New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-10-22
REPUBLICAN CONFERENCES.
THE MEETING AT SECRETARY sHERMANs, AND THE
SUBSEQUENT STATE CAUCUsFs.

House Of Representatives find themselves IN a very
peculiar and embarrassing position. few OF them
only unreservedly approve of the policy oil the Ad-
mnisration in regard to the South, or touching the
reform of the Civil Service. majority doubt the
wisdom of either of features of the Presidents
Administration yet they are all anxious to prevent
II possible. any open rupture in the party and to
avoid as long as possible. If not during the whole
Winter any unnecessary discussion of these yexed
questions in the House. The Democrats are by
no means likely TO respect the wishes OF
the Republicans, and apparently they have
it in their power to throw frebrand
into the ranks of their opponents at almost any mo-
ment. The customary manner OF accomplishing
this is by the introduction of bunc0mbe resolutions
upon which members required to vote and to re-
cord their approval dsapproya of the sentiments
avowed. There is an anticipation that some such
troublesome resolution will be introduced tomorrow,
and this caused a number of Republicans, including
some Of those who do not approve the Presidents
policy as well as the few who do, to hold private
conference at Secretary Sherman's house on Friday
evening which was attended by fifteen or twenty Of
the most influential members.
The conference is said to have been called without
notice TO Secretary Sherman, and was held at his
bouse in order that the President and the members
Of his Cabinet might have the better means Of in
formation as to the real sentiments of the gentle
Messrs Hale and Frye, of Maine; Hendee, Of Yer
mont: Butler and Grape, of Massachusetts,; Blair,
Of New HAMPSHIRE; Martin !. Townsend. of New
York; Russell Errctt. Of Pennsylvania; Messrs.
Cox Garfield, Foster and Ddnford, of Ohio;
Thornburgh, of Tennessee Dunnell of Minnesota
Price of Iowa; Page, of California; Burcharl, OF
Illinois.
Some idea of the general sentiment expressed by
those present, could be obtained from remark re-
II
said that he appeared to be about the only there
who fully approved the Presidents policy. Some of
those present approved Mr. ayess action in regard
10 Louisiana and Sonth Carolina. and one or two
cepted both his Southern and his Civil Service pol
icy. With these exceptions all were opposed to the
latter; and great majority, while willing TO accept
the action of the President in regard to the Southern
question as a matter Of fact and history which
could not he recalled, expressed the greatest
unwillingcss to place themselves on record
in a vote as approving it without qualification.
Those who took this view of the natter SAID at the
same time that they desired, more than anything
else the unity Of the party, but were unwilling to
do violence to their convictions upon what seemed
to them to be vital principles. They desired that
the President should understand that they intend to
uphold him in every measure which they can posi-
ty support, and that they will indorse him to al
most any extent providing. that they are not re-
CURED TO act contrary to their convictions of what
the fundamental principles of Rcpublicanism are.
From the conversation winch took place il was
evident, if the Democrats should introduce resolu
tion, tomorrow, approving the policy of the Pros
idcnt without reserve, and force vote upon it.
that unless there should be some agreement among
Republicans, the party would DC divided. 1t was
agreed that it would be folly to permit this at the
present stage of the Congressional proceedings If by
any means it could be avoided. Inasmuch
a. the President did not in his message
inform Congress what his views are upon
these general questions, it thought
possible postpone any such recorded expression of
opinion in the House until the December message
shall have been received. TO do this it was sug-
gested that as Monday resolutions really mean moth
ing. being always introduced for their political
effect the unity Of the party may posi-
bly, be better preserved by general under
standing among Republicans not to vote at
all. OF if they did vote, have it perfectly
understood that they were not expressing their in
dyidual opinions and place themselves on record
only for the sake of form. Some desire was ex-
pressed TO have n caucus called. When this was
considered, il thought wiser not to DO so, as a
debate might occur in the caucus that would pro-
duce the very discussions which it was the purpose
of those present to avoid. Gentlemen who attended
the conference say that the feeling manifested by
all who participated was kind. There evidently
an earnest desire not TO emb2rrass the Adminisra-
ton, and an inclination TO have truce between
Republicans Of varying opinions, in the House at
least, until the December session.
The following is report, somewhat in detail
Of the individual opinions expressed at the confer
tnce:
Secretary Sherman lad very little to say, and
nothing at all in reference TO the Southern policy
lie urged tie Importance of Republican members
calling upon the President, and talking freely with
him. and thought it would be a serious mistake for
them should they absent themselves habitu-
ally on account Of their dissatisfaction with
any feature of his policy. In answer
TO the very. general expression Of dissatisfaction
with the Civil Service order and its operations
Secretary Sherman insisted that the order had been
msnterpreted OF misunderstood, and in this he
was warmly seconded by General Garfield and Mr.
Foster They each took the position that the Presi-
dents intent was not to prevent oficehOlders from
taking properly active part in the campaign after
The convention had put ticket in the field.
General Cox, of Ohio, defended the President He
indicated his cordial support of the Presidents en-
tire policy, and argued that Mr.. Hayes has simply
carried into practical effect the principles enunciated
Ia the Republican platform and in his letter Of ac-
eeptance. At this point he was interrupted by Mr.
Frye, of Maine, who asked General Cox to point to
that plank in the platform TO that clause in the
letter Of acceptance which foreshadowed the ap-
pointment OF an ex-Confederste and strong Demo-
vat TO a Cabinet position.
II Grape. Of Mas. indicated bis support OF the