Maine was reached before Mississippi, and Mr.
Blaine was duly sworn in as a Senator from that State.

No one expected that he would do otherwise than support the program that had been agreed upon, but, contrary to expectations, as soon as Mississippi was called Mr.Blaine was on his feet, demanding recognition.

Of course he was recognized by the chair.

He made a motion that Mr.Lamar be sworn in _prima facie_ as the Senator from Mississippi.

His contention was that, since his credentials were regular, the Senator-elect should be sworn in; and if there should be any question about the legality of the election it could be made the subject of a subsequent investigation.
This unexpected action on the part of Mr.Blaine took everyone by surprise, with the possible exception of Mr.Lamar, who, no doubt, was well aware of what was in contemplation.