Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-02-10
The Prcsidency-Caucus OF Republican

The Prcsidency-Caucus OF Republican
congressman.
The following appears i'll the New York
Herald as the action of the Republican caucus
on Monday night:
The Republican Senators and members of
Congress held secret caucus i'll the House OF
Representatives tonight, for the purpose of
taking into consideration the method in which
the approaching PresideE tial campaign should
be conducted. About seventy five collected
early in the evening, including Senators Har-
ris, Morrill,. Wilson, Doolit.le, Trumoull,
Clark, Pomeroy and others.
After some time spent in informal conversa-
tiop, Representative Morrill, called the meet
ing to order. Senator Harris was nominated
Tor chairman, but declined, upon the ground
that he should leave before the meeting ad-
lourIed. Senator Trumbull was then nomi-
mated, and also declined, stating that he must
ago home early" Finally Senator Clark was
appointed, and wished TO know the object of
the meeting,
Mr.. Ashley stated that caucus was held
last week for the purpose OF making appoint
ments to I'LL vacancies in the National Rspub.
Hcan Committee, to meet on the 32d inst, and
that the consideration of the subject had been
postponed till 10. night. He unders TODD tina, the
men.ter from Delaware had series of resolu-
items 10 offer. He also believed IL was desired
TO have West virginia represented in the CON
m. ttee, and was himself an xious that the name
ofthe committee should be chan ged to .sNation IL
Union Committee 10 draw in the Union
men OF the border States.
Mr. Smithers, OF Delaware, offered a resolu
ton 10 the effect that the vacancies in the
Nstionai Union Committee occasionei by death
or otn. rwise should be filled and that the dela
CATION in Congress nominate gentlemen for
tharpuypose, who, upon being selected by the
chairman OF the committee, should participate
In lis lators. He had drawn up the resolution
at the suggestion of Union men, but had no
desire TO suggest any names.
Mr.. DoOlittle thought it best to sug yest names
Informally tot committee, and that the " hol,
matter be left to it.
Mr.. Arnold, of Illinois, did not approve of
the measure. The Chicago platform was framed
In a different manner. and he did not think il
advisable 10 depart from that plan.
Mr.. Smithers urged that The matter should be
s,t'led in conference among members OF the
several States.
Senator Wilson wanted TO know how many
yacaIo les there were,
MIR. Doolittle believed there were five, though
said seven.
Mr.. Wilson was in favor of a reasonable
amount Of inference but not TOO much. Mem
bets should simply suggest names TO the COM
mittee and let II choose Tor itself. The repu0
iican party had changed very much since the
last election, and in canvassiDg for President,
II had become necessary TO admit every sound
Cpion man who would act with them. We had
ouigrown the affairs of 1869, and he wished
they had no committee at all, but would recog-
n re any and every one who would CO. operate
whether he be from the republican, Union,
d. mocTatic or any other party.
member from California said he hoped the
mon congressman would have something 10
say, out not be allowed TO decide. The Con :
nouiu not De Il party one, but On9 IN
Wnica All parties would unite for the support
"cf The government 1.-THE Con yantien " as or
SEn:z'd as republican organization IL would
1ail
MR. Doolittle said the name q, s,ran,h,oorn
had teen laid by in all the States II mas 49,
lnion. They needed the war democratic Yo,s
and they must be frank and cordial With tSa
people Il they succeeded in getting it. He was
opposed TO inviting none but repu bIicsn" -
serve on the COMMITTEES. They had an Immense
tack before them. He would not now speak for
or against any Of the parties named in conuec.
tion with the Presidency. Until the Con yention
x-lect-d a candidate, whoever should be MONT
rated ne would support, whether II was Hal
leck or Mcclellan, or Grant, or any other gen.
srsl That rule should govern every man II
fbty wis he'd to insure success.
considerable debate followed, In which 1t was
n.sed that the name Of the committee be changed
To that OF the "raaical unconditional and all
tie other adJectiSes. Union Committee" or
any other name, except its present one. 1t was
believed that II such . step was taken the Union
men " Ould vote the ticket The Nav work
herald had come out for amending the COAST
inien; and Il was probable tina, the Union party
Mr. Colfax approved OF the resolution. There
Fvfe many present who could not come back