New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-20
THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.
THE REsoLUrIoNs-No NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. ON
THE ARMY APPROPRIATIONS.
Try TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.


THE ARMY APPROPRIATIONS.
lsy TELEGRAPH TO TRIBUNE.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19.-The caucus of the Demo-
cratic members of the House assembled at 1870 this
evening. There were present about as many at
tended the caucus on Saturday night, but good
many who did not attend then were there tonight.
II became apparent from the outset that the real
purpose of the caucus to force recon-
s,deyation of the action of Saturday night
and TO commit th party, if possible, to policy of
flibuserng to defeat the Presidential count and to
prevent the Inauguration of Gov. Hayes. Various
resolutions were presented which formed the basis
of action and discussion. Mr. Vance OF Ohio, III
imitation of his colleague, Mr. Walling, on Satur-
day night presented resolution recommending
a filibustering policy. Mr. Mills Of Texas pre-
scented resolution which declared that
the contingency provided for in the con-
stitution had arisen that there had
been no election BY the Electoral College; that 1t
could not be determined who had the majority of
the electoral votes and that the House should pro-
coed tomorrow, at l o'clock, to elect President.
Mr.. Springer of Illinois moved resolution proyid-
ing that a clause shall be attached to all appropri-
alton bills providing that none of the money appro-
prated shall be expended for the support OF troops
in South Carolina and Louisiana; also, that the
House shall, by resolution, recognize the Nichols
government in Louisiana, and the Hampton gov
eminent i'll South Carolina.
Speecbes were made by Messrs. HuntOn. Hooker,
Durham Knott, Randall, Buckner, and Harris. Mr..
Hooker surprised his friends by taking directly an
opposite position from that which he took on Satur-
day and declaring tonight in favor of a dilatory
policy. He took the position that the Electoral
Commission is simply a board Of arbitration; that
il has not carried out its arbitration In accord
ance with the terms of the agreement and that
notice should be served upon 1t that unless its de-
cisions are different its awards will not be accepted.
Proctor Knott is represented as having made very
foolish and intlammatory speech. Messrs Hnnton.
Harris, Durham, and Buckner made the conservative
speeches of the evening. They insisted that there is
no honorable course for the Democrats to pursue
cent TO abide BY the decision of the Electoral Com
mission.
As the debate proceeded it became apparent that
the reyoutionists were greatly III the minority.
John Young Brown of Kentucky, who made such a
vigorous speech in the caucus of Saturday night
in opposition TO any dIatory movement, perceivlng
the drift of the caucus, rose and presented
resolution which, in substance, was the same as that
adopted on Saturday night. 1t declared that
the electoral count should proceed without delay
1t soon became apparent, however that the party
which would stand by the Commission had so large
a majority that opposition would be useless and
upon the suggestion that it would be unnecessary
for the caucus to reafirm the action Of Saturday
night, Or. Brown withdrew his resolution
There was no division or vote had in the
caucus. The only action was to agree that
the caucus should take recess until after the Ore
gon count 1t is expected that the caucus may then
reconvene to take action with respect to the
proposed amendment to the several appropriation
BILLS The conservatives say, however, that It Will
be impossible for the revoutiouists after the Oregon
count il completed 10 roconvene the caucus for any
diistosy or factious purposes
Nh. Caulheld Of Chicago probably made the most
Soolizh movement in the meeting. Hs wished TO
hsve resolution psssod thai the JOINT convention
should reconsider its sCtion in counting tho vote OF
See Vinh PaSes