National Republican., 1878-05-14

order that the resolution involved an eSpen-
diture Of money on the ground that II did not
appear so on It's face.
This disposed of all the points Of order.
Mr.. POTTER said he now proposed to call
the previous question on the resolution. But
he wanted to reply to q remark made by Mr.
CoNGER that 1t was an impcrtinence for him
to offer this resolution when the papers had
been referred to tho Judiciary Committee
He offered this resolution because he was re-
questod to do so by his political associates.
The resolution contemplates nothing
but an inquiry into alleged frauds. 1t had
nothing to do with the Presidents title. High
officers of the Government were charged with
conniving at these frauds, and the question
was, what should be done about III Speaking
for himself he had no disposition to disturb the
peace, quiet, and prosperity of the country,
and he had no fear that the proposed investi-
CATION would lead to disturbance. A great
frand had been pcrpetrated. II was due to
the people to ascertain the truth. If the House
did not inquire into tho nature of fraud
which had been successful, they were simply
inviting repetition of tho fraud.
Mr. HALE said he had an amendment
which he desired to offer and he hoped that
the gentleman from New York would not pre-.
vent II or stihe further debate. He asked Mr..
POTTER to yield TO let him offer his amend
ment.
Mr.. POTTER would yield to have tho nature
of the amendment stated.
Mr. HALE suggested that It bo read at tho
Clerks desk.
Mr.. POTTER thought the gentleman could
state its purport lie was willing to accept 1t
IL IL was germane.
Mr.. HALE said he would read IT,
Mr. POTTER declined to yield for that pur-
pose.
Mr.. HALE said that this resolution had
been threatened for weeks. They never could
know when II would be introduced Expect
ing II from day TO day he bad gone TO the
Speaker and asked whether he could be recog.
niled to offer an amendment, and the Speaker
replied that If 1t was question of privilege In
one case II certainly was such in another. All
he asked now was the opportunity to offer his
amendment. The other side could vote II
down If 1t chose to do SO. lie hoped the
gentleman from New York would not throttle
| the Republican side Of the House, but would
| allow the amendment to bo voted on.
The SPEAKER said he did tell the gentle
man from Maine that he would recognize him
to oiler an amendment If it was a question
Of privilege on one side, 1t was so OH the other
but he could not force the recognition for al
amendment.
| Mr.. HALE said 1t was not the Speaker, but
the gentleman from New York who was re
| ,ponsible for. this.
| MIR. POTTER was perfectly willing to take
all the responsibility. lie wanted the gentle
man from Maine to state the purport of hii
resolution.
Mr.. HALE wanted to have It read.
cries Of "No," NO." from the Democratic
side.
Mr.. POTTER expressed willingness t,
yield If the amendment was germane to thu
resolution and referred to Florida and Louisi
ana.
| Mr.. HALE replied he would state candidly
that 1t did not apply to those States, but in
| cludcd others.
Mr.. POTTER said he must then decline t,
yield.
Here there were demands for the question.
Mr. HALE wanted to know If the gentle
man intended to cOnilne his inquiry only t
particular States.
Mr.. POTTER replied that he wanted t,
know the exact truth Of the allegations as I,
frauds in Florida and Louisiana.
Mr.. HALE inquired whether the gentleman
intended to investigate only one side and no
the other.
Mr.. POTTER said they had best first confln
themselves to the frauds in his resolution.
| Mr.. HALE wanted n sweeping resolution
embracing all alleged frauds, If this matte
was to be gone into.
Mr.. POTTER had no objection to the gentle
man sweeping all he wanted to.
Mr.. HALE retortcd that the truth was thG
|
Mr.. GARFIELD rose and there was much col
fusion and demands fol the regular order.
Mr.. LUTTRELL insisted that the gentle
man from Ohio should take his scat.
Mr.. GARFIELD inquired If the gentlema
from New York would yield to him for qucs
tion.
Mr.. POTTER expressed a willingness to d
so.
The Democratic side here again demande
| thn In nrbn nd lp1 i'm 4
position for further discussion.
Mr.. GARFIELD said they could not get ri
of him in that way. They could not roar hir
down. He said that Mr.. POTTER had di,
claimed any purpose of affecting the title {
the President. Why then would he not pei
nit an amendment. If he would permit tn
amendment to be offered lis resolution wOul
get the vote of every member on the Republ
can side. (This sentiment was imdOrsed b
expressions of approval from Republcans.)
All that was wanted was an enlargement {
the scope of the investigation; but If the gel
tleman intcndsa narrow, partial, partisan, an
unjust investigation, then it will be opposed
Applause on the Republican side.
Mr.. POTTER repeated what he had said b'
fore-that his resolution did not attack I'll
title of the President All he wanted was I'll
investigation, and he did not know what migl
come of that.
Mr.. CONGER (amid good deal of confIsio
and calls to order) gave notice that If the Il,
pubicans were not permitted to participate
the framing of this resolution, the Demo
Gratis would have to find way of settling
+ among themselves.
Mr.. HALE said he had made the offer
his amendment in good faith, and rs it was r,
f fused, the Democrats might 90 on by then
selves.
Mr.. BUTLER asked Mr. POTTER if he woul
permit South Carolina and Mississippi to |
inserted in the resolution.
Mr.. POTTER declined.
| The question was then put on seCOnding Il
demand for the previous question.
, The SPEAKER announced 10 in the affirm
ative.
The Republicans rcfrained from voting
Tclcrs were ordered, aud Mr. HALE and NJ
, POTTER were appointed.
The Democrats on this vote pollcd 1l5, an
the Republicans again refused to vote, sti
leaving the House without quorum.
A call of the House was ordered. when
quorum appeared,
Mr.. POTTER inquired what position IL
resolution would occupy the House adjournC
now.
, Mr.. GARFIELD. Oh, you are certainly II
going to lillibustcr? Laughter.
The SPEAKER said il would come up
unfinished business. 1t would retain its pla
D as II qu, stiom Ofprivilcgc.
!, Mr. CONGER hoped the gentleman wOu
r not weaken 50 early in the lignt.
[ Mr. POTTER then moved to adjourn, al
the yeas aud nays were ordered.