Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-05-17
WASHINGTON NEWS.


THE INVESTIGATION BUsINEss-THE DEMOCRATS
STILL ON THE RAGGED EDGE"
WASHINGTON, May, I5.-The democrats
in the House carried out the first part of
their caucus programme this morning, by
deciding to postpone the consideration OF
the final adjournment resolution, until
May %. Filibustering upon the investiga-
ton resolution was then resumed, and upon
the first vote the democrats had only llS,
the number necessary for quorum being
147. The democrats arc again chagrined
that they arc unable to obtain a quorum,
and the members who have been sent for
have declined to appear. There are 81
pairs. The republicans consider the refusal
OF the caucus to permit an amendment de-
claring that it is not the intention of the
party to attack the President as equivalent
to an affirmative declaration that such is
their purpose.
The House adjourned at 100, the demo-
Gratis having become tired Of filibustering.
REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.
held caucus after adjournment to-day. to
deliberate concerning the proposition to in
vestigate the alleged Florida and Louisiana
election frauds. Mr.. Hale presided The
caucus was addressed by Messrs. Banks,
Garfield, Hale, COnger. Foot, Brown, But
Ter, Hazelton. Blair, Williams, of wiscon-
sin, Thompson, and others, all agreeing
that the pending resolution had purpose
hidden and malicious against the present
administration, while the result might
lead to a revolution in the country.
The only question of difference was
a. to low far the republican mem
Der should resist the passage of the
resolution, should tie amendment now in
the hands of Mr.. Hall, proposing to include
Oregon, Mississippi and certain matters
connected with Louisiana and Florida in
the investigation, be excluded and as to
whether they should by such resistance
take the responsibility of delaying legisls-
ton for an indefinite period in order to
prevent what they deemed not only wrong
but dangerous. 1t was generally held that
the intent of the resolution was of sufficient
gravity tojustify resistance to the end. Mr..
Brown submitted a resolution which was
agreed to, providing for committee of nine
to prepare resolutions expressive Of the sense
of the caucus, and the following were ap-
pointed Messrs. Brown, Garfield, Reed
Phillips, Cannon. Oliver, Clafton, Dunnell.
Mitchell. They reported the following reso-
| Ia tions, tho first CT which passed unani-
mously and the second with few descent
ers only:
Resolved, That the resolution now pend
ing in the House is an attempt in form IN
| Just and illegal to reopen the question OF
the Presidential title,-s question solemnly
settled by the action of the 4ith Congress,
which alone had jurisdiction and is there
| fore revolutionary and destructive CT good
| order, business prosperity, and peace OF the
country.
Resolved, That the effect of the demo-
cratic majority to force upon the House,
without opportunity tor amendment or de-
bate measure of such revolutionary char
aeter. which has not been recommended
or considered by any of its committees. but
has been devised by individuals for private
or party ends, should be resisted by all
means authorized by the rules of the House.
THE DEMOCRATS WORKING FOR QUORUM.
Parties at the capitol calculate that there
are la democratic members of the House
present, including a speaker, impaired, and
nine who are paired with republicans. and
cannot vote. If these nine be released
from the pairs, four moro would be requir-
ed to give the democrats quorum; or if
the pairs are not broken, thirteen would be
required to make a quorum, namsly-l47.
There cannot be quorum without break
ing some Of the pairs. The democrats alb
sent from the city who are paired have
been tslegraphed for, and extra exertions
are being made TO secure a quorum.