Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1877-01-13
Moderation.

tt a sign favorable to our hopes Of
moderation and equity in the conduct
of the electoral count that such petit
ton as that described below should be
presented and advocated by Mr.. Conk.
ling, a gentleman prominent for his
zeal and ability in the Republican
ranks. We will add that the substi.
tuition of Mr.. Conkling's name for that
of Mr.. Logan in the committee to
which this petition is referred is anoth-
er Indication of the improved spirit Of
the party;
Mr.. Conkling (Rep., n. V pre-
scented the petition of bankers, mer-
chants and other business men of New
York city in favor of an amicable set
Element of the Presidential contest
In presenting the petition he said
[ have been requested to present a
petition weighty by reason of the sub
iect to which it relates, and by reason
also of the number and character OF
those who sign it. The petitioners
are citizens of New York distinguished
not only for their prominence as mem
bers of society, but for the large and
varied interests they represent. They
are men prominent in each of the great
parties of the country. | observe
among the signatures names which at
the recent Presidential election were
found on opposing electoral tickets.
observe the names ofeminent bankers,
merchants, manufacturers ship owners,
scholars, professional men, and other
names long and honorably associated
with leading enterprises ond indus
tries. 1t would be difficult to select
in any State of the Union 80 individ-
uals and firms who representa- greater
sum of property, intelligence and
character, or who as petitioners deserve
more consideration.
In laying this petition before the
Senate, it may not be amiss to add an
avowal of my sympathy with its appeal
for orderly, lawful and patriotic action
in executing the Constitution. In
every instance, and especially in an
Instance so grave as the one referred
to, partisan feeling, as guide and rule
of action, can rightfully have no place.
Obedience to law, the observance of
the Constitution, and the maintenance
Of truth, is not a party question, but
proceeding beyond party and above
party. Parties may contend, and L
believe it is wholesome in free gov
ernment that parties should contend
over measures and candidates but
when the contest has been submitted
to the bollOt-bcx the final arbitrament
of popular contests known in our Sys-
TEN, the only duty, the only lawful
proceeding connected with 1t which
remains, is to find the honest and true
result, to declare and bow to it, and
stand by it. That is the duty of the
hour. 1t rests on the two houses of
Congress. 1t rests on the nation. 1t
rests on every citizen of the Republic.
That it will be done, and done peace
fully, decently, and in order, these
politicians DO not, | think, disbelieve.
They, in common with all men, may
derive confidence from the fact that
interest and expediency, not less than
patriotism aud honor, point in one
direction and teach one lesson. Who
ever stands on right and truth, will
not fall. Whoever attempts to stand
on wrong and falsehood, will be over
thrown.
The petition was referred to the
special committee of seven Senators
to devise means for the proper count
Of the electoral vote.