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

a TIE SELECT C0MMTTTEE.
The passage of the resolution in the
House for the appointment Of select
, committee to investigate the condition Of
the South has ruffled the temper of General
Butler. The resolve supersedes bill
which he had prepared in relation to South
ern troubles, and which was adopted in a
caucus of the republican members. He
complains because his bill was defeated by
republicans after it was agreed to in
caucus, and pronounces the adoption OF
the resolution a Legislative trick. Having
been appointed to serve upon the select
committee he declined to accept the place,
giving his reasons for declining in a circu-
lar or letter which was laid upon the desks
of members Thursday morning. His prin-
cipal reasons were that the passage of the
resolve for the committee was in deroga-
ton of the action of the caucus, that it
was accomplished by Legislative trick.
and that the measure could be of no use in
establishing law and order at the South
/
place on Thursday that the resolve was
supported by fifty-eight republican votes
while only fifty were against 1t; still Gen
eral Butler insisted that 1t was forced
upon the House by the democrats and
was democratic measure. 1t strikes us
that General Butler attributes the defeat OF
this bill to wrong causes. We believe that
the sober, second thought of the republi-
cans, even many who were in the caucus,
when they came seriously to examine and
consider the bill, led them to conclude that
it was dangerous measure and would be
productive of mischief and disaster if it
became law and an attempt were made
to enforce it, The mistake was made
when the caucus adopted it. But it APP
pears the action of the caucus was not con-
sidered binding by those who participated
in it, and on this ground those who voted
Tor the resolution excuse their action. Of
that perhaps those who were at the caucus
the bill itself was Objectionable, and is
better dead than enacted 1t assumed ex-
traordinary and doubtful powers. There
is no wonder that members became
, alarmed when they examined it and de-
cided to retrace their steps. If there
were any legerdemain in the way it was
brought to its end, it would have required
more to save those who made it a
law had that been done. The people of
the South must be protected in all their
rights, and the government is bound to do
it, but the adoption of so violent and I'M
authorized measure as Buffers bill would
make riot respectable and justice an inn
possibility. We publish the debate in the
House on Thursday in full as matter of
particular interest to our readers.
Mr.. Kelley of Penn, asked TO be excused
from serving as member of the select COM
, mittee on the investigation of the southern
! outrages. Neither the condition OF his health
nor his affairs permitted him to pledge this
summer any public duties. He was now I'M
: der medical charge, threatened with a pull
5 monary affection, and therefore after the ad-
t journment of Congress must seek repose and
1 not labor.
: Mr.. Butler.-I may be pardoned for saying
a word in reply to what has been said by my
{ friend from Penn, (Kelley). have made
, no assertion against him. His vote has al
i ways been in accordance with his party obi
cations. l know he is not one of those who
entered into the combination, but / ask, is
there any other high-tarif gentleman who de-
sires the floor, to explain his votes say
again, analyze the votes, and while admitting
that two or three high tariff men have voted
with the republican party, say and reaffirm
that this resolution, which is obnoxious to the
majority of republicans on this floor, was put
through lest there should be legislation on
the tariff.
Mr.. Peters of Maine-Will the gentleman
yield to me for a question?
Mr.. Butler--Yes SIR
Mr.. Peters-I wish to ask whether the
gentleman is not aware that the ma ority of
the republican members who voted yesterday
on the resolution voted for il?
Mr.. Butler--I am not.
Mr.. Peters-An analysis of the yeas and
nays made by many gentlemen, shows that So
republicans voted for, and 80 republicans
against the resolution.
Mr.. Buter-I understand all that perfectly.
The resolution was sprung upon the House.
Many OF the warmest opponents of the resolu-
ton voted for it because as Southern men, as
trick that was played upon them that there
would be no other legislation except this in
favor Of the South, and they did not like to
vote against it.
Mr.. Dawes-I would like to ask my col
league question.
Mr.. Butler-Let me finish my sentence.
Thereupon they voted in that way so that they
might not be placed in a seemingly false posi-
) ton ut home; but that was not the way in
which the 81 men who attended the Republi-
can caucus held the night before, which many
of those gentlemen who voted for the resolu.
ton either did not attend or left before its de-
alterations were through, intended and order
: ed their committee to bring the matter of pro-
, lection to the Southern Union men before the
House. BY aid of a majority of Democratic
votes legislation in this House is carried on
in defiance of any organization of Republic
, canism. Now will yield to the question from
my colleague, Mr.. Dawes.
Mr.. Dawes-What desire to ask my col
league is that he will state explicitly what he
~ ha Oh oh no lias