The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-12-29
Letter from Congressman Wiltshire
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
WASHINGTON, ID. c., DEC. %, 1876.

WASHINGTON d. c., DEC. %, 1876.
Col. }. B. Danforlh, Jr., Rock Island ILL.,,
Ny esteemed friend Yours of the goth
inst came duly to hand. Please accept
my thanks for the references therein con
tanned.
AS to your suggestion that there must
be patriotism enough in both houses of
congress to agree on some rule for can
wasting the returns which will be fair and
do justice" | will take this occasion to
say that, if the same degree OF patriotism
pervades the Republican senate that /
know exists among the members of the
Democratic house. aud the members of the
Democratic party leaders, trouble and
violence need not be apprehended.
am aware that our friends in sections
remote from the capital are somewhat im-
pressed with the idea that their represent
atiYes 10 congress are not disposed to as
firmly and unhlnchingly vindicate their
rights as the occasion requires, In this
can assure you they are mistaken. From
daily observation and intercourse with
members from all parts Of the country,
am quite satisfied that there is no dis
position to falter or Yield one inch of
ground that our party has fairly won in
the presidential contest, But, knowing
the desperation of the adversary. and hav-
ing evidences of the frightful means hitherto
employed by the Republican conspirators
against the peoples rights, they are deep
ly impressed with the Importance and ne
cessity of proceeding with the utmost eau
ton, prudence and careful deliberation,
more so, perhaps, than their constituents,
In order that they may not be compelled,
after once advancing upon the enemy, TO
retreat or regret the move. We firmly
believe that Mr.. Tilden was fairly elected
60 the presidency. Indeed, the conduct of
Republicans connected with the canyassing
boards Of Louisiana and Florida, in refus
ing to testify and furnish important testi-
moDy to the investigating committee 10
the former, and the board of canvassers in
the latter disobeying the mandate of their
own Republican supreme court command
ing recount of the vote Of that state,
would, it seems, irresistibly force the far
and unprecedented mind TO the conclusion
that the Republicans, who have had the
sole management and control OF the cleo
tons, returns, and canvass of the votes,
were satisfied that they were fairly de-
feated in both of these states.
The prudential curse adopted by the
bling Of congress, of authoritatively ascer-
tanning the facts IN regard to the elections
in South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana.
through investigating committees, and
thus present the true state of the case to
the people of the whole country, 10 order
that they may be as fully convinced as we
are of MIR. Tilden's election, evidences
the firm determination of the Democratic
representatives Of the people to maintain
and enforce both the letter and spirit of
our Republican institutions, by preserv.
ing the purity OF the ballot box, freedom
OF elections, an honest count of the votes
cast, and seeing to it that the people are
not cheated out OF their choice as thus ex-
pressed, by combinations of political con-
spiritors, or the fraudulent and arbitrary
conduct of canyassing boards.
We confidently expect that the facts
that will be developed by these iDvestiga.
tons will show, enthusiastically, Mr., Tilden'
election. We also expect that such an
exposition of the facts in the case will have
the effect to bring to our support the hon.
est popular sentiment of the whole coun-
try, irrespective of former party lines OF
party affiliations.
With this preliminary precaution We
will be able to stand boldly and firmly tC
the right before the world. This being 8
government OF the people, if they are witt
us we feel assured of success; without
their support any effort to maintain on,
position would be futile.
No case like the present has before beer
presented IN the history OF this country
This is 10 sectional quarrel, it is a grea
constitutional one involving the preserve
ton OF the great fundamental principle
OF tree government, the right of the pee
pie TO rule without restraint or militar,
dictatiOn; so, let the lovers of liberty il
every section Of the country, and of ever
class, without respect to party, or the am
bition OF individuals, bury the partizan i
the patriot, and look at the pending ques
ton with the seriousness it demands, an
act upon a contentious judgement {
what is right whoever may be elevate
to position, The preservation Of constitr