Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-03-12
DAVIS DEOLAMES

That, Meinsaininx His Indepsndeuee, He
Demoeratie Organisation ofthe
senass. .ad ke.d. = Lee
ties.
Mr.. Davis Ou.) said : /" Before casting
my vote on this occasion, it is proper for
me 10 state tho reasons that determine
me. In 1877 the Legislature of Illinois
unexpectedly elected me senator. was
not in any sense . candidate for that
honor, and when applied to for the uss
of my name declined to answer the re-
quest. Numerically the Republicans were
in plurality in that Legislature. and my
distinguished colleague was their candi-
date. The Democrats stood next in
strength, and a small body of inde-
pendents held the balance of power. The
two last united and voluntarily conferred
on me the honor which I now hold. No
man ever entered Congress freer frem pol
itical committal or personal obligation
than I did four years ago. Ihad been iden
titled with the Republican party, and still
look back with pride to its grand achieve
ments. The extreme measures after the
war, the excesses incident to civil.strife,
drove tens of thousand into the Liberal
movement of 1872. found myself in CON-
pany with Charles F. Adams, Horace
Greeley, Carl Schurz, Murat Halstead,
Stanley Matthews, r. E. Fenton, John
Wentworth, Samuel Bowles, Lyman
Trumbull, Whitelaw Reid, Leonard SWEET
and others known to fame who had
been conspicuous Republicans. Some
of them have returned to the fold from
which they had separated, doubtless
prompted by patriotic motives. have
never acted distinctively with the Demo-
cratic party, and unless its methods are
changed and its wisdom broadened there
is little prospect of my revising opinions
calmly formed. The country would be
materially benefited by the reconstruc
tion of both parties, especially since the
errors of one seem to perpetuaJe the
power of the other. Standing between
those two great organizations, and Op-
posed to the carpings of the organs of
both, who hold independence a crime. is
not an agreeable position. But it has
suited my policy, because could not ac-
cept either extreme. have voted on all
public measures without regard to their
political origin, according to my cOnvic-
ton of right, and propose to continue
that course until the close Of my senatorial
career. Dreams of ambition do not dis
turb my sleep. When tho day for retir-
ing comes l shall 90 back to private life
as came out of it, carrying with me the
consciousness of having striven to dis
charge every duty. An honorable recog-
milton of tho trust generously confided to
my keeping by Democratic votes in 1877
requires me to sustain the existing organ
ization of the Senate, for which disclaim
all responsibility. Parts of it are neither
agreeable to my taste nor to my judg-
ment. In giving this vote it is proper
for me to say, whatever may be the result,
that l can accept no honor at the hands of
either side. A new administration is
starting out under exceptional circum-
stances. The states were numerically di
vided at the presidential election. A few
thousand votes separated the two princi-
pal candidates in a poll exceeding millions.
Both branches Of Congress are almost bal
anced. The country Graves a respite from
angry diseord and, most Of all, it needs
rest from sectional strife. The voice of
patriotism demands peace aud fraternal
fellowship North and South, East and West
Every good citizen should desire the sue
cess of tho administration, for we all ought
to have common interest in the glory
and in tho greatness of the republic
Measures to advance either shall have
my cordial support.
The president and his cabinet are ell
titled to fair hearing, and to be judged
impartially by their acts. If they fail to
justify the public confidence, it will be a
misfortune which has overtaken other
administrations having equally good in
intentions and prospects. shall vote for
the appointment of all these committees
except the Judiciary com,nittee. wish
to retain my old place on the judiciary
committee, and though am thankful to
my friends must decline the position of
chairman.
Mr.. Harris suggested that Mr.. Davis
name some one for that position, where
upon Mr.. Davis moved to substitute the
name of Mr.. Garland, who stood next on
the committee list.
After lengthy debate on the point of
order raised by Mr.. Conkling against the
present consideration Of Mr.. Pendleton' 8 re-
solution providing for the reorganization of
the Senate committees, Vice President
Arthur having sustained the point, and
the latter's ruling being appealed from by
Mr.. Pendleton, Conkling withdrew his
objection and the resolution will come
before the Senate on its merits on Mon
day.