New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-12-28
WASHINGTON.

YESTERDAYS TOPIC IN THE HOUSE.
LoUIsIANA-coMBUsTIBILIT OF PARTY FEELING
MISUNDERSTANDING INFLAMMAroRY-A RE-
BUKE FROM GARFIELD.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUEBl
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-More than quorum of
members of the House was present at its meeting
to-day, much to the surprise of everybody who sup
posed that an adjournment would take place imme-
diately after meeting, as there no business to
be done. A political debate arose upon rhe request
of Gen. Banning that the proceedings OF meeting
in Cincinnati and the memorial which accompanied
it should be printed in The Record. The Democrats
carried their point. There seemed to be no good
reason why the Republicans should have made any
opposition. The character of the discussion which
arose showed how intense party feeling still is and
how difficult il will he to bring the Republicans and
Democrats of the House to any agreement either
to the facts, the law, or the conclusions in the
Louisiana case.
The first objection to printing the memorial and
resolutions made by Mr.. Garfield who OPP
posed to numbering up The Record with the proceed
ings of political meetings of this kind. Mr.
Banning at once fastened TO the defense of his
quest, and soon branched off into general attack
upon the Louisiana Returning Board, and especially
on ex-Gov Wells, its President. He caused to be
on the conduct of Gov. Wells in 1867, a report
which he has made several vain attempts recently
to induce the House to order from the War Depart
ment, but the Democrats Immediately after began
TO impeach their own witness. Gen. Sheridan's
testimony in regard TO Gov. Wells was deemed by
them conclusive, but when Mr. Frye called their
attention TO Gen. Sheridan's dcnunciatons OF the
Louisiana people two years ago for their alleged
brutality and ostracism, the Democrats were unwill-
ing TO accept his testimony on that point.
Nr. Frye defended and explained Gen. Sheridan's
denunciation of Gov. Wells nine years ago by say
ing that Mr. Wells in his desire for peace IN LOusi-
ana, was then appointing to official positions men
whose loyalty TO the Government was still in doubt.
He also defended the character of ex-Gov. Wells,
and said that when he was in Louisiana as MEM
Der of Congressional committee, the testimony all
went to show that he was brave and honest man.
He denounced the alleged bloodshed and violence IN
louisiana and said that peace viii never come until
it is no longer exercised toward the coored race for
voting.
Several members exclaimed that they did not be-
lieve that il ever was done; and Mr.. Frye then
asked if they would accept the testimony on that
point Mr. Douglas of Virginia and others said they
would not.
IntempeTate speeches were made on both sides.
Mr. Bannings suggestions were almost warlike. He
declared that the Republicans were attempting TO
usIrp liberty but the people rising in their might
would nut down the army of ofice-holders IN spite
of the army and navy even, though they should be
ordered here with eighty rounds of ammunition to
prevent IT, This sentiment the Democrats IN the
galleries and upon the floor applaudcd. Mr. Garfield,
who followed, rebuked Mr.. Banning very severely,
and reminded him that il was unpatriotlc and Grim
inal m times like these TO do anything TO iniiane
nubic passion He suggested TO Mr.. Banning that his
speech was calculated TO fire the powder trains that
led 10 tie magazine Of party passion, aud that
thoughtful men III both parties should try 10 keep
public sentiment in a calm equIpoise Mr.. Garfield
seemed greatly impressed with the gravity OF the
situation.
An animated passage occurred between Garfield,
FRYE, and Spencer of Louisiana, who represents the
district in which the PinkstOn outrage occurred.
Mr.. FRYE. with some vehemence replied to Spencer,
who had interrupted him, that the history OF the
marshes OF Baton Rouge and the Feliclanas was
written in blood and that the day would come when
the gentleman and his children would put their
hands on their mouths and their mouths IN the dust
for the shame that had been perpetratcd there MI
Spencer replied that Louisiana was entirely peace
able on the day of election and asserted that rs'
Pnkston was poor half-witted woman, and that 1t
WAS absurd 10 say that her husband was Killed Dy
white men. Pinkst0n had been known as a Demo
crat for years and had voted for him lSpencerl and
was killed because he had attended Democratic
meeting. what" he asked, would the white
men want 10 kill him for when he was one oil their
own p The resolution was finally read by almost
unanimous consent and referred TO the committee
of seven recently appointed to consider the rIeSi
DENTAL uuestion.