The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-02-19
Democratic Caucus.
THEY STICK BY THE Commission.


THEY STICK BY THB commission.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.
The democratic senators held a caucus
yesterday and resolved to meet with the
house democratic caucus in the evening.
The latter met at half past seven, Clymer
presiding. Resolutions were offered pro-
posing to abandon the commission, but re-
ceived only 10 votes. Cochrane offered a
preamble and resolution substantially as
follows:
"Whereas the electoral commission was
crea' ed in good faith with view to the
examination Of evidence and all questions
which pertain to the disputed votes in
Florida, Louisiana and Oregon; and
Whereas, Said commission in disregard
Of their oath, fraudulently refused to obey
the law and the will of the people by de-
feating such examination therefore,
Resolved, That it is the duty of congress
which 1t owes to the democratic party and
the American people, to defeat the fraudu-
lent acts of said commission by all means
known to the constitution and laws. To
the end that all possible delays may be in
terposed dilatory motions should be made
and objections interposed to the vote of
every state yet to be counted, with view
of multiplying issues and thereby defeating
the Inauguration Of usurper.
Reagan offered the following substitute :
Resolved, That the count of the electoral
vote proceed without dilatory opposition to
or delay In the execution of the act OF con-
gress creating the commission whose de-
niainn abolI ha ranaipQ1 aud onfaI in
| accordance with the provisions of said law.
A long and animated debate ensued. On
one side it was contended that the concep-
ton of the tribunal to adjust controverted
questions was sublime act of Statesman
ship, fre,ghted with the hopes and wishes
of the nation. but the result was disap-
pointment mixed with grief and misfor-
tune. 1t would, however, be injurious to
the democratic party, who so strongly sup
ported the electoral bill, il they did not
now abide the result in good faith. On the
other side it was urged that it would be
better to have an interregnum, and for the
presiding officer of the senate to act as
president until there could be new cleo
ton, rather than submit to fraud which
should be defeated by all means known to
the constitution and the rules of the house.
Among sthose who advocated Cochreues
proposition were Messrs. Thompson of
Massachusetts,, Hurd, Southland aud Lyudc.
Among the opponents were Messrs. Brown
OF Kentucky, Regan, Singleton, Ben Hill
and Senators Bayard and Herman.
Mr.. Bright offered the following amend
ment to Mr.. Reagan's resolution:
But this resolution is accompanied with
the solemn and earnest protest of the DEM
ocratic party against the gross and shame
less violations of law, justice aud truth
| contained IN the decisions of the majority
who signed the same in the cases of Florida
and Louisiana.
Mr.. Reagans resolution as amended was
then adop,ed-69 to 40.
Mr.. Field offered a resolution for the ap-
pointment of a committee of five to inquire
whether it would be expediont to withhold
appropriations for the support of the army.
Mr.. Willis moved to lay the resolution
on the table, saying 10 withhold such sup
port would be revolutionary in effect,
would be to alarm the country, and there
fore he should oppose any such legislation.
Mr.. Field withdrew his resolution.
Messrs. Field and Tucker suggested an
adjourned meeting of the caucus but this
was objected to and the caucus adjourned.