National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-04-25

only two Republicans here from the South
(Messrs. Bruce aud Kellogg, and IL is whis-
pored that there Is an enterprise on foot to de-
prive one of them of his seat The South is
manifestly solid. Can you wonder, Mr.. Conk-
ling asked, If the North should presently be-
come solid ? Do you not sec that the dongs
now In the two Houses fill the country with
alarm and distrust as to the patriotism Of
the men from the South ? Forty-two
Democrats have seats on this floor,
or forty-three if you add the Sena-
tor from Illinois (Mr. Davis, and he does
not belong to the Democratic party, although
| say any Democrat who asks anything more of
him is an insatiate monster. Laughter.]
Twenty-three is q clear majority of all, aud
twenty.three happen to be exactly the number
Of Senators from the South and leaders in the
late rebellion. Forty-two Senators rule the
Senate, twenty-throo rule the caucus, and
majority rule the Senate, aud the caucus rules
the majority There Is the same thing in tho
House, where assaults are made on the Consti-
tuition and the Executive Department. II is
not an assault on the divine right of kings, but
on the rights of the people.
1t would novorshave been inaugurated with
out the action of tho twenty.three Southern
Senatorshere and the Southern Representatives
in the House. Tho Northern people know aud
they see the leading control of the Demo-
cratic party is in the hands of the South. by
their fruits yo shall know them"
The gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Morgan)
said he preferred that the Democrats from the
North should go forward in debate. 1t was
the scheme of an experienced politician. He
would employ the Northern levies as the sap
pors and miners to make it look better. 1t
was not from cruelty to make them food for
powder that he placed them in the front of
the battle; 1t was thought better that they
should go forward TO tunnel the citadel. Put
ting the tail in front and the head in the sand
only spoke of the species and habits of the
bird. laughter We woro told that events
bound the South. Perhaps the man who made
this arrangement built better than he knew.
would, said Mr.. Conhling, tell the Demo
Gratis that this is destined to bring from tho
North more united delegations. l find in the
pending bill clause providing for the retire
mcnt of officers of distinguished rank with
exaggerated pay, but he supposed with other
things that this was an attempt to coax officers
now in the army to empty their saddles tina
others may get on. In conclusion of his re-
marks, occupying three hours, Mr.. Conklng
said that what the Democrats were now doing
would result to the advantage Of the Repub-
lican party, but considering the welfare Of the
South, he believed their action was haglantly
unwisc and hurtfully injudicous.
What the South needed to heal the wounds
of the war was to plant, sow-in short, go to
work, invite labor, cherish il, and Danish pro-
scription for opinions and color Reform it
altogether. Drop sentiment and let material
prosperity advance. Do not attempt to obtain
possession once more of the Government and
dominate the country. There is room enough
at the national board, and it is not decorous
that the South should be the McGregor Mt
the head of the table.
One of Rome's famous maxims was, "Let
what each man thinks of the Republic be writ
ten on his brow" have spoken in this spirit
holding no i'll will toward any man because he
comes from the South. have spoken frankly,
but with malice toward none. But the point
is, this is a partisan, political enterprise. The
debate was begun after the action of a caucus.
1t was raised to fire the Democratic heart to
sound a blast to the cohorts of party, TO beat
the long roll, and set tho squadrons in the
field. The object, it was plain to be seen, was
to overthrow the laws, if this could be done.
Political speeches having been decreed, 1 have
thus plainly, aud, / repeat, without malice,
spoken somewhat of my thoughts as to the du
ties and dangers of the hour.