SENATORSHIP AT ALB ANY -1864 -1865 119 



friend George William Curtis of New York, who, in ad- 

 mirable temper, and clear voice, unraveled the tangle, 

 as he understood it, and seemed just about to start the 

 convention fairly on its way, when some marplot arose 

 to suggest that some minor point in Mr. Curtis 's exposi- 

 tion was not correct, thus calling out a tumult of con- 

 flicting statements, the result of which was yet greater 

 confusion, so that we seemed fated to adjourn pell-mell 

 into the street and be summoned a second time into 

 the hall, in order to begin the whole proceedings over 

 again. 



But just at this moment arose Henry J. Eaymond, edi- 

 tor of the "New York Times. " His parliamentary train- 

 ing had been derived not only from his service as lieu- 

 tenant-governor of the State, but from attendance on a 

 long series of conventions, State and National. He had 

 waited for his opportunity, and when there came a lull 

 of despair, he arose and, in a clear, strong, pleasant voice, 

 made an alleged explanation of the situation. As a piece 

 of parliamentary tactics, it was masterly though from 

 another point of view it was comical. The fact was that 

 he developed a series of motions and amendments: a 

 whole line of proceedings, mainly out of his own interior 

 consciousness. He began somewhat on this wise: "Mr. 

 President: The eminent senator from Vermont moved 

 a resolution to such an effect; this was amended as fol- 

 lows, by my distinguished friend from Ohio, and was 

 passed as amended. Thereupon the distinguished senator 

 from Iowa arose and made the following motion, which, 

 with an amendment from the learned gentleman from 

 Massachusetts, was passed; thereupon a resolution was 

 moved by the honorable gentleman from Pennsylvania, 

 which was declared by the chair to be carried; and now, 

 sir, I submit the following motion," and he immediately 

 followed these words by moving a procedure to business 

 and the appointment of committees. Sundry marplots, 

 such as afflict all public bodies did, indeed, start to their 

 feet, but a universal cry of " question " drowned all their 



