Los Angeles daily herald. [volume] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1873-1876, 1874-01-15
CushinS's CaSe-Sargent Makes u Sen.
satiOmStrOng Opposition To Con.
RrlnatiOn.


CHICAGO, Jan. IA,
n Washington special gives lively
account of the Cushing caucus yester-
day. The Inter- Oceans specials say
if lightning had struck the room in
which the Senate caucus was assem-
bled, it would not have disturbed
Cushing's friends more than letter
produced and read by Sargent from
Cushing to jeff. Davis, President of
the Confederacy. When the caucus
met it was fully attended, Cushing's
friends being confident. Edmunds
opened and presented the case for con-
firmatiOn, but showed plainly thatp
sonally he had little heart in the mat
ter. Sargent opposed the confirmation
bitterly, and reviewed Cushings re-
cord, when he gave way to Cameron,
who said he desired to leave on the
evaning train, but wished to indicate
his position. He then attacked the
nomination with great vigor, and said
if it were confirmed it would destroy
the Republican part. Sargent
resuming reviewed Cushing's career,
and coming down to 1868. produced
and read letter by Cushing to Marcy,
of New Hampshire, denouncing the
war in style that would have done
credit to Vallandigham. Scott fol-
lowed very much in the strain of Sar-
gent and Cameron. He would not
support the nomination unless it
could be proved to his satisfaction that
Cushing was soundo on great questions
growing out of war, and he must have
convincing proof. Frelingheisen fol-
lowed and endorsed these views. Bout
well began, but was considerably EN-
barrassed by the letter read. He went
on to say however, that from his ac-
qnaintance with Cushing since the
war, he believed that he was fully
committed of sympathy with the Re-
publican party and believed Cushing
had been in favor of the war. He had
based his belief on his NewburypOrt
speech in 1861, already printed in the
papers. He was greatly surprised at a
letter to Marcy, which he had just
heard read for the first time. Towards
the close of Boutwelrs speech Ed
wards interrupted him to say he had
just heard report that Cushing
had written a letter to jeff Davis in
1861, and he thought it just and proper
to mention it. Boutwell, resumed to
close remarks, and while he was
speaking, Sargent came in and was
noticed showing around what appear
ed to be q letter. Mr.. Edmund 5
statement created great excitement.
Conklin was observed to take Sar-
gents letter to window and read it.
He, Conklin, defended Cushing, say
ing he was like mauy other Democrats
at first opposed to war but after
wards loyal. After the speech of
Conkl;ng there were calls on all sides
for Sargent to read the letter He
objected, saying he had been request
ed by Senators not to read it in caucus,
but so many Senators insisted, he
finally read it. 1t was dated, Wash
ington, March Il: 1861, and was adj
dressed to jeff Davis: "My dear
friend, this will introduce to you my
friend Abraham Powers, who has been
clerk in one of my departments for six
or seven years. He leaves service on
account of his opinions, and being a
Southern man by birth and education,
10 dayotad tO what he raUa rdS as his
country, the Confederacy. He has
been contributor to DeBow's Review,
and is fully acquainted with the ques-
lhtions which undermined and have
/ now broken up the American Union.
commend him to your favorable
notice as man who is worthy of your
confidence. Signed,
CALEB CUSHING"
The reading produced an immense
sensation. Those who had defended
Cushing looked blank and amazed.
Lewis of Virginia called out to learn
whether the political disabilities OF
Cushing had ever been removed. The
caucus for the time was broken up and
Senators were in confusion talking
the matter over and asking again fol
points. At length order was restored
, when it was at once decided without
opposition that the Judiciary Com
mittee should wait on the President
and ask him to withdraw the nomina'
ton Of Cushing on the ground OF cor.
reapondence with the enemy during
: the rebellion. 1t is believed that Of
ter this expose Cushing's confirma'
ton is impossible.