

The republican Senate convened Monday
a, 10 NJ with all the members present, and
the democrats as well as Clerk Villandigham
absent. President Kennedy directed the
reading of the journal of Saturday, after
which nothing was done, owing to the want
of quorum The president retains the chair
and the program is to await the return of the
democratic members. who on FRIDAY adjourn
ed to meet at = P. NJ, Monday. good sized
lobby Is present but everything is quiet and
the best OF feeling prevails.
Ii was the int ntion of the republicans to
adjourn at P. NJ. unless the democrats put
IN an appearance. As the latter hour ap-
preached and il had been learned that ma
JorIty OF the members would be there on
time, the Senate chamber filled up rapidly
Half an hour before the time for the Joint
meeting all available space had been appro-
priated Among the spectators were large
number of local politicians of both parties,
each one claiming the other had the hall
packed for the emergency. There was
plenty OF anxiety and number who were
ready to tight 1T moments notice. The
sergeant-at-arms took advantage of the sit-
uatlon, before the arrival of the democratic
members, to clear the floor and compel all
spectators to go outside of the railing. As
the majority of the members filed in they
were greeted with applause BY the republi-
cans, who apparently construed their pres
ence to be An admission of defeat. The call
of the Senate showed all the members were
present, and motion u dispense with fur
ther proceedings. under the call, would not
be entertained by the chair, he holding that
the call had exhausted itself by the presence
of all the members
Over an nour was spent in discussing the
appeal from his decision, which was after
wards Withdrawn, and the chair allowed the
motion 10 dispense with further proceedings
to BE- voted upon. There was no apparent
point to be gained either way by this motion.
Ia the Hood OF subsequent motions and ap-
peais which followed, the publicans were
insisting on the order OF the day and endeav-
orlng to get the contest eases before the Sen
ate, while the democratic side were engaged
IN an effort to get before the body q re.Olu-
ton which had been agreed upon iu the eau
Gus, proposing the appointment of a commit
tee to consider the constitutional and legal
relations existing between the Senate and its
presiding officer. MP. Pavey, republican,
had been recognized, and was about to report
the rules for the trisl of contest cases, when
a motion was made on the democratic side t o
adjourn.
The chair held this and several other NO
Pavey yielded the noor to Cable, for ques-
ton of privilege, and the member was pro-
ceeding to state his question, and max ing the
democratic caucus resolution part of the
same, but the chair held that nothing was in
order except rules in the contest cases, and
also decided Pavey entitled to the floor. The
democrats being unable to get their resolu-
ton before the Senate, final motion was
made to adjourn, and demand was made
by the democrats that the clerk proceed with
the call of the roll.
The president at first endeavored to drown
the voice of the clerk by the use of the gavel,
but finally became quiet and the roll was
called, twenty-six members voting for ad-
journment
The democratic members rose from their
seats and started out. whiie the clerk handed
the roll call to the president to be announced.
That official tore it into several pieces and
threw it on the floor, while the crowd surged
in front of the ratings and the greatest con
fusion prevailed The clerks all left their
places, and as soon as partial order could be
restored the president proceeded to read the
rules himself which had been offered by
Psvey, with one of the Senators at the
clerks desk. The republican minority voted
on the rules and they were declared adopted
In results, the Senate proceeding. are
about where thev were this morning. The
democratic adjournment was taken to We'd
nesday at z. NJ. and the republican to to
morrow forenoon The affair is pronounced
disgraceful bv all unprejndiced men here.
The following will be mailed TODAY:
Hon. f. B. Payne, U. S. Senate, Washing
ton:
Sir-I acknOw ledge the receipt of your
favor of the 22nd inst, wherein you note the
tact that special committee OF the OHIO
House of Representatives has been appointed
to investigate the conduct of the democratic
caucus, which in January. 1884, nominated 4
candidate for United States Senator, and YOU
also declare that vou propose to give the in
vestigation appropriate attention. In reply
have to say that the resolution to which YOU
refer recites the fact that the allegations of
bribery published on the authority of S. X.
Donovin, are of so grave and positive a char
acter as to call for immediate action in order
to vindicate the repulsation of the charges of
the general assembly. 1t directs a special
committee to inquire into all the facts of the
alleged bribery and report their conclusions
thereon TO the House. If in the prosecution
any testimony tending to inculpate you in any
degree with any questionable transaction be
read, assure you that your request to appear
before the committee in such event will be
most cordially and freely acceded to. Very
respectfully,
THos COwGuI Chairman