Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-03-24
THE DEMOCRATIC PROGRAMME.

1t Was Decided Upon by Joint Caucus
Last EVening-A Modified Election Law
to be Ofered-The Question of Miscel-
laneous Legislation Reserved for Future
Consideration.
WASHINGTON, March 22.-Committees of
the House and Senate Democratic caucus to
der of business for the extra session, held
joint meeting to-day lasting five and half
hours. Senator Thurman presided. The
first question discussed was whether the po-
litical legislation desired by the dominant
party in Congress should be effected by the
passage of a separate measure Or by the in
corporation of the repeating clauses in the
appropriation bills. 1t was determined al
ter discussion, thirteen against five negative,
being two Senators and three Representa-
tives, that the latter course would be the
most expedient, and especially for the rea-
son that it seemed likely to save time, there
being general desire to finish the necessary
business of the session at as early day as
possible. The next question consid-
cred was whether the political portions
OF the appropriation bills should now be
passed III the same terms in which they were
passed at the last session, whether tue
Pealing clauses III regard to federal election
laws should DO modified so as to repeal only
those sections which authorize the appoint
ment of chief supervisors and deputy mar
shals for elections, comforting police powers
on the supervisors, this continuing the au-
thorization for the appointment of two
supervisors of different politics, to serve in a
testimonial capacity at each prll as witnesses
of the count of votes. After an exhaustive
discussion it was decided to recommend the
adoption of the modified proposition. The
vote was II against 1.-TWO Senators and two
Representatives favoring the total repeal.
The joint meeting then authorized Senators
Thurman, Salisbury, Bailey and Herman,
and Representatives Chalmers, Springer,
Carlisle and Atkins to formu-
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 authorization
Of the presence of troops for incorporation
in the Legislative, executive and judicial and
army appropriation bills, together with such
additional provisions as they may deem
necessary to secure free and fair elections
for representatives and delegates to Con-
gress. They were also especially authorized
to consider the propriety CT framing sub
stitute for section 5j2, revised statutes.
which prescribes penalties for violations of
the election laws. Springer's proposition to
provide, in addition to the repeal of
the law concerning the presence of troops
at the polls, for the enactment Of tho existing
English statute Of George II. on that sub
ject was very favorably received, and the
joint subcommittee will probably recon-
mend its adoption. It prohibits any soldier
stationed within two miles of the voting
place from leaving his quarters on election
day except to relieve guard OF to go to the
polls to VOTE and requires him in the latter
afterwards. The joint subcommittee will
meet Monday, and expect to report to the
caucus committee Tuesday.
The joint meeting also considered whether
the legislation of the present session should
be strictly confined to the appropriation
bills, including the measures also indicated,
or whether general business should not be
transacted by either house when not engaged
on the appropriation bills. A decided ma
jority favored restriction to the appropria-
ton bills and the enactment of what is
known as the yellow fever bills. A
small majority of the House committee
insisted that the opportunities for transact
ing general business should be improved,
without, however, proIonging the session
after the appropriation bills shall have been
disposed Of It was finally decided to report
disagreement on the subject to the joint
caucus, and leave the settlement to the ma
jority of the Democratic members of both
houses.
The report Of the board OF inquiry in the
case OF Gen. Fitz John Porter has baen sent
by the secretary of war to the President.