New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-17
THE CAUCUS SPEECH.

Ibave calmly reviewed present situation aud feel
honr for frankness mistake cannot be recalled
In tbe first place. the Constitution enoins upon us the
oath TO support the Constitution. We cannot
be absolyed from that oath except H
In the second place we have passed. at this very session
the law which created this Electoral commission Ou
motives in passing it were patriotic however wicked i
pledges us TO complete me a. count anu
and by the time prescribed. But In the third
place. suppose we determine not 10 complete
the eof fbsn, We shall certainly thereby prevent
tbe peaceabe Inauguration Of Mr. Hayes, but we shall
a a,sonrstion Of Mt Tiden Neither win have been
counted in In this contingency who doubts that
sor life or that the Senate VIII put Morton upon at
least until another election can be hadf Had we not
better Hayes peaceaby for four years hah nave
But suppose we resist this result and declare Tilden
President by resolution Of this House without compile.
ting the count RS required by the Constitution what
then Our enemies Will have possession OF the Govern
the Constitution and the laws. We shall be
charged with having preciptaed revolution DY eIuS
ing obey either the CONSTITUTION or our own Jaw, DO'
of which require to complete the count TINS result
viii be charged to have been brought about by
civil war viii be inevitable The end OF that
war forsee relieve our free institutions o
the win become more ana more SSeuV ana
again, and do not doubt that Louisiana are ap so
anxious to lit the heels OF oppressors ana ROD
horror believe nothing justify or excuse civil
war in q popular Government. But N We take mar
rover view Of the situation, and look only TO the enec
upon political parties shall be brought TO the same
conclusions -, ,..,,,--
IN the course 1 suggest be adopted the Republican
party win hold the Presidency for four years LONGER
But they will continue in power solely by frauds com
United and accepted only by themselves. THOSE
frauds win surely come TO light. They can
not be concealed, We will bring them TO the light.
n We fail I'm our duty they viii bring themselves 70 the
light In the light Of those frauds, when exposed the
people wll be able to see-what passion and war and
Ssehood have hitherto prevented them from seeing.
that tho Republican party was never anything but a
sectional, uncenstgtona and rey9uti9n9ry party ON
tho other hand the Democratic party VIII lose the Presi
epcy for four years but shall save the peace OF be
Iountry and end the revolution Of force which has
brought upon the people 80 much suffering. In the
light OF this sacrifice the people VIII Pc
able to see that the Democratic party ~ TIE
only truly National constitutional party IN existence
and Is the only party which regards the GOOD OF tDe
people and the integrity Of the Government as Of
higher value than the possession OF the omces. az
the end OF two years the states VIII give us
the Senate as the people have already given
ms the House and Republican President Will become
utterly harmless for evil At the end OF four years tue
people will redeem Themselves from the rule or polh
force and fraud by placing the Democracy In iuli pos
session of the Government and they VIII retain that pos
session generations 10 come.