New-York tribune., 1878-12-20
AFFAIRS AT WASHINGTON.
TUE WISH OF Mr.. BLAINE GRATIFIED.


TIVE WISH OF Mr.. BLAINE GRATlFlED.
THE SENATE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE APPOINTED
BRFoRE THE HOLIDAY RrCEss-MR TELLER THE
CHAIRMAN-GENERAL CONGRESSIONAL NEWS.
yice-President Wheeler announced the In
vestieating Committee under the Blaine Ieso-
Intion Yesterday. Mr.. Teller is the chairman.
The committee is regarded as strong one.
This investigation has the hearty support
of all Republicans in Congress, whatever
the Democrats may say of the matter. Inc
House debated the Indian Appropriation blu
yesterday with some sharpness The PRESIDENT
has sent to Congress letter favOring the en-
largement of the foreign trade of the country
A letter from Mr.. Evarts accompanies IT, urg-
ing the establishment of steamship lines. The
report of the Public Printer answers the late
charges of extravaganza and fraud.
THE OUTRAGES IN THE SOUTH.
THE REPUBLICANS UNITED IN DEMANDING AN IN
YEsTIGATIoN-GENERAL GARglELD's POSITION
WHY 1T WAS HARD TO MAKE UP COM
MTTEE.
iBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.-General Garfield has been
greatly misrepresented in the reports that nave
gained currency in regard to his position on the
new Southern question. He has never criticised
those Republicans who. following the lead OF Mr.
Blaine have denounced outrage and fraud In the
South and demanded an investigation OF them.
What he did do odeclare in substance that the
country would never forgive the men who revived
sectional issues after they had been settled by
the Southern policy of President Hayes. In saying
this he had in mind the men who have revived
those sectional issues by resortpg to fraud and vio
epce in order to carry elections, and not to those
who insist that such fraud and violence shall be
exposed, and that those who have been guilty OF
perpetratng them be punished.
IL may be said here that there is no difference OF
opinion among Republicans In Congress IN regard
TO the wisdom of the inquiry set on foot by Senator
Blanes resolutions aud all reports which represent
that there Is such opposition, or even lukewarm-
ness ON the subject, originate among the Demo-
Gratis
The indisposition of Republican Senators to serve
upon the committee is q very natural one. Several
Senators who under ordinary circumstances would
consent to become members Of the committee, have
eectons by the Legislatures of their States to look
after within the next few weeks, and could hardly
be expected to ieOpardze their chances of being re-
turned to the Senate by going to remote sections OF
the SOuth, where it would be difficult to communi-
cate with their friends. Other Senators have busi-
ness of a public nature upon their hands which
will occupy the most of their time for the Winter.
This is the case with the members of the Judiciary
Committee Still Others have made engagements
for the holiday recess which they cannot break
without great sacrifice These are the reasons, and
not disapprOval of the investigation itself or
desire to have it abandoned, that have made 1t
difficult to make up the Republican part of tho COM
mitIee.
The Elections Investigating Committee, as finally
constituted to-day, is a very strong One both in its
majority and minority branches. The chairman,
Mr.. Teller though new in the Senate is a very able
lawyer and persistent, pushing man. He is in the
habit of going TO the bottom of any subject which
he attacks Mr.. Kirkwood is q of sound COM
mon sense and marked ability. Mr. Cameron Wis.,,
and Mr.. Mcmillan are we'll known for work
that they have previously done in the way
of investigation. Their experience will be very
valuable to the committee. OF Mr.. Hoar nothing
needs to be said. His familiarity with Louisiana
politics, and his acquaintance with the geography
and people of that state, make him eminenty fitted
to serve as chairman of subcommittee to conduct
the inquiry INTO the recent occurrences there. Be
sides all this, Mr.. Hoars courageous and independ-
ent action on former occasion, when he had to cX-
anime into affairs in Louisiana, will cause his con-
clusiOns to be received even by Democrats, as en-
titled TO be believed.
OF course no decision has yet been made by the
committee in regard to the beginning OF lts work
or the distribution of IT. A49Fs. Hoar and McMi,;
prevent them from entering upon the work that
may be assigned to them until about the time Con-
gress reassembles. The remainder of the committee
will probably begin the South Carolina inquiry
during the recess, aud it is possible that sub-cOm
mttee may go to Charleston within the next week.
Much of the investigation will probably be con-
Quoted here IN Washington, as only small number
of witnesses will probably have to be examined and
il is about expensive TO examine them at or near
their homes as here.