Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1868-01-17
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE LEG
IsLATURE.

ISLATURE.
The last issue Of the IsqEIRER announced
the organization of the Senate Of Pennsylva-
MIA, and the nomination Of Hon. Z. w.
Davis, of Philadelphia, for speaker Of the
House, but up to the time we went to press
the House remained unorganized. This
was brought about By Free Railroad men,
to the number Of nine, who we're not satisfied
that the honorable gentleman named for
that position could be trusted, and they de-
termiued to withhold their votes from him
until the balance Of the Free Railroad men
would repudiate him or until they could Sc
cure such concessions for the measure as
they felt warranted in asking.
John T. Richards, Esq. Of this District,
was of the number, and We give him all
credit for consistency. Mr.. Richards repre-
senss district in which their is unanimity
of feeling on the subject Of Free Railroad
law which does scarcely admit Of an excep-
ton. We are satisfied that he had the best
ofreasons for supposing that Mr. Davis was
in the interest Of the Central and eonse-
qaenhy antagonistic to this great measure.
Mr.. Richards Is conscientious man and
would only follow when duty leads the way.
The citizens Of this district, as far as we
have been able 10 learn their sentiments
fully sustain these gentleman and hope be
may ever have the courage to do what IS
right, fearless Of the threats Of the hirelings
Of any mammoth monopoly.
The following card explanatory Of their
course was placed on the record:
HovsE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
January 10, 1868.
We. the undersigned, Republican mem
hers of this House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth OF Pennsylvania, having
declined to attend the caucus of our party
friends. held for the purpose of making
nominations of persons to fill the Offices OF
this House. and having up to this time
withheld our support from the nominee oi
said caucus for the position of Speaker, de-
sire to lay before this body our Immediate
constituents, and the people of the State,
the reasons which have Influenced our sc-
ton.
We have been opposed TO the election of
the candidate for Speaker presented by the
caucus above referred to, because We believ-
ed and still believe that the will of the peo-
pie and the interests Of the Republican par.
ty at this time, in this State, demand the
election Of aSpeaker, with, among others,
the following qualifications:
FIRST One who is in all respects free from
responsible connection with the past legisla-
ton Of this body, considered offensive By
the people.
Second. One whose record and life show
him 20 be IN favor of reforming the abuses
that have erept into the management oi
public affairs In this State; and of retrench
ing in all practicable ways the expenditure
Of the Commonwealth.
Third. Dae who has not been identified
in q way that world be likely 10 affect his of
fcial action, with any corporation in tht
State that has heretofore shown disposition
to monopolize privileges, to exercise power
not granted by charter, aud to control legis
latIon by improper influences.
Fourth One who would SO constitute til.
committees of this House and 30 direct il
action as co carry into effect in good faiti
the viii of the party to which we belong, a
expressed at it's late convention, held O.
Williamsporf, in favor Of the passage Of
Free Railroad Law.
And Judging the candidate for the Speak
ership favored BY the majority Of our part.
friends by his votes In this body, by hi
published remarks and speeches, and By hi
surroundings, we have not deemed him tn
person best qualified to meet the just eX
peetatioRs of the Republican voters of tn
State, or 20 give strength 10 that party oI
ganization which saved the country froI
disruption by war, and 10 which patriot
people look for wise government IN peace
Our temporary separs- n from those wit
whom we have heretofore acted has bee
painful to us. The step was taken in th
first place, from no feeling Of dlsappoini
ment or revenge, from no disposition to b
factious, with no intention Of becoming dis
organizers, but we claim to have been sctu
ated wholly by high sense Of duty to oul
selves, to our constituents, and to the part
whose best interests we have always tried {
ssJve
At 40 time las the thought been entel
tanned BY any Of the undersigned Of castin
a single vote, under any possible circun
stances, for the candidate supported by th
party called Democratic.
Gnr whole purpose, from the beginning
has beer 10 seeure time for reflection on th
part OF the majority Of eur own party, hC
ping that on sober thought they would sc
the mistake they had made and hasten {
correct it: ard time Tor the people 10 SO ez
press themselves as that those who are bU
their servants could not help being mad
acquainted with their voice, and through
might be willing TO Weld to the popular q.
mand. Minorities have responsibilities
well as majorities, and rs such we feel thi
we have but discharged our duty.
Ia the hope that change would be efe