AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr. Brown offered the following:
Resolved, That the Senate proceed to choose its officers by a viva voce vote, and that the persons receiving the highest number of votes for an office shall be deemed chose to such office, and be entitled to hold the same.
It was rejected-yeas, 25; nays, 25.
A message was received from the House of Representatives announcing the organization of that body, and also the passage by that House of a resolution providing for the opening and publishing of the returns of the October election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, in the Hall of the House, on Saturday, January 8, 1881, at 2o'clock p. m.
Mr. Chapman offered the following:
Resolved, That in order to expedite the further business, the following named persons be appointed to the respective offices named: Oliver M. Wilson, the nominee of the Republican caucus, Secretary of the Senate; Robert B. Sears, reported
page: 12[View Page 12]to have been a nominee of the Democratic caucus. Assistant Secretary, and A. W. Monroe, reported to have been a nominee of the Democratic caucus, Doorkeeper.
Mr. Brown stated that the names of neither of the gentlemen referred to in the resolution, as reported to be the nominees of the Democratic caucus, was considered by the said caucus-they are not of our flock-they dwell with those on the other side of the Chamber.
The resolution was rejected-yeas, 25; nays, 25.
Mr. Voyles offered the following:
Resolved, That James H. Rice, of the County of Floyd, is hereby elected as Secretary of the Senate; that Robert Sears, of the County of Vermillion, is elected as Assistant Secretary of the Senate, and that L. D. Adkinson, of the County of Miami, is elected as Doorkeeper of the Senate.
It was rejected-yeas, 25; nays, 25.
Mr. Foster offered the following:
Whereas, It has been fully demonstrated by repeated ballots that there exists a dead-lock in this House, and that no business can be done until this obstacle, which is proving a great waste of the people's money, and valuable time which ought to be devoted to important legislation be removed: therefore, be it
Resolved, That the President appoint a committee of six-three Democrats and three Republicans to confer together and devise, if possible, a compromise that will effect a speedy organization of the Senate.
It was rejected--yeas, 25; nays, 25.
Mr. Chapman moved that the Senate proceed to vote for Principal Secretary of the Senate.
The motion was agreed to.
The ninth vote resulted the same as the three last.
Mr. Chapman offered a concurrent resolution for the appointment of a Joint Committee of the two Houses, to make arrangements for the inauguration of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor-elect.
Mr. Bell raised the point of order that there is no business in order which does not tend to forward the completion of the organization of the Senate.
This gave rise to considerable discussion, participated in by Messrs. Chapman, Bell, Grubbs and Brown.
The President pro tem. overruled the point of order. In the opinion of the Chair, this body is unquestionably a Senate. If not a Senate, why does it vote for officers of the Senate? Being a Senate, it is its duty to take any steps it thinks proper to regulate the counting of the votes cast for Governor and Lieutenant Governor . To be sure to make preparations for the inauguration of the Governor is not one of the duties of the Senate, but it is competent and very proper that such steps should be taken.
The resolution was adopted.
The President pro tem. makes said Committee on the part of the Senate to consist of Messrs. Chapman, Menzles and Grubbs.
Mr. Woods offered the following:
Resolved, That the Senate proceed to elect a Principal Secretary, who shall be a Democrat, and elect Mr. Sears, the Republican nominee, as Assistant Secretary, and elect a Republican as a Doorkeeper, which are to be designated by the respective parties.
The resolution was rejected--yes, 24; nays,26.
A ten vote for Principal Secretary of the Senate was taken, resulting as the four last.
Mr. Woods moved that the Senate proceed to the election of Doorkeeper.
On motion by Mr. Menzies, this motion was laid on the table.
The eleventh and twelfth votes for Principal Secretary resulted as the five last.
Mr. Menzies offered a resolution, that Charles W. Brouse be the Principal Secretary of the Senate.
It was rejected by yeas, 23: nays, 27.
Mr. Comstock offered a resolution for a Conmmittee of the two Houses to wait upon Governor Gray.
It was rejected by yeas, 25; nays, 25.
Mr. Menzies offered a resolution that Charles W. Brouse be and is hereby chosen Principal Secretary of the Senate.
It was rejected by yeas, 24; nays, 26.
At 5:50 o'clock came an adjournment till 10 o' clock to-morrow.
