The Election of Senators.

In accordance with the provisions of the law which passed the Legislature on the 17th inst., the two Houses will meet in joint convention, at twelve o'clock today, for the purpose of electing two United States Senators. A more pleasing duty could hardly fall to the lot of any majority, than will be presented to the Democracy of this Legislature, in conferring the office of Senator upon the distinguished gentlemen who have already received the endorsement of the Democratic caucus.

The life of HENRY M. RICE involves in it the history of the rise and development of this section of the great Northwest. From childhood, he has been a witness of, and a participant in the events which have transpired compassing the settlement, growth, and maturity of Minnesota; until he can now visit hundreds of prosperous villages and settlements, standing on spots which he has seen in all the unadorned, or rather, unmutilated beauty of nature. This change has not only transpired under his observation, but he has been, in himself, an element and a power, in working the marvelous miracle. Probably no man, by his own energies, has excercised so direct and potent an influence as he upon the past development of Minnesota, or helped to lay on broader and surer foundations, the basis of its brilliant and glorious future. He has won the right to the compliment which will to-day be bestowed on him by the Representatives of the people, whose prosperity he had so largely helped to advance.

Gen. JAMES SHIELDS is known to the people of the whole country. He does not need the election as Senator to give him fame or reputation. But our people, on the other hand, do need the helps which his experienced ability and his high natural character will bring to their aid. He has passed through nearly the whole range of political and military service, and few men possess a more thorough knowledge of statesmanship as a science, or of the detailed operations of government in all its various ramifications.

General SHIELDS has occupied in succession the offices of Member of the Legislature, State Auditor, and Judge of the Supreme Court, of Illinois: Commissioner of the General Land Office; General in the army; and Senator of the United States. - These positions cover almost every grade of civil service, and the highest grade of military service. The fact that General SHIELDS has filled all these various offices with faithfulness and ability - that he has retired from the duties of each with an increased popularity, is, in itself, the highest compliment which it is in our power to bestow. The people of Minnesota are fortunate in being able to secure, at this most critical period of the history of their State, a man to serve them who has already been tried in so great a variety of positions, and who has always shown himself to be equal and superior to all requirements justly made upon his duty or his honor.

We shall be happy to announce in to-morrow's issue the triumphant election of these two distinguished men to represent Minnesota in the Senate of the United States. - Let HENRY M. RICE and JAMES SHIELDS receive the vote of every Democratic Representative and Senator. There will be honor in the act to those who perform it, as well as to the recipients of this high mark of their confidence and regard.