National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-04-04
.FORTy-SIXTH CONGRESS-.


the Government ITSELF which for 100 years almost
has stood the boldest freest truest exponent and
champion and defender Of the doctrine Of consti
tutiona limitations against the doctrine of the ag
grandzement of power. II Is this organization
That has come back to rule and II means TO rule,
aud to rule in obedience to law. The issue is laid
down the gage of battle Is delivered. Lin il when
you please and we are willing to appeal to that
sovereign arbiter to which the gentleman from
PleEto decide between US. We Intend to deny to
the President Of this Republic the right to exercise
such unconstitutional powers.
We do not mean to pitch this contest on the
grounds Of objection to him who happens, ifnot by
tho grace Of Cod by tho run Of luck, TO be adj.
minis,erlng that office. If nom yonder canvas
pointing TO picture hanging TO the east of the
Speakers chair the first President Of the Republic
should step down TO assume those powers which the
upon him as their nr3t Chief Magistrate ifhe were
here. fired by that patriotic ardof which moved him
In the earlier and better days of this great Govern
ment, to him we would never consent TO yield un.
constitutional powers or to rest the liberty Of the
citizens IN any mans discretion nor would he re-
ceive H. 1t was not for the earlier but for the later
Executives OF this Government TO grasp and seek 10
retain such questionable prerogatives. You cannot
have II. The issue is made. II Is made on prin
cple, not on policy and Il cannot be surrendered.
standing on such broad grounds, clothed In such
panoply, resting this case on the broadest prnci'
pie OF Justice, we are content to appeal to the PEG
we are not willing to carry this case of contest and
we are ready to allow Him who rules the destines
OF man TO Judge between us and give victory to the
from Ohio (Mr. Garfeldl dscaim any authority
TO state what Others may do But do mean TO say
that II Is my deliberate conviction that there Is moi
TO be found single man on this side Of the ilous'
who will ever consent to abandon one jot or little
OF the faith that Is in him. He could not surrender
II II he would, and he will not beg the other side
TO beeye) DO cUerced by threats or intimdatod by
the party in power. We are.planted on our conylc
tons There we will stand. He who daics is
bastard, and he who denies is damned. loud ap
plause.
When Mr.. Blackburn concluded his speech he
was surrounded by colleagues congratulatng hin
upon 1t, one of the first OF them 70 shake linn By
the e. hand " , being M5. Johnston Of Virginia.
constitutional questions involved.
Another speech on the legal aspect Of the ques
ton was made by Mr. o. Turner of Kentucky
ana then at halfpast four y. M, the House took
| recess until halfpast seven,
EVENING SESSION.
There were not dozen members present ant
met at $50.
The FIRST speech of tho evening was made by Mr.
BARBER, who promised his remarks by saying tina
cause Il seemed probable from the present coSndl
ton of affairs that this would be the last session tn,
american Congress would ever hold, aud who con
dent sign the bill, he would incur the lasting exc
Grafton OF an overwhelming majority of the people
| Of the North.
| Other speeches were made by Mr.. HAWK, In oppo
stion TO the proposed repeal, aud by Mr.. REAGA'
| in Its favor.
| Mr. BRIGHT, in a speech in favor of the repeal
alluded to the man who was under the training o
bondhOiders for the next Presidential candidate
mat man would land at the Golden Gate and would
| be received by shouting thousands. They woulC
shout hosanuals TO the returning hero aud woult
perhaps throw up the hat and bow the knee to al
American CiDsar.
Mr. Horn. Bully! [Laughter.l
After further remarks by Mr.. Bright during thu
course OF which he was frequently interrupted b!
Nles'rs. White and Horr, the House lat 1919 took
recess until eleven o'clock tomorrow.