Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-12-27

On the 18th instant, when the Senate re-
sumed consideration of Mr.. Blaines resolu-
ton, Mr. Merrimon read a speech in reply to
Mr.. Blaine. He spoke in favor OF peace,
harmony and the breaking down of all sec
tional feuds.
Mr. Wallace said be would have arrayed
the Democrats of the Senate solidly against
this resolution if he could. No good could
come from agitation. If all the statements
of fraud in the South be true, it Was very
strange that of log members from that sec
ton in the House less than six had been con-
tested. Democrats proposed to obey the
constitutional amendments to the letter, to
educate and elevate the black man and test
his capacity for citizenship. The Repubii-
cans proposed TO take from him representation
and degrade him. 1t was not true that 30
members had been given to the South since
the war, by reason of the negro vote: 1t
was only % The figures given by Blaine
we're based upon population and not upon
the voting The same irregularities Blaine
POINTED out i'll the South existed IN the
North. Republican managers In Pennsyl-
wanna had driven voters away from the polls.
The condition Of the South was Infinitely
better than five years ago
Mr.. Blaine asked Mr.. Wallace how the
latter had come to the Senate, if such tyranny
existed in Pennsylvania.
Mr.. Wallace answered that an earthquake
sent him there.
Mr.. Blaine replied that Mr.. Wallace was
in eruption yet.
Mr.. WHITE said he was unalterably op-
posed to these rowing commissions, which
resulted in absolutely nothing but the e1pen-
diture of large amounts out OF the public
treasury Mr.. Whyte asked where Mr..
Blaine was in the old days, when the know
Nothings drove the citizens from the polls
because Of foreign birth.
Mr.. Blaine said when the Know Nothings
we're rayishing Philadelphia and Baltimore
he was in small academy and was rather
small boy He never was a member OF the
Know Nothing party, and never had any
thing to do with it, and that was great
deal more than great many Democrats who
are pandering for the Irish Catholic vote to-
day could say. Senators from the South had
asked Northern Senators to believe that more
quickly than Saul was converted on his
Journey from Damascus, vast bodies
of colored voters were converted to
Democracy. Why was it immigration did
not seek the South? Because the feeling
among immigrants was that they would not
be welcome More Northern men had left
the South within five years than had gone
there. He was no enemy to the South and
never cast an illiberal vote respecting that
section 1t was Southern men themselves
who had built wall of fire around that
country.
Mr.. WHITE said he admired the manner
in which Mr.. Blaine preached. hut he was
like a guide-post, he pointed the way, but
never went himself. Could not colored
man be found North to send here to Congress
to represent Northern district? His friend
(Mr. Blaine) said he was young boy in Know
Nothing times. Mr.. Whyte doubted if the
Senator ever was young boy; certainly, in
politics, he is the old boy now. There was
peace and good order in the Senate before
the Senator from Maine was transplanted
here from the other end Of the capitol.
Laughter
Mr. Nor gan made a speech in opposition
to the resolution, and said he supposed
Blaine would be chairman of the special
committee.
Mr.. Blaine said be had already announced
he would not accept the craftsmanship.
TIE RESOLUTIONS
The resolutions as passed are as follows
Rssolred: That select committee, to consist o!
nine Senators to be appointed by the Chair, to in
quire and report to the Senate whether at the re-
cent elections. the Constitutional rights oil Amer-
citizens violated In any Of the States o'the
Union ann whether the right oftuffrage OF citizens
OF the United States or any GINS of such citizens,
was denied or Abridged by the action Of the election
officers o. any state. or OF the United States in re-
using to receive their votes. In failing TO count
them or in receiving and counting ballots
in pursuance Of conspiracy 10 make the IswiII
OF such citizens OF no effect and whether such
citzens prevented from exercising the elective
ranchise forced TO use it against their wishes by
violence threats, or hostile demonstrations OF
armed men or other org animation, or by any unlav-
Jul means practice. The committee shall also
inquire whether any citizen of any state has been
dismissed or threatened with dismis sal from employ
ment deprivation Of any right or privilege by rea
Of his vote or intention TO vote at the recent
election, has been otherwise interfersd with and
to inquire whether in the year ISIS money
raised by assessment or otherwise
upon Federal oficeholders employees ioT elec-
ton purposes, and under what circumstances and
by what means, and if So what amount was 50 raised
and how the same was expended and, further,
whether such assessments we're not in violation OF
the law and, shall further inquire into the action
and conduct OF United States supervisors OF elections
In the several States and to the number Of marsh
ais, deputy msrshals nd others employed TO take
part in the conduct OF said elections in what State ap
pointed, the amount Of money paid or promised to
be paid to them and how, or by whom. and under
what law authorized.
EesOhed. That the committee be further instruct
ed TO inquire and report, wheAer 1t is In the com
petsncy o; Congress 70 provide, by additional leg
isaton, for the more perfect security OF the right
OF suffrage to citizens Of the United States in all
States Of the Union.
Resoi,ed, That in prosecuting these inquiries the
committee shall have the right by itself oil by any
subcommittee to send for persons and papers, TO
tske testimony, to administer osths, and to visit
any portion OF the country when such visit may,
In their Judgment facilitate the object Of the IN
quiry.