New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-24
MISCHIEF AFOOT.
YESTERDAYS CONFERENCE AND TO-DAY's Caucus
OF THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. sPEECnES-A
CRISIS COMING TODAY.

OF THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. slELlItN--A
CRISIS COMING TODAY.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TEInrNE.l
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23.-The most dangerous crisis
Of tie whole Presidential controversy has now to be
met The uprincIpled con.prators, who since the
decision of the Electoral Commission in the Florida
case have twice been defeated III their party caucus
bv so large majOri.ies that it was supposed they
would give up their Revolutionary schemes and con-
tent themselves with futile protests, have made
another move They have held a caucus, and this
time have met with partial success. The caucus Of
last Saturday night was supposed by the Republl-
cans and Democrats alike to have spoken not only
with authority but finally in opposition to all
schemes of flibusterng. The small minority, so
overwhelmingly defeated on that occasion, as suDse-
oucut events have proved was, however by no means
disposed TO accept the situation or obey the man
dates of Its party. Led by Speaker Randall and
David Dudley Field, assisted by majority Of the
extreme men who have on all occasions refused to
accept IN good faith the legitimate result of the
Compromise BILL and encouraged by the inexplica-
Bile conduct Of Senator Conkng, they resumed their
plottings Immediately after the caucus, and have
not wasted moment or an opportunity to promote
their revolutionary schemes.
Tie circulation of a paper among the Democrats
for the signatures of those who willing TO dis
obey the orders Of the Democratic caucus, and to
engage IN ElUustering whether majority of their
party approves it not has already been noticed.
This paper was presented to almost every Democrat
who has not already expressed his opinion III such a.
way as TO make it apparent that il certainly would
not be approved by him. The number who have
either signed this paper, OF given those who have
in charge some encouragement, Is believed to be
about 3d. These men seem to have lost all reason,
and to be governed by no considerations OF honor
few of the leaders held a private meeting last
evening in the Speakers al the Capitol Among
those present were Speaker Randall, Mr. Lane of
Oregon, MessTs. Springer and Ellis, Mr.. Reagan OF
Texas. Col PetOn, Mr. Tilden's private secretary,
Messrs. Hewitt, Field, Lamar, and several others.
Several important subjects were discussed. One
was the disposition that should be made of the Army
hill II is understood that ii was agreed that the
army should be reduced TO 1900 men, and That a
section should be added forblddng the President to
use anv portion of the army to sustain either the
Packard Government in Louisiana or that OF Cham-
berlain in South Carolina. Ii was also agreed that
an extra session Of Congress Is almost inevitable, as
if will be impossible to complete the necessary busl
ness between now and noon Sunday, the 18th Of
March. The subject Of flibustering to prevent the
counting Of the vote was discussed at considerable
length. A majority Of those present were III favor
nj it. after having passed bin providing for a new
eIoction in ease the result of that held last
November is not announced before the expiration
If Cen Grants term. The bill which has been pre-
nared by Mr. Field, provides for new election to
taEe Mace IN NAY next, and is based on the theory
that Congress has power provide for the election
of President in any contingency which the Constr
trtion doe, not cover This bin mad been previously
snbmitted to Messrs. Springer, Caulfc1d, Hard,
Naisb Hewitt Cox. and number OF other PrsInl-
rent Democrats but did not meet with the approval
of ALI of them. Among the amendments proposed
70 the bill was one providing for an immediate ses-
sion of Congress A few of those present al le con-
ference were not in accord with the majority and
did not approve their plans Among these was Mr.
Lamar. who, it is understood, made very torcible
speech opposing the whole scheme.
The consprators were extremely BUSY III inc
House all day to-day in their attempts To make co-
yerts and to capture majority of Their party ass"-
ciates Copies of the bills winch they had prepared
were passed around among members and explained
at considerable length by their authors and Demo
Gratis of all shades of opinion were urged to give
them their support. A resolution was passed finally
ordering a recess until Tomorrow, which was not a
fest vote AZ some of the Democrats were willing 10
humor their more ndscreet party friends by allow
ing them TO hold the adjourned caucus Iiis alter
noon, believing that il the pohcN OF the
party could be determined upon to-day lime miEnt
be saved. as there would not DC much excuse ior