Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-01-16


EDMUNDs AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON THE
REPUBLICAN SIDE--THE DEMOCRATIC LEAD
Frs.
The opinion that this will be a lively session
Of Congress, despite the fact that it opened
tamely, prevails among public men of all shades
Of political opinion. The incoming of a demo-
cratic administration after nearly a Quarter of
a century's exclusion from executive power,
with the changes it naturally brings in the
public offices, and in the policy of government
Is cited as reason enough to expect
proceedings in Congress. AS the
republicans retain control of the Senate that
body Is looked to to protect and promote the
political interests of that party. Some Of the
lican party are in the Senate. and 1t goes with
out saying that they will keep vigilant eye
upon their partys interests.
SENATOR EDMUNDs.
The foremost figure on the republican side is
Senator Edmunds. of Vermont. His attitude
of Indifference with regard to the presidential
ticket last year caused feeling of resentfulness
within his party towards him for awhile, but
his commanding position in the Senate and the
patent fact that in the party's present eXigen-
cies no man could we'll fiji his place, have tended
to dissipate this feeling. Though the session
has scarcely begun, he has already risen supe-
rior to antagonism, and stands as the recognized
leader OF the majority in the Senate. Mr.. Ed
munds is not slow to assert his leadership. but
In any discussion or argument with regard to
his course either as a statesman or a partisan
leader. He has persistently refused to reply to
or notice criticisms upon him, even when they
have been palpably unjust and erroneous. To q
STAR reporter who was sent to interview him
some published attack UPON him. ae sai aooef
nave made 1t rule all my life never to engage
IN controversies, through the press or other
He has firmness and decision of character
enough to adhere to his resolution, no matter
what circumstances may occur to justify him
most diiigent legislator. He keeps thoroughly
informed upon every measure that comes be-
tore the Senate. No matter how trivial the bill
or resolution may seem to be If there liz q flaw
IN 1t, or II 1t aims at the public treasury, the
vermont Senator is sure to call attention to the
fact, and If the measure lacks merit he kills it
In q few words.
HOW he FoREsTALLED OPPOSITION.
He is cool and adroit in politics. When the
Senate met and it was incumbent upon the
body to choose presiding officer in place of the
lately deceased Vice President it was whispered
that Mr.. Edmunds wanted the position; that he
felt that such an endorsement on the part of
his party associates would serve to silence crit-
cism because of his attitude In the last presi-
senaia h sen
wanted to again be elected President pro
tempore, regarded his ambition offering an
as lack of feafty to party. Their idea was that
Mr.. Edmunds' defeat would be a signal rebuke,
and they planned to defeat him. But he was
He forestalled them by rising in caucus and
nominating Senator Logan, in q speech setting
forth the latters superior claims to the honor.
As President pro tempOre Of the Senate Mr..
Edmunds was rigid in his enforcement of the
rules, but he>was impartial. He was very ex-
acting in his requirements of the employees, and
they most heartily rejOiced that he was not re.
elected. He issued orders fixing hours for
employees to arrive at and leave the Capitol, for
bidding smoking. etc, and he took pains to see
IN oil int.
macy existed between Senator Edmunds and
Senator Thurman. Each was the acknowledged
leaderof his party in the Senate. but opposing
politics never disturbed their friendly relations.
OTHER REPUBLICAN SENATORS.
Senator ingalls, is another strong man on the
republican side. He is fluent talker and
ready coiner of sharp and cutting phrases He
is keen In satire and pointed in all that lie
says. Senator Hoar, in his scholarly manner.
is entirely able to maintain the post OF leader
ship should it fall to him. Senator Frye, though
he does not often talk, Is ready, vigorous and
skilful debater, and has the ability and expert
ence to pilot his party in any occasion that may
arise in the Senate. Mr.. Evarts, though a new
Senator, is placed in the front rank through
standiag at the BARN. bar. Indeed It seems cen n no
longer an ofense for new Senator to take an
active part in debate. The old idea which re-
Quired him to remain silent for q year or two
seems to have been exploded. 1t is quite COM
mon now for the Senator freshly invested with
his toga to have his say along with the old
THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS.
On the democratic side are men fully COM
petent to cope in rhetorical struggle with the
trained leaders of the majority. Senator Vest
Is not only pleasing orator. but he is skilful in
debate. He is quick to see and take advantage
Butler is an easy, graceful speaker, and has
force OF character that fits him for leadership.
Senator voorhees, has maintained his post of
prominence in the Senate for years, and his
party naturally turns to him one of it's
leaders. Senator Morgan as lawyer has no
superior in the body. Senator Harris is pro-
nOunced by many to be the best parliament
arian in the Senate. Senator Vance is a vigor-
GUS combatant in debate. Senator CockreIl is
to his sr parsy He is attentive aad
painstaking, and familiarizes himself with
every measure coming before the Senate. 1t
is probably to the Senators named that the
democratic party will entrust its fortunes in
the present Senate.
THE QUESTION OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
The action of the Senate in ordering all nomi-
nations, combinations, reflections and with
drawals published in the Record, is regarded by
some members OF that body as the first step to
final abolition of executive sessions. Not
that any such result will follow Immediately,
but that 1t will come in the course OF time.
Not a great while ago the Senate would have
been shocked at the bare suggestion of spread
Ing the results of executive sessions upon the
pages OF the Record In the opinion of some
Senators the system of secrecy with regard to
mountainous tends to encourage vicious attacks
upon men named for office, Senators who thus
think, believe that If nominations were consid-
cred openly malicious persons would be de-
prived of opportunities they now have for
secretly making charges and insinuations
against nominees.
The Presidential Succession Bill.
IT'S PASSAGE BY THE HoUsE-ANALYSIS OF
THE VOTE.
The Hoar presidential succession bill was
passed by the House yesterday without amend
by vote of 1873 to II, and will become q
law as soon as signed by the President. Messrs.
Bennett, Of North Carolina, and Greene, of New
Jersey, voted with the republicans in the mi
nOrfty. The following republicans voted with
the democrats in favor of the bill Messrs. Allen,
OF Massachusetts,; Atkinson, Baker, Browne. of
Indiana; Buck, Butterworth, Cutcheon, Ely,
Gallinger, Hayden, Herman, Hiestand, His
cock, Hit, James. Johnson, of New York;
Ketcham, LaFollette, Long, Markham, Nc
Comas, Moffitt, Negley, Payne, Pettibone, Price,