The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-04-01
F0RTY-F0URTH CONGRESS.

run Y.fUUh n GUNdnESS.
WAsRIsaToH, March 81.
SENATE.
Senate bills, petitions, &C., having been
presented and referred, the Senate took
up the Mississippi resolutions of Mr.,
Mortou, and Mr.. Bruce began his speech.
Mr.. Burce said in 1873 the Republi-
cans carried Mississippi by 10000 ma
jorlty, last fall the Democrats claimed to
carry the State BY 10000; reputed
gain OF $4,000. The colored people rep
resent 1920 of the population and were
mostly Republican voters. Then why
this change in popular vote3 In Yazoo
county the republicans carried the elec-
ton 10 1873 BY q large majority, last
fall only 7 votes wero cast for the Repub-
lican ticket and he had been assured that
some Of those were cast by the Demo
Gratis in derision. they asserting that the
Republicans ought to have little show.
The evidence will show that in many
parts OF the State violence and intimids-
tion were used and what was known as
the White League were instrumental
in many Of these outrages. Another
outrage was its application to colored
citizens No charge could be brought
against the colored people for the misuse
of their rights. The State debt was than
one-half million dollars, and the taxes
were light. The judicial statistics show
that there has been no abuse Of privileges
there. If they had misused the power
entrusted them, there might be cause Of
complaint, but even then the remedy
lies in the ballot box and not in the shot
gun-not in fraud and violence. The
colored people, he said, were opposed to
the "color line," but they must be proteced
and guaranteed in the enjoyment Of all
their privileges and rights. They ask
such an investigation as will protec,
them in their rights aud enable them 10
pursue their svocation in peaceful and
quiet manner.
Mr.. Key was glad the late war was
fought out. and was over with. The
South was not wholly to blame in the
war. Slavery existed many years ago
and was protected by the Constitution.
He spoke highly of the colored people
and their fidelity 20 the whites during
the war. and the people of his State were
willing TO protect them, and aid them.
The South was poor and weak, and want
ed peace. 1t was time to forget that there
was South and North. The war was
ever and the conquerors had right to
onjoy the results of thei. victory. He
was willing to admit that the terms
granted by the victors were much more
liberal than he expected. He was anxious
TO have the South acquiesce in the result
and accept the situation. Could not the
North be asked to bear with them and
help them to overcome their past Difficult
ties and make this land Of peace and
prosperity. He should vote for the reso.
tion even though he should be the only
member of his party to do
go. II this state Of affairs
e1isted::the parties ought to be punished,
and he did not wish TO have it said that
he was in favor Of protecting them; but
he did not think the reports were true.
Yet he was willing 10 have the subject
investigated. The speech throughout
was highly conclliatory and dispassion-
ate.
Mr.. Cbristiancy reviewed the decision
of the Supreme Court of last
month, and claimed that it did
Dot admit OF the construction placed
on it bv the Senator from Delaware
Baysrd.
Mr.. Merriman opposed the Mississippi
resolution. He moved 10 amend the
preamble as follows:
WHEREAS, 1t is alleged that the cleo
ton in Mississippi in 1875, for members
of Congress, State officers, and members
Of the Legislature was characterized BY
great irauds, etc.
he moved 10 strike out the words
State officers and members OF the Legis.
Ia,ure." He denied the power
OF the Senate TO raise such q
committee. and devoted his argument
mainly TO the constItutionality OF such
power. He claimed the object of this
proposed investigation was TO manutsc-
ture political capital for the coming
election.
Mr.. Prelinghuysen said that when the
right Of suffrage had been conferred on
an individual, be ought to have
that right guaranteed him and should be
protected in the right. The Senator
from North Carolina, be said. had object
ed 10 that, and said the Supreme Court
had 50 decided; but he begged 10 differ
from the senator. That question bad
never came before that tribunal. He
claimed that in this country Of al others
the voter should be protected in his right
TO vote, and Congress had power 70 pro-
tect him and " pass this resolution and
rai.e the committee for this purpose.
Mr. Bayard further opposed the sp-
polntment of the committee.
The subiec. was further discussed By
Mr. FreehDghuysen in favor Of and
Messrs. Herman, Thurman and Salisbury
in opposition. The question WAS taken
on the resolution and j. was passed.
Yeas, 90; nays, 10.
Ths question was then taken on the
amendment Of Mr.. Merrimsn 70 the pre-
smble. 70 strike ou. the words "Stste
officers and members Of the legislature,
and il was lost. Yeas, l6; nays 70.
The qsestion then recurred on the
adoption Of the preamble and 1t was
adopted. Yeas. q; nays, 10.
The senate theu adjourned until Mon
day.
HOUSE.
N, Cor nresented memorial from