New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-12-01

but lively debate took place. No person
is allowed in the hall except members.
The situation was little changed at 2 p. m. Good
humOr was still manifested on both sides. Some
efforts were being made to compromise, which,
it was hoped, might result satisfactorily.
About p m. Gen. Ruger sent his staff officer to
the Speakers stand and informed Democratic
Speaker Wallace that at IL o'clock tomorrow the
Democratic members from Edgeield would not be
permitted on the floor of the House. Upon the re-
ceipt of that order the following letter was immc
diately sent to Gen. Ruger:
COLUMBIA, s. c.. Nov 80 1876.
Gen. IT, IT, RUGER, commanding L. S. troops in South
Carolina.
DEAR SIR: We have Just heard through Major McGin-
mis- Of your staff your order communicated TO Wm wal
lace Speaker Of the House of Representatives that at
IL O'Clock tomorrow the members elect from Edgened
would not be allowed upon the floor of the House. To
say we surprised at such order after the eI
plantations pledges made by you to each one of US
to very mild language When the outrage Of Tuesday
last committed by the placing OF armed sentnes at
the the House of Representatives, who decided
upon the admission Of members to their seats and when
the provisions of the Constitution and the decision OF the
Supreme Court brought TO your attention. you dis
tncy and warmly asserted again and again that your
orders were misunderstood that you did not intend to
have sntnels at the door of the hail. and that you had
not, and did not intend to, assume TO de-
eide upon the legality of any mans seat
upon his right to enter the hall. You we're then
reminded by that your guard received instructions
from one Dennis, citizen and partisan Of Gov. Cham
berain admit parties upon his pass or that OF
one Jones' and had through armed forces excluded all
Democrats from the hall until the Republican organza
ton was completed You assured us again that such
your orders and told by ms that, notwth
standing the preparation OF this nexprcssbe shame
upon our free institutions and the rights Of the people
eftn ho 1ipH Will
bloodshed by simple withdrawal of your guard from
the doors Of the hall and that majority OF votes
decides all questions in accordance with law and the
usage legislative bodies You stated that no troops
should at the door, and that under circumstances
would you interfere except there should occur serious
disturbance OF the peace You affirmed your determine
tou exercise supervisory control whatever over
the body bodies claiming TO be the House OF Repre-
sentatives. All this occurred yesterday.
Last night in later interview with Senator Gordon
You made the same assurances and this morning. after
both bodies were assembled in the hail. you assured
Gen. Hampton that under circumstances would you
interfere, except to keep the peace.
What now justly measure our establishment at the
issuance of such an order just sent by you
There breach of the peace and no prospect OF It's
disturbance You had it officially brought to your
knowledge that absolute good humor prevails III that
hall We cannot refrain from expressing the apprehen
sion that the fact that number Of leading Republicans
the Republican House has changed your views as TO
your line Of duty. 1t is proper that we should say, IN
conclusion, that relied upon your honor as man
and your character soldier to maintain
your pledged position Of nOn-ntervention The Demo
cratic members from Edgefed and Laurcns are entitled
TO their seats by the judgment of the Supreme Court OF
this State and we have advised them 10 remain IN that
hall until removed by your troops, that the issue may
be made in this Centennial year OF American hide
pcndence whether have government OF law as con
strued by courts, a centralized dcspotism whose
only law is force Let the American people behold the
spectacle Of a Brgadier General Of the army seated by
the side of Gov Chamberlain in room In the State
House. aud issuing his orders TO legislative body peace
fully assembled in of the original Thirteen Common
wealths Of this Union. Respectfully yours,
j. Il. GORDON,
WADE HAMPTON,
A. G. HAsKELL.
These three gentlemen had been in conference
NTH Gan Ruupr yqsterlaV and TODAY,