The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-12-03
Eorfy-hfth Con@ress--Third Session.
WASHINGTON. December 9, 1878.
Mr.. Blaine submitted the following ::

s
Mr.. Blaine submitted the following:
ReSelved, That the Judiciary Committee
be instructed to inquire and report to the
Senate whether, at the recent elections, the
constitutional rights Of American citizens
were violated in any OF the States OF the
Ubion; whether the right OF suffrage oil
citizens of the United States, or OF any
class Of such citizens, was denied OF
abridged by the action Of election officers oil
any State in refusing to receive their votes
in failing to count them, or in receiving and
counting. fraudulent ballots in pursuance oil
conspiracy to make the lawful votes Of
such citizens of no effect; and whether
such citizens were prevented from exercis
| ing the elective franchise, or forced to use
| it against their wishes by violence OF
threats, or hostile demonstrations Of armed
men or other organizations, or by any other
unlawful means or practice. 80.
Resoiued, That the judiciary Committee
be further instructed to inquire and report
whether it is within the competency Of Con.
gress to provide, by additional legislation,
for the more perfect security OF the right oil
suffrage to citizens Of the United States in
all the States OF the Union.
Resolved, That in prosecuting these in.
quiries the Judiciary Committee shall have
the right to send for persons and papers.
The resolutions went over under the rules.
+ After the reading OF the Presidents mes.
sage the Senate adjourned till tomorrow.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
When the reading OF the message was
ended, Mr.. Wood, OF New York, moved It's
reference to the Committee of the Whole,
and that it be ordered to be printed: but
first he desired TO make some comments
upon it. He said although, as whole, The
document was highly satisfactory, YET
there were some references in it which
should be met at the earliest practicable
moment. He referred TO that part OF il
relating to the southern States. He (Mr.
Wood) failed to see what the President
saw-any disposition in the South to avoid,
or annul in any degree, the recent consti-
| tutional amendments. He failed to see any
| indication in the South at any election, at
any time, under any circumstances, for 4
series OF years, an unwilingness to live in
entire amity with the whole country in re-
gard to the laws or to obey the Govern.
ment: He regretted that the President,
| who had commenced his administration
with such noble and patriotic position us
against the military despotism exercised
by his predecessor, should now indicate 6
change OF policy. He regretted that while
the 1TeSlucnL cOutu see floiatlOnS OIL liW III
elections in South Carolina and Louisiana
his eyes were closed to New York, where
thousands of voters were outraged.
Mr.. Garfield replied to Mr.. Wood, taking
the ground that the President only did his
duty in his representations to Congress Of
violations OF law in the South. j..
The debate became animated, Messrs
Hale and Cox taking prominent part, an6
several other members Oh both sides eX
pressing their views on the point in ques
ton.
The motion to refer and print was finally
adopted.
The Military Academy and fertilization:
bills were reported, and notice given O!
early action thereon.