The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-03-24
Judge Davis Position.
WASHINGTON, D. c., March II,

WASHINGTON, D. c., March II, 1881.
Mr. Davis, of ILL.,, said Before casting nv
vote on this occasion it is proper for me to
state the reasons that determine me- In 1877
the legislature of Illinois Unexpectedly elected
me Senator. was not in any sense candi-
date for that honor and when applied to for
the use of my name | declined to answer the
request. Numerically the Republicans were
in plurality in that Legislature and my dis
tinguished colleague was their candidate. The
Democrats stood next in strength and small
body ofIndependents held the balance of pow
err The two last united and voluntarily con-
ferred on me the honor which | now hold. No
man ever entered Congress freer from political
committal or personal obligations than did
four years ago. / had been Unidentified with
the Republican party and still look back with
pride to its grand achievements. The extreme
measures after the war, the excuses incident
to civil strife drove tens of thousands into the
liberal movement of 1879. [ found myself in
company with Charles F. Adams, Horace
Greeley Carl Schurz, Murat Halsted, Stanley
Matthews, r. E. Fenton, John Wentworth,
Samuel Bowels, 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 departed, doubtless prompted
by patriotic motives. have never acted dis
tinctively with the Democratic party, and I'M
less its methods are changed and its wisdom
is broadened there is little prospect of my re-
vising opinions calmly formed. The country
would be materially benefited by the recon
struction of both parties; especially since the
errors of one seem to perpetuate the power of
the other. Standing between those two great
organizations and exposed to the earnings of
the organs of both, who hold independence
crime, is not an agreeable position. But it
has suited my policy because could not &C
cept either extreme. l have voted on all pub
lie measures without regard to their political
origin according to my conviction of right
and I propose to continue that course until
the close of my senatorial career. Dreams of
ambition do not disturb my sleep. When the
day for retiring comes shall go back to pri-
vate life as l came out of it, carrying with me
the consciousness of having striven to dis
charge every duty. An honorable recognition
of the trust generously confided to my keeping
by Democratic votes in 1877, requires me to
sustain the existing organization OF the Senate
for which l disclaim all responsibility. Parts
of it are neither agreeable to my taste nor to
my judgment. In giving this vote it is prop
er for me to say whatever may be the result
that can accept no honor at the hands of
either side. A new administration is starting
out under exceptional circumstances. The
States were numerically divided at the Presi
Dental election. A few thousand votes sepa-
rated the two principal candidates in poll
exceeding nine millions Both branches of
Congress are almost balanced. The country
Graves respite from angry discord, and most
of all 1t needs rest from sectional strife The
voice of patriotism demands peace and frater
nal fellowship North and South East and
West. Every good citizen should desire the
success of the administration, for we all ough
to have common interest in the glory and in
the greatness of the republic. Measures in
tended to advance either shall have my cor
dial support. The President and his Cabinet
are entitled to fair hearing and to be judged
by their acts. If they fail to justify
the public confidence it will be a misfortune,
which has overtaken other administrations
with equally good intentions and prospects |
shall vote for the appointment of all these
committees except the Judiciary Committee.
wish to retain my old place on the Judiciary
Committee and though I am thankful to my
friends, must decline the position of chair
man.