Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-03-18

Mr.. Cox said he understood the gentleman
to favor Mr.. Buffers bill, and after that TAX
ing testimony.
Mr.. Shellabarger said inconsistency seemed
to be attributed to him. He replied that the
country knew enough now to warrant the leg
islston, Let the examination proceed and
when the report shall be made next December
they could adjust their legislation.
Mr. Dawes said as he had yesterday voted
for the resolution he had been arraigned be-
fore the country by one of his own colleagues
as being engaged in a dishonorable legislative
trick According to his colleague and those
who act with him, he alone is awake to the
condition Of things and in seeking remedy
he marvelled at the right his colleague as
sumed to speak for gentlemen here or make
his arraignment. He Dawes also desired
to seek out a proper remedy for the evils
which had their origin in years of troubles and
distress, with an abundant legislation. Affairs
have been growing worse and worse until this
day and hour evil eonfronts us more than ever.
The question was whether a lack of admins
tration or legislation had brought these evils
upon US, or whether, instead of doctoring the
patient change of treatment may not be re-
sorted to with benefit. His colleague held
him up before the country. Was he to be
hunted downed at home because he differed
with his colleague as to the mode of treatment
Was lie to be exhibited as a trickster in an al
lance with his opponent because he did not
see his way clear in this great deliberative
body.
Mr.. Butler inquired then why his colleague
did not propose some measure for relief.
Mr.. Dawes replied that he wanted practi-
cal measure, not excitement and tutlity. He
repeated that he wanted something to result
in peace and harmony in fact
Mr.. Blair of Michigan, said Mr.. Butler had
stated in his circular as his objection to Sc
lect committee, first because it was forced up
on the Republicans by nearly a unanimous
vote of the Democratic party in the House,
aided by some 20 or 30 Republicans only
against the decision of the majority of that
party in duly called caucus of members OF
the House; but the record showed that IS
Republicans voted for the resolution when he
presided as chairman of the caucus at W hich
the measure was presented, consisting of the
bill of the gentlemen from Ohio, (Mr. Shella-
barger). The report was adopted. As the
sense of the caucus that bill should be intro
ducod in the House. The question arose rs
to how far the vote in caucus controlled action
in the house, when the understanding was
that members were not bound to support the
details of the bill The bill was never read
in the caucus All were at liberty to support
any measure which in their Judgment would
reach the object in view in better manner.
There were laws enough if they were .only
executed.
Mr.. Buckley asked if that were so why are
the laws not executed!
Mr.. Blair would be glad if the gentleman
would answer the question himself. Some
thing must be done more than legislative
enactment In conclusion he gave his reason
why he voted for the select committee.
The debate continued at additional length,
and Mr.. Coburn was finally excused, making
five of the appointees relieved from duty on
the committee. (Shellabarger, Burdell, Ike
ley, Butler and Coburn.)
Mr.. Dawes asked the House to take up the
Senate bill. Mr.. Butler objected he desired
a regular order of business, so that he nigh
introduce his bill.
motion to adjourn ut - minutes to
O'Clock, l0J to 81.