The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-12-04

Special dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.
Radical Republican Caucus-The Sub.
iect OF Appointments Discussed
The Tenure Of ONCE Committee to
Block ont Dusiness-Spirit Of the
Meeting, &c.
WASHINGTON, December 2.-The caucus
Of the Republican members of the House
held last evening was attended by about
seventy members. None of the Senators
were present. Hon. J. S. Morrill,, Of Yer
mont, was chosen chairman, and +. G. In
gcrsoil, of Illinois, secretary. Hon. Thad.
Stevens offered resolution that the Sc
nate be requested to refuse to confirm APP
pointmcnts made by the President during
the recess to fill vacancies caused by re-
movals on political grounds. The resolu-
ton was discussed by Mcssrs. Stevens,
Darling, Boutwell,, and Kelly, and finally
passed without dissenting voice, though
several members present had, in private
conversation, said they were opposed to
any interference with the law as it now
stands. On motion of Mr.. Darling, it was
agreed that each Republican Senatorshall
be served with a copy Of the foregoing re-
solution, the chairman to decide who are
such Republican Senators.
Mr.. Stevens facetiously remarked that
he would speak to Senator Cowan, there:
fore notice need not be served on that
Senator.
Upon motion of Mr.. Stevens, a commit
tee of ten, consisting of McSSrs. Stevens,
Schenck, Boutwell,, Allison, Washburnc
(of Illinois,, Paine, Hart, Garfield, Ortiz,
and McRuer, was appointed to consider
and report what measures and legislation
are necessary for immediate action by Con-
grcss, and that they report ut an adjourned
meeting on Wednesday next.
Upon motion Of Mr.. Spaulding, of ONO,
the committee was instructed TO consider
the pi proposition to change the law convc-
ming Congress on the first Monday in De-
ccmber, so us to have that body meet pricr
to that date.
Mr.. Stevens announced that he intends
Immediately to introduce bill to regulate
the tenure of Office, the chief features
being that the President shall, within
twenty days after the Senate convcncs,
submit list of all appointments made
during recess. All appointces who may
be rejected by the Senate shall be inellgl-
bic for any office under the Government
for three years thereafter. Whenever 1t
becomes necessary for the President to
make removals for disability or n7allca-
sance in office, he shall assign the reasons
for such removals within twenty days after
the meeting of the Senate. In case OF Tue
rejection of any person appointed ny the
President, the Office shall revert to his pre-,
decessor except in certain cases., ana al
subordinate appointments made by the
person 50 rejected shall fall with his rclec-
ton. and their positions likewise revert to
their predecessors. The caucus then adj
iourned to meet on Wednesday evening
next.
The spirit manifested by the meeting
towards the President was decidedly war
| like though it should be borne in mind
that the extreme Radical leaders of the
House were of this caucus, whilst not
unite half the number Of Republican men,
bers and none OF the Senators were pre-
sent. In discussing this action to-day,
there are some members who object to the
clause providing that upon rejection OF an
appointcc the office shall revert to the pre-
deccssor. The objection to this proposition
is that it is retroactive, and therefore in
operative as to appointments already made,
and which derive their power and authority
from and are controlled by the Constltu-
ton, and the laws made hereunder, and
now in full force and effect. DATA