Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-05-14

NAHHlN"IpN, -. u, MAY w, 1903.
| MesSrS. Editors The second act Of the polit-
zeal drama at the Capitol was concluded to-
day, by the sending Of the democratic caucus
measure, known as
THE MILITARY INTERFERENCE BILL
to the President for his approval or veto. This
measure is the result Of much caucussing on the
part of the democrats and was believed by them
to be sufficiently blind in its wording as to escape
the criticism of even the sharpest of Republicans
The result has shown however, that the Repub-
licans were on the alert for just such a game as
the democrats had uncovered, and the true intent
of the bill was duly exposed rs soon AS offered
joint conference OF Republicans of both houses
of Congress was held on Monday night for the
purpose of considering what action should be
taken by the Republicans on the bill which had
been introduced by Mr.. Ladd, of Maine in the
House that morning. There was general ex-
preston of views by Senators Edmunds and
Conkling, Representatives Frye, IIawey, Joyce,
Robson and others. 1t was the general opinion
that the presentation OF this measure in advance
of the army appropriation bill was a continuance
to coerce the President, and was also different in
form and effect from the "rider " which was
upon the appropriation bill.
Colonel Joyce offered the following resolution,
which was substantially the sentiment of the
meeting, as expressed by those present
Reolred That is the this that the duties
of the Executive and the TO which the army may be
eS n Tune Of war ana Pace are plainly and clearly
changes notifications required demanded at this
time and that VIII TO our utmost, in legislative ways,
IN whatever manner OF form said attempt may be made
1t was also unanimously resolved that a com
mttee be appointed to prepare a substitute to be
offered, which would give to every person an OPP
portunity to exercise the right Of suffrage without
any molestaton or interference whatever. but Mt
the same time securing peaceat the polls. Messrs
Edmnnds, Frye and Robson were appointed
such committee On the next day the bill was
pushed through the House by the democrats and
no debate was allowed upon it, In the Senate,
however, such course could not be accomplished
under the rules of that body, and an opportunity
was taken to show the true purpose of the demo-
Gratis in framing such bill. This was especially
| shown in
SENATOR EDMuNDs' SPEECH
delivered yesterday. lie first read from the Con-
stitution those sections which bore upon the power
OF the Executive, To show that from the beginning
of the government 1t has been conceded and main
tanned that wherever there is law there must be
power to carry it into effect And there still ex-
listed express authority for the President to exert
the military power of the government whenever
the execution of the law is obstructed by comblna-
tons too powerful for the civil authorities to sup
press lie then proceeded 10 argue upon the
importance of resisting this bill from consttu-
tional standpoint, taking away, as it does, the
power of the United States to preserve order at
elections unless called upon by the governor or
legislature OF any state, while at the same time
repeating all laws of Congress upon this subject
inconsistent with this bill "If We" said Mr.
Edmunds Surrender at this time one thing, es-
teemed to be so small by some and so great by
those who seek to carry their scheme through, we
surrender all. II you follow the red rag iu the
title of the BILL for fear the people will think that
you are opposed To liberty unless You pass bill
| prohibiting military interference at elections, the
capture of power would be at very cheap rate.
In reply 10 Senators who had preceded him, that
the government does not enter u state, Mr.. Ed
munds said it was In every fibre Of the muscle OF
every man lie wished it WAS in the hearts OF all
men Of the republic. (Appause) Mon had de.
nounced the affirmative power of the Constitution
10 pass laws TO regulate the election of members
of Congress- and deny the teachings Of It's trainers
aud say there il no liberty unless 1t be obtained
by the supremacy of state rights, lie denounced
the doctrine advanced by the bill, and asked the
democrats where they were going To stop. In
concluding his speech MIR, Edmunds said "TherC
is somewhere in the Constitution, unless we go Il
anarchy, power which, in spite Of threats, viii
stand ~ a buwark against the efforts to breal
down the Constitution and laws, and when you 70
cover from your emotions you will have the peace
of which the act Of 1865 speaks. But you vii
have peace at the polls only when you recognize
by deeds, well rs by words, the political equalit,
Of all citizens and the free right of lawfully yotnl
under the law and for the law II will not be tn
peace Of the reign OF terror and Of the grave, bu
the peace Of justice ind liberty, asserted In tn
legal form for the expression of the public will