New-York tribune., 1878-05-16
THE REpUBLICAN CAUCUS.
The PARTY UNITED AND FULLY CONVINCED THAT
GREAT DANGER MENACEs THE COUNTRY
SPEECHES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.

GREAT DANGER MENACES THE COUNTRY
SPEECHES, RESOLUTIONS, ETC.
10y TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE.i
WASHINGTON. Nav 15.-Thus tar the Republicans
In the House of Representatives. have been acting
entirely without precOncerted plan. NO caucus
had been held previous to this afternoon, in which
tbesubiect of the proposed investigation of alleged
frauds in the Presidential election had been con-
udered. The amendment to Mr.. Pottor's resolution
offered by Mr. Hale, on Monday, was presented on
his own responsibility after consultation with few
Republicans, but not in pursuance of the instruc-
tons of any party organization.
When the House adjourned to-day the Clerk read
anotice asking the Republicans TO remain in their
seats for the purpose of holding consulta-
tion. The Democrats greeted this announcement
vftb derisive applause just as the Republicans had
done Yesterday when the Democratic caucus was
called. Reports had been in circulation that con-
siderable number Of Republicans were not disposed
10 support the flibustering movement for the pur-
pose Of defeating the Potter resolution; and 1t was
said about the corridors Of the Capitol that this
caucus was to be held to ascertain whether the re-
ports were true or not, and to whip in those MEM
bers who were not disposed to stand by their party
associates. The result of the meeting showed that
the reports were wholly without foundation.
Mr.. Hale called The caucus to order.
Mr. Brown, Of Indiana, Immediately moved that a
committee of nine be appointed to prepare resolu-
tons expressing the opinion of the Republicans in
regard to the investigation proposed by the Demo
Gratis, and to recommend policy to be pursued by
the Republicans.
THE PLATFORM OF THE CAUCUs.
This committee. which was Immediately ap-
pointed consisted Of Messrs. Brown, Garfield, Reed
Cla6ln Phillips, Dunnell Cannon, Oliver and
Mitchell. Il Immediately retired, and spent about
an hour in preparing the resolutions which it subsc-
quently reported. When the committee left the
hall it was discovered that no member of II had
drawn up series of resolutions; and ii was there
fore suggested that each should put his ideas
into writing as briefly as possible in order that a
comparison Of views might be made. From the
drafts thus prepared the following resolutions
constructed and subsequently, reported:
Resolred, That the resolution now pending in the
House is an attempt, in form unjustitable and
Illegal TO reopen the question of the Presidential
title question sOiemnly settled by the action of
the XLlVth Congress, which alone had jurisdiction,
aud ls therefore revolutionary and destructive OF
the good order business prosperity and peace of the
Resotred. That the effort of the Democratic ma
jorty to force upon the House, without opportunity
for amendment or debate q measure of such a Tevo-
lutiOnaTy character, which has rot been recon-
mended or considered by any OF its committees but
has been devised by individuals for private party
ends shOuld be resisted by al the means which are
authorized by the rules of the House.
The committee was unanimous in its approval of
these two resolutions. Several other points were
suggested by members the most important one of
which was an amendment to the first of the resolu-
tons calling attention to the fact that tho Speaker
in the ruling be made on Monday admitted the
revolutionary character of the Potter resolution :
butlt was finally decided that the nature of that
resolution was sufficiently shown by its text, and
that nothing which the Speaker or any Democratic
member might say about 1t would change its effect
AFREE EXPRESSION or OPINION.
During the absence of the committee there was n
general interchange of opinion among the members
and before the close at least thirty forty Repre-
sentatves had spoken on the subject of investiga-
ton There has seldom been so general an inter-
change of views at any Republican caucus.
General Banks. who made one of the most strik-
ing Of the speeches. declared that in his opinion tho
purpose of the Democracy is to attack the Govern
ment; and that the promoters of the movement
intend in some way 10 remove President Hayes
either by the passage of resolution declaring
vacancy in the Presidential Office or by the process
Of impeachment. He thought the situation q very
grave and serious one.
Mr. Brown, of Indiana entertained similar views
lie was of the opinion that the Republicans cannot
be too earnest in denouncing this revolutionary
movement, and in making the people understand
the true situation Of affairs.
General Butler made speech of some length
Some Of the Republicans had been surprised at
seeing him IN the caucus, for IT has been generally
suspected that an understanding exists between
nm and the Democratic cOnspfTatOrs who have
planned this movement. He said that in his
opinion the ultimate intention of the Democracy
to proceed against the Presidential title of that
be had no doubt.
lie was questioned by other members ms
the modes which the Democrats NAV
possibly adopt He answered among other
.alngs that after the fourth of March next. when
'he Democrats will have control of the Senate. II