The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-17
lFro,n Our Regular Correspondent
THE DEMOCRATS AT A Loss TO KNOW WHAT
Y COURSE TO PURSUE

HE DEMOCRATS AT A Loss To KNOW WHAT
COURSE TO PURSUE.
WASHINGTON, D. G., February l6.-To-
light the Democrats are utterly. at loss to
now what course to pursue In view OF the
lnreseryed manner in which the majority
/ the Commission have placed themselves
N record as the most bitter and shameless
II partisans. & &. 1850,
The Democratic commissioners, finding
he majority were determined to refuse to
10 anything that might endanger the
chances OF Hayes, offered resolutions
placing the Louisiana case in all its phases,
50 as to let the full scope Of the Republican
position SO before the country, and its gross
un,airness so into history with their names.
Even the most Conservative Democrats with
whom have conversed tonight are unset
tied in their former determination to abide
BY the result Of the arbitration, and are not
sure they would not be justified by the SEN
timent Of the country in defeating by par
liamentary tactics the resolution to put
Hayes into the presidency at
THE SACRIFICE OF EVERY PRINCIPLE OF FREE
GOVERNMENT AND FAIR DEALING.
They say, Can we longer remedy the
shameless partisanship Of the Republicans
on the Commission is an open question !,
We agreed to stand by the judgment CT q
tribunal which, under the electoral act,
swore to ascertain the law and the facts,
aud the truth, and decide accordingly. And
are we now in honor bound to abide n
Judgment made upon a direct violation OF
their oaths and without investigating the
disputed questions. Yet it is too plain
the way leading Tilden to the presidency,
In spite of the flats Of the Commission, is
too dangerous to enter upon without care
ful elaboration: ..l1,. ~. ~.
SOUTHERN DEMOCRATS
as class, though indignant and sorely dis
appointed, seem more inclined to tread the
ways Of peace, to allow the partisan eight to
their faithless work, submit to the
Of Hayes, and trust him to
pursue southern policy more Just than
that Of his predecessor. The Democrats
will hold conference tomorrow evening,
as they are not disposed to count Louisiana
for Hayes, at least until they have had time
to catch breath and calmly reflect. They
will certainly put on record an uncompli-
opinion OF the Commission, who
refused to consider evidence to prove
bribery, forgery, fraud, ineligibility, or
else. ,-...
THE COMMISSION REFUSES TO ADMIT ANY
.... TESTIMONY.
Five resolutions respectively admitting
testimcny-frst, as to Jurisdiction; second,
as to the insufficiency OF evidence throwing
out votes; third, showing non-compila-
ton OF returns; fourth, the ineligtbility oil
the electors; fifth, as to the general testi.
presented, and all rejected by q
vote Of eight to seven. >zi.Iz.s g..I r.
A resolution refusing to admit any testi.
mony was adopted by the same vote.
PREPARING Tue ORDER.
After the decision was announced-Abb
proposed that each side be allowed one hour
to discuss the general merits OF the case.
Morton and Garfield objected unless coun
sci would ask time. I f..-r ". ~a
Mr.. Evarts said he was satisfied, and
Judge Campbell said as the Commission
had ruled out all the Democrats proposed
to prove, they did not desire to discuss the
case any further. ae.~
The Commission then went into secret
session again to make up the order. y,
INTERESTING .DEBATE-wHAT THE MEMBERS
.-. sAID-KELLoGG ovERJoYED. rae
When the Commission met IN secret ses
sion this morning Morton commenced the
discussion with a speech in his usual style
of impudent assertion and bigoted partisan
ship. The amount of it was that he saw
through the whole game, and the Demo
Gratis shouldn't come it over him.
Thurman spoke next, discussing the cleo
ton laws OF Louisiana, the scope OF thu
powers OF the Returning Board, its unlaw
full acts, and the Jurisdiction OF the Com
mission. His argument upon this last poin
is represented to have been the most power
full effort Of his life. But the pearls were
thrown before swine.
Garfield resumed Morton's line OF argu
ment, avowed his opinion OF the case, ant
pronounced the decision Of the Returning
Board as conclusive upon Congress.
Bayard tried an eloquent appeal to the
honor, patriotism, and good faith OF the
Commission; the duty its members oweG
to themselves and the country. d u s.s:
Edmunds and Hunton expressed theil
views, and Bradley, after saying he was al
most persuaded by the arguments. OF hi
Democratic associates, voted to the last will
the Republicans.
He read his speech from written manu-.
script, after excusing himself for presenting
it in that form because of nervousness.
Under the operation of the rule adopted
Yesterday the discussion wasscut off at
O'Clock, though not half the commissioner
had had an opportunity to deliver them
selves. !. a..s., A.. ,r,4, ,es'4ls4
Hoar proposed resolution declaring
Hayes. entitled to the vote Of Louisiana, bu
PAYNE and Abbott insisted that be bold on,
as there were some other matters to be dis
posed of before arriving at that.
Payne denounced as an outrage the, gag
law forcing q vote at 4, and complained thai
several members had not been heard. He
told his associates in plain language that he
bad not expected anything but partisan
votes from the political members, but hae
hoped for judicial fairness from the Justices
and the whole country had especially look
ed to Bradley to use his position to coun
4 :. %. - In,