The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-17
THE FIFTH AVENUE CONFERENCE.
Speeches By Charles Francis ADAMS. H.. Palks
GadWia Professor Sumner and Others
AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE.
Bristow and Tilden the Fayorites for the
Presidency.

me second days session OF the ruin avenue Con-
ference began yesterday, at ten A. NJ and was very
well attended There persons present than
Dn the day and thirty forty OF them
we're not delegates. They merely spectators,
and remained throughout the proceedings which
pied the forenoon and part OF the afternoon. Among
those who we're watching these proceedings with APP
parent interest were Hon Thurow Weed Ethan Allen,
Dorman b. Eaton aud others. Beside those who put
In an appearance Monday afternoon many Of the
sther delegates who had received invitations from the
gncrs OF The cali came; but regular list of their
lames was taken IL was impossible to ascertain just
how many Of the 400 had Strange to say, not
one OF the five secretar thought II worth while
rollae and arrange such list until after the meeting,
when most of the visitors had gone away,
md IT was almost impossible to do SO, when
Mr. Henry Armtt Brown, OF Pennsylvania, under
ook the task and failed OF the handed him and
put in his hat nearly all already published
the HERALD. The conference very enthusi-
stic one, and speakers frequently interrupted by
the prolonged paudits OF the admring assembly. IL
may be said, the whole that the address which is
gwen fully below, just what The members elt they
could safely indorss, and did accordingly, being
anxious to sign their names TO tho document. This,
however, they did not do yesterday, nor is 1t at all
likely that they will do so hereafter. In short tho
sgners Of tho original call managed things 10
preserve their individuality at tho head OF this
movement Carl Schurz OF course being foremost of
them all The address flashed the wires Of
The Associated Press yesterday by order OF the
ference, bearing the names appended below
Some Of the members OF the conference
fondly imagined that they, too would be permitted
to place themselves in such goodly company but the
deed was done before they could do and they
deprived Of the OF seeing themselves In print
EVEN for one day Several speeches were mado
BY able men, who enunciatcd ideas that vigorous
md pointed and In marked contrast to the address
which, according to Dorman b. Eaton powerfully
and glitteringv general Tho speakers Charles
francis Adams, Jr, Parke Goodwin, Professor Sumner,
Oorman IL Eaton, DR.. Hopkins and others. Mr. Adams
Avowcd himself for Secretary Brstow, and, failing in
him, for Governor Tilden. Mr. Bristow unques-
tionably the choice Of tho conference which hailed
zach mention Of his name with vociierous plaudts.
Two resolutions adopted OF which appointed
IN executive committee and tho other pledged the
conference to civil service reform. Tho session
very active and did not terminate until alter
o'clock.
PROCEEDINGS.
The conference called order at ten o'clock
precisely by President Woolsey, who announced that
the business before 1t the hearing aud considera-
ton Of tho Standing Committees report An address
had been prepared by It and was in the hands OF It's
Chairman, Senator schurz. who would readit
ADDRESS.
CARL SEIZURE and in clear accents, read tho fol-
lowing address, issued by the conference ut the Fifth
; Avenue Hotel to the American people,
FELLOW CirIzESs--A conference of citizens u.s.
semblcd in New York sincerely desiring 10 serve tho
best interests OF the American people, beg leave TO sub
mt 10 your candid consideration the following APP
PEAL
A national election IS approaching under circum-
stances oil peculiar significance. Never before in
history has the public mind been 80 profoundly agi
lated by an apprehension OF the dangers arising from
the prevalence OF corrupt tendencies and practices
our political llic and never has there been greater
reason for H. We Will not display here in detail the
distressing catalogue OF the disclosures which Tor
era years have followed one another in rapid
ccssion aud to have lett scarcely single sphere
OF our political life untouched Tho records of courts
OF State Legislatures and OF the national
Congress speak with terrible plainncss and
still they adding TO the scandalous exhibition
While such state oil things would under any circum-
stances appear most deporable II Is peculiarly SO at
the present moment We are about 10 celebrate tho
one hundredth birthday OF national existence We
have invited the nations OF the earth this great
niversary land and TO witness the evidences
u our material progress, we'll as the working and
ELECTS Of that republican government which century
memories OF past history rising up before
new glow OF life. forcing upon The comparison OF
what this Republic once was, what It was Intended TO be
and what now Is and upon this we have challenged the
Judgment OF civilized mankind coDjointy with own
There Is much OF when every American citizen has
lust reason 10 DO prout--an energy and thrift, a
power oil thought ana action, progressive spirit
which Ia magnncence OF result have ouisrppcd all
precedent ami tcpation history Astounding IN Illus
tatons 81 heroic PATRIOTISM iortitude and wisdomr
greater freedom from foreign wars aud revolutionary
boast Of; our Republic, but century old and just Is
sued from the only great civil con,ct have had to
dcore, SO strong in resources and organ zation that
II stands IN the foremost rank Of the great Powers OF
The EARTH And yet, with all these splendid results
record II cannot be denied that al no period during the
century behind us tho American people have been
less satisfied with themselves AID inat the centennial
anniversary OF The Declaration OF Independence in
uany respects to all Americans day Of sncercs pride
and rejoicing, IS ie To be IN other respects not with
out selircproach and humiliation OF this the
corruption revealed in our political HE is the
To the honor OF the American people be It said, every
patriotic citizen Feels tue burning shame OF the spec
tacic presented III tie centennial year, there the
men,oes and monuments OF tue virtues OF The past ana
here the shocking evidence CT the Generalization and
corruption OF the present; there the glowing ea'oges
ironeonecd on the wisdom aud purity OF the fathers,
and here in mocking contrast the vcdc,s Of courts
and The records OF legislative bodies illustrating tho
political morals OF to-day; and tins before all mankind
soiemnly summoned Is witness 10 the Exhibition
aud guest 10 the feast Never was there tor
kecner moriineaton and keeny does II strike every
patriotic heart. How can we avert such danger and
wipe OF such shainey by proving that although tho
government machinery has become corrupt. tile grca,
BODY OF the people are sound and strong Al the core
Iermned reform the abuses OF political lie and
70 overthrow at any cost the agencies oi evil that
stand IN ihe way. only sucu an enoit wen
assured. Will gave the good name OF the nation prevent
tue prevailing disease from becoming fatal and restore
10 rs Old strength the faith OF our own people
their Institutions tAlplausc.) Al tue impending
National election various questions OF great Importance
wii DC submitted 70 our Judgment The settlements OF
the civil war, coustusonally liked, must he con-
tcientiousy maintained and at The same time tho
strict observance constitutional principles and the
pid brotherhood OF the people revived Nv policy OF
mutual Justice and Cancellation. (AIplause.l Our
solemn and often repeated pledge, faithfully 10 dis
charge all national obligations be fulfilled.
only by the payment oi the prnc.pAi and interest OF
Dur bonded debt when due but also tho removal not
later than the time provided by cxassus Jaw Of the
curse Of our redundant rrcdeemabe paper currency,
which not only impcdcs the return OF true
prosperity but has also largely contributed
The existing decentralization prolonged applause
These are grave questions, and there
&c might touch, were . our purpose to lay down
complete political platform But grave as they are
sI In our present situation must American cut
fens. recognize 10 pressing duty 10 re
establish the moral character government
ricvaie the tone OF political hfe. tAppiausrl
Honest government IS the nrst condition ~ enduring
national prosperity. power anu freedom NuEout the
elementary virtues OF political well social lire de-
Jay VIII outstrip our progress. our discussions aud
struggles about other great questions and principles
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