The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-02-19
WASHINGTON.
Democrats in Council-Ne
FilIibustering, but a
Solemn Protest.
Report of Committee on
South Carolina.
Democratic Caucus.

WASHINGTON, February 1.-THE
Democratic Senators and Representatives
were in caucus tonight, Representative
Clymer presiding.
The following resolution was offered
by Mr.. Walling, but received only thir-
teen votes:
Resolved, That in view of the fact that
the so-called Electoral Commission have
refused 10 receive the evidence of
frauds charged in the recent elections,
or eligibility of electors, 1t is our duty as
representatives of the people to do no
further legislation, not recognizing said
Commission, or meet IN joint session to
further count electoral votes under its
decision.
Mr.. Cochran offered preamble and
resolution substantially as follows:
WHEREAS, The Electoral Commission
was created IN good faith, with view to
the examination OF evidence and all
questions which pertain to the disputed
votes of Florida, Louisiana and Oregon,
and
WHEREAS, Said Commission, in dis
regard of their oaths, fraudulently
refused to obey the law and the will Of
the people by defeating such examination;
therefore
Resolved, That it is the duty Of Con-
gress, which it owes to the Democratic
party and the American people, to de-
feat the fraudulent acts of the said Com
mission by all means known to the Con-
stitution and laws, to the end that all
possible delays may be interposed, dila-
tory motions made, and objections inter-
posed to the vote of every State yet to
be counted, with the view of multiplying
the issues and thereby defeating the in
auguration of an usurper.
MIR. Reagan offered the following res
olution as substitute:
Resolved, That the count of the elec-
torsl vote shall proceed without diliatory
opposition to the OF derly execution of the
act OF Congress creating the Electoral
Commission, whose decisions shall be re-
ceived and acted upon in accordance
with the provisions Of said law.
A long and animated debate ensued.
On one side it was contended that the
conception of tribunal to adjust the
controverted questions was sublime act
of craftsmanship p, ,freighted with hopes and
wishes of the nation, but the re: ult was
q disappointment, mixed with grief and
misfortune 1t would, however, be in
furious to the Democratic party, who SO
strongly supported the electoral bill il
they did not now abide the result in good
faith. On the other side il was urged
that it would be better to have an inter-
regnum, and for the presiding officer of
the Senate to act as President until there
could be another election, rather than
submit to fraud, which should be defeated
by all means known to the Constitution
and rules of the House. Among those who
advocated Cochrsn's proposition were
Messrs. Thomson, Hurd, Southland
and Lynde, and among those who op-
posed it, were Messrs. Brown, OF Ken
lucky, Reagan, Singleton, Hill, Baysrd
and Herman.
Mr.. Bright offered the following
amendment TO MIR. Reagan's resolution:
But this resolution is accompanied
with solemn and earnest protest OF the
Democratic party against the gross and
shameless violations of law, justice and
truth contained in the decisions OF the
majority who signed the same in the
cases of Florida and Louisiana.
Tne resolution OF Mr.. Reagan as
amended by Mr.. Bright, the whole being
a substitute for Mr.. Cochrane's proposal,
was adopted by a vote of SO yeas 10 40
nays.
Mr.. Field offered q resolution for the
appointment of committee Of five ~
INQUIRE whether it would be expedient to
withhold appropriations for the support
Of the army.
Mr.. Willis moved to lay the resolution
on the table, saying that to withhold
such supplies would be revolutionary.
The effect would be to alarm the coun-
try, and therefore he should oppose any
such legislation to the bitter end.
Mr.. Field withdrew his resolution.
Mr.. Tucker suggested that there be an
adjourned meeting Of the caucus, but this
was objected to and an adjournment took
place.