New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-17
NOT REVOLUTIONISTS
MIR. HILL ON THE POTTER INQUIRY.

Mr.. HILL ON THE POTTER INQUIRY
HE SAYS IL is ABSURD To CHARGE THE DEMO
Gratis WITH A REVOLUTIONARY PURPosE--A
NEW LETTER AND AN OLD SPEECH on FRAUD"
In reply to many inquiries as to his views OF
the wisdom and propriety of the Potter inyestiga-
tion Senator Benjamin Fl. Hill has sent long letter
TO The Au0usta Ga) Chroneleand CoHsttutOndtst ac-
cOmpanied by a speech which he made in the caucus
of Democratic members of the House, February
II, 1877 The more important parts of the letter
and speech are given below:
THE LETTER
think correct knowledge OF the inner history OF
the famous Presidential count would add much TO cor
investigation My own views we're clearly ndleated IN ~,
what / SAID III the nrst caucus heiu ~ SS,o,aIS
after the first decision by the Electoral Com,
mission made the Florida case Ihe ueesi4n was
saturday the ION and my recollection Is the caucus
was held on Monday night, the 18th Before going into
and fully made up my mind as to the policy we should
pursue. In the caucus four Democrats-aole anu e1e ,
lent centlemeu-three from the West and one frO tDe
East, made very earnest speeches In favor Oh usus
every the rules S YOU'D edun permit bT the 70 ATM Of
March. made the first speech against r .nls
policy IL was kindly received that wrote
out nv remarks afterwards and preserved them. the
result of the debate the passage OF resolution DIV
proceed with the count according TO the Constitution
and the Electoral bill. And this policy was iathiuf
pursued to the emo In the light Of these facts the fol
lowing propositions are made exceedingly plain
l. II Is ridiculous charge the Democrats with rev
oIutiOnary purpose GUST Mr. Hayes when they so
emphaticaly refused then TO adopt dilaory pro-
ceedngs under the rules prevent his inauguration
o Those who refused 10 cOuntenance any Irregular or
doubtful measures them IN order to preserve be peace
OF the country, stood pledged TO BRING to ng1t the
frauds afterward TO the end that the guilty might De
punished by exposure and such dangerous wrongs pre-
vented In the future -, ,o., 81,
February, how absurd becomes the charge that
tins policy was adopted in pursuance OF a
bargain between Southern Democrats and MT
Hayes's friends. The alleged bargain was made
two weeks after this caucus resolution was
few individuals who represented nobody but themselves
The bargain did not influence control single vote
I'm reaching the final result do not believe had any
motive but a little personal notoriety-a dlstemper
hy the way which troubles at every urnand has
had no effect hut to enable the Republicans TO smlrcn
in the public mind the most patriotic record ever made
by any political party. never heard OF the socaed oar
gain until | saw notice of IL in the papers after the
adjournment Of Congress. | have always beneNcd anu
still believe that this action OF this Democratic caucus
saved our constitutional system from nal suDVerslOn
by preventing pretence for the renewal OF civil war Dy
Grant and his followers. But our Work VIII NOT DC
complete and our duty will not be done until we blnG
to the gaze OF bushng world the basest frauds ever
perpetated in history ana perperated for no pnrpose
but 70 enable the Republican party 10 hold the oces OF
the Government against the will OF the people