The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-10-31

3
vote OF 4S to 80, the senate, aftor one Of
the most remarkable and memorable
parliamentary battles OF Il generation,
passed the bill Internationally repeal
in, the purchase clause OF the Sherman
silver law.
The end was reached at the conclu-
sion Of a continuous session OF fourteen
DAYS. after sixty.ono days OF debate,
during which five volumes OF congress-
sionaI record had been filled with
speeches, amounting in the aggregate to
about twenty million words, n stream OF
talk thatwouId stretch in cold typefrom
IN, seaboard 600 miles into the inte-
rior, from liberty enlightening the world
in New York harbor to the foot hills Of
the Rocky mountains. The closing day
OF the great struggle for the repeal OF
the purchase OF silver was one OF in
tense excitement. The galleries were
packed to tine doors. every scat in the
senate occupied and the walls were lined
with representatives from the lower
branch OF Congress.
The aegis OF senatorial courtesy was
no protection in the last moments.
Grey haired men, inhamed by the fiery
passions that always characterize the
close Of bitter contest, did not spare
each. other. Senator Morgan, with
words that fairly burned, heaped his
denunciation on Senator Voorhees,, the
leader OF the administration forces, and
Senator WolCott, the Colorado hot spur,
concluded fierce philippe against
senator Carey with the Spanish proverb
OF Sancho Panza, that it was "a waste OF
ather to shave an ass" The silver Re-
publicans, Teller, Stewart, Dubois, VOL
cott and Jones. and PETER, the Pop
ulist, and Morgan, and the old war gov
ernor Of Tennessee, Harris, each made
his vaiedictory.
The Democrats were hot and angry at
the desertion OF some of their col
leagues that mada their defeat possible.
The Populists admonished the senate
that the doom of silver was the doom OF
the old parties, but there was some
thing -tragically pathetic in the despair
ing cry OF the silver senators. IL meant,
they said, ruin and destruction and
desolation to the silver producing
states. Senator Jones, with an empha-
sis that will never be forgotten by those
who heard him, warned those about
him that the end OF the fight marked
but the beginning OF the, battle that
would be waCed before the people. In
tones deep and tragic he repeated Dun
dee's famous defiance OF Gordon:
"There be hills beyond PentlAnd
And iriths beyond forth:
II there be Lords In the lowlnnds
There be Chiefs in the North"
Senator Stewart had the last word.
When the white bearded Nevadian,
looking like an ancient patriarch. sank
back in his seat Vice President Steven
son for the last time announced that
the bill was before the senate for
amendment. He paused. Senator
Voorhees,. "the tall sycamore of the
Wabash" arose. The decisive moment
had come. The vice president flashed
his eye about the chamber. The CALLER
les leaned over. The flood OF light from
the glass panelled ceiling poured down
upon the senate. The chamber was
still as death. Not soul stirred.
Every one seemed to hold his breath.
"If there are no further amend
ments," said the vice president, slowly
and solemRly, "the clerk will call the
roll"
"Mr. Allen" began the clerk. The
suspense was over. The Rubicon had
been passed. The roll was at last being
called on tho final passage OF the bill.
From all over the chamber came q sigh
OF relief. Mr.. Bland, the silver cham
pion OF the house. stood like statue
behind the senate desks while the roll
was called. Mr.. Sherman and Mr..
Voorhees,, facing each other, bolt up.
right, did not move a muscle. Mr.
PETER stroked his beard. Mr.. Mills
and Mr.. Cockrell paced impatiently up
and down the area in front OF the vice
presidents chair. Mr., Hill sat in the
front row, talking to his late antagonist,
Mr.. Butler. It took almost ten minutes
to call tho roll and arrange the pairs.
When the vice president announced
the vote, Mr.. Voorhees, Strengthened up
to his full length. 1t was personal
victory for him. Il now move" said
he, with note of triumph in his voice.
that the senate adjourn until to-mor-
row at l2 o'clock"
Before the question could be put the
occupants Of the galleries were jostling
each other in their attempts to crowd
ont OF the doors. The senators fled
from the chamber. In sixty seconds
none but a flew employees remained upon
the scene. The long battle was over;
the field deserted.
PROCEEDINGS IN DETAIL.