The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1879-05-01
SENATOR DAVIS'S SPEECH.
A SPEECH ON THE ARMY Bill. BY AN
INDEPENDANT.
oMETHTSG WHICH EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD
READ.

| -osETHTSG WHICH EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD
' READ.
Mr.. Davis, of Illinois, said the caucus
an important factor in American poll
les, and both the great parties Of the
country employ its agency, on the theory
Eihat party action is most easily perfected
ioy this method. He did not complain of
he mode adopted to reach results, but,
us he had been for many years viewing
public affairs from an independent stand
Ipoint, it did not help him any to decide
ANY question that might come before the
Senate. Although usually perferring to
give silent vote, he could not suffer
this measure to be passed without saying
something on the subject. The heat
that had been manifested on the occasion
iof this debate had surprised him, if
anything could surprise him in politics.
A stranger, unaccustomed to our modes
OF debate, would suppose that the Union
was in danger, and that old questions,
passions, preiudices, and purposes,
which it had been thought were laid
aside forever, were again revived, and
this, too, fourteen years after the rubell-
ion was conquered and when there was
no complaint from any quarter that the
Federal compact presses too hard upon
one section at the expense of another.
When the Federal Government is obeyed
throughout the entire South, he continu-
ed, there does not seem to be the least
ground for the excitement and bitterness
that have characterized the discussions
III Congress at this session. and should
be amazed, were it not that the record of
all parties proves that majorities invari-
ably commit Legislative wrongs and that
minorities invariably protest against
them. If it be true, as charged, that the
success of one of the great parties of the
country means revolution and ruin to
constitutional liberty, of what value
would be the securities of government
or, indeed, any other species of property.
In the nature of things, if revolution
was impending or there was any danger
apprehended to free government or popu-
lar liberty, the government would not be
able to sell bonds at per cent interest,
nor stock market III New York maintain
its present high rate.
- -Thin- n-aharna--Arr -p.anidn.Aa- ,,,..~
and timid, JinSettles business and values, |
and produces a state Of unrest in every
community. 1t may succeed III winning
elections, but it cannot restore prosperl-
ty.
That great object can never be accom-
plished, through continuance of section
al strife and violence accompanies it;
nor do I believe the people are III the
mood for these kind of policies. They
have had more than five years of harsh
experience, and they want to find some
mode of relief from their present suiter-
ing and impoverished condition, and they
will honor the statesman who contributes
to the stock of knowledge on this sub
iect, rather than the political leader who
will not let the past alone. 1 have no
present concern, Mr.. President, in the
rise aud fall of parties, but | am deeply
solicitous that the affairs of government
shall be SO administered that labor seek
ing employment can obtain it; that all
industrial pursuits will be suitably re-
warded, and that heart be given to the
people North and South to work out of
their present embarrassments. We are
one people, of the same blood, and with
the same destiny; and unity of feeling Is
! essential to lift us out of the mire and to
, help rs on the road to prosperity. The
1 different parts of our common dountry
i are so intimately connected In trade and
commerce that, as general rule, what
ever injuriously affects one part has
corresponding effect on the other, and
whatever benefits one benefits the other.
1t is. Mr.. President, in my judgment
the imperative duty Of the hour, instead
i of turning the attention of the people
t back into history with its animosities, tc
direct it to the troubled business inter
ell ests of the country and the way to reliev'
le'them. With the past buried and discus
sions on living issues, the people woul'
s;,soon regain the confidence which is es
In sential in any plan for relieving the pres
I ,,ent hard times. 1t may be that such
course would affect the fortunes of pa1
ou ties, for both parties in Congress, on an
tlpoint of practical legislation, fall t
3or rpieces; but it would have the most benz
tficial effect upon the fortunes of th
d country. Without intending to refet
on the patriotism of either party, 1t doe
roSappear to me that the speeches on I'll
IMPENDING bill do not represent the wisht
ar ior opinions of the masses of the peop
OF either section. Experience has taugi
them that Legitimate business principle
" which lead to wealth and social happine
require a cessation from agitation
!, :, past subjects, and that sound policy dl
:, tates the cultivation of peace and got
will between the sections.
not The country, Mr.. President, cannot
thprosperous so long as the old conflict t
exntween the North and South is used
,e nach recurring presidential election as
r fundamentally OF party success, and t
p;vstatesnan who shall rise equal to the {
4 n casion and put it at rest viii receive t
gratitude of a suffering people. The |
n Ebefore us is for the support OF the arI
monior the ensuing fiscal year. 1t is atta'
Id oed because the sixth lection alters t
ime provisions of the Revised Statutes. >
|. 2,0o2 of these statutes reads as follo'