The daily gazette., 1879-03-24
SECOND EDITION
WASHINGTON
A JOINT CAUCUS OF DEMOCRATS
IN SESSION FIVE HOURS.
POLITICAL LEGISLATION-N
TROOPS At THE POLLS.

Partial Repeal Of the Election Lars
Decided Upon-Ihe Extra Session
Not to be Extended Jy General BuSi-
ness--A Joint Democratic Caucus De-
cides Upon the Business CfMe Extra
Ses ion.
WASHINGTON, March %, 1879.
The two committees appointed respect
fully by the House and Senate Demo-
cratic caucuses to make recommenda-
tions concerning the order of business
for the extra session held joint meet
ing to-day of five and half hours con-
tinous duration. There were present
Senators Thurman, Whyte, Herman,
Salisbury, Jones, of Florida; Vance and
Bailey, and Representatives Chalmer,
Carlisle, Cox, of New York; Ewing,
Springer, Tucker, Atkins, Clymer, Rea-
gan, Bicknell and Phelps. Senator
Thurman presided. The first question
di cussed was whether the poitcal leg
islation required by the dominant party
in Congress should bs effected by the
passage of a separate measure, or by the
incorporation of repeating clauses, &C.,
in the appropriation bills. Nearly every
one present participated in the discus
| sion. 1t was finally determined that the
latter course would be most expedient,
especially for the reason that it seemed
likely to save time, there being gener-
al desire to finish the necessary business
OF the session at as early day as posi-
| BILE. The determination was reached by
a vote of 13 against 5-two Senators aud
three Representatives voting iE the mega
tive.
The next question considered was
whether the political portions of the ap-
preparation bills should now be passed
| In the same terms In which they were
passed at the last session, or whether the
repealing clauses in regard to the FEEDER
al Ele ctiOn laws should be modified so
as to repeal only those sections which
authorize the appointment OF chief su-
pervisors and deputy marshals for cleo
tion, together with the sections conferr-
lug police powers on the supervisors,
thus continuing the authorization for the
Iappontinent OF two supervisors OF diff
erent politics to serve in testimonial Ca
pacity at each poll as witnesses of the
count of votes. After an exhaustive dis
cussion it was decided to recommend the
bove described. The vote was IA against
l4-there being two Senators and two
Represpnnyes In favor of total repeal.
The Joint meeting then authorized Sen
ators Thurman, Salisbury, Bailey and
Herman, and Representatives Chalmers,
lSpringer, Carlisle and Atkins to form u
late provisions In accordance with this
decision in regard to the Election laws,
|, and also PROVISIONS for the total repeal
of the Jurors test oath and the exlstis-
ting authorization of the preser ce OF the
the troops at the polls for incorporation
In the Legislative, Judicial and Execu'
tive and the Army Appropriation oillsi
together with such additional provisions
| as they may deem necessary to secure
free and fair elections for Representa-
tives and Delegates to Congress.
They were also especially authorized
to consider the propriety of framing the
Substitute for section 5,522 of the Revised
Statutes, which prescribes penalties tor
yialation of the election laws. MT
Springer's proposltion TO provlue, IN au-
dition to the repeal of the law concern
ing the presence OF troops at the polls,
for the enactment of the existing Eng
plish statute of George III on that subject
was yery favorably received, and the
Joint subcommittee will probably recon-
mend its adoption. 1t prohibits any sol
dier stationed within two miles OF Vot-
ting place from leaving his quarters OF
an election day except to believe guarc
or to 90 to the poles to vote, and require
him, in the latter case, to return TO hi'
quarters Immediately afterwards. III
ioint subcommittee will meet at three
o'clock Monday and expect to report td
another oint meeting OF the two caucu'
committees ON Tuesday. After appoint
ing this subcommittee the joint meeting
to-day proceeded to consider the question
whether the legislation of the present
session should be strictly confined to The
appropriation bills, including the meas
ures above indicated, or whether gener
al business suould not be transacted 10y
either house when not neaged on an ap
uropriation bill. A decided majority Of
The Senate caucus committee favored re
J striction of the business of the session II
the appropriation bills and to the enact
ment of what is known as the "yellov
fever bill" A majority (but not iarg'
Q one) of the House Committee insisted
that the opportunities for transactlni
general business should be improved
without, however, prolonging, the ses
Q sion after the appropriation bills shal
have been disposed of. 1t was hnall.
q decided to report disagreement on tn
subject to joint caucus and leave I'M
settlement of the question to maJorit.
OF the democratic members of botl
ouses. This meeting of the joint caucu
will probably be held next Tuesday eve
. ming.