The New York herald., 1879-03-27


the committee and was now of the opinion that the
recommended in regard to it is the most OK
pedient that can be pursued under existing circum
stances.
Many questions were asked and answered. and
after there had been somewhat extended but COLO
quial interchange of views Speaker Randall took the
floor and expressed his opinion that the action
recommended by the joint committee. both in its
general scope and in its details. such to COM
mend ITSELF not only to every member present. but
to the country at large. He did not
think it necessary to adopt q resolution
binding every one present to the firm
and lasting support of the caucus action,
for he was satisfied from his knowledge of the sen
ment of the party and from the tenor Of todsys in
tcrchange OF views that there would not be single
dissenting voice vote In the ranks of the democ-
racy in Congress against adhering to the action
thus marked out through whatever contest might
come until 1t should be crowned with success.
These remarks were greeted with enthusiastic
applause. and after the closing debate. which had
occupied about two hours and half it almost
unanimously agreed that tho appropriation bills
which failed OF enactment at the last session OF Con-
gress-nameiy. the Army aud the Legislative. Exccu
two and Judicial. should be introduced and put on
their passage immediately.
After it was determined that the Army bill should
structsd to introduce that measure tomorrow. and
Mr. Atkins. chairman OF the Appropriations Com
nlitce OF the Forty fifth Congress-. requested to
take charge OF tho introduction OF the Legislative
bill.
The provisions of the Army bill will be identical
with those contained in the il was passed
by the last Congress- including the clause which pro-
hbits the presence OF troops at the polls. Tho
peal of the test oath for jurors the manner of draw
ing jurors and the law governing tho pay Ms incor
porated in tho Legislative. Executive aud Judicial
Appropriation bill OF tho last session. will be substan
TALLY tho same. ths exceptions being several unim
portant Alterations in the phraseology.
It was agreed that sections Nos. 2.0l6. 2.O18 and
2.O20 OF the Federal Election Laws Of the Revised
Statutes and all succeeding sections including Nos.
2027 should be severally repealed. and that section
No. 2.Q17 should be amended by striking out OF the
first line the words land required" Section No.
2Ol9 will be amended by striking out the clause rea
tive to the canvassng of ballots Section No. 202S
will be amended to require Supervisors of Elec
ton to be residents of the precinct In which they
perform such duties.
Section 2.O31. except SO much threof rs relates to
the pay Of supervisors Of elections and all sections
parts Of sections which authorize the appointment
of Chief Supervisor Of Elections deputy mar
shals and all those descriptive of the power of such
officers will also be repealed. Tho effect of the repeal
If enacted will be to provide for the appointment by
the courts of two supervisors of elections. repre-
sentng the two political parties. in every voting
precinct throughout the United States. II request is
made for the same by petition or otherwise Of not
less than ten citizens. voters of the precinct in
which tho supervisors afe act in compliance with
their request.
The supervisors Of elections given the power
to act in their capacity not only in cities of more
than 10000 inhatants. but In small towns irrespec
tive Of population. The power of arrest vested
in the Chief Supervisor is to be abolished with that
officer. and the functions aud powcr Of the two
supervisors provided for is to be restricted to tnat
Of witnesses and challengers only.
The penal sections OF the Revised Statues5,5O5 to
5.52S-whch provide for the punishment Of illegal
voting may be reported. either by tho Supervisors
or citizens are not to DO interfered with but win
remain intact.
At the last session the repeating clauses embraced
section 20l1 and all succeeding sections. including
2,O28. The programme agreed upon to-day teaves
standing sections 0l5 inclusive and all of 2O17
and 2019 excepting indicated above. and Is simply
amendatory Of section 202s requiring supervisors to
be residents Of tho precinct in which they ac. Sec
tion 5522 which prescribes penalties for the inter-
florence Of marshals. was not among the repeating
clauses Of tho bill Of last session.
The subject of entering into general legislation
during the present session not discussed to-day
and only referred to by the report OF the
mittees, which stated that they had been unable to
reach any agreement whatever concerning this ques-
ton. majority of the Senate caucus being In favor
restricting the business Of the extra session the
appropriation bills and to the bill to prevent the
Of epidemic diseases. and the House caucus
committee being still strongly in favor of
proving every opportunity for transaction Of gen.
eral business when either house Is not engaged upon
an appropriation bill.
prominent member of the caucus is authority
for the statement that that subject will not be
termined by action. there being IN his opin
ion very few members the democratic side who
are favor OF such and when the question
before the House he is quite positive that it
will be nogatived by largo majority.
It Is stated tonight miofhcally. that objection
will be made the republican sido Of the House to-
morrow If al attempt to introduce the Army bill is
made. ON the ground that such proceeding is i'm
proper. pending the appointment OF the appropria-
ton committee.
POLITICAL AssEssMESTs-MR GEORGE @. COR
HAM EXPLAINS HOW MONEY WAS RAISED FOR
THE CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN FUND OF
1878.
The senate committee to inquire into alleged frauds
in the late elections, OF which Senator Wallace is
chairman. mot ut ten O'Clock. all the members being
prcsant Tho chairman offered in evidence tho stat